WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS HELP SEX WORKERS?

AMEN SHELLEY:)

LIKE JESUS SAYS "IT IS NOT THOSE WHO ARE WELL WHO NEED A DOCTOR...BUT THOSE WHO ARE SICK."

AND WE ARE TO BE LIKE JESUS....AND HE DIDN'T HANG WITH THOSE WHO WERE ALL READY IN THE CHURCH, HE WAS OUT LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO WERE LOST:)

LORD USE ME AND MAKE ME WILLING TO GO WHERE YOU LEAD:)

take care
peace,hugs,prayers
and blessings
carrie

Wow, good word !!!

Hey, Shelley;

Thank you so much for this latest series of posts.

The sex industry is a mission field that, unfortunately, has been neglected by many in the church. I don't really think that it's for a lack of love, but I honestly think that a lot of Christians feel that they can't relate to people in the sex industry, and I know that many Christians are oblivious to the mental anguish and torment that these women go through....they have little idea of what drives them to the sex industry, and how lost they are. Most Christians think of them more as "sinners" who need to repent, then hurting people who are in need of God's grace and love.

I think that a lot of Christians don't put much thought into reaching out to sex workers, just because they think they can't relate to them, or won't be able to minister to them effectively. Also, many Christians struggle with sexual sin themselves, and wouldn't be able to go into a strip club, or an adult bookstore.

Many churches put more time and effort into homeless ministries, prison ministries, missions, and evangelism, than sex industry outreaches. Honestly, I believe it's not because of a lack of love, but Satan has deceived them into thinking that they are not equipped to reach them. This is so sad, because these people are in spiritual bondage, in desperate need of love and the truth!!!

[i]Mt. 9:37 The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.[/i]

I believe that God truly [u]wants[/u] to equip the church, and He is using people such as ourselves, who have been there, to do so. Truly, He is raising up people, a mighty army, to witness to these people.

The task may seem daunting, because we seem like such a small army....very few in number, but I am reminded of the story of Gideon. God used an army of only 300 people to defeat the Midianites. God kept saying "The people are [u]still[/u] too many." Indeed, God can do mighty things, even with a small army.

Anyhow, thanks again for all of this.....and praise the Lord for what He is going to do.

I would like to help, and over the long term as well. Long-term is what is needed because girls and guys in porn have to completely rebuild their lives to get out of it. When I became a Christian I had to completely rebuild my life and one thing that could have helped more was being counseled to get a good education in order to be a reliable source of support in my church as well as ministries like this one. Many ministries ask for funds but are they sowing the seeds to produce those funds? When I set out to get a degree I had to break fellowship with most of the Christians I'd ever known because I had to dedicate myself to something beyond what they were doing with their lives. Christians don't seem to have paid a lot of attention to sex workers in the past but now sex workers are in their homes just a mouse click away and not taking no for an answer. Because the best defense is a good offense, there is no better way I know of to deal with pornography than to reach out to sex workers to get them saved and to learn what they're really like on the inside. Ministries like The Pink Cross are a tremendous blessing through which we can do this. Thank you.

Matthew 25:40! That was the verse I based my ministry on! Never would I have ever known that those verses included so much. When God fully reveals to me what a verse truly means, it's hard to fully grasp the right words to explain it to someone else. I know the first 100 times I read that verse I took it for face value. It means so much more than what the written words say.

Andrea

One of the reasons I am so thankful to have found The Pink Cross Foundation is because this "topic" is so profound in our society but yet there was so little said. Then... it actually "touches" your personal life in some profound way and you are forced to look at the truth. For some, looking at the truth means that others around you will have to look at it too... and that is where the problem lies at times. Porn is ugly. Porn is blatant lack of respect and Love for God. God calls it sin.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He went where "no man would dare to go" because He KNOWS WHO He is. If we say we "know" Him, then we will want to go where He goes.

I'm so thankful Jesus is a "Loser Magnet". If that weren't true, He wouldn't have sought and found me!

Hallelujah! Jesus had no prejudices and no one person is Loved by Him more than another. He has asked us to help Him GATHER. We are either gatherers or scatterers- there is no in-between. It really is true, he/she who has been forgiven of much Loves much.

Let's go help the Lord gather and continue to Love Him in the ways that He asks. After all, HE is Worthy of our ALL!

What a blessed Savior and Friend to the uttermost. AMEN!

Thanks Shelley for "going on before" and allowing the Lord to use the remainder of your days for His Glory and Praise!

"YES Lord. Double the Love and passion that we once had for self, sin and hatred for You." Amen!

Onwards in God's marvellous Grace. BIGGER blessings await!

Hi Shelley,

I am new to your website.I thank God for your ministry.

I am a psychologist from India, ardent follower of Christ. In what way can I help people of porn industry through online? I am willing to give free online counselling.

Can you enlighten me please

That's wonderful that you have a desire to reach out to those in the porn industry.

Shelley doesn't always come to this part of the board.

I just want to suggest that, if you want her to respond, that you post in the Comments to Shelley forum on this board. You are more likely to get a response there.

Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies

You are right Shelley, Christians are supposed to help the sick and fallen. GOD saved us so that we can help others come out of bondage.

Christians should reach out to sex workers because the bible is FULL of stories of Jesus not focusing the temple religious types but more the average person in the street who needed help.

I think Christians worry that sex workers will refuse to hear - that they are too far gone to sin. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We worry that you will judge us. That you have walked the right path and we walked down the wrong one and you are there to flog us and make an example of us.

If you come at us in a loving, understanding, caring way and don't judge us you'll be surprised how how quickly our heart will open.

The person who brought me to Christ spoke to me for a bit and then told me very simply "God loves you and wants to help you."

I wanted and needed the lord's help and we prayed.

God loves those in the commercial sex industry and is raising up people to go and tell them! But you can't go club them over the head with the bible....love is the weapon God has chosen...

Carolemarie
Moderator
Pink Cross Team Member

But I think I would have to be trained and I don't think I'm strong enough in my walk yet. I have some real issues including masogany from abuse from women(namely my mother which I'm afraid would do more harm than good. Does anyone else struggle with the fear of going to one of these conventions and having a fall. (I'm not talking about going alone that's dumb.)But I think the reason most Christians are hesitant (besides completely avoiding the issue of sexuality in the church is a fear of being "converted" to a porn devotee.

but everyone can still help. You can pray, you can help with the material for the outreaches, you can go as prayer support and stay outside and talk to the fans....
You can be a mentor to a man who struggles with porn, God will open the door for what you are to do.
Nobody can do everything, that is why all of our talents and skills are needed to reach out....God has a unique place for you and is healing you and shaping you to fill it!
Carolemarie
Moderator
Pink Cross Team Member

Thanks!

"And they definitely need clothing...."

I love your sense of humor!

Anyway, I feel like the Lord continues to put on my heart reaching out to those that are stuck in porn, to prostitutes, and to people working in the sex industry.

I also believe that the industry is a segment of society that is hugely neglected. I have tried getting involved in other ministries (like X3 Church) but no interest from them, so I help out as many smaller ministries as I can financially and with the gift bags (not very often that I can do that, but I try to make it a priority) and I think I really need to start my own ministry in this area (Orange County, CA) I don't think there is much outreach here, if any at all to prostitutes or dancers.

I would have to agree with Melanie here -- one of the reasons that we need to reach out is because these people represent a neglected part of society....one that the church doesn't really put much emphasis on.

I also know that when I was doing porn, there was no one reaching out to us with the love of Christ, and I also know that if someone had, I probably would have come to Christ a lot sooner. It wasn't until a few years after I left the industry, and shortly after leaving my abusive boyfriend, that I came to Christ...but no one really reached out to me. I actually came to Him through a radio program.

So, then, why should we reach out? Because Jesus commands us to, because the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and because this message of love and forgiveness is one that the people in the industry are aching to hear.

Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies

You might check out City ministries in San Francisco they do reach out to prostitutes and build relationships. They're on the web check them out some time. There isn't anyone going into the many Strip clubs yet I would love to see that up here it's sorely needed I dropped a line about Shelly to my pastor and Beauty for Ashes out of Florida. But all I can do is drop it in the pastors hands and continue to pray and do what I can here!

How cool is that! What tremendous words! Love you Shelley!

LighthouseOfGrace =)

I know this site is all about helping those caught in the sex industry, but Christians are called to help ALL people. This means drug addicts, alcoholics, victims of abuse, and so forth. Of course people caught in the web of the sex industry are hurting SEVERELY bad, but so are those who are caught up in their own sinful things, such as generational curses, physical abuse, drugs, alcohol, etc. It's definitely good to focus on getting people out of the sex industry, but don't forget about those who are in need just as badly that are right next door to you.

I agree starting in your own back yard is key! I think we can support Shelly and those coming out of the industry with money if we can't yet volunteer to fly down for a week end or whatever to help out in the office!There is also supporting ThePinkCross through prayer!

And if I made add, it's not just enough to say okay I've helped one or two I've done my part. Christianity is not a corporation, we do not have a set quota to fill, we need to keep reaching, teaching, giving, loving etc... to as many as we can until God takes us up to be with HIM. If one has helped us we need to do as much as we can to help others, even if no one ever helps us, it is our heavenly calling to be a light in the dark and an life preserver for our fellow brothers and sisters who are drowning in life. As we once were shown or realized that we were made for greater things than this life has to offer through Christ, we must also work vigilantly to make our brothers and sisters in Christ realize this truth for themselves!!

Jan

In order to marry a soldier you have to be one at heart.

These are good thoughts and I do not mean to take away from anyones personal experience. To me it is all about agenda and decieding which agenda is the right agenda to go with.

Think for a moment a Muslim comes here and suggiest why Muslims should help sex workes. How would anyone feel about that? Now why should Christians help sex workers? My first answer perhaps off the wall is to know which branch of Christianity might be helping sex workers, because lets be honest, many sects of Christianity have an agenda in what they do and how they do it.

I will try to give you an example of what I see. Shelly on the one hand, at least I have read from what she has posted here works to become friends with sex works and go from there. On the other hand some in the forum seem to want to blast people, maybe even calling them sinners and they are going to hell if they dont stop being a sex worker. I am also confident there are many approaches in-between.

To me its about defining how one defines the word "Christian" and how that person does thing, because of the definiation they have of Christianity. Some tend to think we are over, so we can blast people, while on the other hand a few seem to feel they are servants. One a dominating method and one a submissive method, but both calling themselves Christians. Both seem to have a different agenda.

If I had started this thread, I probably would have asked, "why should we help sex workers, and there are numerous reasons. The first big one is that how we love others is how we love God. Second, we are commissioned to reach everyone globally, so it would seem sex workers being on the planet, should be reached.

I agree we can tell (whoever) what Jesus died on the cross for, but most importantly is He was raised from the tomb and Christ right now sits at the right hand of the Father, but I also see that there are two parts to Christ, first the head which is Jesus as it is His house and secondly is the body of Christ, both parts making up Christ.

How do we help anyone and to what extent, which is another question. Some feel the help should be in form of preaching at them. Some feel even stonger that they should go to clubs where sex workers work.

My question would be, is that really helping either Sex workers or the body of Christ?

I do believe we are to first try and make friends and secondly find out their needs all as a part of getting to know them. I mean put yourself in their shoes, would you rather listen to someone that really cares for you or just someone that wants to preach?

Do we have answers for (whoever) we are trying to reach, like how they are going to make a living? Are we willing to treat them as family?

Depending on how one sees things, even questions that are asked in the forum, such as "WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS HELP SEX WORKERS?" will see it one of several ways, all of which is a condition of the heart, because we all see, hear and speak and last but not least do as the result of the condition of our hearts.

We should all help one another, because if we believe in creation, we are all connected all the way back to Adam and Eve and as such we are all family, whether we want to think that way or not, but it is true. So if a brother or sister asks you for something, what do we do? Find reasons why we should give or give as if it unto the Lord?

One way is giving and helping becasue we are all family and as such are connected to each other and the other way is we are giving because probably we want them to be Christians. That all has to do with motive and a condition of our heart to see it one way or the other. Why help anyone? Because when we do help others, we are saving ourselves.

Sarah

God does have a plan for everyone and everyone is called to be a part of ministry somewhere. All jobs in ministry are important as it is designed by God to be a servant and save lives. God gave us so much, but how much do we give Him in return?

I think that the friendship aspect of it comes as a result of the love that is shown to these people.

Back in the day, friendship was something that people would seek from me in order to get something from me. My mentality was that I had to earn a person's freindship, and if I didn't do enough for them, then I wasn't keeping my end of the bargain.

As this was a big part of what led me into the industry (trying to earn my husband's approval), and kept me there, I know that a lot of other girls in the industry share the same skewed view of friendship....that friendship isn't unconditional, but laced with selfish motives. That's how I saw the concept of "friendship."

The thing that drew me to Christ was the fact that He loved me unconditionally, even before I was His friend. The Scriptures say that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. In other words, He loved me, even when I was His enemy.

I think that this philosophy is vital in reaching out to sex workers. Let them know that you are there for them, and that your love for them doesn't depend on their desire to be friends with you....It's because Christ loves them. Even if they shun you and reject your friendship, make it clear that you still love them, and are there for them.

Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies

Ok so I worked with a girl who's second job was stripping. It is suppose to be a "high class" club. Girls apparently don't go topless just almost apparently. Anyway I didn't really reach out to her or anything, and now she left our job because it's getting bogged down with a bunch of rules and stuff. I imagine she went full time at the club. I guess I could still pray for her but I chickened out in talking to her. I kind of wish I would have talked to her.

Hey, TallGuy;

Continue to pray for her....and don't let Satan beat you over the head with guilt for not talking to her. Remember..God is in control of everything. Pray that the Lord opens the door for another chance to talk to her.

Do you know the club that she works in? If you feel so led, you could always put together a gift bag for her, with a Bible and various small items, and ask the doorman to give it to her for you. You don't even have to put your name...just address it to her, from someone who cares.

Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies

He went there once. He came out of Homosexuality so it's not really an issue with him. He's kind of on the lamb from God right now, but I see signs of God working on his heart, and he still lives with us so it's not like the influence isn't there.(I hope I'm a positive influence myself.)

Never know, but I have learned that some are called to plant, some to water, some to nurture and tend what has been planted and some are called to harvest.

The hard part is trusting God to know that He knows what He is doing. I remember a time or two that I thought I was the Holy Spirit and thought I was called to fix everything and everyone. Come find out the Holy Spirit does all that and much more. I had to be reminded that the Holy Spirit took me from where I was and very gently took care of me and taught me many things. Things that I could not know or even understand. He also kept me alive and still does, because I should have been dead several times and honestly, it's only by the grace of God I am alive today.

I look at Jesus and can only wonder, because He is perfect in everything He did. He knew about Judas and what He was up to but said nothing, but prayed for him and treated him like everyone else. He trusted God.

The question is, "how much do we really trust God?" It is always one thing to trust God when all the bills are paid and everything is going well and there is food in the cupboard and yet another thing to trust Him when nothing is going right, no food and the bills are stacked to the point of breaking anyone.

Each one of us are called by God to do something. We all have a calling and purpose (that in itself is amazing to me, because I never felt worth anything to begin with). The important part is to find that purpose which we were created for and then walk with not only God, but each of us, because we are dependant on God and each other. The power of God is through love and agreement and the promise to us is that whatever we lay our hands to or touch and agree, it will be done. Now if that's not good news, I am not sure what is.

Sarah

God does have a plan for everyone and everyone is called to be a part of ministry somewhere. All jobs in ministry are important as it is designed by God to be a servant and save lives. God gave us so much, but how much do we give Him in return?

By Helping Those Struggling in the Sex Industry.....

You share in your Father's (God) dreams, His nature, and lifestyle."You begin to become like a chip off the old block" - meaning that you begin to look like Jesus because you are doing the same things together-the things that touch His heart deeply.

You may be surprised, but God often uses broken people in the secular world to speak volumes about our own character and places where we need to grow. So in short-the very people you go help, in turn end up also helping you. We are transformed in the process.

We discover that it is a major component of our destiny-to love and be an ambassador of healing for those who are hurting. God has wired us to serve in this dynamic way whether that be with people in the sex industry or elsewhere.

It gives believers a chance to see God actively developing perfect love that casts out fear...so that the places that once seemed frightening become much less threatening to us.

My mom and I are living testimony as a result of believers' love. My mom formerly worked with Hong Kong's notorious sex industry in 78. She escaped with the help of specific authority, and stayed in a facility that housed women who were pregnant as a result of sex work. God continued to bring believers in my life as the enemy tried to lure me into other parts of that industry through porn. Everyday, I am so thankful for God's power, love and the love of these Christian friends in my life. Will you join in that journey?
I am so thankful for each of you.

God is so faithful....a massive tower of refuge, having already given us everything to do His good work until He returns.

I've really wrestled, and have been torn with the side of Sex Ministry Outreach that sparks curiosity and desire, to get involved. I guess its more the heart matter of the why behind some individuals involvement, even mine :)

In that reality I have slowed my heart and turned it towards my children, Im their mommy and Couch. As a mother who has had years of involvement with youth at a street level. I can tell you this style of ministry such as Pink Cross is tailored to flowing into a blue print that is geared to promote safety hedges. Yet as I consider the mandate over immature/mature believers I always ask myself, were is the bridge for the youth first to immunize against the pollution and second the realities of PORN bondage? No one who is healthy and normal life wants to purposefully expose their kids to this type of industry with out a stone hedge immunization. I would hope we desire to cause their/youth discernment, mind/meditation, will/senses/triggers and emotions/hooks to be fierce in identifying conscious/subconscious triggers. The immune system should be healthy and strong to be able to fight the snares the game/industry goes toward, for the rest of their lives, and pass it down to the next generation. So what would be that look like for you and your home/kids/ministry?

Why would someone walk into such a baited arena? Can you see the dividing line between vanity and flesh appetites being a real draw that leads to a horizon of false stardom for those chosen or who chose so. Whether its false or real, its still a area of equipping that those of us who are parents should be sensitive to lay the proper foundations in our home/kids/ministry, first or at least during our involvement in outreaches such as this. I have to ask myself just how much warfare individuals families go through which are as a result of the enemy tagging weak spots, because of the adults negligence in reason and hedging.

I found Julie Shematz & International Justice Mission Int. Intro online on youtube. Its amazing the huge contrast between the sincere need and the realities of the differences in the cultures. My challenge to you today is to look at yourself and evaluate your home and ask the Lord, how you can lead first in your home in these areas. Are you teens excited about the fantasy glam of the Porn industry, do the lyrics/sitcoms they listen to identify/affiliate more with porn culture then YOU life as a Christian? Where are you in your quest for ministry and the needs of your home? How can you enjoy your life in God and His provision of grace, and stay involved in a area of ministry you are called to, with keeping a ever flowing investment into teaching your home/kids/ministry secure?

In my home part of our teaching is in dealing with the boys and their appetites and small young men, is in talking to them about porn and masturbation, when appropriate. With my daughter, its about modesty and the aspects of a husbands love for his wife, and the difference between that and her and him/her brothers/friends and the importance of understanding that. With all of then, discerning touching and how to manage, good touching (hugs), bad touching (hitting) and NO NO Very bad touching (private) inappropriate situations at their age.

Do you have any input I might be able to utilize, or have done in your home you could share to help us find wisdom, peace and the encouragement of God for others here?

Always for Love,

Mrs. Eden