Thanksgiving Celebration!

Jesus we are so thankful for you being all over this ministry! Stephanie, Laura, Kim, and I (Alex) met at the church around 8pm the day after Thanksgiving to prepare the food for the night. We were all nervously talking about what to expect in the next few hours.

I was worried Kip, the owner would turn us away saying that we could not be there. My other fear was that if we did get in, we would be embarrassed by how much food we brought. That the girls would just turn their noses up to us, and no one would eat.

Oh contraire! The night could not have gone better! We walked up to Kip to let him know we were there and ask where he would like us to set up the meal. He acted like he had no idea who we were or why we were there! After some gentle reminding- he said whatever, just bring it in the back.

So we all four walked through the nude bar carrying a tray of food each, to the DRESSING ROOM! AMAZING! We were welcomed with squeels, smiles, and excitement. Statements like oh my goodness, thanks so much, you brought us food! This is the only Thanksgiving meal I'll ever have. This is so nice! I can't believe this. And questions like... why are you here, what are you doing, why would you do this for us, and thank you, thank you, thank you.

They were taking turns eating two at a time- fighting over who got to go next, and basically stuffing their faces as fast as they could. They enjoyed every bite- and commented on how great the food was. We even heard- this must have been made by some "grandma types" I know you guys can't cook this good. And I wish I were your kids if you guys made this! We went back to the car twice for the back-up platters, and even fixed them take-home plates.

We were not in the action of the club- answer to prayer, and the girls were relaxed and so comfortable around us. Conversation was amazing... There were several one on one conversations. With 22 girls in and out of the club all night all four of us were able to get to know several of the girls better. And share with them why we were there- to show them that we love them like Jesus loves them.

One girl said I'm so glad you guys are here- it gives us a good reason to hide out back here. One girl said now, you guys are from a church? I thought all church people were judgmental- why would you guys do this for us? My mom goes to church and she says this work is of the devil. I said we want to be like Jesus and love you like he does. We want to be joyful- and show you what He is like. She said Jesus is like that? What a quote! It was an amazing moment. She said well if church people are more like you I might be more interested in going sometime. You guys are even "hip", not all stuffy like "church people"!

I am so glad we could be Jesus to these girls. Emerald City is desperate for the smiling face of Jesus and the grace that He freely gives to each of them. Someone to listen to them talk about their past and their hurts in life. I pray that when they lay down at night they think about those girls who in many ways were much like them... but long for that one thing that makes us different. JESUS.