In a nutshell- we have been thrown a curve ball. God has been doing amazing things in the strip club for about 8 months, and Satan is starting to get ticked! He is flexing his muscles and seeing if we are up for the challenge.
We go to the Bikini club- every Friday at 1:30 to serve lunch and talk with the girls. That is going great. We even have relationships with a few of the girls that have left the club and are working other jobs to provide for their families. This ministry will continue as is.
However- the nude club is where we have an obstacle. Initially the owner allowed us permission to host a special Thanksgiving and Christmas meal. After these he invited us to come back anytime, "You guys are awesome, we love having you here. The food was great- come anytime" So we started going every other Friday night to the Nude club. He allowed us into the dressing room- where we would serve a very nice meal and hang out for an hour or so. Girls were in and out all night- so we had a lot of one on one conversations and really got to know them- their families etc. We have even had a few get togethers outside of the club that some of them have brought their kids to, and significant others. Its been amazing.
Well 2 weeks ago- a Friday night, the bouncer told our team at the door that we weren't allowed to come anymore. With food in hand our girls were so disappointed. Two of them went in to talk with the owner- and he wouldn't budge. We are too distracting, he is running a multi-million dollar business and he doesn't need us in there screwing things up- the girls just wanna be back there with you- they aren't working, etc. They talked with him for about 30 min, trying different options- but No was the answer- they couldn't even leave the food. However he said we can go next door and have the food and talk with the girls when they are there. Next door is the bar and also the VIP room. there is no alcohol in the Nude club- (under 18). So the team took the food there- talked with the bartenders and served a few girls food as they came and went. but it just wasn't the same. in the dressing room, they are so relaxed, not working- its not loud. they eat
talk and then go back out to work.
So I and another leader actually just went to talk with the manager today- and he is standing firm on his decision. We thought maybe if we let him call the shots, and pick a better day- thats not as busy as Friday(which by the way he suggested in the beginning) NO, or if we come in before they open- which he kind of agreed to- but again next door- and he assured us no one will show up early- since they all get there 2 hours late anyway.
So we will just see- He suggested us putting fliers in the dressing room. He said he would be glad to advertise church events, or things you wanna do with the girls outside of the club. He kept stressing how much better it would be to talk with them outside of the club. he said things like- you can't get a robber to quit robbing a bank while they are doing it. And you can talk to a drug addict the night before they do drugs and you have a chance- but not while they are doing it. I know you guys just want to show them that you care- and are there for them, not tell them to get out of here, but He was like you need to talk with them outside of the club or you will never change them. First of all I think it is so cool that he understands why we are really there- (kind of) but second of all- if he knew how powerful our God is, he would not be suggesting us to meet or talk with them outside of the club. He will be out of dancers!
So anyway we are thinking about trying the meal before work- FREE FOOD signs, to see if they will come for that. and also advertising a day in the park a couple times in the month. The last time we did that- we had like 6 come with their families, and they loved it.
So I think this might just be a bump in the road that will take our ministry to the next level. We have been doing the same thing for 8 months, and it seemed like we were just gaining so much momentum, and really building relationships. We have one prayer partner for each specific dancer- and club staff. and our meal teams are really coming together. But now we are just praying to see what God is up to. But still ministering to the girls at the Bikini club each week.
We appreciate your prayers. i know these girls need Gods love, and we are so ready to fully give it to them. The Devil is not gonna stand in our way!
In His love, Alex
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It is so neat to hear what yall are doing! Satan knows that yall are doing God's mighty work and so he is trying to stop it before you're too successful! But you are right, God is so much bigger than him! I'm praying for the owner/manager that he'll have his heart changed to want to serve Jesus with his life! Bless you women who go and serve week after week and share Jesus' love! I admire you and am convicted myself! from afar (NC)!
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