Out of the Mouths of Treasures!
When you partner with Treasures, YOU are making a difference! Below are thank you notes from our girls that I wanted to share with you…
Loved.
“Just wanted to say a little thank you for all you allow Him to do through you. Thank you for sharing His love with me through this ministry. In chains of shame I am most often shackled, usually without a fight... You have helped me to see that I am truly a treasure, truly a new creation. My worth is far above rubies, and I am better cared for than the birds of the air who neither reap nor sow. I am in His hands and Loved fully, completely by Him.
Thank you for helping me to continue to realize these truths. Thank you for helping me to no longer dwell on the past, but instead keep moving forward into healing and restoration. Thank you!”
Valued.
“Being a dancer for almost ten years took its toll on me and I witnessed many unfortunate things during my life as a dancer. Your organization has helped me and countless other women to quit a life of degradation to better our lives. Today I hope that my story will help others to understand how dangerous this lifestyle really is. Thank you!”
Purposed.
“I've become so much stronger! I was almost pronounced dead earlier this year and even had to have heart surgery. During my struggles, I would read the testimonies from Treasures of other women like me and I would cry and thank God for what he's doing. I knew that what He did for them, He could do for me too. My dream now is to travel and do mission work, help build homes for the needy, and to do charity work, wherever God leads me. I want to encourage people that God is real and there is nothing He can't do. God even said we would do great things and today, I believe it and receive it. Thank you all for your prayers, support, and love.”
Treasured.
So I just wanted to send an email to let you guys know what God has done through the Treasures organization. I've heard of you guys and I turned my life around 2 years ago! Recently I began seeing how I needed to face my past and be completely healed. I know God will use my past to bring other girls to Him but I needed to deal with it first. I started listening to the Treasures teaching cds. Just from listening to the first CD my heart got turned back to Him. I trust you guys and I read ALL of the devotionals that you send out! I'm just so excited because with what I hear and apply to MY own life with what is being taught I know God is faithful to fully heal and restore me! So I just wanted to say THANK YOU.”
Treasures.
It's hard to believe that this month marks 6 years since I founded Treasures. We've come a long way since then but our vision is still the same. Seeing young women go from needing support and mentoring to reaching and serving other women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, and life in the sex industry is watching the vision come full-circle!
None of this would be possible without YOU, our supporter! Your giving is essential to continuing to offer support and mentoring to these precious women. Before the year ends, we are asking you to consider making a financial contribution so that in 2010, we can continue strong in offering hope and restoration to the women we serve.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Harmony & The Treasures Team
PS. One-time and monthly contributions can be made at www.iamatreasure.com/donations
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What would you do?
You can make a difference
in the lives of women like Crystal . . .
Crystal*, a 21-year-old mother of two, had been stripping since she was fifteen. Two years ago, she miraculously reached out for help.
Like too many women, Crystal, hurting and vulnerable, was lured into sex work when she was just a child. Some are coerced and manipulated by men posing as boyfriends or caring “father figures,” while others are kidnapped and forced into sex work by traffickers.
While she was still stripping, Crystal made the commitment to change her life. She found a church where sincere love came from a pastor and his wife. But not everyone loved her...
Two women discovered what she did for a living. Showing up on her doorstep, they told Crystal she and her children were not welcome at their church.
Crystal desperately called the pastor. He assured her that he would speak to the women about the matter. But then the women returned to Crystal’s home -- this time with threats.
"The next time you go running to the pastor will be your last!"
The following morning, Crystal found her car vandalized. In the middle of the night, someone painted the words "Whore, Prostitute, Slut" on her car. Other names were also added, but too vile to include here.
In spite of feelings of hurt and anger, Crystal demonstrated a relentless pursuit of God. She was unwilling to allow anyone come in the way of her love of God . . . and her desire to know Him intimately. Many people in Crystal’s position would never set foot in a church again. Could anyone blame her?
With incredible tenacity, Crystal didn’t allow the ignorance of two people to keep her from finding a safe church where she and her children could grow and heal. The transformation in Crystal’s life is nothing short of miraculous! Recently, she wrote...
“Harmony, my family and I are doing well. Thank you for the time you took to talk with me and encourage me. I am now the youth pastor at our church! I also share my story publicly alongside my pastor, with the heart of our message being Treasures and the investment you made in my life. My church is raising funds for Treasures to keep you doing what you do and reaching these girls—the girls you and I once were. Treasures made a huge difference in my life.”
When you partner with Treasures, you help heal and transform women just like Crystal!
Your gift of $25, $50, $100, $200, or even $500 or more will purchase special gift bags, care packages, and Bibles for the women we are reaching.
What better gift can you make as the holidays arrive?
With Love & Gratitude,
Harmony Dust
Founder
PS. Donations can be made at www.iamatreasure.com/donations or mailed to PO # 2013 North Hills, CA 91343-2013
*Names and identifying info has been changed to protect confidentiality.
in the lives of women like Crystal . . .
Crystal*, a 21-year-old mother of two, had been stripping since she was fifteen. Two years ago, she miraculously reached out for help.
Like too many women, Crystal, hurting and vulnerable, was lured into sex work when she was just a child. Some are coerced and manipulated by men posing as boyfriends or caring “father figures,” while others are kidnapped and forced into sex work by traffickers.
While she was still stripping, Crystal made the commitment to change her life. She found a church where sincere love came from a pastor and his wife. But not everyone loved her...
Two women discovered what she did for a living. Showing up on her doorstep, they told Crystal she and her children were not welcome at their church.
Crystal desperately called the pastor. He assured her that he would speak to the women about the matter. But then the women returned to Crystal’s home -- this time with threats.
"The next time you go running to the pastor will be your last!"
The following morning, Crystal found her car vandalized. In the middle of the night, someone painted the words "Whore, Prostitute, Slut" on her car. Other names were also added, but too vile to include here.
In spite of feelings of hurt and anger, Crystal demonstrated a relentless pursuit of God. She was unwilling to allow anyone come in the way of her love of God . . . and her desire to know Him intimately. Many people in Crystal’s position would never set foot in a church again. Could anyone blame her?
With incredible tenacity, Crystal didn’t allow the ignorance of two people to keep her from finding a safe church where she and her children could grow and heal. The transformation in Crystal’s life is nothing short of miraculous! Recently, she wrote...
“Harmony, my family and I are doing well. Thank you for the time you took to talk with me and encourage me. I am now the youth pastor at our church! I also share my story publicly alongside my pastor, with the heart of our message being Treasures and the investment you made in my life. My church is raising funds for Treasures to keep you doing what you do and reaching these girls—the girls you and I once were. Treasures made a huge difference in my life.”
When you partner with Treasures, you help heal and transform women just like Crystal!
Your gift of $25, $50, $100, $200, or even $500 or more will purchase special gift bags, care packages, and Bibles for the women we are reaching.
What better gift can you make as the holidays arrive?
With Love & Gratitude,
Harmony Dust
Founder
PS. Donations can be made at www.iamatreasure.com/donations or mailed to PO # 2013 North Hills, CA 91343-2013
*Names and identifying info has been changed to protect confidentiality.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Men of the Industry
The men of the sex industry—the gatekeepers. Strip club owners, managers, bouncers.
Before we can get through the doors to talk to the women, there is always a man standing in our path that we must first get through.
This weekend we returned to the San Fernando Valley, the porn capital of the nation, to bring gifts, hugs, and Jesus’ love to the women working in the strip clubs there. In one night, we encountered so many different gatekeepers as we try to reach the women inside.
Some are friendly, expecting us, glad to see us.
Some are suspicious, taking the gift bags hesitantly.
And some seem ashamed of working in the sex industry. Their eyes plead with us for understanding.
We always bring gifts for the men too, so they will be assured that we haven’t come to judge or to attack. We’ve come to give and to love.
We are women reaching out to women. And yet before God created Eve, He created Adam. And to this day, men still hold the keys to the hearts of so many lives of women.
Over the past several years, one club owner has been unrelenting in his “no”—unwilling to allow us access to the women in his club. At one point he showed us the Darwin fish on the back of his car, to prove that he is an evolutionist. He have always respectfully thanked him for his time and each year we return, praying that God would soften his heart.
This time he asked us if there was anything “religious” in our gift bags. We gave him a bag that he could look through to see the make-up, the jewelry, and the card that reads, “Precious woman, you are loved!” He then clarified, “No… I want to know, if I go to your website, is there anything religious there.” One volunteer, without hesitation, replied, “Yes, you will see the name Jesus.”
Jesus, there is power in the name. We were escorted off the property of that club. But not before the owner heard the name that is above all names. Not before the name was spoken that can bring down all strongholds, that can open prison doors, that can bring the dead to life. Jesus.
As we drove away from that club, we knew that a battle had been won. Jesus came to that man’s doorstep.
Nothing will stop God’s love from getting through to the women inside that club. But Jesus also wants the gatekeeper, He wants that one man. He will not give up on him, just as He doesn’t give up on us.
Written by Larissa for Treasures
www.iamatreasure.com
Before we can get through the doors to talk to the women, there is always a man standing in our path that we must first get through.
This weekend we returned to the San Fernando Valley, the porn capital of the nation, to bring gifts, hugs, and Jesus’ love to the women working in the strip clubs there. In one night, we encountered so many different gatekeepers as we try to reach the women inside.
Some are friendly, expecting us, glad to see us.
Some are suspicious, taking the gift bags hesitantly.
And some seem ashamed of working in the sex industry. Their eyes plead with us for understanding.
We always bring gifts for the men too, so they will be assured that we haven’t come to judge or to attack. We’ve come to give and to love.
We are women reaching out to women. And yet before God created Eve, He created Adam. And to this day, men still hold the keys to the hearts of so many lives of women.
Over the past several years, one club owner has been unrelenting in his “no”—unwilling to allow us access to the women in his club. At one point he showed us the Darwin fish on the back of his car, to prove that he is an evolutionist. He have always respectfully thanked him for his time and each year we return, praying that God would soften his heart.
This time he asked us if there was anything “religious” in our gift bags. We gave him a bag that he could look through to see the make-up, the jewelry, and the card that reads, “Precious woman, you are loved!” He then clarified, “No… I want to know, if I go to your website, is there anything religious there.” One volunteer, without hesitation, replied, “Yes, you will see the name Jesus.”
Jesus, there is power in the name. We were escorted off the property of that club. But not before the owner heard the name that is above all names. Not before the name was spoken that can bring down all strongholds, that can open prison doors, that can bring the dead to life. Jesus.
As we drove away from that club, we knew that a battle had been won. Jesus came to that man’s doorstep.
Nothing will stop God’s love from getting through to the women inside that club. But Jesus also wants the gatekeeper, He wants that one man. He will not give up on him, just as He doesn’t give up on us.
Written by Larissa for Treasures
www.iamatreasure.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Be the 1st to read my memoir!
Be the FIRST to read my memoir, Scars & Stilettos!!! See below!
Before you run to the mall & buy your mom another scented candle for Christmas…
Why not give a gift that keeps on giving?
When you purchase our devotional, “Reflections on God Life & Woman”, the darling Treasures T-shirt, or The Diamond Collection, our soulful compilation cd, ALL of the proceeds go to reaching women in the sex industry with the message that they are loved, valued and purposed!
AND! You can be the FIRST to read Harmony’s memoir, Scars & Stilettos! The Treasures store is the ONLY PLACE you can purchase this book before January, 2010! Stock is limited so order your signed copy today! When you buy copies for your friends, you can save from 10-30% off your purchase!
Visit our store for details…. www.iamatreasure.com/store
PS. To request that your signed copy of Scars & Stilettos be personalized, please notate in comment section during check out.
Before you run to the mall & buy your mom another scented candle for Christmas…
Why not give a gift that keeps on giving?
When you purchase our devotional, “Reflections on God Life & Woman”, the darling Treasures T-shirt, or The Diamond Collection, our soulful compilation cd, ALL of the proceeds go to reaching women in the sex industry with the message that they are loved, valued and purposed!
AND! You can be the FIRST to read Harmony’s memoir, Scars & Stilettos! The Treasures store is the ONLY PLACE you can purchase this book before January, 2010! Stock is limited so order your signed copy today! When you buy copies for your friends, you can save from 10-30% off your purchase!
Visit our store for details…. www.iamatreasure.com/store
PS. To request that your signed copy of Scars & Stilettos be personalized, please notate in comment section during check out.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Jesus and the Magic Wand
A Treasure for You: The Treasures E-Devotional
Jesus and the Magic Wand
By Harmony Dust
In the popular story of Cinderella, our heroine goes from handmaid to princess with the wave of a wand. Most of us would say that this sort of transformation belongs in fairytales but, truth be told, many of us are hoping that someone with a magic wand will come along and fix everything that’s wrong with our circumstances.
I have had the opportunity to share my story for a number of media outlets, and time and time again have seen well-meaning producers look for the magic wand in my story. Some have even tried to peg Jesus himself as my own personal fairy godmother…granting my every wish and desire. And while the transformation that has taken place in my heart and life is pretty miraculous (just ask the people who knew me when I had taken up knocking men in the head with my stilettos when they crossed me). I always tell them the same thing, “Healing is most often a process.”
We like the “healing and transformation” part. It’s the “process” part that isn’t always enjoyable. So often we say we want to change, but we end up getting knocked off course by the first wave of difficulty that hits us.
The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the sermon on the mount during which Jesus gives keys on how to live. He addresses everything from giving, fasting, and prayer, to loving people, marriage, and dealing with anger and emotions.
After he finished giving all of this insight and wisdom he says…
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:47-49
Much of the healing journey consists of the “digging down deep” part this passage refers to. This is where the work comes in. In order to heal and to develop the kind of faith that will withstand the storms of life, we’ve got to do some digging.
I am reminded of a time when the front yard of my childhood home in Venice was filled with crab grass. My mom took my brother and I out there one day with shovels and said it was time for us to uproot it all. She called the crab grass conquering grass, explaining that its roots would choke out any other seed we planted. As long as we let the conquering grass rule our yard, nothing else would be able to grow there.
The same is true with our lives. Some of us are working hard at planting new healthy seeds, but we haven’t uprooted the old stuff. And we wonder why those same old hurts and issues keep rearing their ugly heads in the garden of our lives. Those old, conquering issues are choking out all of our efforts to plant something new.
In order to lay a proper foundation for healing to take place, we have to allow God to dig down deep and uproot the things that are choking our efforts to get well. Abuse, shame from our past, unforgiveness, roots of rejection and abandonment—all need to be removed from the soil of our lives for healing to take place.
Incredible healing and transformation is possible. It’s available. If you have been waiting on Jesus to wave a magic wand over your life and nothing seems to be changing, chances are, He’s handing you a shovel.
Let’s get digging! Let’s get healed!
Love, Harmony
www.iamatreasure.com
Jesus and the Magic Wand
By Harmony Dust
In the popular story of Cinderella, our heroine goes from handmaid to princess with the wave of a wand. Most of us would say that this sort of transformation belongs in fairytales but, truth be told, many of us are hoping that someone with a magic wand will come along and fix everything that’s wrong with our circumstances.
I have had the opportunity to share my story for a number of media outlets, and time and time again have seen well-meaning producers look for the magic wand in my story. Some have even tried to peg Jesus himself as my own personal fairy godmother…granting my every wish and desire. And while the transformation that has taken place in my heart and life is pretty miraculous (just ask the people who knew me when I had taken up knocking men in the head with my stilettos when they crossed me). I always tell them the same thing, “Healing is most often a process.”
We like the “healing and transformation” part. It’s the “process” part that isn’t always enjoyable. So often we say we want to change, but we end up getting knocked off course by the first wave of difficulty that hits us.
The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the sermon on the mount during which Jesus gives keys on how to live. He addresses everything from giving, fasting, and prayer, to loving people, marriage, and dealing with anger and emotions.
After he finished giving all of this insight and wisdom he says…
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:47-49
Much of the healing journey consists of the “digging down deep” part this passage refers to. This is where the work comes in. In order to heal and to develop the kind of faith that will withstand the storms of life, we’ve got to do some digging.
I am reminded of a time when the front yard of my childhood home in Venice was filled with crab grass. My mom took my brother and I out there one day with shovels and said it was time for us to uproot it all. She called the crab grass conquering grass, explaining that its roots would choke out any other seed we planted. As long as we let the conquering grass rule our yard, nothing else would be able to grow there.
The same is true with our lives. Some of us are working hard at planting new healthy seeds, but we haven’t uprooted the old stuff. And we wonder why those same old hurts and issues keep rearing their ugly heads in the garden of our lives. Those old, conquering issues are choking out all of our efforts to plant something new.
In order to lay a proper foundation for healing to take place, we have to allow God to dig down deep and uproot the things that are choking our efforts to get well. Abuse, shame from our past, unforgiveness, roots of rejection and abandonment—all need to be removed from the soil of our lives for healing to take place.
Incredible healing and transformation is possible. It’s available. If you have been waiting on Jesus to wave a magic wand over your life and nothing seems to be changing, chances are, He’s handing you a shovel.
Let’s get digging! Let’s get healed!
Love, Harmony
www.iamatreasure.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What's in a Name?
What’s in a name?
On Friday night, the Treasures team reached 790 women working in strip clubs in Downtown Los Angeles! Some were your typical razzle-dazzle clubs with bright lights and valet parking, while others were dingy joints tucked away near Skid Row.
790. It’s more than a number. That figure represents women—unique, adored, purposed women—and God knows each of them by name. To be known is one of our deepest human desires. One of the encounters we had during the outreach reflected the depth of this desire.
We walked into a small dressing room where a couple of girls were primping. I handed a gift to a half-dressed young woman who was counting her tips. “What’s this for?” she asked. “A gift for you. Just to let you know you are loved.” I responded.
She cracked a smile as she peered into the little pink bag. “Why are you guys doing this for us?” she continued.
I went on to explain that I had been a dancer too and now we go back into strip clubs to offer encouragement and support to other women working there. “You can call us if you just need someone to talk to or if you ever need any help or resources”. Her eyes welled with tears and she threw her arms around me. I held her for a moment and she said her name is Precious.
“Your name is Precious!? Look at the card in your gift! It was made for you!” I exclaimed pointing to the top of the note addressed: “Precious Woman”.
Seeing her name written on the card, she turned away and began to weep.
How significant it is to be known. Sought out. Called by name.
There is a Love calling each of us by name. He sees all. Knows all. And He loves every bit of you. May we be as overcome by that truth as Precious was.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
P.S…
Harmony will be featured on an episode of Pure Passion TV on Sunday, October 25th.
That's Direct TV #376 & Dish Network #267 at 8 PM (PT). www.PurePassion.us
On Friday night, the Treasures team reached 790 women working in strip clubs in Downtown Los Angeles! Some were your typical razzle-dazzle clubs with bright lights and valet parking, while others were dingy joints tucked away near Skid Row.
790. It’s more than a number. That figure represents women—unique, adored, purposed women—and God knows each of them by name. To be known is one of our deepest human desires. One of the encounters we had during the outreach reflected the depth of this desire.
We walked into a small dressing room where a couple of girls were primping. I handed a gift to a half-dressed young woman who was counting her tips. “What’s this for?” she asked. “A gift for you. Just to let you know you are loved.” I responded.
She cracked a smile as she peered into the little pink bag. “Why are you guys doing this for us?” she continued.
I went on to explain that I had been a dancer too and now we go back into strip clubs to offer encouragement and support to other women working there. “You can call us if you just need someone to talk to or if you ever need any help or resources”. Her eyes welled with tears and she threw her arms around me. I held her for a moment and she said her name is Precious.
“Your name is Precious!? Look at the card in your gift! It was made for you!” I exclaimed pointing to the top of the note addressed: “Precious Woman”.
Seeing her name written on the card, she turned away and began to weep.
How significant it is to be known. Sought out. Called by name.
There is a Love calling each of us by name. He sees all. Knows all. And He loves every bit of you. May we be as overcome by that truth as Precious was.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
P.S…
Harmony will be featured on an episode of Pure Passion TV on Sunday, October 25th.
That's Direct TV #376 & Dish Network #267 at 8 PM (PT). www.PurePassion.us
Friday, October 16, 2009
Roberta Speaks Out...
In the middle of her recovery, Roberta Busby shares her story to help others! Watch the ABC News story below.
Last night, we had the privilege of accompanying Roberta- the survivor of severe burns afflicted in a hate crime- at a Stop the Violence Against Women event where she was a guest of honor.
Our team has been absolutely blessed to walk alongside of Roberta during her healing journey. She is a woman of courage and strength (and great humor) who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of others. We know that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for Roberta. Please continue to pray for her physical and emotional healing and that she would continue to allow God to use what was meant for harm in her life, for good!
ABC Story on Roberta
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
Last night, we had the privilege of accompanying Roberta- the survivor of severe burns afflicted in a hate crime- at a Stop the Violence Against Women event where she was a guest of honor.
Our team has been absolutely blessed to walk alongside of Roberta during her healing journey. She is a woman of courage and strength (and great humor) who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of others. We know that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for Roberta. Please continue to pray for her physical and emotional healing and that she would continue to allow God to use what was meant for harm in her life, for good!
ABC Story on Roberta
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
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