Mindy
~Ex Stripper
“As a young single mother struggling to make ends meet to provide for my son, I entered the entertainment industry working in a topless club at the ripe young age of 19. I had envisioned working as a dancer as a steppingstone for the time being. Money came really easy and I was able to work only 2-3 days a week and be home the majority of the time with my son, making more money than I would working a full-time job. With that reason alone, personally, is how I got sucked into the industry. That “stepping stone” turned into 20+ years. I was young, innocent, and had never even stepped foot into a club in my entire life. Working in this type of environment, naturally, my innocence was no longer. I relied on alcohol for the courage to get on stage and dance, and soon thereafter, turned to drugs to sober up if I drank too much, I became an uncontrollable mess.
I became somebody I didn’t even know anymore, feeling lost, empty, and completely unworthy. I now fit the mold of the typical stripper. I felt condemned by people, viewing me as a trashy, godless, sinner, but if they really knew me like God does, they would know that I have always been a firm believer in God, who gave his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us and wipe away all of our sins, so we shall not perish. Knowing this truth ever since I can remember, I began to feel this no longer applied to me because I continued to work at the club, enticing men, and basically selling myself as sexual temptation instead of putting my faith into Him and trusting His word, as He provides for the Sparrows, surely He will provide for me.
I became very depressed. My heart became heavy and guilt constantly consumed me and although I would ask for forgiveness every night after work, to please forgive me, I felt that God eventually would feel I was not sincerely sorry. I needed to repent and turn away completely. I spoke with God constantly, countless times a day. He knows my heart and sees my struggles. He has listened to every single prayer spoken and unspoken. I truly believe God uses his people to help those who may be lost or are in need or seeking to be saved or just spread the gospel for those who may have never heard it. I distinctly remember one night I was working and I happened to be standing at the bar and these super pretty, outgoing, classy ladies came in. I greeted them with a smile, immediately introducing myself and felt an instant connection with them. I clearly remember thinking to myself, “wow, these ladies are kind hearted and actually have personalities, which is hard to come by these days. These are my kind of people.”
As my new found friends and I were busy acquainting, the DJ announced “Amber, stand by.” Amber was my stage name. Excusing myself from our conversation, I scurried to the dressing room to freshen up before dancing on stage. Upon entering the dressing room, I couldn’t help but notice an array of carefully crafted individualized gifts, as well as some sweets and snacks. I remember asking a dancer if it was someone’s birthday, she said “no, it’s the church girls that come in here every so often bringing gifts for the girls, telling them they need Jesus.” I went ahead and picked a bag for myself, taking a quick peek inside the bag before going on stage, I was surprised to find some very nice pieces of makeup, including lipstick, but what stood out to me more importantly, was a little note tucked inside the gift bag reminding me that Jesus still loves me and He understands and that I am still precious and worthy of His love.
With tear filling eyes, I make my way on stage, danced my two songs and hurried off the stage back to the ladies so I can talk “GOD” with my new friends.
I was so excited to discover who they were and why they were there. Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel that God was personally answering my prayers and sent them in to remind me of his love. I remember thinking, “Wow, these ladies are angels, they were so wholesome and pure.” They made me feel loved and not judged, they themselves understood. We conversed for quite some time that day. We even ended up exchanging numbers. I couldn’t wait to talk with them and see them again. They soon returned to personally bring me a book called. “The Stiletto Project,” which is an awesome book, by the way. I remember going home that night and right away, taking the little note tucked in my gift bag and placing it on my fridge under a magnet so that every single time I went to the refrigerator I was face-to-face with that note for years to come. I love you, Marlene and Lisanne, my forever, friends, and sisters in Christ. You truly are angels in my heart and I will never forget you.
God bless you. I am grateful for your ministry, spreading the gospel and reminding dancers, like myself, that we truly are loved and are still worthy, no matter what.”
Julianna
~Ex Stripper
“To the beautiful Jewel that you are. I don’t know where you are in life, but know you are not alone. This ministry is blessed to have some wonderful women of God who are welcoming, spiritually led, and loving. I remember the night I was working a shift at this club in Redlands and a group of ladies brought us gifts. I was so moved by the sweet gesture, and I recall a dancer saying it was from the “church ladies”. I couldn’t believe that they were brave enough to come to the club in the first place, much less want to talk to us, but when I read the note in the gift I felt in my heart I was supposed to call the number. I needed a real friend, someone who would understand my situation without judgment, but most importantly someone who would be praying for me. I was initially scared to call the number because I didn’t want to be judged, especially since at that time I knew I wasn’t ready to quit dancing. But I’m so glad I did. I felt received, understood, and known when I first met Marlene. She was a great friend to me, she encouraged me emotionally, and spiritually to be the best version of myself. We have grown to be great friends since, and to this day she is a big part of my life.
I am praying for you sis, and want you to know that we are not meant to walk this life along. Jewels is a safe ministry, with women who have a heart to serve and love.”
Michelle Villanueva
~Youth Pastor
“Marlene came and spoke at our youth service at The Rock Church and World Outreach Center, the teens were engaged and learned so much! Hidden Jewels really makes a point to give information but also God’s point of view! This ministry is such a need right now! Thankful they are doing this great work.”