ryan russell

I am in Las Vegas this week launching some new efforts for StripChurch. We have 2 new interns on board PLUS a brand new coordinator for the local ministry efforts. Here is a quick link related to our work in the strip clubs. Here is a quick link related to our first Las Vegas strip outreach. What is very fascinating to me is how easy it has been to go into new areas with the Gospel. People who are hurting the most and who are in the darkest areas are actually the most receptive. Interesting isn’t it… people don’t want Jesus until people really need Jesus. Pray for our team of gals… they are out at a brothel today & tomorrow.

Jesus loves poker players!
Come share his grace with us @ the World Series of poker.
July 2-5 | $750*

StripChurch.com – -  -a Las Vegas missions trip like you have never experienced before.

* You get your airfare & food; we get everything else! – 1x only pricing to get these trips rolling!

Sign up here!

Took another crazy trip for StripChurch.com with those crazy gals from GirlfriendIT.com — we are looking at putting together a very unique ministry trip for ladies. This trip had us starting the morning out EARLY (text messages began around 5:30am). My compadre Stephen & I picked up Patty & Lisa from the airport in the StripChurch bus (have you seen it yet?).

We swapped the bus & stephen for Craig and a scion and headed 4 hours to nowhere. Do you know where Ely, NV is? I didn’t think so. Ely is home to the oldest legal brothel in the state of Nevada. There are quite a few words that could describe the experience: weird, interesting, depressing, run down, desolate, removed from ‘normal’ life. Our mission for the day had 2 objectives. 

1) Build relationships between StripChurch, GirlFriendIT and the owners of the brothel.

2) Scout a new kind of ‘missions trip’ for a group of ladies – it will be a make over (of sorts) to bring life, love, hope and grace to the gals who live in very bad conditions. 

The controversy: Should any time, relationship and money be invested into renovating the living conditions for prostitutes working in a brothel? Your opinions and thoughts will be intriguing. The mission will chart on. Look for the trip near October.

So here’s the deal. I haven’t ever posted an explicitly positive reference on one of my blogs for an individual —- until now. I realize that by doing so, some of you will wonder why I haven’t done this for you. Call me, we can talk. Chances are it probably had more to do with your current situation or my lack of thinking than it was a personalized statement. PLUS, I am growing and trying new things.

But on with it already…

I want to recommend Jason Shafer to those of you who are hiring for a worship leader.

Hands down, it has been cool to get to know Jason for the last year and a half as a mountain biker, friend, worship leader and follower of Christ. Jason has some kick-butt talent in music and worship. He is definitely growing in his relationship with Christ, his relationship with his wife and in his spiritual accountability. I have never ‘worked’ with Jason, but I would if I had a job to offer. Don’t just take my word for it. Read his resume. Watch his stuff. Call him and talk to him yourself. Do your own interview… the Church needs to take risks and develop more young guys & gals who have talent (but I will save those thoughts for another post).

This is Jason… I don’t care if  some of you like the hippy from American Idol version more, this is just sweet!