500 Roses
Posted in The Women in the Windows on 21. Feb, 2012
Boxes and boxes of roses. Yes, over 500 roses to be handed out to the women in the red light district for Valentines Day. Due to the gracious gift from a church in Florida, we were able to bring smiles to women who are struggling to cope with life. We had a team who delivered roses to the women working the day shift, and then a team who delivered them to women working the night shift. Within just a few hours we made contact with hundreds of precious souls.
Volunteers sorting the roses
Along with the roses we also had a Valentine card to give each person that said, “Happy Valentines Day! God cares for you!” It also had contact info in case someone wants a follow-up visit or is just wanting to talk. They are all in desperate situations.
Starting on the "day shift"
As we approached each window, we held up the rose and card indicating that we wanted to give them a free gift. We had to convince several that they were free, because nothing is free, right?! Some would say, “This is free? Why would you want to give me this flower?!” I explained that I care about her and that I love her for who she is inside, not for how she looks or what she can do. This brought on many BIG smiles and “thank you so much!” Many women said, “This made my day!” We were able to ask questions about where they come from and how long they had been in the district, and also made some good connections for follow-up visits.
The three most important things I want them to sense is that I care about them, that I want to be their friend, and that there is Someone who loves them WAY more than any earthly person ever could. I don’t want them to feel suspicious or threatened. Many times a smile can be the only bright spot in their day. Hopefully that day contained many bright spots!
I felt privileged to be walking alongside these ladies as we reached out to women (and men) who are hurting and desperate. I love how God brings unity and from that brings freedom to others. Thank you, Lord!
Love working with these women!
There are two organizations (Breaking Chains and Cherut) who work in the Antwerp office. (I work with both of these organizations, although I represent a ministry in Brussels called NinthHour.) We are blessed with volunteers who have a passion to show God’s love on the streets in the red light districts of Antwerp as well as Brussels.
