tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88105480798614523582011-09-29T00:13:23.417-05:00Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-11143117689329056542011-07-09T15:18:00.000-05:002011-07-09T15:18:54.055-05:00

We took 170 gift bags containing travel cups, an encouraging scripture, a card with a number to call for prayer or other needs, and chocolate candy.  Highlights and prayer requests: Lizette has a new baby. Adelade has a tumor. Kim and Amena want happiness in their lives. Deejay looking for designer job.  A new girl in training brought in her niece and mother as a waitress. Mimi's father died &

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-80722423750690666892011-02-28T11:06:00.000-06:002011-02-28T11:06:51.554-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the girls. Each bag contained a soft, furry teddy bear, encouraging scripture, invitation to church and a box of Valentine candy. Here are the highlights: Amy requested prayer for her 15 year old son who is giving her a hard time. One girl let us know she no longer is a dancer. She's now waitressing. Prayed with 6-8 girls in the dressing

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-46837385182899307142010-12-28T15:29:00.000-06:002010-12-28T15:29:25.941-06:00

It seems forever since I last posted. Much has happened the past few months. We found an apartment complex that is owned by a man who also owns a strip club. Several current and former dancers and prostitutes live there. For Thanksgiving, we provided ham or turkey and all of the sides (including a dessert) to all of the residents of the apartment complex. At Christmas we bought gifts for all of

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-25030169046543445272010-11-24T20:00:00.001-06:002010-11-24T20:34:09.680-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained fuzzy/cozy socks, an encouraging scripture, a number to call for prayer, and chocolate candy. Here are highlights:Keri and Mindy put on the socks as soon as they got their bags. They were so excited about them and said they were so soft and comfortable!  Keri said she had danced for 6 years and really

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-15765715237427729032010-10-29T07:42:00.000-05:002010-10-29T07:42:34.931-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the girls (and guys). The gift bags were purple or pink plastic pumpkins which their kids could later use for trick or treating or as several told us, they would use for tips. Thanks to The Crossing for providing the bags and gifts (headbands). Thanks also to Spring First Church for the use of their church lobby and van. Here are

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-8895829245063486782010-08-26T10:57:00.000-05:002010-08-26T10:57:50.459-05:00

If today had been the first day, I would have been disappointed, disillusioned, and distressed because it seemed like forever before someone stopped by to pick up a bag. But once people started coming by, it was good. Again, we had more in-depth conversations with men than women. The one question that almost everyone asked was "what if the girls don't want out, what then?". Our answer surprised

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-61633980836055060252010-08-25T00:49:00.000-05:002010-08-25T00:49:03.286-05:00

Our booth The trade show began this afternoon at 1p.m. We weren't sure what to expect since this was our first strip club industry trade show. Most of the conversations were with owners. Many conversations started with people asking us "So tell me about this. What is Jesus Loves Dancers?" We told them about our ministry, and every owner told us they thought we were doing a good thing. Many

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-64155142117317769762010-08-23T19:06:00.000-05:002010-08-23T19:06:34.102-05:00

Tammy, Wes and I arrived without any trouble and after a quick bite when to the convention hall to check out the Expo. The boxes were waiting on us at the booth. We started an assembly line and put together 200 cosmetics bags containing a business card, a temporary tattoo with our logo on it, a card introducing Jackie Key's CD and chocolate candy. The cosmetics bags are pink and have "You are

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-72686819887796273342010-08-13T13:53:00.000-05:002010-08-13T13:53:03.715-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the girls. Each bag contained nail polish, an invitation to church, an encouraging scripture and chocolate candy. We had a smaller team than usual, and we had a new team member. We added 2 clubs to our usual route. Here are the highlights: At one of the two "new" clubs (we've been to both of these clubs in the past but not on a Tuesday

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-44342565822569684342010-07-11T09:48:00.005-05:002010-07-11T10:12:36.250-05:00

Last night we took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained an ankle bracelet, invitations to church, an encouraging scripture and chocolate candy. Thanks to Spring 1st Church for providing the gift bags!There were quite a few girls but not very many customers. Maybe the customers spent their money on fireworks over the 4th weekend.Highlights:A door girl was crying when we arrived. This girl

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-24859697569461199802010-06-17T19:04:00.004-05:002010-06-17T19:15:01.034-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags. Father's Day is this weekend so the gifts were unisex (car washing cloths or 8-in-1 screwdriver). The bags also contained an encouraging scripture, invitation to church and chocolate candy. There were a lot of new girls at almost every club.Highlights:One of the guys working at a club knew us from a different club. He told the girls in the

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-63638333270672885062010-05-13T07:53:00.008-05:002010-05-13T08:21:56.736-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the girls. Each bag contained fragrance sticks, encouraging note and scripture, invitations to church, and chocolate candy. Thanks again to Spring First Church for donating the gift bags and van.Highlights:Amy has been in the business for 17 years. She is now 35. Amy said 17 years is long enough so she started her own tattoo and

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-57756741130378881502010-04-08T08:38:00.007-05:002010-04-08T09:09:12.404-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and modeling studios and took gift bags to the girls. Each bag contained either a ceramic cross or an inspirational plaque, encouraging scriptures, number to call for prayer, and chocolate candy. Thanks to Spring First Church for supplying the gift bags and the van!Highlights:J asked for peace because the other girls want to fight her because she makes all

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-51841382826486026772010-03-22T07:29:00.005-05:002010-03-22T07:55:28.623-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained the "Magdalena: Through Her Eyes" DVD, an encouraging scripture, and chocolate candy. A HUGE thank-you to Loft Church and the PTD Team for providing the funds for this DVD! I received a text from one of the girls that she watched the DVD, thought it was good, and feels she should watch more movies like

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-24494485535867379492010-02-11T07:33:00.002-06:002010-02-11T07:54:01.550-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took cute Valentine bags containing a bracelet, a beautiful card with encouraging scriptures, chocolate candy, candy canes and an invitation to church. Thanks to everyone who donated the bags and contents. The girls loved them.We split in to 3 vehicles and each vehicle visited at least 3 businesses. A drunk pulled out in front of the van and headed right

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-77055444136913273132010-01-19T07:15:00.005-06:002010-01-19T07:30:59.792-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and handed out gift bags to the girls. Each gift bag contained a wind chime, an encouraging note & scripture, invitation to church and chocolate candy.Highlights:Brandy, Cherry & Jamie asked for prayerMichelle is 18 yrs old & has a 6 month old son. She recently started dancing but her husband doesn't like it. She's struggling with being a young parent.Met a

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-66611740204240857162009-12-19T13:11:00.009-06:002009-12-19T14:15:17.787-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took Christmas stockings containing Christmas socks, a Christmas note from the team, candy canes and chocolate candy to the girls. Thank you to The Crossing for providing the gift stockings and contents this month!Here are highlights from last night:Staci prayed with Shelley who has 4 kids. Staci previously met Shelley the first night Staci came with the

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-75994618322017644532009-12-01T21:03:00.011-06:002009-12-01T21:35:23.775-06:00

Thanksgiving evening we took Thanksgiving dinner (turkey, ham, dressing, cranberry sauce, gravy, various sides, desserts, bread & tea) to 5 strip clubs. Earlier in the day we took plates of food to several modeling studios, massage parlors, and hourly motels. Thank you, Barbara and BacktoBasics Ministries for those plates. I feel like we made some in-roads in to a couple of clubs. Time will

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-59314942261470835362009-11-20T11:41:00.005-06:002009-11-20T11:51:21.941-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained lip gloss, really cool scripture cards made by 3 Sisters (thank you Vicky & sisters!), invitations to church, a New Testament (thanks Barbara!) and chocolate candy.It was Porshe’s first night to dance at the Castle though she has worked at other clubs before. She just moved here from New Orleans and said

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-34291324920973214132009-11-04T21:16:00.004-06:002009-11-04T21:33:09.216-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took cupcakes to the girls. We had a lot of good conversations and prayed with several girls. One of the bartenders said it was slow earlier in the day, and she was wishing we would come in and talk to her. She wants us to come during the day, if possible. We'll see about making that happen.We got to see James. He's looking good even though he was just

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-37967291257295417672009-10-30T20:37:00.008-05:002009-10-30T21:01:07.545-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and modeling studios and took gift bags to the girls. The Crossing church in The Woodlands donated all of the items including the blue trick or treat pumpkins we used as bags. Each bag contained an ankle bracelet, encouraging scripture, invitation to church and chocolate candy.We had a lot of time in almost every club to visit with the girls. One girl has

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-27819572725424716802009-09-13T21:59:00.005-05:002009-09-13T22:26:31.667-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. We had a lot of interesting conversations and several requests to pray for their children. Below are a few highlights:Jada's sister overdosed and died 16 days ago. Her mom died one year ago and that's when another sister started cutting herself. She was interested in the Day of Decision flyers we had in the bags.A lawyer

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-65656908472175647242009-08-12T13:46:00.006-05:002009-08-12T14:46:43.297-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained a manicure set (or lip gloss or body lotion -- I couldn't find 131 identical items), encouraging scripture, reading material, invitation to church and chocolate candy.Here are a few highlights:The cashier who is going to cosmetology school finishes in 3 weeks. We are praying for doors to open for her.Amber

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-57271092487277085002009-07-08T09:30:00.008-05:002009-07-08T10:06:00.178-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the ladies. Each bag contained a gift (facial cleansing cloths or makeup remover cloths -- hey, it was a practical gift this time), an invitation to church, encouraging scripture, and chocolate candy. It was an interesting night...Jennifer is 27 and has been dancing 10 years. She has 3 kids with the youngest being 7 months old. She wants

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-17350072074327162872009-06-18T19:47:00.006-05:002009-06-18T20:14:55.692-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the girls and guys. Each gift bag contained a car washing accessory (sponge, mitt, or microfiber towels), reading material, encouraging scripture, invitation to church, number to call for prayer, and chocolate candy. Below are highlights:Iesha had money stolen out of her locker and wanted prayer -- not for her lost money but for general

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-4482369320764318052009-05-20T07:28:00.004-05:002009-05-20T07:42:02.923-05:00

Last night we took the Greater Harvest group from Pasadena to the strip clubs and gave gift bags to the girls. Greater Harvest will start their ministry on the south side of town next month. Please keep them in your prayers.Here are highlights from last night:The first club I started in 9 years ago has a new manager who decided he didn't want us to come in. We chatted, cajoled and finally

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-77102035603687587172009-05-06T07:41:00.015-05:002009-05-07T08:17:40.181-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained body lotion, an encouraging scripture and other reading material, an invitation to church, and chocolate candy. Below are highlights:Christina asked for prayer for her relationship with her boyfriend of 4 years.Shay wants to get out of the business. She said she's had some "God moments" during the past

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-7383614988513438352009-04-22T07:56:00.022-05:002009-04-22T08:18:56.049-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained a gift (jewelry & hair accessories), an encouraging scripture, a number to call for prayer, and chocolate candy. This was a "special" trip. Greater Harvest Church in Pasadena will be starting a similar ministry on the south side of town in a few months and wanted to see first-hand how we do things. Plus,

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-71216773640114120152009-04-15T19:10:00.006-05:002009-04-15T19:31:19.017-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers.  Each bag contained a cross necklace, an encouraging scripture, an invitation to church and chocolate candy.Here are a few highlights:Sophia and Tricia are each raising 4 children.  Several other women are raising 2 children.Christie, a waitress, just went through a divorce and also had her car stolen.  She asked for prayer

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-75338461045510695752009-03-20T18:18:00.006-05:002009-03-20T18:32:32.116-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and handed out gift bags to the dancers.  Each bag contained a picture frame, an invitation to church, an encouraging note on God's unending/unconditional love, and chocolate candy.We were able to spend time in the dressing rooms talking to the girls.  Diamond told us she wanted out and had applied to be a flight attendant.  Two of the modeling studios were

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-29365174051930658162009-02-11T09:07:00.016-06:002009-02-11T09:57:11.439-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained a cuddly teddy bear, an invitation to church, an encouraging scripture and chocolate candy.Last month we took the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. Ashley told us she read it in 2 days and loved it. Red, a deejay, told us he gave the book to his wife. She later texted him that she read the book and

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-38183139296702252332009-01-07T18:46:00.009-06:002009-01-07T19:12:44.738-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers.  Each bag contained the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers.  If you haven't read this book, I HIGHLY recommend it.  The bags also contained an invitation to church, an encouraging scripture and candy.It was a very interesting night, and we had a lot of long conversations with the girls and guys. One girl from a

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-86255476065366543882008-12-24T15:49:00.010-06:002009-01-03T12:49:08.709-06:00

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

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-70575305805072535522008-12-24T15:37:00.003-06:002008-12-24T15:48:53.136-06:00

Last night Amanda and I went to one of the clubs to meet back up with Melissa. Amanda and Melissa connected last week when we handed out the gift bags.Melissa told Amanda she has a lot of family members living with her right now, and she's financially responsible for all of them. Melissa says she wants out of the business, and Amanda told her we have various connections to help her with her

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-78286503215612353722008-12-18T08:45:00.009-06:002008-12-18T19:20:29.459-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took Christmas gifts to the girls. Each girl received a bracelet with a scripture engraved on it, lip balm, a scripture verse to carry with them, an encouraging letter, handwritten Christmas cards from the team, and candy. We bought wallets for the managers, deejays, bouncers, etc. These guys also received the cards, scriptures, letter, and candy. It

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-16746591611582359752008-12-01T20:02:00.004-06:002008-12-01T20:38:02.927-06:00

Tonight I had a chance to speak to Kevin our favorite former club manager.  He's going through intensive outpatient AA/NA classes.  He goes 3 hours a night.  He said once a week isn't working for him.  He's got a job at a restaurant -- no more bars!Kevin "happened" to use the cell phone of David.  David is our favorite djay who got in to some trouble and hasn't been back to the club for a few

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-90814070417973879542008-11-19T16:06:00.004-06:002008-11-20T07:29:47.982-06:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each gift bag contained an ankle bracelet, a Gospel of John donated by Nicky Cruz Ministries, an invitation to the Christmas program at Spring 1st, and chocolate candy. The girls LOVED the ankle bracelets! We saw a lot of new girls last night.The bouncer at the first club told us he has 4 daughters under the age of 10 and a

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810548079861452358.post-35895021550512889502008-10-29T07:59:00.003-05:002008-10-29T08:10:20.268-05:00

Last night we went to the strip clubs and took gift bags to the dancers. Each bag contained tea light candle holders with candles, encouraging reading material, an invitation to church and candy. We had two new members on the team: one recently moved here from Holland and the other is from Ohio doing student teaching until December.All but one of the clubs were busy. In the first club, Money

Drenda Thomas Richardsnoreply@blogger.com0