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