We pulled into the strip club to do a prayer walk around the parking lot. The club has been closed due to covid. As we got out of the van an older man pulled in and asked if it was open. We told him no, that we were praying and sharing the love of Jesus. He said, “That’s nice,” and drove off.
A minute later a truck pulled in and a young woman walked toward us. She asked if we worked at the club, said that the website stated it opens at 6, and she was there to try out. Her name was Julie and she had traveled from Virginia to find a job. We told her we were there to pray and share the love of Jesus. She was open to conversation and chatted with us for about 10 minutes. She grew up Catholic and is a believer. Someone from our group shared a job ad she had seen at a cafe earlier in the week. Julie felt that she could bring light into the clubs by working there and shared that she can make $1000 a night vs. $8/hour elsewhere. Before she left we all held hands and prayed for her. I continue to pray that she will choose God over money, will see her worth, will follow her dream of opening a business, and trust God to provide.
While we were saying goodbye to Julie, David approached us and asked if we would pray for him too. He talked for awhile and we just listened. The day before a woman we met said, “Sometimes I just want someone to talk to.” I could tell this was the case with David. While David continued sharing stories a few of us broke off to do the prayer walk.
As we walked around the parking lot we prayed for breakthrough, for the women to find jobs elsewhere, for hearts to be convicted, for healing to take place. There was an alley behind the building with large signs that said, “Do not enter,” but we went anyway. As we walked through I looked at Annie and said, “This feels heavy back here.” We then prayed for protection over the space and healing for any traumas that had occurred there. We continued through the large parking lot and circled back toward the alley again. The four of us walked in a straight line and sang these words:
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
There’s an army rising up
There’s an army rising up
There’s an army rising up
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain
It felt different this time. We could feel the power of Jesus with our words.
As we approached the group they were praying for David. We decided as a team to offer to give him a ride to a shelter. Don’t worry, we used wisdom, discernment, and had a man with us. We tried three different places. The first required a covid test. The second didn’t have any room. The third wouldn’t take him. We asked what area he would feel safe and dropped him off. I hope he was able to get a covid test and make it back to the rescue mission.
We went to the club to pray, without expectation of meeting anyone. But God knew we would meet Julie and David.
There’s a lot of heaviness in this city. A few nights ago my heart literally felt like it was breaking for the people we have seen and met. But, there is a movement of God here. I find myself praying big prayers-that when people come searching for fun, entertainment, or to numb themselves, instead they will encounter God. That this will be a place where people see light shining through the darkness.
??John? ?1:1-5? “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Jesus has given us the authority to enter into dark places. Because even in the darkest places, His light shines.
Mark 16:15-18 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Are you walking with the authority He has given you? Are you using your spiritual gifts? Are you speaking boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel? Are you willing to put aside your fear of man, embarrass yourself, or risk making a mistake for the sake of the Kingdom?
I’ve been encountering, learning, and stepping into these things. I invite you to count the cost and join me. It’s worth it all.
Lauren beautiful recollection of God’s faithfulness to these people and the shared feeling of being broken for these dark situations, but the authority and light that is equally as real. Thank you for sharing the story of this inspiring night also so I could read it from your perspective so powerful!
Amazing how God always changes our plans for the better!!! We didn’t expect to see anyone, but yet we met Julie and David.
Love planting Kingdom seeds together!!
This reminds me of the night in Bali we listened to music and worshipped while the big ceremony was taking place next door.
There IS power in the name of Jesus and we can be confident Ge will guide us and fight for us!
Thanks for sharing!
This is exactly what the world needs right now, and I could not be more proud of you six! You are living proof that “the darkness has NOT overcome.” Thanks for inspiring the rest of us to say yes to those God puts in our path.
I love this, Lauren. And, in all your powerful words, these are my favorite: “The sign said ‘Do not enter,’ but we went anyway.” Yes, it’s enemy territory, but you went with the power and light and love of Jesus. Keep on walking forward, keep on singing, women of God!