The Power of Love

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 4:14-15

I received an e-mail from Jennifer Colella, who leads Tomoka Christian’s ministry to strip clubs called Power of Love. She and her ministry team went on an outreach on Friday. “Each time we go out, we can see the hearts of the lost being drawn closer to God,” Jennifer said. “Little bit by little bit they become more comfortable around the 'church ladies.’ They engage us in conversation and we can see God building the trust necessary to open the doors for relationship.” Below is Jennifer’s report from the night.

We had such an exciting outreach Friday night. God's favor was amazing! At the first club, as we waited for permission to visit with the girls, a young lady approached us and began a conversation with us. She told us she wanted out of the business and is only there to complete her college education. She went on to tell us that her father was a preacher and had died of a rare disease and hasn't been to church since he passed away. She explained that she wanted to complete college so she can work with children who died of the same disease her father did. She seemed to be struggling deeply with her father's death and with God. Once we received permission to pass out the bags, we gave her a card and invited her to call us and suggested meeting for coffee so we could talk some more. Please pray that she would be moved to call us and be willing to meet with us outside of the club. Pray for God to provide the income she needs to be able to leave the business. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to soften the manager’s heart. Pray for the other employees to come to know Jesus as Savior, and for continued favor at that club.

At the next club, most of the ladies were new, but the bartender recognized us and stretched her arm out over the bar and asked if she could have a bag. She said: "I'm not dancing tonight, but I still want my bag!" We laughed and happily handed her a bag. The atmosphere overall was unusually very heavy. On the way out we chatted with the new owner, who thanked us for coming and wished us well. Please pray these women and men would come to know the saving grace and healing power of Jesus Christ.

At the next club, we began passing out bags and on the way out of the dressing room we gave a bag to a young lady who seemed to be in a hurry but curiously searched through the bag asking a lot of questions. It was the first time we had met her, she'd only been working there about 4 months. We told her there was a card in the bag with contact information if she needed anything or had any questions. At the bar we met a woman who was very friendly and grateful for the bags. She said she regularly attends church but she looked very weary and in need of the Lord's comfort. Please pray for both ladies to know God's truth and surrender their lives to Jesus.

At the next club, we began passing out bags and one of the ladies at the bar cheered: "Hey, it's the church ladies!" as she smiled and reached for her bag. Everyone was very friendly and seemed happy to see us. We talked with one woman in the dressing room who thanked us for the bag and explained that she had a daughter who was having a birthday tomorrow and said she was going to give her the bag as a present. On the way out, we handed her an extra bag and said: "This one is for you." She smiled and gave us a hug and thanked us again. We stopped at the DJ booth to give the DJ a bag of treats. Please pray for the women at this and all the clubs who have children. Pray for God's protection over those children. Pray for the Father to provide the financial relief these mothers need to support their children without having to work in the strip clubs. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the male employees towards God and His Word.

The end of the night led us to the doors of a club that only allows us to leave gift bags at the door for the ladies. We were again denied permission to pass out bags, but we left the bags at the door with the manager and one of the dancers. Although the manager always seems to be bothered with our persistence in delivering gifts to the ladies, our hope is that the women will know we have not forgotten them. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the owner, managers, dancers and other employees at that club. Pray for God's will to be done in that place. Ask God to have mercy on the lost inside those walls and for the saving grace of Jesus to transform their lives.

As we closed out the night, we were in awe of God's immense favor and the power of God's Spirit working to soften the hearts of the lost we so desperately want to see know His love.

Note: If you want to help ensure that this ministry can expand the number of filled bags to distribute, you are invited to donate 3 to 4 ounce bottles of new, quality scented body wash, lotion & sprays; fashionable jewelry (bracelets, earrings and necklaces); and new make-up of all sizes and brands (samples OK). Donations may be deposited in the Power of Love basket on the Mission Wall in the Cafe. Jennifer may be e-mailed here.