July 10, 2007
Last night (7/10/07) we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each gift bag contained a Gospel of John (Thanks, Uncle Dave!), a scripture notecard (Thanks, Lena!), some eyeshadow, and some candy (Thanks, Tammy and Hilary!). It was an uneventful night for the most part. Didn't really get to talk to too many girls.
The cashier at the 2nd club had a rough day selling real estate. Please pray that things will smooth out for her, and she can go full-time into that career.
The modeling studio across from a church has opened back up. It was closed for 2 months. (Note: A modeling studio is a front for prostitution.) There was a new girl working who remembered my mother from the other modeling studio up the road. She said, "I remember you coming in there and praying for Marissa. She's back in jail. I remember you. You always came by to check on us. I've been out of the business for 2 years having 2 babies back-to-back. I have 3 kids now." She thanked us for stopping by and for the gifts. I know my grandmother is spinning in her grave at the thought her daughter is known in the modeling studios. I'm sure our Heavenly Father is quite pleased that his daughter is known in such places.
The tracts and gifts (seeds) have been planted. It's time to fertilize. I want to put the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers in each gift bag in the near future. "Redeeming Love" is a fictionalized account of the book of Hosea from the Bible. It vividly shows God's unfailing love and pursuit of us even when we don't know it, don't care, don't want it, and run away time & time again. It's a phenomenal book. It retails for around $15, but I don't want to pay full price. If any of you know Francine Rivers or have contacts with Multnomah Publishers, please let me know. I want to ask them for a HUGE discount since we would be purchasing 150-200 of these books. I don't want to pay more than $5 per book. Then we would ask that people/churches "sponsor" a book by paying whatever price we negotiate so that everyone can have a part in fertilizing. Please be praying for this endeavor. We gave this book to Ami who was in prison. She wrote back thanking us for the book because it helped her to forgive herself, to see God in a different light, and it gave her hope.
God is Faithful and at work even though we don't always see it in the natural. Thanks to everyone who is on the team, prays, supports and donates.