I went to a strip club
A while back I was asked by a group of pastor’s wives to go with them to strip clubs.
That sentence alone sounds strange. But hang with me.
At first I was a little hesitant. And not for reasons you might think.
I love people. Especially ones who are broken; it’s part of my purpose. But, given what I’ve walked through, I know how fragile hurting people can be.
And I know how insensitive the church can be.
And I was uneasy.
But, these weren’t just any pastors wives.
They had a vision.
One that longed to love on women that society had thrown aside.
It reminded me a lot of Jesus.
So, I jumped on it.
Their plan was to visit these clubs once a month to deliver a meal, gift baskets and assistance. I joined them the first night and I’ll be honest, I had NO IDEA what to expect.
Now, I had my fair share of time (back in the day) in bars and such, but I’d never been to a strip club. I was totally unaware of what I was walking into.
We arrived and the bouncer ushered us back into the dressing room where we introduced ourselves and began distributing the gifts and food.
I was shocked by what I saw.
And I’ll tell you why:
I was raised to believe that no good comes from places like that. Which is probably true on many levels. (I wouldn’t suggest making it your go-to for date nights)
But, I was filled (as were many church kids) with fear about “places like that”. That “those people” were heathens and doing all kinds of sinful, shameful things.
Which, again, is true of strip clubs.
And bars.
And many other places.
Even churches.
But, these girls – these lovely, girls – were so…..normal.
As I talked with one in particular, she reminded me of any young mom I’d talk to in the school pick up line.
Minus the fact that she didn’t have much clothing on – I tried not to focus on that.
(Oh dear God, she’s talking about strippers in a Christian blog and talking about them being half naked. We should not EVEN be thinking such things! First, my sweet friend, it’s okay to laugh. Like seriously, it’s OKAY. The fact that 4 pastors wives and their pregnant friend even went into a strip club is kinda funny. If you’re going to love like Jesus, you’re going to find yourself in some pretty awkward situations. And if you don’t have a sense of humor, you’re toast. Like seriously. So, I give you full permission to go ahead and laugh at the mental picture) 🙂
They showed pictures of their children, talked of pregnancy (I was pregnant at the time) chatted about trying to get back in shape after having a baby, etc. It was SO NORMAL.
But, as we talked and I looked into their eyes, I saw women – young, broken women. Who had stories, probably much like mine or yours.
We didn’t stay long. They had a shift to work, and we didn’t want to overstay our welcome.
But, as we left, they thanked us.
More than once.
As I drove home, I totally fell apart in my car.
Not because I felt sorry for them. Not because I thought I was so much better than they were. Not because I pitied their circumstance.
I cried because my heart was broken.
One thing God continues to do in my heart, is humble it. Like over and over. Countless times, I think I’m going in to love on some lowly soul and then I walk out, completely undone because the condition of my own heart was exposed.
I wept in my car – realizing the way I had viewed women in that profession.
Because, people – that could have been me.
It could have been any of us.
Had my journey taken a few different turns, I very well could have been on the receiving end of that encounter.
Man. I WAS WRECKED.
I had my baby shortly after that visit and didn’t get to go back for the monthly visits to see the women.
But, I stayed in contact with one of the women organizing it and every so often, I ask her how it’s going.
They have been visiting them for a year now and received permission to leave a prayer box where the women could leave prayer requests.
The first few times they collected the box it had silly things written in it.
But they continued to leave it there.
Over the following weeks and months (as they continued to love on these women), the prayer requests got real.
Real situations
Real hurt
Real needs
Last time my friend and I got together, I asked about the strip clubs and this is what she said:
Her eyes always, always fill with tears when we talk about it because God is SO in love with these precious women.
She said, “The women are starting to reach out more. I’ve been texting with one and getting to connect with her a bit deeper”
We talked a bit more and she turned to me and said something that I am still rattled by.
“You know what one of them said to me last time?”
“What?”
“She said that she was so glad we come to visit them because we’re not like the other churches”
I said, “what did she mean by that?”
She said, “Apparently other churches send them hate mail. ALL THE TIME”
I’m sure my face turned three shades of white.
Complete shock and disbelief gripped me.
We both looked at eachother and about fell into a pool of tears right there.
People – church – WHAT ARE WE DOING?!
Did we forget (or do we just sing it songs) that Jesus was a friend of sinners, the outcast, the lonely?
Did we forget that it’s God’s kindness that leads us to love others?
That ALL OF OUR GOOD BIBLE LOVING STUFF are like filthy rags without love?
Jesus was UNAFRAID of walking in love to the least of the least.
Like the scum of the scum.
He walked right in, sat down and ate with the outcasts of society.
Gross, ugly messy people.
And the religious HATED HIM FOR IT.
A few years ago, I met with another pastor’s wife across the country who shared with me a similar ministry, although after months of developing relationships with the dancers, they asked the owners a crazy question.
They asked to hold a Bible study.
IN THE STRIP CLUB.
Just for the dancers.
Surprisingly, they were given a yes.
(Something about it building morale in the employees, but whatever. It was a surprising yes and they were thrilled)
So, they started leading a Bible study in the club.
But, something was missing.
And those serving knew it.
The women they were ministering to needed to be led by a man – not because these women were incapable, but because of the damaged, skewed image they had of men. They needed to see a man who was safe – they needed a man who loved like Jesus.
This woman’s husband (who was a pastor) stepped up and took on the challenge. And, for months the dancers wouldn’t even look him in the eye.
But he kept showing up….
Soon, one by one, the women met a divine love through this pastor’s humble, gentle leadership.
There was prayer.
Women found freedom.
And many went on to lead, healthy restored lives.
All because this group of women and this pastor were unafraid to go where God’s love was leading them.
I’m not suggesting that we all have this purpose.
I am not God.
What I AM saying to you is that if Jesus were here, walking among us, wouldn’t it be just like him to walk into the most un-religious place (strip club or whatever) and completely freak the religious folk out?
Just a thought.
He loved then.
He loves now.
But, he can only reach as far as you and I are willing to go.
Hugs,
Anna
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435 Comments
Rob Casey
Luke 15:1-2. You go girls.
Morgan
Wow!! the comments range all over the spectrum. This whole article was written to encourage those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ and proclaim Him as our Savior to be more aware of the needs around us of those that are broken and dis-heartened by life’s circumstance. I am evaluating what I can do to reach out into my community and share Jesus with those that need to see His love. We have to meet their need in order to win their hearts and share Jesus. Jesus said the well need no doctor, I come to heal the sick.
Alison
The author knew brokenness and was self described fragile. She may could relate to some issues these women had. The women could have thrown them out, they didn’t, they sat , talked and visited. Strippers, and those who use them , man , women on either end of that deal or anyone who mixes up the basic axis of creation is broken on how they view themselves and others,
Love People (Including yourself)
Use Things
When we as human beings mess this up , we ruin life. Ours and others. And I am guilty as anyone. I am grateful when I see where I have , to myself or others, and that’s hard but it truth and that is the
Love God gives us through Jesus. Broken people are everywhere. They just choose this location. You can choose another.
And I get your point ( ignoring political anger-assholes are assholes in any party) about help for the here and now. I believe the women ministering did more than just want to mark a tally on a soul winning card, if you want that you hell fire and preach. Focus on numbers. They didn’t do that. They developed relationships, stayed in contact, and in my own experience I know that those who loved me invested in me in ways that changed my life and I try to do the same. A person’s response to Christ love is not our responsibility , but love and grace that has been given to us is not for us to keep but give away. Many say things and do nothing. It results in nothing. If there is not demonstrative love, it is not love at all. Many Christian organization provide assistance ( as well as many other faith, and non profits) and in general they do a more efficient job than our government because people are not numbers, they have faces and value. They have skills and contributions no matter the color, creed. Income, ability, or station in life. It is a togetherness , working together, receiving, giving, paying it forward. In time , tender or talent.
I have seen in many and especially other countries the love of my Savior Jesus by action. In houses with no electricity, in poverty beyond an Americans imagination , still giving , loving and celebrating . They rely on each other.
And while I am grateful to live here, our government has a money manage problem. We have enough to provide for all , it’s mismanaged . I don’t mind giving , I just can’t trust the keepers ( any) . So I’m glad to see these women do what they are doing and know that God heals and many times it’s the ones who think they are being used to heal that recognize thier broken hearts and find a relationship where all are joyful in the grace and love that God gave them to celebrate together.
Suzanne
I went into a go-go bar here in NJ last year to talk with the dancers there and the owner right away came over to me and threw me out. He said he didn’t want anyone coming in to his place putting any ideas into “his” girls heads making them think they were worth anything. He was so nasty. He acted like he owned these women. I felt so defeated.
Hippie Lady
Reblogged this on Hippie Lady Ideas © 2016 and commented:
Fascinating post I thought I would share.
Mayu
I love this and I would love to do something like this with women in our church, but don’t know how to go about it. I saw that you said you called the manager for permission, but what did you say? Any suggestions and pointers would be helpful. Thanks for your sharing!
Sharon
Wow. I could hardly hold myself together to read your entire post. My husband and I have a church in a strip club. It’s a great story…but a long story. In short, the Holy Spirit clearly led us there. After 2 years, I am still amazed and humbled by what God is doing. He LOVES broken people. At times, it’s hard to follow the Spirit because my religious tendencies can get in the way. I have learned that God wants me to love, to give & to serve but the Holy Spirit is the one who draws people to the Father. It takes time to earn trust (especially from broken people that have been abused and torn down). Most aren’t interested in God until they seen Him displayed in my life.
Thanks for writing this piece! It’s time for the church to reach out in love; without judgement. Maybe it’s time to focus on John 3:17 as much as we focus on John 3:16.
Jessica Manning
This was something I really needed to read today, I’ve never been one to think I was better than anyone else, no matter what their lifestyle is, but it’s still good to remember how much a tender heart can impact people. I hope you guys keep up with these works, so many people need help, especially finding Christ. You guys seem to be doing a wonderful job!
Kristi Blackwell
There is a young lady (former stripper) who goes to my church who was ministered to and came to be a follower of Christ in this very same way. She said that when the “church ladies” started coming, all the girls made fun of them, but as the weeks and months went by, they recognized something different about the ladies. They realized that the ladies actually cared about them and they saw Christ’s love in a practical way. Keep praying for a supporting your friend’s ministry. As you know, it WILL produce results.
Annalea
Thank you, Anna. So much.
Regina
Churches sending hate mail to strip clubs? I guess I would have to see it. The churches I know feed the hungry, do jail ministry, street preaching, sponsor shelters for the homeless and give to the poor. I’m glad the writer got involved in the ministry she did. I’m not shocked that there’s such a ministry. I’m not shocked that the women seem normal nor do I believe I’m above these women in any way. I guess what does shock me anymore are all the articles that put down the churches as though we’re a bunch of mean, judgmental people. Sure, there’s people in the church not really following Jesus but I’m glad they’re there. Jesus reached out to those people too. Like I said, I’m glad she got involved in a good work for a little bit and was able to write about it but I bet my bottom dollar, the women in the ministry go to church.
Neleigh
She said they were pastors wives. 🙂 I don’t think the author is trying to shame the Church or any person within the Church. I think her intention was to call attention to the part of all of our hearts that is prone to wander into pride. If I stop and think about it for real, I know I’m no better than any person I minister to, but in the midst of ministery, it’s easy to get “savior syndrome” and think it’s me that’s saving them. Or just be scared to go in the first place because “those people” are different than me. Most of us know that’s wrong, but the heart is deceitful above all else. Even redeemed ones can trick you.
Dani
The author’s purpose was not to “put down” other churches. We are all still members of one body and one bigger church, so it’s just right to call out or rebuke each other when we fail to reflect our faith. It’s accountability expressed in a manner of love. We should love each other enough to encourage each other to live as the Word teaches us and not upon our own ideals. 🙂
Proverbs 27:5
Thea
I understand what she means by “hate mail”. There’s a billboard not too far from my home, and it boldly reads “Lust will send you straight to Hell”. That’s all it says. Is it wrong? Not really, but do you think someone living in a lust filled and fueled life wants to be screamed at about it? No. Will it get results? Sometimes, but more often than not, it’ll get someone to clam up and run away screaming. I’m not saying sugar coat things or leave out the hard truths, but you can’t speak to a stranger like you’re better than them (and that’s how you come off, like it or not) and expect them to throw themselves at Jesus’ feet. Tone is important, just like speaking to children, you don’t (at least shouldn’t) scream at them for doing something wrong. Trust and respect is what makes people listen to the truth, even the hard truths.
There are so many things wrong with the church, you are very blessed to be around those kinds of churches where you don’t see the sort of behavior that leads people to believe that the Church is nothing but a bunch of hypocritical snobs. I’ve moved a good deal in my short 25 years and I’ve seen it in a lot of different places. People forget what Jesus wants us to do, or they ignore it. They forget or ignore that we’re to go where the sinners are, to reach out to them on their level, not lord over them with our Bibles waving around. Jesus didn’t take a ton of literature with him to speak to the sinners, he took himself, his heart and his love of all mankind. Even murders and thieves that were dying with him did he love and offer salvation. There’s a major epidemic where the church has forgotten it’s purpose. Just because you’re lucky enough to not see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Michael Moore
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Wow! What an amazing witness!
Larry
Your implication is that you’re a better person because you belong to a church. How Christian of you to not pass judgment.
Jerry
Every person who gets help to go through life is a better person. Not better than others… Better than themselves without help. A church is just a group of people trying to help each other understand God’s purpose for us. I’m better because I have help. I can’t live life on my own. The purpose of the church… The REAL church… Is helping those who need help. The whole time the people helping need help too. Every one of us does.
Rich
I think you missed the entire point of the article.
Aubrie LeGault
Um, I loved this. Thanks for sharing. Everyone (especially Christians!) should read this.
Candice Hohenwald
This is amazing, eye opening, and heart breaking. It truly shows the heart of Jesus. He longs for everyone to know Him. He longs to heal the broken. Thank you so much for sharing!
elodeamoth
This was a wonderful post that indeed convicted me, but just a note on the last thing you said about Jesus only being able to go as far as we do. He really doesn’t need us. He has the omnipotence to do everything Himself. It is by His grace that He uses us at all. Even if we don’t go, He will. “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place…” Esther 4:14a But of course we are TO go forth and be used by Him! “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b
Vicki Lechuga
Thank you.
First for being willing to go where most people wouldn’t.
Second for being willing to shine a light on most churches flaws.
I’m going to save this blog because it’s awesome, but mostly because I’m always telling people that church is full of sinners. Some are forgiven…some are NOT. That church is for the broken, the battered, the beaten, NOT the perfect. Church is home and love and acceptance and caring, not scorn and hatred and bettet thans.
This blog will give someone the courage to go to church and look for the people eating with the sinners and not a church that demonizes every flaw.
I know my flaws. More importantly, JESUS knows them and STILL loves ME.
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j.hackney Pictureswithscriptures
Reblogged this on J.hackney Pictureswithscriptures and commented:
This is an awesome display of teaching the love and kindness of Jesus Christ without respect of persons! To God be the glory always! ♡
miabrown713
Reblogged this on It's a Wild Ride to Know God! and commented:
I’m so in love with this witnessing piece of God’s work
MsWright
I know for sure that other women are not allowed in the club unless it is ammeter night or accompanied by a man because they won’t have some woman who might be jealous and come up in there to beat the girls up.
Maija
You are completely misinformed.
TAM
Actually, there are many Gentleman’s Clubs that are required by certain cities to have a male escort a female if one chooses to go the club. One reason is as MsWright said. Another is because certain cities consider it odd that a woman would want to view another woman naked. However, not all clubs require women to be escorted, and, when escorted, the restricted area may just be the performance area and not the dressing area.
Stephanie
In a twist to events of your story I would like to talk you that I grew up in church as a preachers daughter and knew my bible and went to Christian schools. It took a LOT of wrong turns in my life to find myself addicted to narcotics and married to an abusive alcoholic. I’d become what I was raised to look down on. The way I found my way back to God? My brother married a stripper. She was and is FAR from perfect… Just like myself. It took her real, raw, and honest words of encouragement to me for me to allow God to turn my life around. I couldn’t do it myself. She wasn’t ministered to at a strip club and alot of those I know look down on her for her choices but had it not been for her I’d still be lost and going to hell. She has since left my brother and doesn’t talk to me anymore but I would really appreciate it if anyone who reads this could please say a prayer for her. She needs God as much as I did. She’s great with helping people but she wouldn’t let me return the favor. She said she didn’t feel like God was ever listening. Please say a prayer for her… And my brother. Thank you for helping these girls who are dearly loved by our heavenly father.
Bill Formella
Wow! I absolutely loved this blog, but hated the discussion that followed. Michael Caughlin was judged with the same harsh criticism that the church is accused of. I think the same “judge not lest ye be judged” can be applied here, and this has been my experience for years. The very same people that cry “judgemental” are among the most judgemental people I’ve ever met.
Scattered throughout this discussion are valid points, both about the need to show mercy and love, and the need to declare truth. Both are necessary, but the assumption that the declaration is there whenever someone cares for another in the name of Christ is totally untrue. I know some very large churches that are always giving away in a big way. They have a very biblical statement of faith, but their message is dangerously man centered. The need for repentance and faith is reduced to “God is never angry with you. He wants you to be successful in your life!” Could it be that this is what was in Michael’s mind when he wrote his reply? Sure, he could have worded it differently, but I’m not qualified to judge his heart. Are you?
Bobby Bower
My previous response was directed at Michael Coughlin.
foodfamilyfaithblog
Beautiful!! ❤
Deborah Murphy Kerr
How incredibly smug and presumptuous of these women to think that these women who have chosen a job or lifestyle that they would eschew must, therefore, be damaged, needy, or piteous. Just how full of yourself do you have to be to consider yourself superior to the degree that people whose choices are different from yours are in need of your guidance to “get right?” Shame on these women. I want to take their Bibles out of their self-righteous little fists and smack them over their condescending little heads with ’em.
Tim McRoberts
Right on! That’s what Im thinking too.
CJ
I think you’re under the belief that when encountering Jesus, people will still choose to sin because of the money, attention, etc. and that’s okay. The fact is that God desires us to have a relationship with Him and glorify Him. The more the spirit leads us to fall deeper in love with Jesus, the more we hate our sin. These women may be doing it for the money, or may have no other choice, but a woman who is truly after the heart of Jesus will trust that he has plan for her that doesn’t include “sinful” ways to earn a living. She will trust that He will provide in “wholesome” circumstances. The goal of their ministry was not to transform the lives of these women, but to show them the love of Jesus in a way that may be foreign to them. To plant the seed.
This post isn’t about being self-righteous or smug. It’s showing us that our ministry is not just the people who go to church already, it’s the people who show no sign of knowing Jesus. It’s also showing people who have the mindset that strippers, bikers, alcoholics, drug-addicts are normal people that we can approach and have normal conversations with. (This is something I have found people who have grown up in the church disagree with)
While it is true that the only thing that saves us is the blood of Jesus, it is also true that knowing him deeply and understanding His love for us will bear good fruit, fruit of sexual modesty and morality, fruit of patience, fruit of love, fruit of kindness. Love and kindness are following Jesus and wanting people to know Jesus. Wanting ALL people to know Jesus, not just the church go-ers, not just the kids in preschool, not just the teens attending because their parents make them.
I did not grow up in the church and it has taken several years of women and men, who love me, to pour love into me despite my sin. I was a partier and proud of it while I started attending church. I was thinking it was okay to binge drink and pop pills, as long as I was there on Sunday. (God knows how much of a victory that was for me) Then I fell into the mind set of having to earn God’s favor, much like I had to earn the favor of many people. When I sinned, I fell hard and felt I couldn’t have a relationship with Jesus, because He could never love a girl like me. It took a group of women and men (who met me at the church) to love on me day in and day out despite my sins to understand the love of Jesus. After being on the pursuit of Jesus, He has proven to me His word is truth and He is faithful and far better than alcohol, pills, and sex.
BUT imagine if they would’ve come to the parties I went to and ministered to me there? How radical and transformative that could’ve possible been.
I am the only Christian in my family. My mother is an alcoholic (drinks from the time she gets home to the time she goes to bed – if she runs out, she goes to the store to buy more), my father looses his temper at the drop of a hat (the most recent stunt he pulled was cursing out our waitress for not informing us from the beginning they were out of a menu item), and my brother has been in and out of jail since he was 16 and has 3 kids between 2 different women. I love all of these people dearly and I try to show them the love of Jesus because I know they can do better and the deserve better. But these are people most churches would deem sinners and turn away from them. Doesn’t my family deserve to know Jesus?
Allenblt
Are you going to pay their bills? Is the church going to financially assist them and help them find another job. Offer some real solutions.
ellieart7
You say God will provide something “wholesome” that will take care of her children. Pretty often he won’t. He sends people into her path, people who have the free will to pay her light bill and get her started up in a business and make sure her kids have shoes while she is starting up, or buy themselves another Michael Kors bag and a new zero turn mower. In my experience the goodies win every time. The church building needs a new sound system, because the old one is….old. so my children and I are on our own.
Mimi M
This such a horrible post. I followed a link on a friend’s FB page to get here, and honestly I am not surprised by the staggering ignorance of this. As a Burlesque dancer (and yes, that’s just a fancy stripper), I am so beyond offended by the views offered here – I am not a victim, and I didn’t ‘end up this way’ because ‘Jesus isn’t with me’. I am an intelligent woman, pursuing a post-graduate education, and making quite a bit of money doing something I enjoy. Likening me, and women like me, to ‘the scum of the scum’ is horrific, and I can assure you we neither want, nor need, your ill-informed judgment.
Tim McRoberts
Well said, Mimi!
ladysaunders90
Well, you don’t and that’s ok. Some women, however, are not as fortunate as you to have all those things. I don’t see her saying “being a stripper is the same as being the scum of the scum”. I DO see her saying that Jesus went to all kinds of people, from the top to the bottom, and everywhere in between. You see judgement because you want to see judgement and that’s fine but it also doesn’t make it true. She shared her experience, the ministry and it’s effect. She also made a point in stating, several times, how it effected HER more so, how humbling it was. Because, yes, some people in the church ARE lead to believe that people willingly (or seemingly willingly, because nto ALL strippers/hookers/whom ever, WANT to be there… and I think it’s a little pompous of you to try to speak for those women when you seem to have it the way you like it, so forget those that may WANT someone to come to them, reach out, love them. But that doesn’t fit, so you don’t talk about those women), live that way are untouchable and it’s a tragic state of mind, brainwashing if we’re going to speak hard truths here. Hard truths, they’d difficult to swallow sometimes, but you don’t want/need any sort of ministry, and that’s fine. But don’t presume to speak for everyone, I believe that’s hypocritical, or are Christians the only ones that can do that?
sadie
I always love people who have to tell others…”I am intelligent”…Or “I am not a victim” …You are selling your body to men, and making the woman’s body a commodity…which does not sound very intelligent or victim-less.
Bette Thomas
Is there a way I could get this story in a printable form?
Really?
‘Disturbed Reader’, you are shoving loads of words into the authors mouth. She does not say all Strippers are bad, she did not say all women are weak, she didn’t even say all strippers are bad, or weak, in fact, the part about them being not bad people was a large part of the article… Also, you argue about all strippers not being broken but immediately follow up with everyone is broken. If you’re going to pick at the logic of the author, please use your own for your comment. (I also looked for ‘all strippers have daddy issues’, couldn’t find it…)
There are hurt people everywhere, we are to go to them. I think the ministry is a great one, there are many I’m sure that are happy where they are, but why would we not show them God’s love to see if there is not something that could make them feel whole or help them feel better about themselves and the world around them that for some of them may seem suffocating? They are many times doing what they see as best given what appears to be a very limited list of opportunities.
It seems that you ‘take umbrage’ with simply the fact that they are reaching out. There is no tone but love and care in the article,- for you to read that into it you must add a lot of baggage in between the lines.
This is a great article and it does speak to what the Church should be, showing love to those around us wherever they may be.
ps. from reading the other comments, it seems that this is in fact an issue and has been a help to others in similar circumstances…
rhondamcknight
Reblogged this on Rhonda McKnight and commented:
Powerful testimony. Where should you be going? Where might Jesus send you if you said, “I’ll go.”
Courtney Leigh
This is a powerful story. It indeed sounds like the kind of love Jesus would show. Jesus knew that those who were often shamed by society were the most broken, and He pursued them. That sounds just like what you and this group of women did. It is so sad that the church can be hateful toward without taking a moment to get to know people. Jesus radically changed the way His followers viewed following God by associating with the people whom religious leaders shunned, and it sounds like this group was able to similarly change the the ideas these women had of the church. Thanks for sharing this!
beeorganizedwithpamela
Thank you for writing this. It is touching hearts and making people think.
countrygirlexperiment
Reblogged this on The Country Girl Experiment and commented:
I was just so touched by this I had to share this. Thank you Anna for your amazing bold heart and your willingness to allow God to be Bigger than all our sins, all our attitudes and narrow thinking. Thank you for being a lover of broken hearts.
countrygirlexperiment
Humbled. Speechless. Joyful. Such an amazing Post, I had to re blog it. That’s what I am talking about.
With so much love,
Sharon
Chris Benton
What a powerful story! We all have to remember that it is our heart that we see things. Sometimes we see things in a bad way which just means God needs a little more work on our hearts! Love this!
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Anon
My sister is a dancer at a club, and some of my favorite stories she tells me are of the religious women who come in to tell them that Jesus loves them. A group of elderly women knit and crocheted them all afghans once, and she loves it. Thank you for loving them 🙂
Danni
I’m not a Christian, but I was raised Catholic (9 years of religious education), and just wanted to say that you, in this post, really followed what Jesus did. He welcomed people with open arms and spread kindness wherever he could, aside from a few reprimands on the parts of money changers being disrespectful :). I really admire your dedication to kindness, and just wanted to say that you changed my views on Christianity in this post. So many times I see people being judgemental, though it is stated “judge not, so you may not be judged”, and it seems like you are truly following the New Testament’s preachings of love and not judgement. You have my true respect for your work 🙂
Mynkobayashi
Reblogged this on mynkobayashi.
Manny
Great story, great faith. True Christian values always shine through….great job! God bless!
cshowers
As I read your post, the spirit within me leapt for joy. Until I became disabled, I ministered to female inmates in the county detention center, and I LOVED those women. I always walked in there, knowing that it’s only by God’s grace that I didn’t end up in prison. Jesus went out into the streets, among the sinners, and that’s what He calls us to do.
Sadly, much of today’s church have forgotten that He commands us to “GO” and make disciples. Instead, many have become much more concerned with building bigger and bigger church buildings. It seems that many have forgotten that the church is the people, not the building. Reading your post has inspired me. God bless you, and thanks for sharing.
Love,
Cheryl
HeavenOnEarth
Wow Anna 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing. I was greatly convicted through your post and now have started to dream about where God wants to use me
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Tim Craig
It is one thing doing ministry inside places like Strip clubs and other places like this. there are two things that tis key to what you have to recap, first you did not go alone you went with a group of women such as your wife and other pastor’s wives. the other thing is you did not stay there for the entertainment. I don’t believe that many people are stuck up in a way of you doing ministry, if you went alone that is one concern I would have had or even to the place of remaining for the entertainment. but you left before that. you went with other people who knows you and possibly this is your ministry that God is bringing you into with other people who you are accountable to. at the same time hopefully if you continue doing this you would never go alone and you always go in prayer, if you feel yourself going weak you should realize you may need to back out of it till you regain your strength. cause this can damage your ministry and or your family if you ignore the signs that may come by.
In many ways i feel that strip club ministry should be done through women who feel God calling them into it ministering to the people in a way that not a lot of people can do. it can be dangerous and could damage Men if the wrong person catches you going in not really knowing what you are really doing.
I am not condemning this type of ministry I think it is great and very much needed but at the same time I believe the people choose to live this life style jesus did not enter in the entertainment while they were doing, in fact most if not all the time you hear that Jesus met up with someone who were broken and in a place like this, He met them in a public opening setting, this is one of many reasons why people had really nothing to put on Jesus. yes he ate with them and dine with them and spent time with them at the same time he did not put himself in a closed situation there were witnesses and other people who could see him with other people. as well as if he was ever alone it was outside the place.
Again I am not saying don’t do this ministry this is not for me to tell you what to do or not to do, i ma just saying make sure you are always with other women who knows you and can back you up, at the same time make sure your heart is always in line with God and not being fed by Human desires. and when you feel weak, make sure you don’t let yourself step into a place where it will make you stumble.
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thecrazydaisies
I LOVE this. I don’t read blogs these days. But THIS. This is what Jesus would be doing here on earth. And I might’ve found a blog I love. Right on!
Beautiful Lily
Reblogged this on Following Your Feet.
P.J. Horgan
Ok I don’t ask this to be callous, but out of genuine curiosity. Anna, do you think it possible that a women could be a stripper and not be “broken”? Can you imagine that maybe to her it’s just a job, or maybe even that she is content or happy doing it?
Now this I mean to be callous…. I believe that you made up this entire story. Throughout the entire blog you failed to mention a single specific detail. You failed to mention a street name, strippers name, minister name, church name, club name, city, state, country. I believe you just made this thing up whole cloth to push your idea of what’s wrong with society and religion. Please though, prove me wrong. Provide a single ounce of evidence or any amount of detail that would suffice for evidence that this story actually happened.
ladysaunders90
Why would those things need to be mentioned? The story doesn’t need to be validated to you. First, you actually don’t need to worry about if this is true or not, because God already knows. Secondly, why purposely be callous? Why do you NEED verification of this being true? If it’s not, what difference does it make for you?
Now, all that said, these sorts of ministries aren’t exactly uncommon. There’s also bar ministries and biker ministries. So, a little research will squarely put this article in the “plausible” column at the very least.
P.J. Horgan
Just because something is plausible doesn’t mean it actually happened. And why does it need to be validated? Because this blog has thousands of followers, this blog will be read thousands of times, people will use this to reassure themselves of their belief. Not to mention it is incredibly offensive to women who are strippers or any citizen who sees nothing wrong with stripping. This article may be attempting to show compassion to strippers, but when you refer to someone as “broken” or “scum of the scum” it is anything but. If any of that isn’t a god enough reason for this story to be validated, let me ask you this, would you want validation that this actually happened if it was on a Jewish blog, Islamic blog, Mormon blog, Scientologist blog, Buddhist blog? You could easily change some of the pronouns and swap out the Christian message one with an Islamic one. What if another blogger was just making up an entire story to push a faith that wasn’t your own? Would you be ok with that?
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Sara
I am so disappointed that you felt the need to describe these women as “the least of the least… the scum of the scum.” Why was that necessary? This could have been a beautiful and humble post on what you learned about your own hypocrisy, humility, and limits; but instead, you chose to degrade and insult people different than yourself.