Reflecting on 2008

Many times in this ministry I feel like it's a waste of time. This year was no different. I always wonder if we're making a difference.  On several occasions I was ready to shut down the ministry, but I can't. There are still girls and guys who need to know there's hope.

This year we saw several "regulars" leave their line of work in the adult entertainment business. We are ecstatic!

*Mary is working in real estate now. She was a cashier in one of the clubs.

*Dave, our favorite former deejay, got arrested and is totally out of the business now. He says he's glad to be away. He starts classes this week to become a truck driver.  He also is celebrating over 100 days of sobriety!  This was his first new year being sober in many, many years.  He's faithful to attend and to serve in his church.  We are so proud of him.  Go, God!

*Karri found us by searching the internet. We met her one night several years ago while she was working at a club. She's a former dancer and wanted to let us know she's out of the business and living for God. She's an intercessor who is very involved in the political arena. She went to the Republican convention this year to pray before and during the convention.

*Kevin. Our favorite former manager. I remember a couple of years ago when we visited him in the hospital after he was shot in the face outside of the club he managed. I asked him then if he was ready to get out of the business. He replied, "No, I'll never leave. This is all I know. I've been doing it for 30 years. I can't do anything else." Well, he can do other things. He's a fantastic cook! He's totally out of the business and working at a restaurant in the Spring area. GO, GOD!!!

I am totally humbled that God has allowed me to be a part of their lives.

I'm also grateful for an incredible team who faithfully serve with me. Their compassion for the girls amazes and challenges me. The PTD team:

My husband, Wes

My parents, Bill & Sybil

Norma

Tammy & Kristen

Amanda

Laurie

Debs, Naomi and the girls from Ireland

Anne (who is currently serving as a missionary in South Africa)

Ineke (who came all the way from Holland)

Joy who spent a few months with us while student teaching at a local school district. She went back home to Ohio to intern with a ministry. I know Joy will be a blessing there.

One particular highlight this year (if only because I overcame the IRS paperwork hurdle): Piercing the Darkness Ministries became a 501(c)3 organization.  This means we are a tax-exempt charitable organization, and any donations made to us can be written off your taxes!

As always, I'm grateful to Spring 1st for their intercession, financial support and for providing a van! The Loft...you guys are incredible! Thank you for letting us be a part of your ministry. And thanks again for sponsoring the December gift bags!

Thanks to all of you who sent encouraging emails throughout the year. You'll never know how those emails ministered to me.

It takes a team to do this ministry. Some team members are out front in the trenches. Others are providing backup and support. We can't do this without each other.

Thank you.

Drenda

P.S. I can't wait to see what God's gonna do in 2009!