Salvos shock Sexpo
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre prepares for Sexpo 2013. (Photo by Nicole Griffin)
Sexpo was on in Brisbane from 25 to 28 July, attracting thousands of people to the variety of stalls and entertainment on offer.
Sexpo, or the Sexuality and Adult Lifestyle Exhibition, is the world’s largest adult show, so for many people, it was a shock to see The Salvation Army manning one of the stalls.
For those who haven’t been to Sexpo, it’s not just all about sex. International entertainment is a part of the exhibition, including comedians, acrobats and hypnotists. There are hundreds of exhibitors, ranging from stalls selling adult products, to charities raising awareness about issues relating to the sex industry.
The Salvation Army stall, which partnered with Stop The Traffik, was aimed at raising awareness of slavery and trafficking issues throughout the world, including Australia. Apart from handing out free Salvation Army wristbands and fair-trade chocolate, people were invited to sign petitions to stop the use of slave labour in the cocoa, coffee, clothing and related industries.
While there was an initial shock from a lot of people at seeing The Salvation Army at Sexpo, patrons were genuinely pleased to see them and they received a wonderful response. Over 500 petitions were signed, many meaningful conversations took place and relationships were built.
This year The Salvation Army stand at Sexpo was run by the Cupcake Ministry, which is an outreach of the Gold Coast Temple Corps and is part of the Just Salvos Brothel Support Team based in Melbourne.
As part of their ministry, the cupcake team visits legal brothels where they hand out cupcakes, build relationships with the sex workers and, most importantly, try to bring the light of Jesus into their lives.
Nicole Griffin, who is part of the Cupcake Ministry and volunteered in the stall, sees great value in The Salvation Army being at Sexpo.
“It’s not good enough anymore for the church to sit inside its four walls and expect the community to come to them. We have to get out and be the church in the community,” she says.
“I believe if Jesus was on earth today he would be standing beside us at Sexpo loving people and where they’re at.”
The Salvation Army Stall at Brisbane Sexpo. (Photo by Nathalia Rickwood)
Petitions ready to be signed at Brisbane Sexpo. (Photo by Nicole Griffin)
Salvation Army Sexpo volunteer Jeremy Clarke with Sexpo Ambassador for the Disabled Donny. (Photo by Nicole Griffin)
The handprints of patrons at Sexpo showing their support to stop trafficking and slave labour. (Photo by Nathalia Rickwood)
Comments
Thank you so much for boldly stepping into the darkness and allowing God's light to shine. Praying a continued hedge of protection upon you all. Blessings