All Free NOLA outreach work is rooted in the principle and practice of Relational Evangelism. It simply means the team comes alongside people, right where they are, offering no judgment, condemnation, or expectation, just relationship. The Free NOLA team specifically focuses on building relationships with people trapped in the sex industry, to show the love of the Father to them in a tangible way by bringing them free gifts of love.
Free NOLA is committed to intersecting the lives of trained team members with workers in strip clubs, massage parlors, motels, or brothels. By doing this consistently over time, relationships of trust are developed so that encouragement and a better way of life can be presented. Over 95% of those trapped in the sex industry did not imagine they would be doing this type of work. However, many do not have the life or job skills to do anything else. And, typically, they do not have a network of people to help them envision or embrace a better life. That’s where the Free NOLA team steps in.
It is our calling to intervene – to engage in intervention. We believe that Jesus has come to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). We pray this daily for our people. There is no greater weapon against human trafficking than prayer and each and every outreach is covered in prayer.
This is our signature outreach, occurring monthly, typically on a Friday night, to build relationships with the men and women who work in the clubs on Bourbon Street. On this outreach, Free NOLA Teams of 3-8 women, along with a male escort, come bearing gifts and the offer of relationship.
For the women club workers, the team brings de-thorned long stem roses and a card tied near the top of the rose, which says, “We hope this small gift brightens your day. It’s our simple way of saying we love you, no strings attached. Let us know if we can help you.” Each rose is handled with tender love and care; much like our Father God would treat each of us. Of course, our contact information is on the reverse side of the card.
For the male club workers, the team brings a bag of Lindt truffles tied with the same card as the rose. Small talk is easy, asking about his/her personally, family, and if he/she is from the area or not. One of the things all these people, and the women in particular, love to talk about is their children. Asking to see pictures is appropriate and encouraged. Lastly, we ask if they need anything or if there is anything specific we can pray about for them. This opens their hearts to receive God’s love and ushers in His presence. Many times we offer hugs and kisses on the cheek in a way that lets them know, we are real in our intentions. Our ultimate goal is to build relationships, provide a support system, and present workers in the sex industry with options for a better life.
This Free NOLA outreach focuses on the clubs and massage parlors in New Orleans East. We bring free gifts of love to women and men who work at these clubs, usually on a Friday night. Unlike Bourbon Street, these clubs are scattered, so the team of 3-8 men and women meet, first, for a time of updates, reflection, prayer and a review of names from the last outreach.
Then, we distribute gift bags made up of either personal care items for the ladies and/or snacks and snacks for the men. Every gift is tied with a scripture card and our contact information.
This outreach follows the same procedure as the ONE above and is done to reach the same clubs and massage parlors. The only difference is that it is done on a Thursday night with an outreach team consisting of 3-5 team members. Our amazing cookie team provides all the homemade cookies, which we place in an outreach bag, along with a bottle of water. The same Scripture card is placed in each bag for both the men and women who work in the clubs and massage parlors. This is another way in which we can connect with the dancers and employees in those venues. Again, building relationship is what it is all about; first gifts of love, then trust, then relationship. These steps allow them to see the consistency of offering a token of love, which provides an avenue to speak words of hope that will change their life.
This amazing ministry allows the trained Free NOLA teams to search for high risk missing children along the Interstate 10 corridor, from Florida to Texas, with special emphasis on the New Orleans area. On these outreaches, we distribute a Missing Children Brochure, Missing Children Posters, Housekeeping Key Indicator Cards and Coded Soap Bars.
(504) 621-5544 • PO Box 56506 New Orleans, LA 70156
Stay Connected • Be a part of the Solution
© 2021 Free Nola. All rights reserved.
