March 21, 2008
Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained a stuffed animal (the stores I went to didn't have anything representing the REAL meaning of Easter), encouraging scripture, invitation to church, number to call for prayer, inspirational reading pamphlet and chocolate candy.
The first club was very slow -- probably because it was still light outside due to the time change. The girls were very open. Jennifer talked to Amanda for awhile. Jennifer is 35 years old and has been dancing/in the business for about 15 years. She said she has 2 more months until she graduates from college with a communications degree. She can't wait to get out of the business. Jennifer wants to work for a major oil company here in Houston in the human resources dept. We're praying for God to open doors for her. She told Amanda that she and the other girls really appreciated us coming in and bringing the bags. Jennifer said it gives them hope and encourages them to get out.
A dancer was talking to me and was quite intoxicated. Another dancer walked in and scolded the first girl for how she was talking to the "church moms". She reprimanded the girl for her language and for joking in such a sacrilegious manner. The first girl told me she gave her candy to her kids first to make sure we hadn't poisoned "the harlots." The second dancer found no humor in that remark and told her so. The first girl said, "Well, you have to admit it's kinda strange that church women come in her and do this. Besides, it was the time of Columbine and people were acting crazy." Yes, it was a very strange conversation…The second dancer set her straight, and the first girl was rather subdued from that point on.
Janet, the bartender, said she is the only one working in her family. Her husband can't/won't find a job. She is supporting their 5 kids and him. I prayed with her that God would open doors for her husband to get a job so that she wouldn't have to work so hard and so long at this club.
At the next club Richard was standing guard. We haven't seen him the last couple of times. He said vice was down the street and would be at their club very soon. He told us to go in, drop off the bags and get out because he didn't want us to get caught there when vice came in.
We headed to the modeling studio a few doors down. There was a young man seated in the lobby waiting to meet with a "model". As usual, one girl from the back room told us "we're cleaning -- just leave the bags and we'll get them later." However, a new girl (tugging on her long, blonde wig) came to the door and said, "I'm right here. I'll get them."
"No, they can just leave the bags."
"No, it's okay, I'm right here."
She thought she was going to meet the guy. When she saw us, she stopped and said, "Oh, hi. What's this?" We explained to her what the bags were. She asked why and where we're from. I told her we were from a church. She asked which one because she might want to go there some time (all this is happening in front of the young man waiting in the lobby. Go, God!) In the background there's a voice saying, "They can leave the bags on the couch." The girl kept talking to us and thanked us for the bags. The guy was still sitting there (quite stunned I'm sure) when we left. I hope we ruined the mood for him.
We went to a new club next door to the bar where Kevin is working. We talked to a couple of girls and left bags at the door for the rest of the girls. We went next door to say hello to Kevin. He asked if the club next door gave us any trouble. I told him they wouldn't let us past the front door. He just nodded. I'm sure we'll be able to get in next time because they will know who we are -- thanks to Kevin. Go, God! Kevin appears to be doing well and was working hard in the kitchen. He's between a strip club and a swinger's club (where couples go to swap partners) so we pray a hedge of protection about him.
It was a fun, funny, interesting night. God is definitely at work in places where we least expect Him to be.
Piercing the Darkness,
Drenda