The Week's Teachings
This past week was completed more with God’s strength than my own. While discussing child abuse every day, I was challenged in my own faith and even found myself questioning God’s heart for children. What is God’s purpose in allowing these horrendous evils to exist? Why is it possible for such beautiful and innocent children of God to endure the world’s most traumatic horrors possible? Where is God when the little girl is being raped by her stepfather? Where is my Lord when the child cries out for help, to stop being abused and torn down?
Fortunately, the need to be trained in this area is becoming more apparent every day, and it is encouraging to know that what I am learning now will be of utmost importance in a few short months, and for the rest of my life. I am glad that I have the opportunity to confront these questions before I am on the mission field. I want a solid foundation in Christ’s purposes in these issues, and His will for the children. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult for me to face and has given me a lot to wrestle with. But I am trying to seek wisdom and heed instruction. Another vital aspect of my training has been seeking the Lord, for “evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” I want to fully understand justice and how to achieve it for the oppressed, and am learning to do so by first submitting to and communing with God. My prayer is that fruitful ministry will follow out of the overflow of oneness with Jesus Christ.
Cristina and Karen, two social workers from a Christian ministry here in Costa Rica, came and shared with us about child abuse this week – the different types, how to identify it, how to report it, how to prevent it in organizations and ministries and how to begin to counsel and restore children who are victims of abuse. It was a week of practical learning and growth in ways that I have not experienced before. Even in one short week of training on working with abused children, I feel far more prepared than I was before. I look forward to all that I will continue to learn in this delicate subject.
Learning about child abuse also forced me to personally identify and evaluate what exactly qualifies as child abuse. For instance, the United Nations defines physical punishment, like spanking, as abusive. I can’t say I’m shocked, but I was spanked as a child. Many of my peers were also spanked as children, and none of us have ever felt abused. I could even go so far as to say that spanking has been a discipline that my family has used for generations – but at what point is generational tradition an excuse for abuse? There are cultures where rape and physical abuse are not just common, but accepted as the norm. The spanking example is making me question how stuck in a generational or cultural rut I personally am, and how I would feel if someone tried to tell me that I was abused as a child because I was occasionally spanked for my wrongdoing. I probably would disagree, not appreciate their input, and say that I turned out fine. These hypothetical reactions are helping me figure out how I will minister to abusive cultures. I am realizing that cultural sensitivity will be very important. Every culture and generation is different and has its flaws, and I will have to work hard to remember that.
Local Outreach
An exciting highlight of the week was our local outreach. On Wednesday afternoon, the group stuffed into a bus and drove all over the country (or so it felt…) picking up 4 siblings who were orphaned when their mother was no longer able to care for them. Unfortunately, adoption in Costa Rica is uncommon and difficult, especially when there are four siblings who do not want to be separated. Thankfully, each child was placed with a carefully selected family to be cared for. They now have homes and “parents” but are separated. Our purpose on Wednesday was to reunite the children for an afternoon of fellowship and fun together, so that they could maintain their family relationships and play together. Soccer, drawing, snacks and games were avenues of communication and relationship building, and the children seemed thrilled to be reunited. It was beautiful! God’s intention of keeping a child within a safe and loving family unit was really exemplified this week. To be honest, it made me miss my siblings but also express gratitude to God for the loving and close family that He placed me in. I am learning that ministry always spans beyond its obvious purpose!
CURRENT EVENT:
Hatian Orphanages Targeted by Looters:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/01/21/haiti.orphanages.attacks/index.html
In the midst of disaster, Hatian orphanages are being targeted by looters and robbers in search of food, water and medicine. Because orphanages are being supported by outside sources, they are at a higher risk of having their resources stolen from them. Children and orphanage leaders will now have to ration their food and water even more carefully, as well as protect themselves from the dangerous situation.
Please be praying that:
-Enough food, water and medicine is delivered to Haiti so that resources don't need to be stolen from children.
-Children are not hurt in these raids.
-God miraculously allows children to still receive the things they need, despite having significant portions of their resources stolen.
-Haiti is able to begin to rebuild and sustain itself soon.
Links
International Justice Mission
Currently a Christian organization, International Justice Mission (IJM) is fighting worldwide for justice for the oppressed, exploited and abused. IJM is making efforts to fight human trafficking through identification and prosecution of offenders. They are also working to restore life and hope into victims of injustice through counseling and aftercare. Check out the link above to learn more about what IJM is doing around the world, the people they've helped, and how you can help.
Freedom Firm
http://www.freedom.firm.in/Index.htm
A branch off of IJM (above), Freedom Firm's mission is specifically directed towards victims of sex trafficking in India. Like IJM, they are seeking prosecution and legal consequences to the criminals who traffic and abuse women. They also have aftercare homes to care for and restore the women and children who have been trafficked and abused. Check out their site and be praying for their mission!
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