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June trip to the clubs

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 & her mother filed for bankruptcy.
• Sandra & Yvonne are sisters and requested prayer for their middle sister, Veronica, to make better choices.
• Christy wants prayer for everything.
• Olivia's daughter & husband are traveling. Pray for their protection while they are on the road.
• Milene requested prayer to understand why things are happening in her life.
• Claristica had an illness that put her behind on bills & wants prayer that she can recover from her debt problems.
• Jeremiah, 2 year old son of dancer, needs overall prayer.
• Homie's brother died. We've known Homie since the beginning of this ministry. He's had a tough couple of years. His 20-year-old daughter committed suicide, and his wife left him.
• Angel wants to find a good church.
• Mylee wants understanding as to why things happen the way they do.
• Elizabeth's husband left and took everything out of the bank account so she had to get back in the business and now works 2 jobs.
• Cassidy asked for prayer but for nothing specific.
• The last time we saw Natasha, she asked for prayer to find a nursing program. She happily announced she is now enrolled in one, is taking online classes and doing volunteer work so she can get out of the business.
• George, a club owner, found out he is cancer free. He's believing that God is in control because he needs a kidney transplant in about 10 months. George is hoping to recover his investment in the club so he can get out. His daughter has 3 kids and is involved in ministry at Lakewood Church.
• Alexia has stopped dancing and is waitressing. We're trying to help her find a job, but she has 3 felony drug convictions.
• Rosa's daughters are missionaries in Columbia. She has a son who is 5 months old. Tammy remembered Rosa from a previous club Rosa worked at. 

We had a lot of good conversations and prayed with several girls. A new team member commented she was surprised at how nice and welcoming the owners are. In her mind she had vilified them -- as most people are prone to do. She quickly realized the owners have the same issues the rest of us do: death of family members, sickness, divorce, etc.  They need prayer, too.

Please pray for the girls and club owners when you think about it. We're seeing baby steps towards getting out in many of them.

Drenda and The Team

Last night (2/15/2011)

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 room. One of the girls who was obviously high on something and rather loud was crying by the end of the prayer.
• A dancer approached Kim and asked if she was there for the bachelorette party. Kim responded, "Are you new?" "Yes." "We're the Church Ladies who come every month." "Oh." The girl quickly walked away. LOL
• Martrisha asked for prayer because she needs help in school.
• One dancer recognized Norma from another club where the girl used to work. I think it's great that Norma is recognized.
• A young man (26 years old) hugged the team as they passed out bags. As he hugged Vicky, he told her his mom had been a dancer when he was growing up. She was an addict, and he appreciated everything we were doing in this club.
• Olivia asked prayer for her daughter Annabelle.
• A dancer requested prayer for her mother who has MS.
• One dancer thought we were there to reminisce about our days as dancers. When she realized who we were, she apologized. Again, LOL.

When I walked in to the first club, the door girl was on the phone. As I handed her a bag, I felt like they were talking about me, but blew it off and went inside the club. When I came back out, the door girl asked me if I remembered Amber. I didn't remember the name, but as she described her, I remembered. The door girl had been on the phone with Amber, and Amber wanted me to know that she was out of the business and trying to get on her feet and wanted to thank me for what we do. I told the door girl to give Amber my number and tell her if she needs help with her job search or business clothes or wants to talk, to call me. The door girl is letting Amber stay with her while Amber gets on her feet.

I spent quite a bit of time talking to one of the owners of the clubs. He's owned clubs like this for 23 years. He has a wife and kids. I asked him what his wife thinks about it. His response:  "What do you think? No woman wants her husband doing this kind of job."

When you think about it, please pray for the girls (& owners). They have the same needs we do:  troubled kids, sick family members, marital issues, help with school work, etc.

Drenda and the PTD team

What happened in December?

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 the kids who reside there. Below are a few pictures from the Christmas gift giveaway. Several churches and numerous supporters of this ministry provided the funds (& turkeys) and volunteers for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. One church provided Christmas (& clothes & shoes) for a dancer and her 4 kids. It was awesome to see how God provided for every family. One 16-year-old girl gave a portion of her Christmas money to buy presents for the kids at the apartment complex. Her portion provided gifts for at least 10 kids. Awesome, huh?

Also during December we went to the strip clubs and took 150 gift bags to the girls. Each Christmas stocking contained a headband, an invitation to church, an encouraging scripture and chocolate candy. Thanks to The Crossing Church for providing the gifts and Christmas stockings! Unfortunately, it was a pretty uneventful night at the clubs. Some times it goes that way.

On a brighter note, one of the dancers we met last month started texting Kim (one of our team members). She asked how she could get to know God and how to read the Bible. Kim explained all of this via texting. This girl is now out of the business. Go, God!  We are putting her in touch with a sister ministry (Dancers to Daughters) in the Pasadena area. Dancers to Daughters is out of Greater Harvest Church in Pasadena. Great church in case you live in that area.

In January we are starting a weekly Bible study with the ladies who live at the apartment complex. We will also have activities and learning opportunities for the kids throughout the year. I'm not sure what God is up to, but He's up to something.

Thanks to all who pray for and give to this ministry. It's been an awesome year!

Piercing the Darkness,

Drenda and the PTD team



Organized chaos





Hanging out

  

Prayer before we start





Last night (11/23/10)

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 wanted to get out of the business.  We told her she could call our ministry number, and we could help her.  She seemed genuinely excited about that.  Her grandmother is very ill and she asked for prayer for her and for her daughter.  Mindy asked for prayer for her aunt, who has stomach cancer, and for her kids.  Her kids live with her “baby-daddy’s” parents, who she says don’t like her and have a lot of bitterness toward her.  She asked us to pray that she could get her kids back.  She is currently working 2 jobs.  
• Paco is a dj, single dad, raising a boy and girl alone.  He was very friendly and obviously loves his kids.  He said he still uses the screwdriver we gave out at father’s day outreach.
• Sapphire & Melanie are sisters that Tammy has prayed with before.  Sapphire remembered the prayer and seemed very appreciative and happy to see us. She said she was doing better and hugged Tammy several times before she left.
• Jasmine & Whitney both asked for prayer for their kids.  Whitney asked for prayer that she’ll stay sober so she doesn’t lose her kids. Jasmine asked that we pray for her 2 year old.  
• Melanie told Stacy “you guys are so nice to do this." Stacy told her “you’re worth it!” which made Melanie burst into tears.  She cried and cried as Stacy encouraged her and gave her several encouraging scriptures.
• Melissa asked for prayer for her 4 month old and her 4 year old.
• Kylee (a waitress) just moved here.  She has 4 kids.  She said she was about to get her power turned off and will use the last of her food stamps to buy thanksgiving dinner.  Jen told her to call the ministry number if she wants some help.  She cried and seemed very happy that she talked to Jen.
• One girl told Norma she's going to divorce her husband of 13 years.
• I handed a girl a bag and she said, "There are people here who love God, ya know." "Yes, I know. We aren't saying you don't." She walked off with the bag and then came back up to me and said, "Some of us are serving the Lord and are here for a purpose." "Okay. We're just here to let you know we love you."
• When Elizabeth asked Donna if she had plans for Thanksgiving, Donna replied she wasn't sure if her family would accept her and invite her home for Thanksgiving.
• A girl was having a meltdown, and the other girls were trying to convince her to go home. She wasn't listening.
• We met a waitress who told us her dad is a pastor. I told her I was a p.k. (preacher's kid), too. She hugged me and kissed my cheek.

Please pray for these girls when you think about it. I feel for Donna (& others) who are separated from their families. God is a God of reconciliation and restoration. No case is too hard for Him.

Drenda & the JLD team

Last night (10/26/10)

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 highlights:

• The cashier who graduated from cosmetology school found a job with a salon. As of November 1, she will no longer be employed at the club. Go, God! Her countenance was different. She's a beautiful girl, but last night she had a peaceful look. I mentioned that to her, and she smiled and told us she was relieved to be getting out of there. We told her to call us, and we would take her to dinner to celebrate. She said she would.
• As Kim was leaving the dressing room, a girl approached her and asked if she could talk to her away from everyone. We'll call her "D". D told Kim she had seen us in the club for months but hadn't had the nerve to talk to us. She said she didn't know how to read the Bible and wanted someone to show/help her. D has a 4-year-old daughter whom she feels needs to be in church, but she didn't know where to go or what to do. Kim took her number and will be following up with her.
• Janet's neck was hurting. Her doctor told her it was from stress. She wanted prayer right then. I quickly prayed with her while the manager hovered near by. I told her we would have others praying for her. She thanked me.

Please pray for these girls and all of the others who may want to talk to us, but haven't worked up the nerve yet.

Drenda

Expo - Last Day (8/25/10)

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 and pleased them:

A man stopped by and said, "Are you for us or against us?"
Me: Huh? I don't know who you are.
Man: I'm a club owner. Are you for us or against us?
Me: We are for the girls, and we have great relationships with club owners and managers.
Man: I have a problem with right wing evangelicals.
Me: I do, too. Not with all of them but with some of them.
Man: Answer me one question: if a girl doesn't want out, what do you do? will you still help her?
Me: Absolutely! It happens all the time. We love them no matter what.
The man stuck out his hand to shake mine and said, "You're one of the good guys. Keep it up."

A young man with pink hair on one side of his head and a darker-pink goatee stopped by our booth. We saw him yesterday, but he never stopped by or seemed to acknowledge us. He said he was in a band, and he and his 2 buddies who are in the band with him got in to a discussion about religious people. The buddies told him no religious people would ever be in a place like the Expo. He was at our booth asking for a card to prove to them that religious people would be there. This young man was the most polite and respectful guy. We gave him 3 bags and 3 CDs -- 1 for him and 2 for his buddies.

We gave out 200 CDs and over 300 cosmetic bags with our card, a card introducing Jackie Key's CD, and chocolate candy. As Tammy said, "God probably created chocolate just for outreach because it seems to be the thing that draws everyone." Most of the girls were touched by the message on the bag "You are loved."

The other thing that seemed to impress everyone was our logo. It always brought smiles. People would take pictures of it whether they talked to us or not. Some took pictures on the sly thinking we didn't see them. It was pretty funny. Several asked for posters, bumper stickers and t-shirts with our logo. We will begin working on more products with the logo.

I didn't know what to expect when we came here -- whether or not we would be accepted, would anyone talk to us, would it be a bust -- but I knew we were supposed to be here. God didn't let us down. He definitely showed up in a place where most people wouldn't expect Him to be. I'm glad God doesn't like to be kept in a box.

Thanks to all who gave and prayed. This definitely was a team effort.

Drenda

Show over. Going home.

Day 2 - Trade Show begins

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 called us "a support organization" because we are willing to help the girls. For at least two hours straight, we were constantly talking to people and handing out bags. Here are highlights from our first day:

• "We like what you are doing."
• "Is this a gag? No? Hey, this is cool. Really cool. I mean it. Really cool."
• "I've been dancing for 17 years and took time out to teach Sunday School."
• "I saw other girls with these bags. I wanted one. They are so pretty. 'You are loved.' Aw, that's so sweet."
• One girl walked up and saw our name. She turned and walked away. Tammy called out to her that the bags contained chocolate. She came back over to the booth and picked up a bag. I offered her a CD. She asked what it was. When I told her it was the Bible told in an animated way in less than 60 minutes, she backed off and said, "No, thanks. I've got enough Jesus in my life." She started to walk off and came back and returned the bag and couldn't get away from us fast enough. Later her boyfriend approached the booth next to us. She stayed on the other side of him up close to a wall and avoided all eye contact with us.
• I waved at a girl who came over and told me she is grateful to be where she is, and she gives to a women's shelter. All of a sudden she teared up and said, "I can't believe I'm crying. I know I'm not where I'm supposed to be. I know I'm supposed to be helping people. I know that's my calling." I told her God had a plan and a purpose for her life. She assured me she knew that and walked off.
• We met the owner of a club in Ft. Myers Beach, FL who said she has a group of church women who come in her club and have prayer with the girls and give them gift bags. I started this ministry when I heard about a church in Ft. Myers Beach, FL who ministered in the strip clubs.
• One of the first people we met was from Ohio and was intimately familiar with the conflict between the church and strip club who recently made national news. (The church has been picketing the strip club for 4 years. The strip club owner finally had enough and started picketing the church.) Long story short, this man likes what we do and how we do it. We will have further conversations with him about future opportunities to work together.
• Another person does erotic parties and works with "disenfranchised" people. He took our card and said he will put it in his portfolio as another resource for the disenfranchised.
• We met a man from Harlingen, TX who ministers in the strip clubs in South Texas. He was glad to see us there and encouraged us to keep coming back every year. He's been coming to this event for the past 15 years.

It was an awesome day. I was nearly in tears after the first three conversations because I knew this event was God-ordained. We are looking forward to tomorrow!

Wes making more bags.

Thanks for your prayers!

Drenda, Wes and Tammy

My badge

Day 1: Expo Setup

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 loved" imprinted in silver.  We also have "The Essential Word on the Street" on CD to give out. It's too big to put in the cosmetics bag.

We had several men stop by our booth and ask what we are selling. One guy was on his cell phone and said to the person on the other line, "You will never believe what I'm looking at. A booth called Jesus Loves Dancers. It's crazy. I can't wait to talk to these people." He walked off without talking to us, but I think he will be back. Another man asked if we are like "Jesus Loves Porn Stars". I told him yes. He asked if we knew of JC Girls. I told him yes. He's a photographer helping out a company who is at the Expo marketing a new toy.

The trade show officially kicks off tomorrow at 1p. Our booth sits in the middle of a pasties booth and a real estate booth selling strip clubs. Across the aisle are apparel and distillery booths. Down a few booths are modeling agencies. Sound checks were going on all around us. We should be hearing some good music the next two days.

We are looking forward to tomorrow. Not sure what to expect but we know God is in this.

Thanks again for your prayers and support!

Drenda

Last night (8/10/20100

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 night), the manager talked to us a little before letting us in. He said the previous evening his mother told him he was "working in the devil's house." He told her that light could shine anywhere -- even in the darkness, and here we were. The manager tried to warn us of what we might see. We told him we've been doing this for ten years and wouldn't be surprised at anything we saw.

As we passed out bags, a female approached me and told me we couldn't be in there. I told her the manager gave us permission. She said, "He doesn't know what he is talking about." Then she started trying to grab the bags out of my hands. I again told her the manager said we could be there and continued handing out bags. She stomped off and went over to my mother and told her we couldn't be soliciting. My mother told her we weren't soliciting. The female told her we couldn't be selling anything. My mom told her we weren't selling anything. She stomped off again.

Several girls came up to me and apologized for that one female's behavior. Each girl told me how much they appreciate us and what we were doing. The female came back to me and pointed towards the door. The manager sheepishly waved us over.

We went outside and talked with the manager who said the female is the daughter of one of the owner's. As we talked further with the manager, we found out he attends the same church as our newest team member. This is a 2nd job for him where he works a couple of nights/week. He said he was on a 10-day plan to get out, and he had 9 more days to go. I told him after tonight, he might be out faster.

Earlier in the evening, a dancer approached me about getting out of the business. She says she is doing this to make ends meet until she can find a job in corporate America. I gave her my contact info but haven't heard from her yet.

A manager said he is tired of the business and wants out but nothing else pays as well.

Most of the clubs were pretty slow.

When you think about it, please say a prayer for the girl and two managers who want out.

We will be leaving for Vegas in 10 days. The Expo starts 8/24. I'm excited! We have cosmetic bags imprinted with "You are loved", a CD and temporary tattoos of our logo to give away. Thanks to everyone who has given and who is praying for this event. I know God will show up.

I will blog each night after the show ends. I will try to have (family friendly) photos and/or video uploaded as well.

Drenda and the team

Last night (7/6/2010)

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 was distraught the last time we saw her because her kids weren't at home, and she couldn't find them. She's the same girl who has plans to get out of this industry by the end of this year. Please pray she's able to get out sooner.
• A dancer's father passed away. Please pray for protection for her mother. This dancer would also like to get out of the industry.
• It was Ashley's 2nd night at the club.
• Tima and Denise want prayer for their families.
• Lucy started working last week and asked for general prayer for her and her co-workers.
• Michelle's mother has a brain tumor.

Please pray for these girls and their families. Death has touched some of their families and is looming for others unless God intervenes. We are here for these girls in the good times and the bad.

Drenda and the PTD team

Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery.

"Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.

He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains.

Psalms chapter 107, verses 10, 13-14 (New Living Translation)

Last night (6/15/10)

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 dressing room who we were and what we did and how much he appreciates us.
• China asked prayer for her brother and her family.
• Yvette and Ashley asked for prayer for better jobs.
• One girl asked for prayer for her brother to stay on the straight and narrow. She also asked for prayer for her mother who is stressed out.
• A security guard told us he and his wife had been talking about going to church a few days ago. He said the invitation to church that was in the bag was confirmation. He said "what y'all are doing is really great."
• We got to talk to some of the managers and door girls we've known for several years. It was good to hang out and talk with them.

We're going to be in Vegas in August for the Gentlemen's Club Owner Expo. We are looking forward to it. We'll be giving away lots of goodies.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Drenda and the JLD team

Last night (5/4/2010)

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 photography business. She hopes to be completely out of the business by year end.
• Destiny and Italy asked for prayer for their finances.
• One of the girls is 7 months pregnant. She obviously won't be able to dance much longer. She will need finances from other sources.
• Morgan has a 2 yr old son. She asked for prayer for a new job.
• Another girl said her boyfriend is in prison. She asked for prayer for him and for herself as she is going through a tough time.
• Dejeune has a 9 yr old daughter and asked for prayer.
• Brittany asked for prayer for her and her 3 yr old son.
• Summer has an infection from a spider bite.
• Eilene has 2 kids and asked for us to pray for peace.
• Nicole has been accepted in to the Army and recently graduated as a medical engineer. She wants us to pray for her success as she starts her new life.

Each one of these girls is precious, and we are honored to spend time with them.

On the following Friday at noon we went to a different club we had been to previously. We found out that one of favorite owners from the past is the new owner. I haven't seen him in at least 3 years. It was like a family reunion when we saw each other. He welcomed us in and gave us complete access to his club. Please pray for him and his son. They are going back to his home country to visit family members -- one of whom is very sick.

We also know the manager at the club we went to on Friday. He used to work at a different club. He has cancer, and I'm not sure what treatment (if any) he is seeking.

While we were in this club, we saw a woman who looked very out of place. She was talking to a guy. I didn't want to interrupt so I quickly handed her a bag and told her "Happy Mother's Day". She came up to us later and started questioning us about what we do and why. Her name is Vickie. She said she's a Christian and is a hair stylist and was recently fired for playing Christian music while at work and is waitressing until she can find another job. Vickie asked for prayer. A friend of mine owns a salon so I gave Vickie her number.

When you think about it, please say a prayer for one or all that I have mentioned.

Piercing the Darkness,

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (4/6/2010)

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 the money
• Priscilla wants out
• Ariel wants to be released from bondage
• Amy wants her life back on track
• A deejay's wife is 2.5 months pregnant
• The other night someone put a drug in one of the dancer's drinks which caused her to pass out. Police and ambulance were called. Extra security around the club now.
• We prayed with many of the girls inside the clubs and modeling studios regarding their relationships, healing, etc.

A particularly special moment: Three girls were seated at a table. Vicky and Skye began talking with them. They asked the girls if they wanted prayer. Genesee asked if she could pray. She grabbed their hands, and Genesee prayed this prayer: "God, I know You're not proud of what I'm doing, but I know You are walking with me and are making a way for me to get out. Thank you for bringing these ladies in to see us and encourage us." Genesee told Vicky it is hard to make changes. She said she had been healed from lupus. Vicky told her she had been set apart for something special and was destined for something important. Genesee began to tear up and said no one had ever told her she was special. She wants to go to a local community college and later become a CNA.

I saw Jesus in action in the strip clubs last night. "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life." (Psalms 23:6 NLT) He pursued each of these girls to let them know they are special and are loved. He wants them to know He has a plan and a purpose for their lives and it's not a plan that will harm them. He doesn't care where someone works or lives. He wants everyone to know He loves them, and He will go wherever necessary using whomever He can to spread that message.

We are grateful and humbled He chose us to spread His message last night.

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (3/16/2010)

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 this.


Highlights from the evening:

• Shannon asked for prayer because she's going through a custody battle over her daughter, Harmony


• Sierra asked for prayer for health and safety


• A deejay asked us to pray for his friend


• Alena, age 36, was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and is setting up chemo appointments


• A bartender asked for strength and unity between her and her sister. Her sister is an addict.


• LaToya asked for prayer for her family.


• One of the girls is having a hard time getting over a cold.


• Brianna is having trouble with her kidneys and her family.


• Ruth asked for prayer for David who is getting out of juvenile detention soon. He struggles with drugs. Plus, Ruth's mother is seeing ghosts. Ruth's grandmother died recently, and Ruth claims to have seen the ghost as well. Ruth asked for wisdom in other family matters and doesn't want her mother to find out what she does for a living.


• A manager wants to get out of the business and go in to law enforcement.

The brother of one of our favorite managers died last week. Please keep the manager and his family in prayer.

Thanks to everyone who prays for us and who donates their time and/or money! We couldn't do this without you!

Piercing the Darkness,

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (2/9/2010)

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 towards it. My dad took evasive action by jumping a curb and taking a bumpy off-road drive. Passengers were shaken up but not hurt. The van was okay, too. Thanks for your prayers!

Highlights of the evening:

• Prayed with two ladies in a modeling studio who want to get out of the business. They also want a long, healthy life and to make a lot of money.
• One modeling studio was closed.
• Several girls asked for prayer because they were sick.
• Jessica asked for prayer for her father who had a stroke.
• Jeanette's mother and sister passed away. She asked for prayer for her family.
• Foxy wanted prayer for her self and her family.
• At one particular club where management isn't overfriendly, the managers were extremely nice and talkative. It was one manager's 3rd day on the job.
• Nellie was happy to see us. She lit up when AnneMarie began speaking to her in spanish. Nellie wants to get another job and asked for prayer.
• As we were leaving a club, the deejay called the door girl and asked if we could bring him a bag. Several years ago someone asked him if he knew where he would go if he happened to die that night. He told them he did but felt bad later because he lied. He wanted us to know he has changed and definitely knows he would be in heaven if he died. He's working at this club because he was laid off.
• A patron asked what was in the bag and what we are selling. We told him the bags were free, and we are there to let the girls know we love them, but more importantly, Jesus loves them. He smiled and said, "That's good."

Please pray for doors to open for these girls who expressed an interest in getting out of the business. Also say a prayer for the others who are sick or have sick family members.

As always, we thank your for your prayers and support!

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (1/5/2010)

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 prayer
• Michelle 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 dancer who goes to a church in the north Houston area. She tried out for the worship team, made it, and then was asked to step down when they found out her occupation. She wasn't bitter about it. She loved the DVD of Terence's sermon we gave out a couple of months ago. She's starting nursing school soon and wants to be an oncology nurse.
• Sonya's 1.5 yr old daughter is sick.
• We met a girl from Russia. She was adopted & brought to Minnesota. She's 4 months from finishing pharmacy tech training. She had a miscarriage when she was 5 months pregnant and called a prayer line, and they were instrumental in helping her walk through this. When she saw one of our team members, she got scared because she thought the team member was her mother.
• Lila said "there's no praying for me." We assured her she wasn't beyond prayer.
• Rachel is 19 and has been dancing for 6 months to pay the bills. She gets in a lot of car accidents.
• Brianne asked prayer for safety and health.
• Mandi moved her last month from Seattle. We prayed she would get a fresh start here.
• Tila is retiring next year and moving back to Miami to work with her dad in his mortgage company.
• Celeste's boyfriend is headed back to Iraq.
• The owner of a club told us we are welcome in his club anytime.

We had a lot of good conversations and prayed with a lot of girls. If any of these highlights touched you, please say a prayer for the girl involved.

Drenda and the PTD team

Last night (12/15/09)

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 team. It was also Shelley's first night at the club, too.
• Kiki is new. The club was raided the week before, and she got out of jail on Friday. It was her first offense. She's hoping to get her record expunged.
• Sunnie's baby daddy is facing a possible jail term. She asked prayer for him.
• Marissa wants out. She wants to go to cosmetology school and eventually own a hair salon.
• Diamond's dad is having spinal surgery. He's a vet.
• Shawn asked for general prayer.
• Percy and his wife are back together.
• Kim is waiting to hear back from a job interview.
• Two girls, who were dancing in a cage, stopped dancing & reached out for a bag. Both stood in the cage and looked through the contents of the Christmas stockings and read the note inside.
• Norma got to see Stacy (whom she met in Oct.). We prayed for her son. She said he is doing fine.
• Girl dancing on main stage reached out for a bag and thanked the ladies for bringing her a gift. She never missed a beat.
• Kim (a different Kim) wants to go to dental school next fall.
• Lila is in collision school (auto body repair) and asked for prayer to get through school and get a job.
• Nicole asked why we do this. Vicky told her because we love her. Vicky also let her know we're no different than she is.

Two things I'm excited about (Go, God!):

• Misty (waitress) quit and is staying at home with her daughter. I met her the night she interviewed for the job.
• A manager got off crack. He was addicted for 18 months. He's been clean and sober for 2 months.

On a sad note:

I've been wondering where a certain manager is. His club burned down, and I've been unable to find out if he bought another one. (He's the Muslim club owner who gave us money in the past because he believed in what we're doing.) I found out his 20-year daughter died recently of an overdose. They told me which club he bought, and I'm trying to get in contact with him to see if he needs anything. I was told he's not doing well. Please keep him and his family in prayer.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

Drenda and the PTD team

Thanksgiving C U @ the Pole Dinner

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 tell.

Only one club had a lot of girls. The other clubs were getting a later start so we didn't see too many girls. Ineke talked to a dancer who works at a law firm during the day. She has 2 pre-teen children and dances at night to make ends meet. She says the evening job is temporary.

James said he and another manager are tired of working in this industry and want to get out.

Another girl told Amanda she knows what she is doing is wrong, but she chooses to do it anyway. She doesn't want to be like her mother whom the girl called "a hypocritical christian."

A waitress talked to Staci for a long time. She has a child with a serious illness and is working in the club for quick cash. Staci prayed with her about her situation.

The owner of a club told Staci we are welcome in his club anytime & all drinks (alcohol & non-alcohol) are on him. He thanked us for what we do and said the girls need all the help we can give them. He asked if he could give us a donation or help us in any way.

Our t-shirts were a big hit. Several managers and patrons asked for one. They are black & have our JesusLovesDancers logo on the front in silver metallic print and "C u @ the Pole" on the back. I've attached our logo in case you haven't seen it. I'll also be posting pics of the t-shirt at a later date in case you'd like to order one.

I want to thank the PTD team for cooking, bringing food & spending time away from their family on this holiday night. Thanks to Spring First for providing the meat and utensils. You guys are incredible! We appreciate the guy who cut up the turkeys for us. Vicky, you & your Bible study groups are awesome! Thanks for providing so many dishes. Mom, thanks for buying all the stuff & cooking the turkeys at the last moment. We also thank the spouses who showed up and pitched in wherever needed -- including washing dishes & slicing turkeys in the strip club kitchen.

It was a fun night. We are looking forward to next year!

Drenda & the PTD team

Last night (11/17/09)

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 she just wanted prayer for herself “in general” and couldn’t think of specific needs. She seemed very nervous & uncomfortable.

We were able to collect diapers and gave them to one of the girls. We're still collecting clothes and toys for her kids for Christmas.

On Thanksgiving Day we will be serving Thanksgiving dinner in 5 clubs and several modeling studios and massage parlors. We are looking forward to spending time with the girls, management and patrons. We appreciate Spring First, The Crossing, women's bible study groups at The Woodlands United Methodist Church and PTD team members for providing the food and utensils to make this possible!

One manager told me he appreciates everything we do for the girls, and we are welcome in his club any time he is there. Go, God!

Drenda and the PTD team