I read a statistic that we have well over 5,000 strip clubs functioning from coast to coast. Hollywood glamorizes stripping and in some cases throws a strip club scene in a movie for humor. Research and common sense tells us that women working in clubs are vulnerable to violence, depression, STDs, trauma, and addictions.
I’ve brushed up against the culture of strip clubs through my job and volunteer work. I volunteered in Kentucky at a pregnancy help center and called to check on a woman who had visited the center. She was a stripper. When I called and asked for her by name, the manager laughed and said, “I don’t know any woman’s real name–they all go by stripper names.” I’ve met young women who shared how much money they can make in a night. They discussed feelings of regret but the money and attention they received in the moment from the opposite sex seemed worth it. At least it seemed that way….
There are ministries that offer God’s love and hope!
Sharon Thomas from, Established Footsteps, has a ministry in which she ministers to women working in the sex industry. I hope we can be more aware of the objectification and trauma women experience in this industry. Many of the women have experienced significant childhood trauma and abandonment. They drink or use drugs to numb the pain and look for acceptance and love in these dark places.
For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life. Psalm 56:13
“We are a group of women who are rooted in God, planted in His church, and are passionate about seeing women break free from bondage. Our vision is to reach women who are currently working in the sex industry, and to let them know there is a God who loves them beyond measure. Our goal is to reach out with a gift that invites them into a friendship. Through that friendship we aim to encourage them through prayer, testimony, and the word of God, in order to help them realize how valuable they are. Our desire is that through these friendships these women would experience the breaking of chains and healing of wounds through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” – Cherished Vision Statement
The Cherished Team participates in a gift based outreach to dancers in Strip Clubs on the second Friday night of each month in the eastern VA area. To visit our website specifically designed to make further contact with women in the industry, click here:
ARRESTED BY GRACE 