Last night (4/21)

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, it gave their ladies a chance to determine whether or not this is a ministry they are really called to do. It's not for everyone.

Highlights:

Margarita said she read "Redeeming Love" (by Francine Rivers -- HIGHLY recommend this book) and cried all the way through. She's not the only one to experience the book in that way.

The cashier going to cosmetology school graduates in August and is excited. She's working 2 jobs right now to make ends meet and is looking forward to being able to work a day job and "get away from all of this." We are working with her to find salons who are willing to give her a start.

Stopped by a massage parlor (new place for us) and the lady was very open to us being there. She wanted us to come back tomorrow. We told her we'd be back in a couple of weeks.

Saw a prostitute on the corner and turned around to give her a bag. By the time we got back to her location, she was gone but 2 others had taken her place. We prayed with one and also for the windshield cleaner guy.

Got to pray for some girls in the dressing room. Chris felt impressed to pray for their children, and the girls were moved by this. All 5 of them have children.

Please pray for the ladies we spoke with when you think about it. Also keep Greater Harvest Church in your prayers as they begin ministering on the south side.

As always, thanks for your prayers and support!

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (4/14/09)

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 to get a job out of this industry.
  
• Melissa also asked for prayer to "get a better life than this."
  
• Fanya has 2 kids and just found out her ex-husband was arrested for child molestation.  Now she's worried her kids may have been molested.
  
• One girl was going to court today for drug trafficking charges.  She asked us to pray that God would make the charges go away.  Debs told her we would pray that God's will be done in this situation.
  

We were able to go inside one of the modeling studios and pray with the ladies.  They wanted to give us money afterwards.  I've always refused their offer.  Last night they insisted we take the sealed envelope and put it in the offering plate on Sunday.  I told her we would.  She said she knows the church spends a lot of money on these bags and wants to help.  

Please say a prayer for these women when you think about it.  Some of them are doing whatever they can to provide for their children.  We pray for doors outside of this industry to open for them.

Kevin (our favorite former manager) is working in a small town north of Houston doing construction.  Good to hear he's doing okay.  The restaurant where he previously worked shut down, and his phone number is no longer good so I've been praying someone would hear from him.

I had the privilege of meeting the lady who has been praying for the girls in the clubs up & down I-45 for the past 12 years.  She's an incredible lady with a very sweet spirit.  

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying and giving.  God is moving in the strip clubs.

Drenda and the PTD team