Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf Spring 2015 | Page 26

Preventing Child Abuse
By Diane Hale
April: Child Abuse Awareness Month
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these.” --Luke 18:16

I was attending a meeting the other day and listening to a pastor giving powerful testimony about his ministry

in Kenya. He talked about how his team had established orphanages and were creating a culture of development
for the younger generation. This wonderful work reminded me of the two orphanages that our own ministry
had helped to establish and develop before releasing them into the hands of “those on the ground.” At the time
God had turned our hearts back to the U.S. and the needs we have here at home. They were not so much for
education, wells for water, food or even clothing but for something far more important—safety and protection
from abuse that is often caused through drug and alcohol addiction.
According to the Child Help Agency, children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. It is a widespread war against our children that we have the power to stop and understanding the issue is
the first step. Just how bad is the issue of child abuse in the United States? Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (A report can include
multiple children).
The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations, losing on average between four
and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect. A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
Yearly, referrals to state child protective services involve 6.3 million children, and around 3 million of those
children are subject to an investigated report. For more information please go to https://www.childhelp.org/
child-abuse-statistics/
April is Child Abuse Awareness month and we would like to bring to our readers’ attention the Pinwheel project.
A project that will help fund the Prevent Child Abuse Pickens programs.
Urban Harvest Ministries outlines the rights of children:
The right to be loved unconditionally.
The right to receive an education.
The right to be healthy.
The right to enjoy life.
The right to develop self-confidence and social skills.
The right to have the opportunity to hear the gospel and learn
about Jesus Christ.

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