Child abuse and neglect come home
This is child abuse awareness month and probably just about everybody has heard that Greene county has a big problem in this area. I believe the statistic is 62 out of 1000 in Greene county are victims of child abuse and neglect. I’m sure anybody who hears this has to be appalled. There are like 23,000 students just in the Springfield Public school system alone, so thats about 1400 kids impacted right there. This doesn’t even include all the kids that are not school age. I heard on a radio talk show today that a large segment of the child abuse and neglect reports are for kids ages 6 and under, so this is a mountain of a problem. Kids are crying out for help, but who will hear them if there is no one around they feel they can trust to report it to.
Child abuse and neglect are difficult to deal with, especially when you are on the frontlines. We are in a place that we have voluntarily put ourselves, because we are passionate about helping kids and their families. Compassion and involvement in the needs and hurts of kids illuminates the need for caring intervention through reporting, and paves the way to restored relationships and stronger families. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
I say often that the Bridges For Youth Centers are on the front lines and in the trenches as we work with kids. This year alone we are serving 969 registered kids, ages 6-18. These types of numbers always reminds me of the fishes and loaves incident in the Bible. Two loaves of bread and five fish to feed 5000. Bridges is on the front lines with our 2 loaves and 5 fish, trusting in God and standing amazed at how He provides to fill the needs of kids, day after day. It should be no surprise that a large segment of these kids are victims of child abuse and neglect. We have had dozens of instances down through the years when rape, neglect, physical abuse have been shared with us by kids. It never gets easier to deal with, and it always leaves a sick feeling in your gut. Sin is like that. The sin really does make you feel sicker when its close to home though. Child abuse and neglect is present right among the kids you want to love and protect. Its the kid you played pool with or watched a movie with just last week. Or its the kids who proudly told you they memorized the Bible verse today. And many times its the kids who has suddenly changed due to abuse. All of a sudden the childish prankster is gone and it seems as though someone has stolen their soul.
There are a few in the Springfield and Marshfield communities who know the value of having the Bridges for Youth centers and our caring staff available to kids. Our prayer is that more people will discover us and understand that we need and value their support.
I love pictures of Jesus surrounded by children, because that is real to me. Now, we must be Christ like and surround ourselves with children we can embrace and love through the pains of child abuse, neglect, and poverty.
Pastor Steve Hare