The night started with laughs and prayers, but quickly got serious when we drove up and down Union avenue. There we saw a vast number of prostitutes lining the open doors at motels.
Pastor Doug Bennett, along with the members of Magdalene Hope, do not see these girls as criminals- they see them as victims. That's why they're out two Fridays a month, raising awareness.
Magdalene hope goes out to hand out backpacks full of toiletries, food, and most importantly contact information, so if the girl wants to change her way of life... she can.
The girls we came in contact with tonight were not only from Bakersfield. Many came from places like Oakland, Fresno, and Las Vegas.
Pastor Bennett says some of these girls get started in this business as young as the age of twelve.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this ministry or if you would like to help, call 808-HOPE (4673) or log onto their website at www.magdalenehope.org.