Dreams
This is what we dream of! An encounter that changes lives
A few weeks ago, she finally came to our office, after many short WhatsApp messages and brief encounters. Her life had been a rollercoaster ride in recent months—from one dramatic moment to another emotional drama.
During our conversation, she openly shared her struggles. She wondered, “Where is God in my situation? I try to be a good person, but it seems as if disasters continue to haunt my life.”
We talked about how God wants to be involved in every moment of our lives. Faith is more than just prayer or asking for help. Living with God is a lifestyle—a path He wants to lead us on, through all circumstances. We prayed together and brought her situation to Him in Jesus’ name. After an emotional hug, she left our office. That same evening, she sent a message saying she felt like a completely different person. Since then, we have received encouraging messages from her journey of discovery with God.
This encounter shows what our work is all about: being there for that one woman, that one conversation, that one moment when God touches a life. Dear friends, we want to thank everyone who supports us financially and prays faithfully for us. You make it possible for us to do this work.
Together we pursue our dreams, shoulder to shoulder, for that one person.
Greetings,
Frits Rouvoet
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Hard times on the streets
In recent weeks, we have been hearing more and more often that it is becoming almost impossible for women in prostitution to make ends meet financially. Whereas some previously said that things were “not so bad” but that they could still manage, we are now hearing harrowing stories.
Women indicate that they often do not even earn enough to pay the rent for their small rooms. One woman we know well said that she has actually lost hope. The stress is affecting her entire body: pain in her back, neck, and shoulders, constant headaches, and sleepless nights. She is tired 24/7. Even a window owner admitted that he expects us to soon be busier with women who need help.
Another moment touched us deeply: a young girl, not yet 22, had tears in her eyes when we asked her how she was doing. Within a few days, she had to pay the €3,000 rent for her apartment, but she hadn’t saved anything yet. For almost all women, these sky-high rents are a huge obstacle to leaving.
That is why we are asking for prayer: that affordable housing will become available and that women will be given the opportunity to take on other work and make a new start. Together, we will continue to care for these women—in prayer, in practical support, and in practical assistance.
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Making dreams come true together
We invite everyone to join us in making dreams come true—dreams of freedom, hope, dignity, and a future for women trapped in prostitution.
We are incredibly grateful for all the support we have received so far.
Thanks to you, we have already been able to make a huge difference. But… we dream bigger! With structural, monthly support, we can help even more women build a new life.
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Invitation for entrepreneurs
On October 16, we are organizing a special event where art, entrepreneurship, and social engagement come together. During this gathering, we will launch the unique calendar by artist Hilda Pasterkamp, specially designed for Bright Fame.
Her work shows women in prostitution in a different light—full of dignity, strength, and humanity. The first calendar will be presented to Mirjam Bikker, leader of the ChristenUnie political party. There will also be an exhibition and auction of the 12 original artworks from the calendar. All this will take place at a beautiful location, accompanied by music, inspiring speakers, snacks, and drinks.
All proceeds from the evening and the calendar will go to Bright Fame, a foundation dedicated to the welfare of (former) prostitutes in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. We believe that entrepreneurs can play an important role in creating change.
Register via info@brightfame.nl, name and company info
there are limited places available!
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Open house
On October 18, we will open our doors to anyone who would like to learn more about the Bright Fame organization. If you are already familiar with our work, please bring someone who is not yet acquainted with it.
On this day, Frits Rouvoet @fritsrouvoet will give you a preview of the wonderful work that Bright Fame has been doing in Amsterdam’s Red Light District for 20 years. The beautiful changes that this work can bring to people’s lives. Lives that seemed hopeless become hopeful again. This is achieved by standing shoulder to shoulder with people. This will be followed by a tour of the city, around the Red Light District. If you would like to come, please register via this link https://brightfame.nl/openhuis/.
Be quick, because once it’s full, it’s full!
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Pin-up calendar in a different light
Artist Hilda Pasterkamp created a unique Pin-Up Art calendar: glamorous, provocative, and seductive, but in a completely different way than you might think. The models she painted work or have worked as sex workers and dared to step out of their public role for this calendar. They allowed themselves to be portrayed in their true beauty, vulnerable and as themselves. All proceeds from this birthday calendar will go to the Bright Fame Foundation.
Being seen instead of looked at
As a therapist and artist, Hilda is closely involved with Bright Fame: “I gained the trust of these wonderful people who have often travelled a painful and dangerous path in life. They are women, mothers, daughters, with needs and desires. They have humour, they are powerful and vulnerable. Just like any other woman. With this calendar, I want to put them in a different light and show that every woman deserves to be seen, to be seen rather than looked at.”
If you are looking for a beautiful, meaningful gift or a birthday calendar for yourself
