Last night (12/16)

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 was an interesting night. As we left the first club, a patrol car turned around in front of us, turned his lights on, and sped in to the parking lot of the club where we had just left. At the second club, we found out the cops had raided them earlier in the day. As the evening continued, cop cars were constantly in the areas where we stopped. Sometimes they circled and went on. Sometimes they were on the road in front or behind us. We saw two patrol cars stopped at a 24-hour video store. It appears they were running raids on various adult entertainment venues. Fortunately, they did not run raids on any clubs while we were inside.

The first club was extremely busy and had more girls than we've ever seen. Danielle was excited about the bracelet and asked for an extra one to give to her daughter. She wanted to tell her daughter it was "a gift from God".

Donna has been working in the clubs for 12 years.  She has 3 kids and is engaged.  She asked for prayer for the pending marriage.  As we left the second club, the manager came out and thanked us for the wallet and kissed it.

Tiny's 3 kids are all in the custody of CPS (Child Protective Services). They were removed from her when they were young.  She would like to get them back and asked for prayer.

Gina has been working in the club as a waitress for 5 months and is already doing cocaine Naomi prayed with her in the dressing room. While praying, Naomi felt abuse was involved somehow with Gina so she asked Gina about it.  Gina said her boyfriend had been hitting her.

Melissa says she reads the scriptures we put in the bag and asked if we could stay longer some time.  She's lonely and needs a friend.  Amanda and I will go back to the club next week to check on her.

It was Maria's first night.  She said she used to work at a place where the girls wear bikinis. She didn't realize this was a topless club and was scared and nervous.  Melissa said her husband said she could work there as long as no one touched her.  Melissa had only made $3 so far that night and knows she needs to sit on patron's laps and be friendlier to make more money.  She looked a little distressed.  Debs prayed for her in the dressing room.

Roxie had a cold and wasn't feeling well.  Her oldest son's father is wanting to see his son and spend time with him for the first time in 7 years.  Roxie told him he needs to pay child support. They are going to court to work out visitation and child support arrangements.

Big Bo (Percy) said his son's issues with his baby's momma has dramatically improved.  The baby's momma has become much easier to get along with and is allowing Percy, Jr. to see his daughter.  They are still working out the custody issues, but at least visitation doesn't involve police intervention now.

I was able to give the cashier who is attending cosmetology school some numbers to hairdressers who have offered their support and help to the girl.    

Between the conversations and cop cars, it was an interesting night.  I'd like to thank Spring 1st for their support and sponsorship the past couple of years.  They also provide a van for all of us to travel together, and that's a blessing!  I'm grateful to The Loft for sponsoring this month's gift bags.  I'll do a year-end post to brag on God.

Thanks again to everyone who encouraged us, prayed for us, and gave to us.  You are a huge part of this search & rescue team!

Piercing the Darkness,

Drenda