What is it like?

I keep getting this question from people. On my way to Emerald City I have knots in my stomach and just feel like I am going to get sick. I am so nervous. Each partner I have gone with feels the same way as we are driving closer. We are talking about what might happen inside, preparing each other for questions that could be asked, and worrying if we will have the right answers. What will we have to talk about with the girls, or what if the manager or even owner says we can’t be there.

Phillippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

We pray in the parking lot, and as soon as we swing the heavy metal door open the feelings disappear. God enters in. Not that He wasn’t there before- He is always with us, but He calms our fears, gives us that PEACE and reminds us there is nothing to fear.



The girls are so welcoming, waving and smiling. So thankful we are back. For the next hour or so we just hang out with the girls. Listening and talking with them just as the friends they really have become. About our families, movies, the Olympics- conversations are so natural. Since the very first Friday we have been there each week. This means a lot to the girls. We are not there to judge, or throw religion at them. The girls have seen that we are different and truly care about them. Their trust is increasing and they are opening up so much more. We look them in their eyes and smile and laugh with them. They have said they are glad its not another man walking through the door.

Sometimes we have food, or gifts, sometimes we don't. A friend reminded me that we are not a social service agency. We can't provide for their every need. We are there to give them something of much greater value and to meet a much greater need than their physical needs. We have the gift of Salvation, a friend that will never forsake them.

I have never been involved in anything so amazing. How could the same exact experience give me so much joy and despair? It’s an amazing feeling to love these girls, who need a friend so bad. They are lonely and so hurt on many levels. I laugh inside sometimes that God has allowed us in one more time. That I was so worried that this time for sure there will be a barrier. Its just so fun to do something each week that is so far out of your comfort zone, and that you know is bringing Glory to God.

At the same time we are bombarded with sadness at the evil here. The oppression and darkness is unbearable. Satan is at work. The girls tell story after story about their home life growing up, what led them to this point, and how worthless they feel. Can you imagine being groped, poked, and yelled at daily to provide for your family. When you are treated like that its hard to believe you matter, and that you are more than just a body.

So why are you here they ask? We are there to show them that someone cares. That God loves them more than they can imagine. We are not hiding the Gospel from them, but also not shoving it down their throats. We are not there to get them out of their current occupation or to get them into church. Our goal is to develop a relationship with them, and through that intimacy and trust they will meet Jesus. As they lead the conversation about how we are different and why we are there, we are able to share with them about our faith in Jesus. He will work in their lives. He loves them just as they are, but desires a fuller life for them. We pray that we can show them this life to the fullest with Christ.

(John 10:10) I came to give life and life to the fullest.