Emerald City Ministries

There is no one like our God!

2009-04-04T19:43:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I am so excited for this update because I just can't wait to tell you how GOOD our Mighty GOD is.

I went to Chris Tomlin's concert last night in Tampa and little did I know that God was waiting there for me to speak to my heart truth about my life and this ministry. Chris, in the middle of the concert, had a time where he had everyone sit in their seats because He had an amazing God moment to share with us. My heart was so eager to receive the words, because I just love those God moments; how precious they are in our walks. He began to share of how a chrisian band called "Blue Tree" had went to Thailand to do missions work. Thailand is full of sex trafficking, prositution, and brothels where the girls actually live. Well, one day in the midst of their work in the town, an owner of one of the brothels was interested in having Blue Tree come into one of his clubs, "to bring in more business...I think the music will attract more people in.".. The men stood there and only by the strength of Jesus, they responded "Yes, we will do it." So as Jesus called them inside this club, which they describe as having poles out front and women hanging off the balconies, and dancing, trying anything to get customers in, the band walked in heads down, ready to take this amazing opportunity and run. The men began to play worship music for the next 2 hours! They were singing praises over the room, over the house, over the town, giving all honor, glory and praise to Jesus for this amazing opportunity. The lead singer shares that he knew that this experience was so beyond him, but he didn't even know to what extent. And then all of the sudden, Chris said that the lead singer of the group just looked up and was playing this song on his guitar, and all of the sudden these words just started pouring out in song "Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city....There is no one like our God......greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city...." and God just gave him this amazing song, that just filled the room. What power, Chris declared, as he got to watch the actual footage of this taking place because the men had been videotaping this experience. The Holy Spirit just came upon him, and gave him these words to pray and speak aloud over this place...that greater things have yet to come for you, greater things, things you can't even imagine, are still to be done in this place, in this city....God is here. He said at one point, he looked over at some English men that happen to be to the left of the stage area, and he saw their shock as they realized this band was American, and what they were singing about was God, and that the words were speaking that where glory shines from hearts aloud with praise for you and love for you in this city… What an amazing story, of willingness, availability, and just desire to be obedient for Christ.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to this amazing story, and conviction was brought to my heart about this ministry that God has opened the door to and allowed us to be a part of. I think deep down inside, I had allowed myself to think that maybe the doors of this ministry were coming to an end because of the circumstances. As I listened to how powerful our God is and that, first of all, we have been given a special and amazing opportunity for the past 8 months to be inside the walls of this club to love these girls with the love of Christ, is amazing, and also that God is able to in foreign land even, have a band full of men eager to love and share Jesus, go inside a club and pour out songs of worship over these people. How incredible is that? We have got to just pray, pray, pray...over this ministry ladies. What God has called us to is such a great need; they are hungry.

I was blessed to have another one of the girls from the club inside my home today to do her hair. We spent 4 hours today, just talking, laughing, and sharing our hearts about life, kids, even Jesus. We talked about God, and I was able to invite her to church for tomorrow or Easter, or both:) What an amazing site today, to just step back out of myself, and to see what God was up to. Our kids were playing together, our conversation full of laughter, love, and honesty. I remember when this ministry first started and I had declared in a blog, that there would be a day when I would have these girls in my home, my new friends. That is exactly what happened today! How amazing our God truly is....There is NO ONE like our God. WOW:) I love you all, let us keep united in prayer for the work that God still is going to do this in this city, in this place, and in their hearts.

God bless,
Stephanie

Pray, Pray, Pray

2009-03-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with nerves in my stomache stirring from both excitement and anticipation for what tonight would bring. We tried a new approach tonight with this ministry, instead of doing lunches every week, and dinner twice a month, we went tonight on a Monday and brought dinner for both girls getting ready to get off of work and also those getting ready to start work for the night. We felt that God was just ready to do great things tonight as we walked in, and of course as always He sure did.

I was blessed this past weekend by the way, with the opportunity to have one of the girls inside my home. She had called that particular morning with a desire for a makeover with her hair as well as just encouaragement because she was just having "one of those days". I eagerly jumped in my car, picked her up from her house brought her back to mine and spent the next 4 hours just loving on her. How amazing our God is! I remember starting this ministry 8 months ago so excited for the day I would have the privelege of having one of my new friends in my house. What a cool day!

As we walked in the bar tonight, the girls came to see what we had brought for dinner. They didn't have much more time on their shifts so they were eager to leave and also hungry for dinner. Perfect timing for us to come:) We talked about their days and fed them the food filled with love. Everything was going so great as girls were coming one by one from the Night Club to get their dinner from "the church girls" (as they always call us). We were so excited to see that they were actually making the effort to come over to us and talk for a minute and get something to eat. I was talking to one girl in particular and just felt like there was something she needed to talk about. I was asking her how she was doing, and with hesitation she answered that she was doing okay. I just really felt like there was something going on and that she might just open up to me, so I asked again if everything was okay, and about that time, Leanne, came over and said that we had to leave. I was caught off guard, and wasn't sure what was going on. I stopped and asked the bartender what was going on and he responded that he was given the orders to tell us that we needed to pack up our things and leave.

Completely caught off guard and feeling just sick to my stomache, we asked if the owner was there so we could talk to him. He was not there, and so dishearnted and confused, we agreed to leave. We hugged the girls good-bye telling them that we were sorry that we couldn't stay. We told them that we loved them, and hoped that we would see them again soon. As we were leaving the bikini bar, more girls were coming to get food from the night club. We had to tell them that we were asked to leave, and to please tell the girls that we tried to be here, that we loved them, and that we really want to see them again. We gave them flyers about our Sunday gatherings we are planning to have, and encouraged them please to come and have the other girls try to come as well.

As we were getting into the car to leave with all this food leftover, one of the girls was leaving work and we were able to give her a lot of it to take home to her family with 4 little boys at home. We then, got in the car to leave, feeling overwhelmed with grief and disappointment. As we were leaving, God layed something on our hearts to turn around and as we did, the owner pulled into club. Feeling Holy Spirit goosebumps, we followed him with prayer for God to just fill us up and give us the words to speak to him. As we pulled up behind him, we met him at his car and from there asked what had happened for him to change his mind about us being there in the club. He told us that he had had complaints from customers and girls that we made them feel uncomfortable. He said that he had girls come up to him saying that we made them feel uncomfortable because we were just too nice. He also said that girls had told him that we were harrassing them in the parking lot as they were going to work, and also that we were coming in and trying to convince the girls to stop dancing and do something else. He told us that this was his business and that he would not have that anymore. We very lovingly but boldly replied that that couldn't be the case, that there had been no harrassment, only love. We had never come in with the intention to have them leave there, only again to bring them love. He had his mind made up though, that we were no longer welcome there. He said to us that we were nice, awesome girls, but this was again, his business and we were no longer welcome there.
We told him thank you for allowing us the blessing of being there the past 8 months, and if he ever did change his mind, that we would love to come back.

As we drove away this time, I just couldn't help but feel just sad and hopeless. This amazing ministry is coming to an end? I don't think so!!! God is good girls!! We have to remember that as ALWAYS in this and in all things, just because things don't look exactly the way we think they should look, does NOT mean that God isn't working. Okay, the door is shut physically. Spiritually though, we KNOW these girls....by name, about their families, their faces and hearts. God still desires just as much to know them and to call them His own. God is still working in this ministry. Our job description has just adjusted slightly for the time being. We won't be physically walking through those doors every week, but every day we can and need to PRAY PRAY PRAY for those girls, pray for the owner, for the bartenders. This is not the end, this is only a shift of what God has next. We have got to stay faithful together and pray for new opportunities to minister to these lost women. So tonight, I am encouraged knowing that God is good, He is in control, and He still desires to use us if we are willing. I pray that you are all encouraged not to give up hope, but be encouraged to continuously pray for God to be at work in that place.
God works for the good of those who LOVE HIM! Keep loving Him like crazy and be open to where His leading may be parcitucarly in this ministry. Love you girls!! PRAY PRAY PRAY

~Stephanie Crynes

Friday, March 20

2009-03-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Kim Becher was able to minister to the girls of Emerald City this week in the Bikini Bar. She said she got into one girls mind and talked about dreams and future plans. This young lady really wants to be a mechanic, but has not completed her GED. Kim is trying to get information for her about how to complete her GED and encourage her to do so. This is a common problem. They are just not sure how to go about doing basic things, and many don't have the ambition to find out, or support to complete it.

Kim lovingly gave each lady a bag of lotions/spays, etc from her company Beauty Control. She even sent one home for the bartenders girlfriend. The workers must have felt very loved today.

Satan is flexing his muscles- but he knows the POWER we have on our side!

2009-03-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

Friday, March 13

2009-03-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

The majority of the girls Leann and I met yesterday were new to me. From talking to them though they have met someone from our group before. One young girl was very talkative and friendly . . . she got engaged on Monday. A couple of the girls commented about how much they loved the bananas last week. I guess they were eaten very quickly. We told them we would try to bring in bananas for them next time.

~Kim and LeeAnn

February 6

2009-03-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

My initial feelings about the Emerald City outreach began with excitement however, after I experienced the opportunity, I had a much different reaction. On one hand I was enthusiastic and wanted to learn more about the long term vision for this mission. On the other hand, I was extremely frustrated with what I had seen and experienced. I had a lot of questions, and some, I knew may forever go unanswered.

When I heard about the opportunity to get involved and serve the woman at Emerald City, I was excited because I had never been a part of this type of mission work. I was eager to see where maybe I could be utilized in such a unique setting.
There were four of us that went on this particular Friday night. We were surrounded with prayer and were encouraged just to be ourselves.
The girls we met that night were as normal as the four of us, but there were a few things that I felt were glaringly different: a lack of self respect/ self esteem, and education. The lack of these qualities became evident very quickly as we observed the girls, interacted with them, listened to them converse amongst each other, and heard them complain about their everyday frustrations.
I wondered what part of their life journey had caused them to push many of their beliefs/aspirations aside to begin this type of work. One girl in particular I spent some time talking to and found out we had some things in common (nursing being one of them). She was aiming to begin classes at a local college soon and shared an evident passion for the elderly population. She was married with two children, had grown up excelling in sports. A recent move had brought her and her family to Florida. Her husband was unable to get a job, and much to her husbands’ dismay, she began working as a dancer to try to fill the financial need.
Again, at what point do you as a female see dancing as the financial opportunity to get you out of the rut? Is it a lack of education? Is it a feeling that this job, as a dancer, is no different than working at McDonald’s? Is it the thought that you can make a profitable income? We learned from one girl that night that the income was less than desirable. These women actually pay the owner of the strip club to “dance”. The dancers are fined for arbitrary “rules" set by the manager if they don't please the customers. This does not sound like a profitable “win/win” type of scenario to me. Not to mention the constant scrutiny they are under by a manager and customers that treat them as less than humans.
These thoughts ran through my head and ended in frustration. I felt saddened at these women’s lack of emotional support from friends or family who allow them to be treated this way. Where was the encouragement in making them believe they are worthy of much more? I was also irritated at our society for making these women believe that this type of work is all right for them to participation in. Finally, I was perturbed towards the men that come to these strip clubs and treat these women in such an undignified manner.
The ultimate question for me was how do we help? Where do we as Christian woman fit into this scenario and where do we go beyond the donated food and workplace conversation? This opportunity originated from a humble heart listening to God’s cry for these hurting women. I believe initially, we can serve just as Jesus did by listening and discerning their true needs. I feel there is so much room for growth in the work at EC and I’m excited to see where the Lord leads.
Because of obeying this call, I believe God will continue to bless this mission (Matthew 5:1-16). It was my pleasure to play a small part and I hope to be able to continue to serve and brainstorm ways to help these women. His plan can fulfill them and it will be exciting to watch as it plays out in their lives.

By,
Elizabeth Sieracki

A-MA-ZING!!!

2008-12-22T22:06:00.001-08:00

God is so great! Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Since this ministry started the desire of our heart has been to show the women at Emerald City that we love them and care about them . . . but more importantly that God loves them and cares about them. It feels like after this past weekend that we have been given that opportunity in a big way!

Friday night we made our second trip to the nude bar. In the words of Alex and Steph, “A-MA-ZING!” The girls welcomed us excitedly! They were thrilled to see us back . . . especially with a Christmas dinner! Things seemed to be a little slower in the bar so we had great opportunities to get to know the girls better. One of the best parts of the night was handing out Christmas stockings filled with great donated gifts. The girls were so appreciative and couldn’t believe that anyone would do something like that for them. It gave us an amazing opportunity to share why we were there. The owner even came back to hang out with us! He had a plate of food and commented that it would probably be the only Christmas dinner he would get. He stayed in the dressing room and chatted with us probably 20 minutes! When we left he thanked us and said we could come back anytime!!! A-MA-ZING!!

Saturday we had our Christmas Party with the girls at a local park. Six ladies showed up with their significant others and children. Santa was there to hand out presents and take pictures. It was so nice to see the girls outside of the bar environment and get to know them on a more personal basis. It really solidified the fact that they are not so different from us . . . moms who love their kids and are trying to provide for them. Many of them commented on how nice it was to get their kids out to play with other children. They were so appreciative of the gifts their children received. What a fun, amazing, and wonderful day that was!

-Kim

Adopt a Christmas Child

2008-12-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Several of the ladies signed up to have help with their kids' Christmas gifts. All of the children have been adopted by ladies at our church. On December 20th, we are having a Pizza Party at the Port Charlotte Beach Complex Playground. Santa will be there, and the kids will be able to pick up their gifts. We are really looking forward to this party! And it seems like several of the girls are as well. Please let me know if you want to help in anyway. We need donations for Pizza. plates, cups, napkins, drinks, balloons, etc. Please email me at lalexsnyder@yahoo.com to find out how you can help.

Christmas Celebration

2008-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

We are invited to come back to the Nude bar at Emerald City on Friday night, December 19th. We visit the girls at the Bikini Bar at lunch every Friday, but have been given permission for these special events at the Nude Bar. Please pray that the second visit goes as well as the first! The girls will be expecting us! The relationships that we are building are so important. Thank you for partnering in this ministry with us.

Thanksgiving Celebration!

2008-12-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

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.

Update from Nov. 21st

2008-11-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

Please continue to pray for our ministry in the Bikini Bar. It seems the girls have been told not congregate in our little corner where we serve the food. Normally when we go in, the girls come running over, very excited to see us and eat and talk for 30 min to an hour. Last week we were in there maybe 5 minutes. The girls still came over, but one by one- systematically to thank us, but did not eat and went right back to the bar. I guess we were taking them away from work- and the owner and bartenders have asked them not to hang out anymore.

Please also pray for our initial visit into the Nude Bar this Friday. We are taking a Thanksgiving meal in for the girls. At the Bikini Bar there are usually 2-5, the Nude bar has 25-30 they say. There are 5 girls from New Day going this time. We are excited about taking the joy/love of Jesus into such a dark place. Please pray for their reception.

Update from November 14th

2008-11-20T16:54:00.001-08:00

Things are ever changing at Emerald City . Two of the girls we made connections with from the beginning are no longer there and another has quit within the past couple weeks. As of our last visit there are only three girls working the bikini bar. We have had good conversations with them and are building friendships. One girl in particular seemed very down last week. She is lonely and feels like she has been abused by every important person in her life. She asked for our phone numbers and seems very open to meeting outside of EC. Please pray that God will guide us as we build a relationship with her and that he will provide an opportunity for us to share how much he loves her.

Exciting news!!! The owner has agreed to let us visit the Nude Bar on November 28th to provide the girls with a Thanksgiving dinner! We will be going in at 9:00 that evening so please pray!!! He is reluctant to let us in regularly but is allowing us to visit once in December also for a Christmas dinner! During the November visit we are bringing forms for the moms to sign their children up to receive Christmas gifts. A group of women from New Day’s Christian Women’s Fellowship have offered to adopt these children. They have also provided an amazing assortment of stocking stuffers for us to take to the girls in December. We want to shower them with God’s love! He is still opening doors! Pray that these visits go well and that the owner will allow us to start coming on a regular basis.

Please continue praying for our team as we make our regular visits on Fridays at 1:30 . One of the girls shared some disheartening news with us last week. She told us that the owner and bartender have talked about not allowing us to come anymore. We are apparently a distraction since the girls would rather hang out with us than the customers! Please pray for a change of heart for these men.

Thank you so much for your prayers! We can feel them as we enter the doors of the bikini bar. God calms our nerves and gives us the right words to speak at the right time. We know that he has great things planned for this ministry. He has already amazed us beyond anything we could have imagined. Keep it up!!

-Kim Burkett

Update from October 3rd

2008-10-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Each time we visit the girls at Emerald City we are amazed at the opportunities God provides for us to love not only the girls but the men in the club. The bartender is very interested in our church and bringing his children to a special Halloween festival we have. Other men patrons sitting at the bar have asked several questions about why we are there, and are shocked when we explain that we are just being Jesus to the girls and loving them, no strings attached.

Last week I struck up a conversation with a man at the bar when he began asking these similar questions. We ended up having a very good conversation for 5-10 minutes. As I went to talk to one of the girls I said well it was nice talking to you- what was your name? My heart skipped a beat as he said his name!!!! I was talking to the owner, but he didn't realize I knew the name. I have heard the girls say several times how mean he is to them- and how he treats them like dirt.

Later I heard Kim talking to the owner and she asked what his job was, not knowing that he was the owner either. He said oh- I am the bad guy around here. I am the one that is mean to all of these girls, I have owned the place for 17 years. He had a guilty conscious about it. I later said hey- I overheard you saying you are the owner. I have been hoping I would get a chance to meet you. Would you be interested in us providing a meal for the girls at night- in the Nude bar? We talked back and forth about it. He basically said we could without ever answering me yes or no.

He said you guys wouldn't like it over there. These are the good girls. those girls are mean, and crude. They wouldn't treat you right like these girls. I assured him we were willing to love them anyway. He agreed they would love the meal. I think we will be going there soon. I am just waiting for the invitation.

Please pray for the owner- and his willingness to continue allowing us to visit the girls in the bikini lunch bar. Pray that the door to the Night club will also be opened, allowing us to build relationships with more ladies that are so lonely and hurting.

Pray for the bartender and his family- specifically that his interest in the church will peak- and move him to check it out. Even if it is Noah's Fun Fest- and that he would experience the love and joy found in Jesus.

Pray for the girls who need to know they are not just a body- they are daughters of God. Each individual girl has a web of predicaments that we learn more and more about as the relationships get stronger- as they trust us more and open up.

Pray for the team of New Day girls who visit each Friday around 1:30pm. That God will give them peace and courage to bring light into a very dark place.

Another lady has left

2008-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of visiting Emerald City the past two weeks. I have to say that it was an experience like no other. It was incredible. Because there have been other ladies going in weeks prior, the girls opened up to us a little easier. The first week I went, I was a little nervous. I didn't know what I would talk about or even what to expect.

When we walked in, a few of the girls were just standing around. One of them came up to me and just started pouring her heart out. I was a little surprised. Here I am, a total stranger, and this girl is telling me her life story and holding nothing back. I couldn't believe it. She was telling me how she doesn't have a car, and needs to go to the doctor. She can't go to the doctor because she doesn't have the money, and she doesn't have a way to get to the medicaid office to apply for insurance. She also shared how she had been into drugs and now she has been clean for three months. I didn't know what to say. I just tried to encourage her and give her praise because I know it is a constant struggle for her. I left that day with a broken heart. I hated to see what that girl was going through.

The following week was even better. One of the girls told us that she was leaving. She moved to the panhandle this past weekend and is now working at an auto parts store. I was so pumped. Praise God for what he has done in her life that she has the courage and means to do that. On the other hand, another girl is in a terrible situation because she has no home, no car, and very little money.

There was also a new girl working. I had the chance to talk to her. She was so nervous. It was her first day on the job. This girl is just out of high school. She is working to save money to go to radiology school.

As far as prayer requests go, I would ask that you pray for the young lady who is stuck without a home or car. That God would provide for her in a way that she sees his work and knows that it could only have been him. Also, pray for the young lady who is just out of high school. That God would show her a better way to earn money, and that she doesn't get caught up in this way of life.

-Christa

Friday's Visit

2008-09-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yet another amazing week at Emerald City ! I have to admit that I am still so surprised by the wonderful reception we get every time we come. God obviously has his hand on this ministry! Business was slow on Friday so we had plenty of time to talk with the girls. One girl who we talked to regularly is now gone – planning to return home to family. Another girl will leave this week to be with her family also. We love to see them leaving the industry and finding out that they are more than just a body! They are beautiful, talented women who can do anything they want! In a way though, it is sad for me to see them go. I will miss getting to hang out with them and hearing what is happening in their life. Please pray that these women are successful in finding new employment where they are so they do not get sucked back into this lifestyle. Pray also that Christians will reach out to them wherever they end up . . . that the seed that was planted will be watered and eventually we will have new sisters in Christ!

We met a new girl this week. Friday was her first day. Sadly, she is newly graduated from high school. She still has such an innocent, sweet look. She has dreams of going to college and being a dental hygienist. Please pray that she will find a way out of this lifestyle before she gets sucked in.

Exciting news!! We were saying goodbye to the girls when the bartender struck up a conversation with me. He started asking questions about our church: what church it is, where exactly it is located. Then he wanted to know if we had anything for 5 year olds. Apparently he has twin daughters who are in kindergarten and he would like to get them involved in something. I was completely blown away!! The first time I met this man I thought he was going to kick me out and now he wants more information about our church! God is so awesome! Please pray that He will continue tugging on his heart!

I love these girls! I love hanging out with them! I continue to pray daily that God will open their eyes to how much he loves them . . . how much they mean to him!

-Kim

FAITH, Expressing itself through LOVE.

2008-09-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

Empty eyes light up as we walk in. I think even the bartender is starting to look forward to our weekly visits now. Our friends are sitting at the bar just waiting for another day to pass by. Right before we walk in, the nerves are so great inside that I'm not sure if I can do this again....what if we are rejected today?? What if the owner is there and demands we leave "his" girls alone?? Satan loves to TRY and make us doubt, but how thankful I am for the Soveriengty and comfort, and leading of God. He is so INCREDIBLE....EVERYTIME He just leads us into that place of darkness and uses us, ordinary women who love Him, to love on those girls. RIght before I walk in I am reminded by His still small voice speaking to my heart, "Stephanie, remember, this is ME going in there today. These girls don't belong to anyone but ME! I don't NEED you to do this for me, but I WANT you to. I desire to use you for MY glory, and for you to rely on MY strength, and to rely on MY words for those girls. I know them by name, I desire THEM-- their love, their time, their lives......Go and be my disciple, go love those girls for ME."

As I walk in, every thought of anything else in my life fades away, and my ONLY focus is being Jesus to those precious girls. We talk just as any of my other girlfriends would, about life, about families, about hardships, about joys, EVERYTHING. Which makes sense...these girls are my FRIENDS!! How cool is it seeing people the way Jesus sees them. I love these girls and as I get to know them more, my heart hurts but opens up even more for them and their lives. It is amazing to see weekly how these walls are crumbling down more and more. They have shared before that they don't trust anyone, everyone judges them, and hurts them. How cool was it to be able to tell them, "I know it will take time for you to see, but we are different. We DO love you, and we want you to know that you are cared about and prayed for, and we want to be here every week to see who you are inside and what your life is all about. You matter! You matter! You matter to us, and you are worth more than you can even imagine...we love you!" The response was amazing....I know that there are walls to be broken down, but God is SOO more than able to do that....just in His timing.

At the church tonight is a concert, and the girls were talking about how they had nothing to do tonight, so I felt led to invite them to come and just hang out and listen to music. Three of them said they would like to come tonight, so I just pray that they do show up, because I know God is waiting for them to come, He is ready to fill those empty eyes with a love that covers every hurt, every fear, every desire they have. I love my friends...God thank you for using me today. God, thank you for opening the door weekly to meet with these girls and show them that they matter and that they are loved. You are so ROCKIN AWESOME....I can't wait to see what You are going to do next:) Thank you for taking me out of my comfort zone and teaching me how to take my faith and put it into action through your amazing love!! I LOVE YOU

Galatians 5:6 "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love"

-Stephanie

What difference does it make?

2008-09-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

Let’s just call her “Lucy”- Our initial visit with her… "Hi Lucy we are collecting school supplies to donate to single moms in the area and were hoping we could" – she interrupts, "Oh I am sorry I wish I could but I just don’t have anything to give!" She thought we were asking for her to donate. After I cleared that up- she said "oh, no, no I don’t have any children, but thank you." "Well is there anything else we could help you with." "No I am good she continued to just be tough and stand offish." 5 minutes later Liz, myself, and “Lucy” were beginning what would be a 30 min conversation about her life, where she has been, what all she has done, and what led her to work here. We find out that she has not had a descent meal in several months. She is feigning for protein- meat, beans, peanut butter. She says all she has eaten is Noodles and crackers.

With the help of several ladies in our church we were able to take her a good meal, some groceries, and a gift card to buy fresh meat. She was so thankful.

She was only in the club the first two times we were there. Both times she talked about how much she hated working there. She has two degrees from college, has had several jobs, and been through so much in her life. She is a beautiful young lady and extremely well spoken and smart. One bad decision after another had led her down the road to working here.

I asked her what was keeping her here if she hated it so much. She was trying to save $1000 to get up to Pennsylvania where her family lives. I didn’t let it go- how did you decide on that number, and how long do you think it will take you to save it? Only walking away with maybe $50 on a good night it will take several weeks. I have to fix my car- she was a mechanic at one point in her life, but needed to buy the parts. I need gas money, I have bills, and this and that. I told her a plane ticket would probably be around $300. Can you pack up what you need in a couple of bags? Well I have a kitten, and a car, kind of… followed by more excuses. By the way she was talking, I thought she would never leave. Just down in the dumps about life.

This was the last time we saw Lucy. The other girls said they hadn’t seen her in days, when we asked about her. The following week I had a voice mail from her! “Thank you so much for your help. I took your advice, packed everything I own up in two bags and hopped a plane to Pennsylvania! Thank you Thank you! I really appreciate what you did for me.” She didn’t have to call and tell me any of this. But how encouraging it was to hear from her

So what difference does it make, just talking to the girls, and providing a lunch for them? People have said we are enabling them, or encouraging what they are doing by going there and loving them. But loving her like Christ made a difference in “Lucy’s” life.

All GLORY and HONOR and PRAISE to Jesus! We alone are nothing, but we can do all things through Him who gives us strength! Phillipians 4:13

What is it like?

2008-09-08T20:43:00.001-07:00

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.

How did it begin?

2008-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

A passion was struck in my heart when my husband mentioned the idea one Sunday morning in his sermon. He was talking about GRACE, and how it is for everyone. Even those we are tempted to think may not deserve it. He gave a list of ideas that are just too far out there, risky, a scandalous way of sharing this GRACE that God so freely gives. What if a group of ladies here in this church loved girls in the local strip club? At that moment I knew God was telling me, yes you Alex.

I prayed for several weeks about how this ministry could get started. What would it look like? I researched other churches with similar ministries and contacted a couple of the ministry leaders to learn more. In May I started talking with other ladies about being a part of this ministry to exotic dancers. I got a lot of negative and discouraging feedback. There is no way you will get in there. How do you think you will? Its just too risky, too dangerous. I just don’t know how it will ever work. I continued to pray and ask God to bring the right people to the team, who were willing to get out of their comfort zones, to love girls and just show them that they count.

As I continued to talk with ladies about my passion for this ministry, God was also stirring in other women’s hearts. We had an interest meeting in August to pray and prepare for what to do next. There were six ladies who were excited about reaching Emerald City with God’s GRACE. I thought I had it all figured out. At the meeting I told the girls I was going to a training in Lexington at a church who has a ministry like this called Bruised Reed. When I get back I will train you guys and anyone else who is interested, towards the end of August. And then in September some time we will go to the club for the first time. Everyone was excited but wondering do you have a plan for how to actually get in there- How do you think that will work? Let’s just all pray for a way in, God will make it obvious to us, and provide a way when the time is right.

Well, God just laughed in my face about all the plans I had worked out! Oh yeah- He says Watch me. But listen closely, because here we go.

Later that night I was sharing stories about what other churches have done. One church collected backpacks full of school supplies and took them to the moms who work in the clubs. The team was so excited about this. We have jump on this school starts next week- this may be our way in! So I left that night planning to call the Manager and see if this is something we could do.

Through prayer and encouragement from a friend I realized the need to go in person to ask. If I get someone on the phone it will be really easy for them to say no thanks. If I am there in person I may actually be able to talk with some of the girls. SO that is exactly what happened- Liz and I went to Emerald City on Wednesday, August 13th, the day after our first meeting!

You can read about our visits on this blog.

To be Loved is to be Known and to be Known is to be Loved

2008-09-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Weary and Burdened

2008-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Heartbroken. Lonely. Degraded. Hopeless. These are all words I would use to describe the women I met at Emerald City. Their eyes were hollow and I struggled to keep my emotions in check as I listened to their stories. Abandoned by their families at a young age. Abused physically and sexually by men who claimed to love them. Told to their faces almost daily that they are worthless . . . “expendable people”. It seemed obvious to me that, over time, they had come to believe those words were true.

I must admit that when I left Emerald City I felt depressed. I had never sat across from someone so broken and hurting. What did I possibly have to offer these women whose lives are completely different from mine? My struggles would seem like cotton candy to them. It was there, in the moment of my helplessness, that God opened my eyes. He showed me that I do have something to offer them . . . hope! The hope that there is an escape from their pain. A Savior who longs to rescue them. To show these unloved, unwanted women that they are loved, they are wanted. So much so that their Savior willingly chose to die on a cross for THEM! He gave up his life so they could have new ones – filled with all the love, joy and peace they’ve been searching for.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” That is what these women need! Please pray for them! They need you to intercede! Jesus longs to rescue them and he wants you and me to be a part of it!

-Kim Burkett

Third Visit

2008-08-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

What an amazing and humbling experience! I had the privelege of going to Emerald City and from the moment we walked in you could feel the Holy Spirit take over and fill that place through Alex and I. The girls were in mid-dance around the pole, and as soon as we opened up the door to walk in, they stopped and hurried over to us saying with excitement, "hey guys!" You could really feel the sense of relief in their voices that here they were, the girls with the food, but more important the smiles and love from Jesus ready to pour out over them.

I immediately was able to connect to one of the girls, who, by the world's standards is a gorgeous woman, but as her and I began to talk I discovered her true beauty, her heart. She was immediately telling me about one of her friends that was in need of clothes or anything we could muster up because she is expecting her first baby. She told me how awesome she thought it was that we were coming to bring them food and to hang out for a little while...which by the way ROCKED my socks off knowing that they WANT us there!! Another girl, just as precious, said to me that she wanted to cry because of what we were doing for them, just coming there to bring them food. She told me that her parents had owned a thrift store and a homeless shelter while she was growing up, and said NEVER had she seen anyone willing to do what we were doing. God is that you??

As I have processed the first visit to Emerald City, there are so many conclusions I have come to on how awesome our Lord truly is, but the one I wanted to focus on this time is how truly Sovereign He is. He already has us inside the walls of this place of despair, with girls who are hungry. Right now they only know of their physical hunger, but by the time God has his way through us and in them, they will realize their spiritual need, their spiritual hunger for Jesus. I told Craig, my husband, that I believe with all my heart that there will come a time when I have those girls inside my home for dinner, and our prayer before we eat will be "God thank you for my new friend and bless her new journey with you." These girls are our friends, they are all children of the Almighty King, and our soon to be sisters in Christ. How exciting to be part of a ministry that truly tests your faith and ability to let go and let God!! I wish everyday was Friday so we could minister to those girls everyday, but they need our saturday thru thursdays just as much filled with prayer, preparation through our own personal devotion to get us ready for what those girls are truly longing for and needing to fulfill.

-Stephanie Crynes

He knows you by name!

2008-08-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Someone Likes You and Knows You by Name

"And the Lord said to Moses, 'I will also do the thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I have known you by name.'" Ex. 33:17 (NAS)

Today, because of Jesus, you can have the same favor from God that Moses enjoyed. God actually likes you, wants to be with you, and you can experience God's presence wherever you go. And just as He did with Moses, God knows you by name.
In our impersonal, nameless society, it's exciting to know that there's One who likes you, wants to be with you and knows you by name. And that's something to tell the whole world about. -Glenn Howard White Jr.

"To him (Jesus) the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out." John 10:3

The girls eyes lit up when we walked in today and called them by name- they seemed shocked. In an industry where they are just bodies, we have expressed interest in their lives. Looking only at their faces, and reminding them that they are a real person, with a face and a name. These girls are just girls. Its so fun to talk with them- and its not awkward at all. Its just like talking to a friend in a bikini at the beach. They look so lonely and scared and ashamed- and then you talk with them like they are a real person, and their smiles are so genuine. We chatted and laughed and just enjoyed friendship with these ladies, who are simply children of God.

The word quickly spread in the club. When we walked in today a new lady said, "we have heard great stuff about you. Thanks for coming." I was sure there would be more difficulty going back again- it was just too easy the first time. But they were so excited to see us return... and this time with cookies! Man they were happy about that. And the men were too!

We had an opportunity to meet another bartender/manager and he is fine with us being there as well. We have yet to meet the owner but we are hoping the good word about us spreads to him before that initial introduction.

When we were in conversation one of the ladies said, you guys should come more often- remember we had just been there two days before. We assured them that we would be back in another week. I think Friday afternoons may be our best schedule for now. We are meeting the girls that work there in the bikini bar, and some of them also work in the nude bar at night. Our prayer is to eventually expand the ministry to the night scene, but for now are pouring our hearts into the bikini bar.

Please thank God for this opportunity and leading us with each new step in this ministry.
Please pray for
Our relationships to grow with these girls as we build trust and friendship.
One young lady who wants to save up enough money to "get out" and move to Pennsylvania.
One young lady who's husband has lost his job, requiring her to pick up more shifts.
The hearts of the ministry team members to be stirred and follow God's lead.

When we left today a couple of the girls gave us meaningful hugs- you could just tell by the embrace ya know. I told one of them as she repeatedly thanked us, we just want to love you like God loves you. You know He loves you so much, really. And she just kept saying thank you.

He knows each one of them by name. And the doorkeeper has opened the door for Him to enter in. Christ will be shared with His sheep. They will here his voice and He will lead them out. John 10:3

Satan is TICKED!

2008-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

God is AMAZING! Our meeting last night went well, for those of you who couldn't attend. We just painted a picture of what this ministry could look like. And prayed for the girls/staff at the club and the relationships that will be built.

We brainstormed ideas on the best way to serve the ladies. My thinking all along was that I would go to this training at Southland Christian Church in Lexington in August. They have a ministry to exotic dancers. In two weeks I will get to not only train with the ministry leader but actually go to the clubs with a team.

After the training I planned to come back and train anyone else interested in showing God's love to Emerald City. Then I thought we would aim for the end of September to be the first delivery of gifts. We have all decided this would be the best way- meet a physical need. No strings attached just a gift in love to start breaking the walls so to say.

Last night at the meeting everyone was so excited about getting school supplies to the moms and even dads that may work there. School starts next week so everyone agreed we need to get on this. So I thought I'll call and see if the manager will let us deliver some stuff for them, and ask how many of the staff have kids, etc.

Well isn't it funny when we plan everything out- that God just chuckles... He said- go there! meet the manager/owner, ask in person. So Liz and I went today. We were able to meet the Video Store owner, the Manager at the Bikini Bar, and three super sweet girls, in need of friends and a Savior! We were there over an hour and man it was just amazing how receptive they were. I shouldn't even act so amazed... we asked God and He provided the way!

Please pray for these girls. They are hungry. They may not know they are hungry for Christ yet- right now all they know is they are hungry for food! We'll meet the physical need first- They are already shocked and curious as to why we would want to do this- We just want to love them like God does.

So... I am going back Friday afternoon to give a good home cooked meal and school supplies to the ladies. There may be others there and it will just be a ripple affect when they all start chatting about these girls who are "different". That's where the questions start and the conversations begin.

How awesome is it that we know we can at least go to the bikini bar anytime we want. We built good first relationships. Hopefully soon we will connect with the Nude bar owner- Kip. and see if we can provide school supplies to the staff there as well.

Continue to be in prayer- Satan is TICKED!