Shoulder to shoulder | You are needed | Good Friday | Open Day
Newsletter March 2026
Shoulder to shoulder
Last Thursday and Friday evening, we were out walking in the Red Light District again. The streets were packed with people; the crowds made it clear that it was the holiday season. Through the crowd, we saw something that struck a chord with us: a woman was unashamedly taking a photo of one of the women behind the window.
The woman’s reaction was immediate. The photo had to be deleted immediately. The woman walked on, smiling, but the moment lingered. It reminds us of how vulnerable and visible these women are at the same time.
A little further on, we met a young woman who was visibly exhausted. “I’m so tired,” she said. We got talking and were allowed to pray with her. During that moment, I felt strongly that God wanted to say something to her. When I gently shared this with her, she looked up in surprise. “That’s exactly what was weighing on my mind yesterday,” she said. How remarkable is it that, even when we don’t know what’s going on inside someone, God can still give us words that touch them? That is also what we pray for time and again before we go out onto the streets: that He speaks through us, precisely where it is needed.
For the past few weeks, we’ve also been in touch with another young woman. We saw her again this evening. When we asked how she was doing, her eyes filled with tears. She told us she was going home for the Eastern European Easter, but that she’d earned so little she couldn’t take anything back for her four-year-old daughter.
It broke our hearts to have to leave her behind like that. Later that evening, I couldn’t stop thinking about doing something for her. I withdrew €50 so she could buy something for her daughter or do something nice together.
When I gave it to her, tears streamed down her cheeks. Tears of relief, of gratitude, of feeling seen. Last weekend we received a photo of a beaming little girl, her daughter. A small smile with a big story behind it. When she is back in Amsterdam, we have agreed to sit down together and see what else we can do for her. In Isaiah 58:6–7, we are called to look after the people around us, to share with those in need, and to care for one another. That is exactly what we, together with you, have been privileged to do for over 21 years: to be there for people who no longer see a way out or a future.
We want to continue doing this in the years to come, shoulder to shoulder. Together we can bring light to the darkest places. Together we can give hope where it seems lost.
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Good Friday service
On Good Friday, we held a special ‘Coming Together’ gathering with the women.
Together, we reflected on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Through Bible reading and singing hymns, a moment of peace, connection and hope was created. Anyone who wished to do so was invited to write their name on a card bearing the words ‘He died for me’ – a personal token. A reminder of what Jesus did for her. It was a moving and meaningful moment that touched us deeply.
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We need you…
New campaign: You are needed!
This month we are launching a special campaign. Over the next four weeks, we want to invite everyone to become a regular donor to Bright Fame. Together we can support women who are incredibly brave. Women who are choosing a new life. A life away from abuse, pain and trauma.
You might be wondering: What can I do? The answer is simple. We need you. With a regular monthly donation, you help a woman take step by step towards a new future. You make it possible for us to continue meeting women, supporting them and offering hope.
Together, we bring light where there is darkness. Care for one another. Help us.
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Bright Fame Open Day
Have you always wanted to take a look around our office? Then come to our open day on Saturday 30 May! Enjoy a delicious coffee (or something else) in our cosy drop-in lounge. Join us on a city walk and hear more about our work. Or recommend someone who would definitely be interested but isn’t yet familiar with our work.
Please register via info@brightfame.nl
Maximum number of participants is 20.
Time: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm (doors open from 1.30 pm) 30 May!
