Born again, Vegas style
11:56 AM PT, Jan 7 2008
I met Heather Veitch and Annie Lobert at the Cheesecake Factory, across from the Green Valley Ranch casino. We had to wait for a booth because Lobert's stories about her years working as an escort in the Vegas resort corridor can get graphic.
Many years ago Veitch used to be a stripper in Vegas. Now both women are Christian activists trying to reach out to women in the Las Vegas adult industry.
They are in the midst of gearing up for Adult Entertainment Expo, the biggest adult industry convention in the country, which takes place in Vegas every January. This convention includes the adult movie version of the Oscars, the AVN Awards.
I discovered the duo through a series of popular YouTube videos they did called "Saving Sex City." Episode 3 features the two walking the Strip as showgirls carrying placards with Christian messages.
Even before uniting for the video series, Veitch received a lot of media attention. She thinks it is because she doesn't look like your typical Christian preacher. In fact, her look has been a major factor, she says, in the Christian community being slower than the worldly people of Vegas to accept her.
One Vegas topless bar allows Veitch to come at night to buy lap dances and use the time to talk to the dancers about Jesus. I have been invited along for a future trip and am very curious to see how that works out. Veitch says she has received almost no hostility from the people she is trying to reach in Vegas, even those not at all interested in her message.
On the other hand, selling her fellow Christians on her project has been difficult. Veitch has found that some churches are not interested in populating congregations with strippers she has invited to services. And then it always comes back to her look. Veitch says, "The Christian community can be very judgmental. But we think our look lets girls in the industry identify with us."
For the upcoming 40,000-strong Adult Entertainment Expo, Veitch and Lobert will be working the convention floor, handing out cards and delivering their message to whoever will listen. Veitch's current boyfriend is not happy because this means she will be among all the male fans of porn at the convention as well as the men who work in that industry. The boyfriend called during our lunch to make that point again. Veitch was not convinced. She still will be at Adult Entertainment Expo, working with Lobert.
To Veitch, her need to be at the huge porn convention is clear. She explained after getting off the phone with her boyfriend: "To me, I am used to the attention because I come from that industry. For him, it is hard because I have had several guy porn stars who are attractive come up to me and want to make films. But I am the untouchable one there. I look like those girls, but they can't see me naked. Now I am using my body to advertise for God. So to me it is not bad."
And it is instructive to note that the media love Veitch's look as well. Even before the "Saving Sex City" videos, Veitch had already become a media magnet, having done every show from "Geraldo" to "The 700 Club." A documentary on Veitch, "Pussycat Preacher," became available for free download last week. Lobert's media profile before the "Saving Sex City" videos had been slightly lower. But by calling the church group she formed "Hookers for Jesus," Lobert admits she pretty much guaranteed that everyone who hears the name remembers it. Lobert says:
"I picked that name because it is catchy. Most Christians might think I am selling my body. But I say that because I am trying to hook people on Jesus. I hook them for Jesus. I go into the casinos and I sit at the bar while the girls are selling their bodies and I talk to them."
Asked how she can tell the hookers from the tourists, Lobert says, "I know. I just watch and I know. I know because I have been there. I share my story with them and give them my card and invite them to church."
(Annie Lobert and Heather Veitch photo by Sarah Gerke)
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I wanted to know more about the color purple essay. Can you please send me some info.
Posted by: madalyn solano | January 07, 2008 at 08:10 PM
I THINK THIS IS WONDERFUL. AS CHRISTIANS WE ARE CALLED TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL TO ALL, NOT JUST PEOPLE YOU LIKE, OR FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH. MANY OF US SAY WE WANT THE WORLD TO BE EVANGELIZED, BUT WE DON'T WANT TO DO IT OURSELVES, LET ALONE INTERACT WITH PEOPLE WHO MAY SEEM TO BE UNDESIRABLE. WELL THESE YOUNG WOMEN ARE DOING JUST THAT AND I HOPE YOU CAN GET THIS MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO THEM. WHEN JESUS WALKED THIS EARTH HE WAS WITH THE PROSTITUTES, CROOKS AND DREGS OF SOCIETY FOR THE VERY PURPOSE OF BRINGING THEM TO THE LIGHT. I DON'T WANT TO GO ON AND ON ,BUT I AM SO PROUD OF THESE WOMEN AND I PRAY FOR THEIR SAFETY AS THEY GO INTO THIS INDUSTRY TO HELP BRING AN ETERNAL CHANGE IN THE LIVES OF THESE FOLKS. THIS IS A BILLION DOLLAR A YEAR INDUSTRY AND THE DEVIL HAS A MIGHTY STRONGHOLD ON IT, BUT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. I HAVE BEEN WRESTLING WITH THE IDEA OF TALKING TO A FEW WOMEN I SEE QUITE OFTEN WHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK AND ON MY RIDE HOME. THEY ARE ON THE STREET CORNERS AND I KNOW THEY NEED HELP. I HAVE BEEN A COWARD, BUT I'M ASKING GOD TO GIVE ME THE COURAGE AND BOLDNESS TO APPROACH THESE WOMEN WITH THE GOSPEL IF IT IS GOD'S WILL FOR ME TO DO SO. I APPLAUD THEM FOR THEIR STRENGTH, DEDICATION AND LOVE TOWARDS GOD AND THEIR FELLOW SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN THE LORD. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
Posted by: avril | January 07, 2008 at 08:29 PM
"For him, it is hard"
No doubt.
Posted by: Rob McMillin | January 07, 2008 at 09:36 PM
pitiful, stupid ,typical bacwardness and hipocrisy american way of christianity,feeling remorseful for enjoying pleasure,throw christianity and all religion alike where they deserve garbage and sewer
Posted by: chester | January 07, 2008 at 11:19 PM
What an incredible ministry !
In a positive biblical sense. Jesus ministered to the most decrepit of society.
Love this story !
Posted by: Lilia | January 08, 2008 at 12:32 AM
They maketh me long to lie down in green pastures, even if they have lost their minds.
Posted by: BWD | January 08, 2008 at 03:06 AM
Jesus died for every single one of those girls. Furthermore, God promises eternal life to everyone who believes in Jesus. And, He never breaks His promises. Never.
John 3:16 says it: For God so loved the world that He have His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Because Jesus paid for the gift of heaven on the Cross we can never pay for it ourselves— or pay Him back for it. He paid it all. We only believe His promise of eternal life. We have eternal life guaranteed the very second we believe His promise. We cannot earn it by good behavior or keep it by good behavior. No one behaves perfectly. Only Jesus did.
Why would anyone criticize these girls for wanting to communicate the message of God's perfect love?
Posted by: Pensamiento | January 08, 2008 at 06:10 AM
How about the troupe that does the "running-across-the-stage-and-breaking-a-4x4-beam-with-your-chest-for-Jesus" routine.
I was curious with Avril's note. Why all in caps? That means "shouting" online. A bit OTT. Ironically, when Avril says, "I don't want to go on, but..." she really means, "I do want to go on and on as long as I can".
The two girls are are doing any direct harm, I guess. At least they are honest about their past and other activities - more than can be said for many of the more self-righteous preachers and politicians proclaiming to be pure Christians while engaging male hookers.
Posted by: A.Mioozd | January 08, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Well,... Im not surprised by the complete hypocrisy found in the Christian community. Those who "Preach" acceptance and the the so called "Word of God" are in fact the the WORST offenders of hate, rejection and violence. The VERY fact they have any thoughts of rejecting those who seek redemption clearly states just how vial and poisoned the message of christians has become. ALL christians need to READ that bible of theirs. It's time to abolish religion and start uniting under ONE God for ALL..... period. Stop being judge and jury - it's not your job - it's God's job.
Posted by: David | January 08, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Kudos to Rob Mc Millin. Wit is in such short supply these days.
Posted by: Brad Cole | January 08, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Haha. Jesus' gals. Good work ladies. But you might want to lighten up on the eyeshadow. Just a bit.
Good gals. Lovely.
Posted by: Andrew Eppink | January 08, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Oops - typo in my post. I meant to say "the girls are not doing any direct harm".
And if it helps a few people who want out of the industry, all the better. As I said, at least they are honest and consistent.
Just one point, Jesus and his disciples never made money out of their ministry. In fact, what they did glean, they gave away. They were not real big on rich people.
I ponder this when I see people making (and keeping) fortunes out of spreading the word. So, for consistency and credibility of their work and message, I am hoping the bulk of profits from any book and video sales are going to help rehabilitate those they save.
Posted by: A.Mioozd | January 08, 2008 at 08:01 AM
God bless these beautiful women and their wonderful ministry!
Posted by: Sharon J. | January 08, 2008 at 08:10 AM
The story about the Christian Girls in Vegas pricked my interest (so to speak). They had the link to the documentary and I clicked on it... Oh my freak'n god. Not only is Heather Veitch super hot, but she was almost killed by other Christians. I can't believe that wasn't in the story. It seems her worst enemies are other Christians. Go figure. But an amazing doc. And its free playing at some online film fest. puusycatpreacher dot com.
Posted by: Ran Guu | January 08, 2008 at 08:13 AM
You gotto love these girls and their mission. But most of Christianity only gives lip service to love, hammers it home as a duty and thereby transforms it into hate: Hate of homosexuals, hate of other denominations and their peculiar views of God, hate of those, who don't fit their narrow judgement according to the views of their very selective interpretation of the bible. 150 years ago, they quoted the sections that justified slavery, then segregation and today it's discrimination against homosexuals that drives gay teens' suicide rate up tenfold compared to heterosexuals. If Jesus ever came back, he'd talk about the hypocritical Christian leaders the exact same way as he did about the Pharisees: Rot in hell! Achim.
Posted by: Achim Jung | January 08, 2008 at 08:54 AM
I have been to the Adult Entertainment Expo before and I met people from other groups that are doing similar work. I suppose it is a growth industry. I find them to be very nice people. Unfortunately, they are simply wrong. Not because of the "sins" that they committed in the past, but because God doesn't exist and Christianity is a very hostile worldview. As these girls can attest when they meet other Christians.
The Bible is full of violence and lots of horrible things. It is no wonder that Christians are much the same.
Think not that I am come to send peace of earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword.
- Matthew 10:34
Think about it!
Posted by: Iver Odegaard | January 08, 2008 at 09:00 AM
The thing I find most interesting about religion and some of these comments is that it draws out so many religion-bashers. I, for one, am not religious nor do I "have a relationship with God" but I find it slightly offensive when atheists, agnostics and otherwise secular people attack Christians for hating or discriminating. If we are to judge believers then who are we to say they cannot or should not judge anyone else? It gives atheists and non-believers a bad name to go on the offensive like this. I think the real story here is that a group of individuals took their life experiences and used them for a completely different purpose. That being said, I do enjoy some of the more witty comments...all's fair in love, war and comedy, I suppose.
Posted by: David | January 08, 2008 at 09:11 AM
The irony here is that many of these same Christians who might financially support missionaries overseas working to reach women trapped in sex trade (Thailand and elsewhere) are uncomfortable with the same ministry in their own church. Sad, really, in light of Jesus' own ministry. The church is suppose to be a battleship, perhaps a hospital ship, but NOT a cruise ship. These women's ministry to reach out to women involved in the sex industry is awesome. Note to commenter "avril" --- please use lower case letters: all caps is very hard to read - and it comes across like you're screeming.
Posted by: David in Los Angeles | January 08, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I am a Christian and I think this is absolutely wonderful. Good work ladies! You don't have to be snobby or a hypocrite to be a Christian, you just have to love the Lord and these two ladies are prime examples - showing people love who may not be receiving it from the general population... that's a real Christian!
Posted by: Christine | January 08, 2008 at 09:43 AM
David,
You may call my words "religion-bashing" but I just call it, telling the truth. I think it is way past time that us atheists (and other nonbelievers or whatever name one may give to oneself) speak up for ourselves and our views. I think it is high time that we expose religion as a sham and simply a way for one group of people to control another group of people. And I think it is also long overdue for us to say that people that believe in God (of any religion) are basically delusional. Think about it. If someone said that they believed in Santa Claus as an adult, we would question their sanity. But to believe in God is OK. Or if God tells you to preach the Gospel to hookers and strippers, that's one thing. But if He tells you to kill your family, it is another. And yes, it is. But the constant is that you are using an imaginary friend to dictate what you do in your life. I just think that as adults we need to give up our imaginary friends (gods included) and live in the real world.
If you would like to talk more or if anyone wants to send me hate mail: drop me a line - lefthandman00 [at] hotmail.com
Posted by: Iver Odegaard | January 08, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I do not think these two ladies dress unacceptably. Their mission is a respectable one given the adult entertainment industry can get pretty abusive. I am glad they are providing support for those who want it.
Posted by: Melody Watts | January 08, 2008 at 10:10 AM
>Think not that I am come to send peace of earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Matthew 10:34
This is the reason I have a problem with people who try to interpret Jesus's words with no real understanding. Quoting this verse in light of one's bias against Christians is a cheap shot. Talk about an axe to grind.
For the real context folks, read the verses after. It is clear that Jesus is talking about what happens when a person ventures from the fold to become a Christian. Even people in your own house can end up hating you. It is this division that Jesus means when he talks about taking away peace. There is no threat of violence here.
Posted by: MoeInAmus | January 08, 2008 at 10:43 AM
This "ministry" is a bad mistake. You dont "reach" people by being like them, you reach them by being an example of something new and different.
They say that Christians are judgemental, but it sounds like two of a couple of immature people over-reacting to correction! Correction from more spiritually mature people no doubt who warned them.
>One Vegas topless bar allows Veitch to come at night to buy lap dances and use the time to talk to the dancers about Jesus.
These girls are being used for evil. Think about it folks, why would you, the owner of a bar whos income derives from stripping etc, allow people to come in and disrupt your business. If they love you this much, we have a problem! Think about it!!
Jesus's only words for evil is to "have nothing to do with it...and reprove them".
Even good Intentions are not the benchmark of righteousness, only God's words are.
Posted by: MoeInaMus | January 08, 2008 at 10:58 AM
The difference between these babes and Oral Roberts Jr. is that these babes are honest about it.
Posted by: DFC | January 08, 2008 at 11:09 AM
OK, so let me get this straight. If you meet a girl, buy her dinner and a show,etc. and then go have sex, that's fine. If you skip the middleman of the restaurant and theater (who are indirect pimps in some respects) and give her the cash instead and then go have sex, that's illegal and immoral. How hypocritical is that?
As a very straight-laced mother of two I know once asked, "What don't you like, the sex or the money?"
Seems to me that the problem here is not sex for money, but defining what a "sin" and "immoral" behavior really is, and then making the mistake of legislating it in the same manner as harmful behavior such as theft or murder. I fail to see what is so immoral about a voluntary private contract between two consenting adults, and I fail to see why that should be illegal so long as nobody outside that contract is directly harmed. This whole obsolete concept of "sin" and "blue" laws has got to go! Meanwhile, we have polirticians, some of which are being voted for today in New Hampshire, that are far more immoral than a streetwalker. How ironic!
These girls are to be commended for their dedication to their cause, but their cause itself is suspect. Cash, not belief, buys the groceries and pays the rent, and the girls they are trying to reach can make some very good money, which is why they do it.
Posted by: Somebody | January 08, 2008 at 12:00 PM