When God gave me the words STOP for the ONE at the beginning of the year, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been searching for words of worth to describe to you what is in my heart. I’m still having trouble, but it is time to get my hearts cry out there.
I’ve partnered with a friend in her ministry, Simply Beautiful. Simply Beautiful meets monthly and prepares goodie bags to take in to the strip clubs so that they can love on the girls in there. This organization is designed to show these girls love with a Jesus-heart that is real and true. (please check out her ministry)
For the last few months my schedule has stopped me from joining them on the designated evening. Random crazy scheduling, I know. But recently that all changed, and that’s when my life changed too.
As a Simply Beautiful team, we all met. We put together bags to take in to the club. I was briefed on what to expect since I had not been before. We prayed and headed out.
I’ll tell you right now, my heart was pumping fast. My mind was distracted on the unknown. My spirit was crying out to Jesus to give me a God-appointed conversation with just one girl. My knees were knocking.
Arriving in the parking lot, we prayed once again. “Jesus, show us the girl who needs your love and light tonight.”
Walking up to the entrance, we were met by bouncers. They were nice and walked us in. They definitely had a look of curiosity upon them as we explained we had made arrangements with the manager to come in and bring gifts to the girls. The managers comments at one time, “Oh that’s an awesome idea. No one loves on these girls!” (I could have a whole lot to say about that comment, but I’ll move along.)
The bouncer walked us in to a beautiful club where we checked in at the front desk. We loved on the girl working there and slipped in to the amazing boutique they had and loved on that girl working there too. The lobby was beautiful in decor, but dark with a secretive and quiet feel to it.
There were huge wooden doors that beckoned many (men and women) in, but instead we walked down the hallway that led to the girls dressing room. My heart was about to explode from thumping so rapidly at this point. I wasn’t sure what I was to see. I was sure I wouldn’t be ready for whatever it may be and I was right. My heart cried!
After leaving that pristine entry way, the hall we walked down was dirty and filthy. Arriving at the girls dressing room door, I wondered if I should turn back. I was feeling queasy.
I asked, “Seriously God, is this where you want me tonight?” I could have easily just sat in the car and prayed for the team.
I hate to leave you hanging, but I really want to dig in to what I’m learning. Why? Because I think one of you out there needs to hear this. Is it YOU?
Join me tomorrow as we’ll look at the rest of the story and how my life changed on the other side of that door.
When was the last time you felt so called by God, but yet so far out of your comfort zone it literally made you sick?
Part Two: A Divine Appointment in a Strip Club
Part Three: 2 Incredible Moments in a Strip Club
Oh my gosh I am so proud of you. So excited about your heart and how you share it. I am so intrigued. My husband and I have had a heart for the women in these places (there is a Deja vu club on his way to work) but no idea how to reach out them. Hubby couldn’t really go but I could…maybe others too. Can’t wait to hear the rest. And I want to know what was in the bags. What blesses a girl in that lifestyle. Starbucks?
Laura – we need to visit. You can easily duplicate what we are doing. If that club is beckoning your heart, it’s time to follow through. Begin praying, because the first step is having a relationship with the owner/manager. Getting permission to go in is key! Also, pray for like-minded girls to join you. You would probably want one or two more to go in with you. I’ll pray for you.
Thought of this quote — thought of you!
“If your heart is leading you are called. If you are called, others are waiting on you.” from Giving Up Normal FREE ebook get it here:
https://www.positivelyalene.com/2012/04/09/giving-up-normal-suburban-girl-meets-the-streets/
This would have definitely been out of my comfort zone. But good for you to overcome those fears.
Lisa – we all have fears to overcome. We can easily reach our neighbor living next to us, but if we are afraid to say “hello” or find a common bound with them then showing Jesus love to them is impossible. Let’s all find an avenue to step out and reach others as we’re HIS hands and feet. Blessings girl!
I have to wait until TOMORROW ??? Oh well…I guess I can do that! ha
Alene…you touch my heart way down deep with your “stop-for-one” stories! I’m so anxious and nervous around new situations that sometimes I don’t just “think of turning back”….I really DO! And I’m sure I’ve missed blessings in doing that. I pray God will continue to bless your new ministry real good! You are a great inspiration to me and many others!
Marilyn – my words aren’t clear enough to post the rest of the story yet.
Thanks for your encouraging words, but I know you too reach out to others. I’m sure you have tons of stories from your bus ministry and how y’all love on those little ones there.
I think it will continually be a battle for each of us to step out to where God wants us. For each of us that will be difference. But we can bet it will be a struggle because our human nature doesn’t like the “unknown” and the enemy will do everything to convince us to don’t need to go “there.”
YOu have a way with words. I don’t know if I could be as brave as you were. But I want to hear the rest of the story. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love knowing someone else loves playing in the dirt.
God calls us to people that need to know about what kind of Father God is – and sometimes that means being called to uncomfortable places! Can’t wait to hear about lives touched by the love of the Father!
BTW – I can’t download your book. Any suggestions?
Thanks sweet friend. Let me see if I can get the eBook to you via email. That is so weird it is not downloading. Thanks for your patience!!
This is a very heartwarming story Alene. I hope you continue doing it and reaching out to individuals who have given up on life or lost their way. God Bless your mission!