Friday night's outreach was a very special occasion for a couple of Treasures volunteers who, for the first time, bravely ventured out to the very clubs where they used to work. My heart swelled with joy as I watched them conquer fears and venture back to places that represent their past—this time, with a newfound sense of purpose and future.
A special guest, Vicky Taylor from Nashville, TN, also joined us. Vicky was sent on behalf of her church, (http://www.emmauschurch.tv/) for some hands-on training and will be starting an outreach in her hometown! We are so exited to see the vision to extend a hand to God's precious daughters spread throughout the nation.
For all the successes and the couple hundred girls that received gift bags, the night was not without some bumps in the road. When we arrived at one club that is normally very receptive to us, we were told that we would not be able to leave gift bags for the girls as the owner was there. We asked if we could speak with her and were told that it wasn't possible.
We were tipped off that she owns two other clubs that were on our route that night. We left our gift bags at the second club without a glitch. We arrived at the third club and, just as volunteers were being warmly greeted by the bouncer who remembered us from previous outreaches, the owner called and told him that she didn't want us leaving gifts at any of her clubs. When one of the dancers saw that we were being turned away from the club, she began to push through the security exclaiming, "Hey wait! Those are my favorite white girls right there!" J
When security would not let her exit, she ran outside through another door shouting, "You don't own me! I'm outside the club now and I'm gonna get my gift!"
We were both impressed and entertained by this young woman's tenacity. She wanted her gift bag and not even a 250-pound security guard was going to stop her. But beyond entertained, we were moved. The way she was willing to fight for her gift reminds us of all the girls out there who want and need to hear the simple message that they are loved and valuable.
Please pray for the owner of these clubs. Pray that her heart softens and that she will see the sincerity in our intentions. We hope that next time she will welcome us into all three of her clubs.
http://www.iamatreasure.com/
www.myspace.com/treasuresnonprofit.com
