10th Annual Thanksgiving Strip Club OutREACH

On Saturday, November 16th, members of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) FREEdom™ Team gathered, after Hug & Groom, to prepare a traditional meal of turkey, sweet potato and green bean casseroles, crunchy cole slaw, cranberry and blueberry sauce, and dump cake.  As I taught college students how to cook this year's annual Thanksgiving strip club meal, I had an overwhelming sense of thankfulness.

I could hardly believe that every month for the past 5 years, following Jesus' model of regularly eating with individuals the religious community judged, that a home cooked meal has been served inside of the strip club BFA adopted 10 years ago.

As we entered the club, I was delighted to be met with expressions of excitement, squeals of joy, and embracing hugs . . . some things never change.  When BFA began doing the outREACHes, the goal was to develop relationships,  share the love of Christ, and provide resources for change to those that wanted them.

We've succeeded at sharing the Gospel and maintaining those relationships as evidenced by the number of women that have received and continue to receive ongoing services that BFA has developed and implemented. Because of YOUR support of over 30 programs and services, we have raised the standard of outREACH & afterCARE to a professional level. Because of our partners, women, children, and families have transitioned from victims to overcomers.

To read more about what BFA is doing, CLICK HERE and check out this Month's Newsletter.

When I started doing strip club outREACHes, there were less than 5 ministries nationwide doing them. Today, there are more than 180, and many of the ministries BFA has trained and provided consulting to that will be doing holiday outREACHes this season. They will be taking His light and love into dark places, serving food and delivering gift bags with the message of hope, and the truth that there is a way out.  They are continuing the model of outREACH pioneered by BFA.

Thank you for your ongoing support in Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries' (BFA) mission to prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Together, we have and will continue to make a difference.

From the BFA FREEdom™ Team family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving.



Julie Shematz, MA
Founder & President
Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

If you'd like to sponsor a monthly strip club outREACH meal, CLICK HERE.