Child abuse comes in several different forms, and includes physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. In 2020, there were 618,399 reported cases of child abuse, and the most common form in the U.S. was neglect. (Statista Research Department, Feb 2, 2022)
Once someone has been abused, they are more likely to become abusers. And they are more vulnerable to being trafficked than non-abused children. Preventing child abuse must be a priority.
Jesus talked about the dignity of children, and His love for them. As a faith-based non-profit, we want to align our attitudes and actions with the Bible. Let’s see what Jesus says about children in Matthew 18 (vs. 2, 5-6, NIV):
He (Jesus) called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Adults are called to protect children, not abuse them.
Will you help to turn the tide of child abuse? Are you a safe presence in the lives of children? How can each of us uphold the dignity of children? How do you help to keep children safe?
The majority of children are abused by their parents or caregivers. Foster kids and children of single parents especially need safe adults in their lives. Are you able to offer a single parent a one-hour (or longer) self-care break? Do you know how to help an abused child? Does your faith community have policies to safeguard children?
April 30 is National Blue Sunday: Day of Prayer for Abused Children.
You can find a prayer guide here: Blue Sunday Prayer (squarespace.com). Use it with a group or individually. Please join us in praying that those abused as children find healing, and that the abuse of children stops.
Thank you for caring – for children, and for victims of trafficking.
— Sues Hess and the Reclaiming Hope Team
Read an article from Wendy Smith, Board Member and Reclaiming Hope Volunteer, in NORTH Magazine this month.
Sexting Among Teens
“There is a growing concern regarding the dangers of social media platforms- especially the influence they have on our teens. The dark side of the internet should concern every parent.”
WHAT CAN I DO?
Help with Hope Bag Items
We continue to get requests nationwide for Hope Bags and our shelves can look bare in the process. With your help, we can equip our law enforcement partners so that they can help the victims they recover. Please consider shopping and donating to help us fill this vital need.
PRAYER REQUESTS
For Survivors who are calling in to get connected to the resources they need, (We refer to them as Hope Seekers). We need wisdom to know when we are to help, and when to refer them to others for help.
Pray for our Mentees who are single mothers to be surrounded with support and to embrace healthy parenting skills.
Praise! One Mentee is learning to trust others.
Pray that the Hope Bags given to survivors include the items that will meet immediate needs, bring peace and healing to newly recovered survivors.
We’re beginning to consider our office/warehouse needs for the future – as our current lease runs out Oct. 31. Please join us in praying for just the right place for ministry in the future!
And lastly, for Reclaiming Hope to grow appropriately to continue to make a lasting impact for the community and those we serve.
FRIEND-RAISING
We loved seeing everyone who came out to Applebee’s in March; thanks to all who joined us! We are incorporating friend-raising because we love the opportunity to meet our donors and have one on one conversations with the community that makes our work possible.
Join us this month at the Southgate Chipotle on April 18th, 4-8 p.m.
Click below to print the file or come get a copy at our office.
Save the Date!
SEPTEMBER 10
Reclaiming Hope’s annual fund-raising dinner. Details to come!
Thank you to the groups that helped us in the past month through volunteering and bringing in donations.
