Who can say ‘no’ to a cupcake?
(From Left to Right) Erin and Kelsie (International Teams) along with Krystle and Annette of The Salvation Army, with cupcakes in hand, ready to visit the brothel workers in their community. (Photo: Bruce Harmer)
I recently discovered the common cupcake is an almost guaranteed ‘foot in the door’ at the local brothels in western Sydney, now visited on a regular basis by The Salvation Army. Armed with freshly baked cupcakes, a handful of committed Christians are on a mission to show the love of Jesus in their community.
The ministry has come about through KrystleWalters - a Salvationist who earlier last year was completing a Social Justice Internship through The Salvation Army.It was during this time that she was exposed to the great needs of women involved in the sex industry. She’s now employed as the Light in Dark Places community worker at Auburn Corps in western Sydney and has joined forces with local Salvationist Annette Donovon who, along with a group of women from the corps, felt God prompting them to reach out to the isolated women working in the brothels in their local area.
Under the name,StreetLight, the ministry works in conjuction with workers from a Christian mission organisation called International Teams, and other local churches. Annette says of the establishment of the ministry: “It was a matter of all the ‘players’ coming together at the beginning of the year.”
The aim of StreetLightis to befriend, support and provide any necessary resources to the many marginalised women working in the brothels of Auburn.All participants undertook brothel ministry training before becoming involved and the group has also enlisted the support of a committed prayer team and some willing cupcake bakers!
Probably about now your brain is ticking over,wondering what is involved in the establishment of a brothel ministry. Here are 10 straight-forward steps:
- Pray
- Attend training
- Gather prayer support
- Identify brothels
- More prayer
- Bake cupcakes (resisting the urge to indulge)
- Keep praying
- Walk up to front door of brothel and knock
- Introduce yourself and offer cupcakes
- Be a friend
Krystle and Annette are currently visiting two brothels on a regular basis. These visits can range from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how receptive the manager and staff are, or how busy the women are.
In the infant stages of this growing ministry there is an element of the unknown: “You never know what response you’ll get, it depends on who answers the door,” says Krystle. Initially they were met with caution but “the cupcakes always seem to soften people up and before long we’re invited in.”
Annette goes on to say: “When we are invited in the women are usually shocked at why we want to visit them, and often ask why we care about them.”
Ultimately it is the group’s hope to build some really great, trusting relationships with thewomen so they might see the love of Christ.
Not surprisingly, when asked what is the best thing about their ministry they say in unison, “Cupcakes of course!”But in actual fact they agree: “It’s been wonderful to watch how God has pulled it all together. We love making friends and having those conversations of care.”
Here’s to the sweet blessing of the brothel cupcake ministry.
** If you are interested in the work Krystle and Annette are doing or would like to support their ministry please email: krystle.walters@aue.salvationarmy.org
Comments
Girls, I Love It!!! Wish I could join you.
Keep it up, It's the long haul that matters in relationship. x