March 3, 2015 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Ten years ago, Annie Lobert founded “Hookers for Jesus,” an organization dedicated to helping women leave the abusive, demeaning prostitution industry.
In that time, she has been praised by press across the spectrum for her work, and even more for having the strength to leave the industry — despite financial, physical, and psychological threats and beatings.
Now, in her new book “Fallen,” Lobert talks in great detail about the childhood abuse and neglect that led her to become a prostitute — first by choice, then by force. Leaving little out, she explains how she became one of the most profitable prostitutes in Las Vegas over her 16 years in the industry, only to find herself bereft of money, friends, and family when things got hard.
After years of assaults by an ex-boyfriend and former pimp, Lobert went on to another abusive relationship, and watched her sister die of a genetic disorder. After nearly dying from cancer herself, Lobert became addicted to cocaine to help deal with the stress of helping her boyfriend launch a corporation. Even going back to prostitution couldn't help that failing business.
Out of options, Lobert turned to Christ for the first time in more than a decade. Over several years, He opened her eyes to love, and care, and compassion – and eventually, to a new life that included a husband who encouraged to marry as a virgin in Christ.
In a recent interview, Lobert discussed this and more with LifeSiteNews:
LifeSiteNews: What is Hookers for Jesus, and how does your ministry help sex-trafficked women?
Annie Lobert: Hookers For Jesus is an outreach on the Las Vegas strip to sex trafficking victims and sex industry ladies that I started in 2005. The main point of the outreach was to let ladies know that they are loved by God and if they needed any resources to help them in their lives, we were available to connect.
In 2007, we established our non-profit and later developed Destiny House, a home for women to heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually from their pasts but to also help them establish their new lives outside of the sex industry.
LSN: Your book is named “Fallen,” which was the name you used when you worked as a prostitute. Do you have a different view of the name/title now, since you've come up from that life to evangelize for Christ? Do you think it was a subconscious attack on yourself, that you had “fallen” into the lifestyle of a prostitute?
AL: Yes, Fallen was my “incognito” name I used when I worked as a call girl. I chose that name, because it sounded sophisticated and regal. I do have a different view of the name Fallen, because it now has a dual meaning, and I like that – I once was Fallen the girl who sold her soul to the highest bidder—but I “fell” too far and became “Fallen” only to realize that I needed God’s love to pick me back up.
LSN: You indicate in the book that after the first time you were hit by Julian, you and a friend all but ended your friendship — but that the friendship was rekindled years later. Have you two been able to forgive each other and yourselves for what happened between you, and how is that friendship today?
AL: Yes, my dear sweet friend and I have talked several times and seen each other since the incident. Yes, I believe we have forgiven each other completely. She is an amazing person—she has gotten out of the industry and is doing amazing things to help children in her career. I am very happy for her!
LSN: Between your former job, your relationships, and other circumstances described in “Fallen,” you have engaged in sexual relationships with several men. What is the difference for you between sexual intercourse/relations then — done for pay, out of fear or a desire to please, etc. — and now, with your husband, when it is based upon mutual love and respect?
AL: My husband is the most respectful, sweet, romantic, and understanding man that I know. We waited to have sex until after we were married…and because my husband had taken the same stand as I on purity before marriage, he has treated me like a lady in the bedroom and never forced me to participate when I haven’t wanted to. We all have bad days; we are human. Because of this gentle treatment of me, it has healed my heart on a deeper level to trust more when it comes to intimacy issues. The result of that trust is an amazing relationship in the bedroom that communicates honor, respect and love.
LSN: Related, has your sexual past ever been an issue for him, prior to or during your marriage?
AL: Haha, never!
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LSN: One of the popular images of prostitution is that it is full of women engaging in free-will choices. Yet you describe your situation in that field — enduring horrific physical, psychological, and emotional beatings, sexual assaults, etc. — as common, normal, and accepted. Is there a practical difference between “prostitution” and “sex trafficking?”
AL: Personally, from my experience and many other experiences of friends that have worked in the industry, the lines are often blurred because:
1. If you start out working in the industry as a “free choice,” you are considered a prostitute. This would mean you have no one controlling you or earning money off what you are making…no fees, debt bondage or pimps involved.
But this is a rarity that will eventually lead to a road when you will meet someone who is a trafficker, and many times in the guise of a romantic interest. This life is lonely without a partner, and many ladies I know succumb to meeting someone, so that they will be comforted when they are not working.
2. Sex trafficking can manifest from prostitution as soon as someone is forced and coerced to sell themselves, because they have been threatened they will be framed, blackmailed, hurt, or killed.
LSN: You had several abortions and miscarriages during your time as a prostitute. Is this common among women in that industry, and how do you help them overcome the scarring from those circumstances?
AL: Yes, it is common to have abortions in the industry. I’ve shared my personal experiences with other ladies who have gone through the same things, which has helped them tremendously. We also offer them services for private counseling and group meetings to discuss their struggles and pasts.
