A recent news story reported an attempted robbery in an inner city bank.  The bandit easily obtained money from the cashier, but as he tried to escape, he was apprehended by an angry group of bank patrons who refused to allow him to get away with their savings.  One police officer afterwards remarked that people could stop crimes if they would work together.

We in the church need to work together to stop another thief at large in our nation.  This thief is shamelessly stealing the future potential of our children.  The thief is child sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse robs children of their innocence and dignity.  It steals from them their chances of healthy emotional and sexual development.  It robs them of trust in those they respect, and if this abuse occurs in the church, it could rob them of their faith in God.  The church must not only recognize this thief, but band together with others who care to stop child sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse is reportedly at epidemic levels.  This year alone over 1,000,000 children and youth will be sexually abused.  One in four families is affected by child sexual abuse.  In over 80 percent of these tragic situations the children will be abused by someone they know and trust.

Although the majority of this abuse occurs within the home, over 30 percent of cases involve adults in day care, sporting, educational, and religious programs.  Victims can be found among every social, racial, economic, and religious group in our nation.

We at Brandt Oaks are joining the fight against child sexual abuse in a more formal way.  We are at an opportune and strategic place to help stop the “thief”.  Through a committed effort, God’s people can provide a powerful voice of leadership to our society.  We can:

1)      Educate ourselves as a community of faith about the problems of child sexual abuse.

2)      Implement effective prevention programs within our church to create a safe place for all who attend.

What:  Brandt Oaks will hold a training seminar entitled “Making Your Church Safe from Child Sexual Abuse”.

When:  Saturday, August 15^th, from 9 am until noon.

Who should attend:  All adult church members who are currently or who intend to be involved with children or youth at Brandt Oaks Baptist Church.

Please plan to attend this important informational and training event for our church to begin to take specific steps to prevent this type of activity from harming children in our church and community.  If you have any questions, please contact Mary Via at 282-8002.