Bruised Reed is an amazing ministry which impacts many people - not just the women they focus on reaching out to. If you've ever considered serving with Bruised Reed but never taken the step to join the team, here are just a few reasons that might help you jump in and get involved.

Women's lives are being changed.

Since this ministry began about six years ago, dozens of women have made the life-changing decision to leave the adult entertainment industry. Those still working in the clubs look forward to seeing "the church ladies" each week, not just for the food we bring, but also because they know we love and care for them without judgment – something they don't find in most of their relationships.

We know there are more women who want to make a change in their lives, and we need to be there when they make that decision. The next step (Refuge for Women) is currently full – hosting women from six different states who have made the choice to enter a family-oriented residential facility to focus on healing for themselves and their families.

Children's lives are being changed.

This summer we will hold our second annual VBS in the park specifically for "our women's children." We will be teaching basic Bible stories and providing a special treat for the moms at the same time. For some kids, this will be the only "church" they attend all year.

Men's lives are being changed.

Although this ministry is designed primarily to reach out to women with the unconditional love of Jesus, the men who work in the clubs also see and interact with us each week. Several have left the business, and those still in the clubs are beginning to see "Christians" and "church" in a different light than they have in the past.

Team Members lives are being changed.

You cannot serve in this ministry without your heart being stretched and your life being changed in amazing ways. Some team members have gone on to start other ministries after serving with us and learning how vital relationships and unconditional love are when truly serving others. Hands-on training with Bruised Reed, combined with your particular passion for ministry and serving, can be a great foundation for where God is leading you to serve in the future.

There are many ways you can serve.

There are multiple ways that you can serve with Bruised Reed – from food preparation to prayer.

Food Team Manager
Over the last six years, we have had two wonderful Food Team Managers.  However, we are now in need for one more food team manager! It's a great ministry opportunity for someone that communicates well and enjoys organization.

Food Intake and Team Coordinator
We also need a Food Team coordinator and several Food Intake Teams. Food Team Coordinators help plan a menu and then coordinate with their team to provide the needed food items once a month. Food Intake Team Members serve only one night a month at the church coordinating food as it is dropped off and helping to load delivery team members' cars before they leave. Although you can sign up as an individual to serve in this role, it is also a great life group or family serve opportunity.

Cooks
In addition to coordinating and delivering the food, we also need people to cook the food. There would be no Bruised Reed Ministry without the faithful people who cook each month. Not a chef? Don't worry! What's great about this role is that you don't have to cook anything fancy or difficult – all it takes is the ability to cook one simple dish each time. Those who can't cook can even sign up to bring dinner rolls.

Security Team
We also have a need for security team members and drivers. We find ourselves in many areas where just the presence of a security volunteer and driver makes everyone feel more comfortable. The men who choose to serve in this ministry ride with the team to the designated club and remain in the parking lot – praying and watching to see that nothing happens to us as we enter and leave the club. While we have a number of military and policemen on our team, it's not a requirement. All we need are men who will dedicate themselves to the safety of the teams one or two Monday or Wednesday nights per month.

Prayer Team
Even if none of those areas seem right for you, we would love for you to consider serving with one of the most important teams: our prayer team. We all know the importance of prayer, and this ministry could not step into the places it does without an intense covering of prayer. Each week the prayer team meets on campus to pray for all aspects of the ministry. Throughout the week, they often have email requests to pray over as well.

Get involved

As you can tell, there really is something almost anyone can do to participate in this ministry. If you're interested in serving in any of these capacities or would like more information, please contact Neile Ifland at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).