> These folks are truly doing the Lord's work.
Perhaps so. But seeing as how God helps those who help themselves, one would hope they're wearing kevlar and packing heat. Irritating pimps and stealing their income is not the safest line of work, I would think.
I hear you. No one said they should do this work with their eyes closed or ignorant of any dangers they may face.
That said, sometimes people just need to see another way. If they're surrounded by people like themselves, they never come to believe something else is possible.
I've known prostitutes, I've known drug addicts. I think it can be difficult to change this lifestyle - it seems to be a series of trying to straighten up, failing, trying again, etc. I don't think I could be there everytime someone falls, it is personally draining, but for those who are stronger than I am, and who have more faith in their fellow man, I think it is worth the effort.
Many people believe that statement is in the Bible but it isn't. Actually God can only help those who realize that they can't do it themselves and ask Him for help. People who have the conviction to do this kind of ministry seem to come equipped with the kind of faith required to walk into situations like that. They need it because your're right, it ISN'T safe.