photo by michaelscottslosar.com

I went to the AVN convention in Las Vegas because I agree with the message that XXX church is putting out. God loves you pure and simple. He loves you right where you're at and none of the garbage in your life is going to change that. I discovered that most of the people we handed our bibles out to were hungry for that message. No picketing no value judgements just Jesus loves you and that's it.

I had an amazing life changing experience. I told more people that Jesus loved them in the first day of the convention than I had in my entire life as a believer. I met a beautiful 25 year old girl named Sarah who has worked in a brothel for three years and porn for the last two years. We crossed paths during the convention many times and I ended up having drinks one night with her and the girls from XXX(Rachel, Rachel and Krissey). We talked for two hours. She feels stuck in the porn industry, and doesn't know if she deserves a better life. Sarah let us pray for her that night and then she left us crying and hugging in the casino next to the slot machines. I pray that some day this bright young girl will get out of the porn industry.

XXXchurch I am so behind you. I want to help in Vegas next year, and if you guys need any help before then I'm your girl!

Leslie Hawkins
________

Thanks again for having us. I loved this ministry before, but I'm in love with it now. I learned so much and saw Jesus' love in a fresh and powerful way these past few days.

I went on this trip for a few reason, honestly, one being curiosity. What it would be like at a porn show...the people, the experiences, the Truth being shared in a place where everyone makes their own
realities; it all sounded like a crazy awesome adventure! I also went because if I didn't go, if I didn't help XXXChurch be there and sustain it's ministry, how would the people in this industry know or
experience His love? It's my call and duty as follower of Jesus.

My experience on this trip was a whirlwind and with a plane ride to let my mind and heart digest it, the conclusion landing in Seattle was, I'm different. I was given the awesome gift of time with people
in an industry and lifestyle I know very little about. And through many conversations over four days I was able to see these porn stars as much more than their job title. It's basic, Jesus loves people,
and those people are a lot of different things and He is not afraid to love them. I ended up seeing the power of God's love working in people's hearts right in the middle of total insanity, including mine!
It was, to put it simply, rad and I'm stoked to continue to boldly love people regardless of our differences, even if their job is in the bedroom.

I take with me back a heart that is full of faith in the power of Jesus' love to move in ours heart and my own. I take back the understanding that faithfully loving people does bring a harvest that
is worth the wait. And I take back the reality that I have to do my part and be obedient.

Jessica Nienaber

____

While thinking about the week I came to the conclusion that life before the convention I thought I was doing a good job of being a "Christian". I was tithing, volunteering a ton at the church, going to church etc. But was I really doing what Jesus would be doing and the honest answer was 'No'. Sheltered in my comfortable life doing easy things for me wasn't what Jesus had in mind for me or us. I had to get out of my comfort zone and start doing "Hard things". I can honestly say that I haven't done a good job of witnessing to many people. I honestly can say I don't even know very many unchurched people to witness to.

I volunteer in the Church Office and I heard about this trip from Heather Dougan. While listening to them talk about it I quietly asked, "if you really need help I guess I can go but I think my wife would really be the one who could be the most help". So with a bit of trepidation we arrive in Vegas. We were greeted by the crew from xxxchurch.

I was nervous going in mainly from the point of view that I don't know how to do this. What would I say to someone? Especially people who are attending a Porn Convention? The last person I'd assume they'd want to see is a "Christian with a bible in their hand". I wouldn't even want to see one myself.

While at the convention I saw what I'd expect to see... lot's of pictures, videos and half naked people. Surprising I wasn't that shocked and the emotion I felt the most was of Sadness. Sadness for the girls who had hundreds of guys lining up to take pictures of them as a trophy or object. Sadness for the empty eyes when and (if) they would look at you.

I felt no contempt for the guys walking around gathering stuff for their bags. All of us has their own baggage and un-dealt with sin. I felt hope that they might actually one day look through that bag of crap and find one of our bibles. That they would be compelled to open it up and find Truth. That's my hope.

It was weird to actually come back to reality to land in Seattle and walk through the airport not having to divert my gaze. I miss the feeling of being "that light" in such a dark place. We need to keep that shining here at home. Find those dark places in our own backyard and to reach out. May I have the courage and strength to keep XXXCHURCH's dream alive in my neck of the woods.

Dan and I had the chance to talk with a young lady named Katy who is in the industry. She told us that she really did want out of the industry and that she had only one more month left in and that she would finish her nursing degree and move back home to North Carolina to start life over. We told her that Jesus really does love her and that her life had so much worth and that we would be praying for her. She stopped by two days in a row and quietly chatted with us about her plans. I hope we had some positive influence on her.

Jerome Hawkins
____

Walking into the show i felt the way most non-Christians must feel when they visit a church for the first time - out of place. The surprise for me was that everyone was relatively open to our message. I had so many great conversations with people at the booth who were not only blown away that we were there but they really WANTED to engage us in conversation about Jesus. This trip made me excited to bring this back home and reach out in practical ways to the margins of society in our town. All in all, I was reminded that there was very little difference between me and the people i met at the show. I was reminded that God's grace has changed me and that i still need to claim that dependency every day.

Ryan Meeks

____

Thanks so much for allowing our group to be a part of your mission. I am extremely thankful for this experience and for the "open arms" welcome we were shown by your staff, board and volunteers. It was a truly amazing experience for me.

When I initially agreed to go on this mission trip, it was more to support Jonah and the strong calling that he felt for this ministry. As we got closer to the trip, I started to feel almost panicky about how the convention would work. What was I going to say to these girls in particular? Did I HAVE to go out on the floor? How could I possibly relate my boring life (which I'm even more thankful for now) with all the craziness they experience everyday? Thinking about it now, it was crazy how stressed
I was making myself over this! I wish I had read one of the passages before we left that your pastor used in his sermon on Sunday..."Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." (Mark 13:11). While I
know this passage is specifically speaking to the persecution of Christians in the end times, I think it is extremely fitting for the preparation of going into the porn show!

I really struggled the first couple of days of the show with interacting - not so much with people passing by the booth, but with the actual "stars" themselves. I went out on the floor with Rachael Collins quite a bit and was truly inspired by her ability to bring so much humanity to these girls. Just simple things like asking their name and telling them we had stopped by to see them seemed to really touch them. That's when it really clicked for me - I wasn't necessarily at THIS show to make connections with anyone here. However, I was being called to learn HOW to make connections with these girls so that I could take that knowledge home with me and put it to use in my community. THAT'S what my mission was on this trip.

By the end of the show, I met my "one" girl. Someone that I felt I was able to make a real connection with and plant a seed in. I am so pumped to start a ministry in my community after this experience. I can't wait to make these connections over and over again! I am so thankful for the opportunity
to get a glimpse into a world I knew very little about but one that is so deeply in need of Christ's grace, forgiveness and love.

Lynn McKee

_____

I went to Las Vegas, because the p*rn industry seems like a unreachable environment, and I know nothing is impossible with God, so i wanted to go check it out and serve with some awesome people.
I guess what stood out to me most was the realness of everyone there. They were just regular people with interesting to say the least jobs, and that is how they see it as a job.
What stood out to me most, last night we were eating at the airport restaurant when one of the p*rn stars walked in with her boyfriend. The restaurant was incredible crowded, and it was just choose a seat seating, so offered them our table. She recognized us and asked us about the show and we met her boyfriend, it was a really positive conversation. As i walked away, I was thinking i wonder if she is looking around all the time, wondering if she is going to be recognized, and how horrible that existance would be!

I have decided that my life will be forever changed by this experience. God can not be put in a box. God is passionatly pursuing P*rn stars, He is not this soft, far away, being we make him out to be. God is close, intense, powerful, an all consuming fire, I am in awe of GOD!

In the days and weeks leading up to the '09 AVN Adult Film Trade Show I had been preparing myself to wash the proverbial feet of the porn industry. I felt ready for the debauchery that I would be confronted with. I felt ready to try to shine the light of Jesus' love for the women whose work removes all but the shreds of dignity. What I wasn't prepared for was what the consumers showed me. They held a mirror up to my face every time I saw an ass grabbed or a lecherous remark made in passing. For whatever reason I hadn't expected to feel the prick of shame at my past pornography
consumption.

Heather Dougan

____

As I handed out bibles I was a little surprised to notice how differently the industry girls would act as soon as I looked them in the eye and made normal small talk. "How do you stand in those shoes all day?" or "Tired of Evanescence yet?" The far off look and fake smile that every girl at the show gives to the consumers would go away and they would respond with a joke or a genuine smile. For a couple of seconds it wasn't a terrorist looking guy handing out bibles and a girl in just her dental floss. Hopefully for those few seconds or minutes that girl saw how she deserves to be spoken to. In their eyes I saw my sister, my wife, my daughter. I wanted to protect them to offer the respect and attention that they deserve and to punch every leering face quickly gathering around. Instead I would offer a t-shirt, sticker or bible and ask how the weekend was going before they walked back
to work.

Jonah

___

WHY I WENT

Hopefully it doesn't sound cliche but I wanted to go where people need Jesus the most. Who needs to experience God's love more than people at a porn convention?

I knew it would give me an opportunity to share with my unchurched buddies why a Christian would go to a porn show.

I wanted to get out of my spiritual rut.

WHAT I EXPERIENCED

The XXX Church booth was the only booth in the entire show where the porn stars and strippers felt safe to hang out.

"The porn industry takes from you... you don't take from it"

For many years I felt that a successful mission trip was measured by how many people I led to Christ. While I still believe at some point people need to hear the message. This trip helped me to realize how patient God is with all of us and that real success is about consistently showing up for Jesus.

I learned that many of my Christian friends didn't share the same excitement for passing out bibles at a porn convention as I did. I think that I would have gotten more support from my fellow believers if I had told them I was going to protest.

HOW THIS WEEK CHANGED ME

Before my experience with XXX Church I would have never believed it was possible to reach out in loving way to people in the sex industry. It has given me a greater sense of confidence to hang out with people who don't know God. What can they possibly say that would make me feel uncomfortable... I just spent five days at a porn show!

It's got me thinking about how our church could do something radical for Jesus in our own city.

XXX CHURCH TEAM

Craig, Ryan, Jake, Sam, Stephen, Rachel, Rachel and Phylicia,

You guys are awesome! There is nothing to really add. You guys made it a memorable experience. It was a good mix of ministry and fun.

I would love to go to the LA Show, if you need the help?

Dan Driscoll

____

What an incredible show. Here are some things I won't soon forget.

-A young porn star who was from a church in Arizona where three of the team members were involved. So, sad to see but so cool to show back up in her world at a time like this.

- Rachel's phone ringing at our booth. It was a girl named Sara. Sara is a porn star who they took to dinner the night prior. Sara called and said she wants out and can't do this any longer. Conversations continued....

- A brothel owner who got a DUI and has to serve 80 of community service. She asked me if we had a place where she could do that. A brothel owner who needs wants to volunteer. I explained to her what I wrote about a few posts ago after my trip to the Chicken Ranch and not only are we in at her place she will spend her 80 hours working the phones and relationships with other Nevada brothel owners. God is all over this....

- 3,000 plus bibles gone.
- 300 plus t-shirts handed out
-5,000 stickers and tattoos gone

So much more we will have out next Monday on www.xxxchurch.tv and we will post all the write ups below.

Craig Gross

___

I went because I know that everyone in the porn industry is a person with real needs that Jesus can meet, and because I was excited to be a nice Christian inside the convention not a mean *ss one outside the doors.

I experienced a deep pain for these girls in the industry, my maternal side really ached for the girls at the booths. I met one gal while she was signing autographs who was totally strung out. After we talked about her tattoos I gave her a t-shirt and let her know that Jesus loves her no matter what, she said, "I wish I had my head on straight so that I could really talk to you, but I haven't slept in 3 days" I felt desperate for her, caught in this cycle of lies and drugs to ease the pain.

What stood out: There were a lot of elderly couples, they could barely walk, but they had their bag of porn - it reminded me that you don't outgrow this. Also, how fun it was to hand out bibles at the booth and see the shock and confusion on everyone's faces...engaging in conversations was easier than I thought it would be too.

I will definitely come back.

Michelle Meeks

_____

i had the time of my life. my dreams are becoming a reality. sounds cheesy but its so true. the connections that were made and that were continued from last year was incredible. trying to get moments with the girls just to hug them or talk for a few moments is what i thrive on. i really felt stretched in so many ways. doing makeup for the first time was so exciting to me. they are in their element when they are sitting in your makeup chair. all of a sudden they are not at the convention or not getting ready for the show but they are just getting their makeup done by a friend. to have conversations where they could be themselves and not have a line in front of them ready to take their pictures or touch them. they were just girls wanting to look nice for themselves. i am hoping that the makeup can continue and be an "in" to build so many more relationships. i have learned so much.
i was able to talk with one of the girls i met last year. she was at the booth next to us and this year was promoting for another club . we have stayed in contact through this year. it was so nice to see how excited she was that we were at the convention again.

we made plans to hang out soon and she will be living close by. those are the relationships that i pray God continues to grow and make more of. saturday night was an example of the main purpose why we do what we do. to have a girl go out for drinks with you and by the end of the night say that porn is not what she wants to do is something you can only dream of happening. this is why we are here . she was a women that had been an escort, in a brothel and now in porn films. she said over and over that she was not satisfied with life. krissee, leslie, rachel and i prayed with her in the middle of the casino that night. it was truly amazing. having her call me the next morning because she didn't want to go to the convention and needed someone to talk to was the best thing i could have heard. its easy for us to say "yeah, get out of the business, everything will be ok". but i cant even imagine how scared she must be. there are lots of steps to take and i know God is working on her heart. It is my goal to stay in good contact with her. it will take time.

over all......this is where jesus would have been and i see why. lots of hurting people that want to be loved and if i am able to show them just a glimpse of the love that God has for them i will do it.

Rachel Sanchez

____

\

I learned a lot this past year. Something amazing happens when you just SHOW UP. That has been our theme, our tag line, our mission for moving our ministry to Las Vegas and a theme I hope to carry out the rest of my life. God cant use you when you are not willing to SHOW UP. He can and wants to use all of us but you have to make that choice to get off the sidelines and on to the field. What happened at the brothel is only the beginning to what I hope and pray is an incredible ministry in 2009 and the years to come. Enjoy Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest or Carson Daily whoever you are watching bring in the New Year.

1. X3pure. Think Pure Online meets XXXchurch and you have X3pure. Cant wait for you all to see what is cooking. Will launch first part of next year.

2. T-shirt blow out. After Christmas we will be having a huge sale for 10.99 on XXXchurch and Heart Support shirts.

3. Kimberly (formerly Houston) is going to be joining us at AVN porn show in Vegas in January at our booth. We printed up a cool picture of her with her story of coming to know Christ on the back of it. Also, a group from Eastlake Church in Seattle ( remember XXXchurch.tv episode from Porn Weekend) that church is bringing a group to serve at the show with us. This is something we are going to be doing a ton more of with XXXchurch and Strip Church. We will have groups or individuals join us and share in the outreaches with us. All the dates for the shows we will be at and how you can join us as a group or individuals will be on the Fireproof Ministries Serve site in January.

4. Central Christian Church in Mesa let us know today that they are supporting Strip Church in Vegas today. We are so encouraged by that. Life Church.tv, Arcade Church, Eastside Christian Church have all supported our efforts over the last year as well.

5. The Christian Missionary Alliance is joining up with us as well. They are a denomination founded by AB Simpson.

? In the 1880's Simpson was the pastor of perhaps the most prestigious church in New York City and perhaps the nation.

? Simpson spent considerable time reaching out to men and women who were often rejected by 'the church'. Included were the Italian dockworkers, to sailors, to streetwalkers, to unwed mothers.

? This all resulted in Simpson leaving his prestigious church and beginning a church on the backstage of a NYC theatre creating a SAFE place for people that had the greatest needs.

? Simpson was merely living out the example of Jesus Christ, who spent most of His time with the people the religious leaders often rejected.

? The Alliance DNA was established by AB Simpson with a passion to bring the healing Christ offers to broken people.

? The first Alliance church plant planted by Simpson in NYC was known at The Gospel Tabernacle. Central to the church were numerous rescue missions, some of which exist to this day. This was happening 130 years ago in The Alliance.

? Now today The C&MA is made up of 26000 churches worldwide with critical ministries reaching out to people that have been entrapped by the grip of the sex industry in places like Thailand, Cambodia, Mali and the continent of Africa. It's what we do!

? For XXXChurch to partner with The Christian & Missionary Alliance makes all the sense in the world.

6. I just finished my latest book. Jason Harper and I wrote this one together. We worked on The Gutter way back when together and I think this would be the natural follow up to that book. The project is called "Jesus Loves You....this i know". There will be a companion DVD that supports it with some amazing stories shot by Sticky at difted. Comes out in the fall of 2009 with Baker books. A website will be up in February with some downloads and some cool things.

7. The Oakland Raiders are not going to make the playoffs and it is snowing in Las Vegas. Two random things to leave you with.

Enjoy the Holidays...

Craig