Apostolic Friends Forum - Abuse Can Be An Opportunity

Yesterday, I presented an idea of mine (concerning an issue I feel very passionate about) to a psychologist who attends my church; and here are the results:

It looks as though this psychologist will be giving a seminar about sexual abuse. It will be for all the parents of the students at the Christian school my children attend. He will give statistics, tell about the warning signs, emphasize the fact that most children don't tell, and encourage parents to begin talking openly & comfortably with their children (AND with other adults/parents) about the issues and dangers of sexual abuse.

He has already spoken to the principal and vp of the school and they agree that it's a good idea. In fact, the principal is now planning to speak at this seminar as well, about sexual predators online; the dangers, how to prevent it, etc.

Not only THAT, but the psychologist also wants to present this seminar to our church. AND, he is going to find out if he can do this seminar for our community through the Christian counseling center at which he works!

I will be doing the research, putting together the Power Point slide show, and getting all the documentation ready. I'm doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff and then he will do the public speaking.

I'm also going to ask a woman from my church if she would be willing to give her testimony at these seminars. She gave her testimony at one of our ladies conferences about the fact that she was sexually abused and how Jesus is a healer of broken lives. So I'm hoping that she will get involved as well.

I may even add some of my own story/info, of having been sexually abused, to be read/presented.

Do you realize how wonderful this is?! This may save some children from the torture of abuse, and/or encourage parents to talk to their kids openly and COMFORTABLY which will open the door for children to reveal their abuse. This could stop abuse early in the lives of some children!

I was thinking about the fact that we talk to our kids about "stranger danger," and that's important, I agree. However, look at the statistics of sexual abuse (versus being approached by a stranger, or being kidnapped). Sexual abuse, incest, rape, molestation stats: 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday probably by someone both the parents and the child KNOW and TRUST. "Stranger danger" warnings do nothing to help the child with such a situation. It's not the creepy stranger drivin' up in an old beat up car, offering our children candy or money who are sexually abusing our kids! NOPE! It's the 'fun' uncle, the 'innocent' cousin, the 'perfect' father, the 'trusted' babysitter, the friend's daddy, the 'nice' neighbor, the dedicated coach. (Yes, I realize women abuse children as well.)

I think it's time to break the silence to protect our children! A friend of mine said, "Silence only kills silently." Oh how true that is.

And look at the results of abuse... Suicidal thoughts/attempts, promiscuity, addictions/abuse of substances, rebellion, depression, self-mutilation, teenage pregnancies, runaways, prostitution, a life of crime, failed relationships, pornography, a cycle of abuse, physical/health problems, emotional problems, on and on.

Can you imagine if we could PREVENT abuse?? And/or STOP it EARLY?? AND tell about the goodness of the Lord and His healing power??

Man, oh man; I'm SO excited!

Please pray for us concerning this endeavor. I want to be used by the Lord to help others. I want His goodness and mercy to be made known. I pray that the love and healing power of Jesus be revealed through the words spoken at these seminars. And hopefully, the lives of innocent children will be protected in the process!

Just wanted to post & share this news and ask for support through prayer. :)