Sexual Abuse

A special memory from my days doing jail ministry:

One evening after Bible study at the jail, an inmate asked if she could talk with me privately.

Judy told me her 15-year-old son had experienced repeated sexual abuse by the assistant manager of an establishment where teenagers frequent.  She named the establishment and the offender’s name.  The experience left her son confused, angry and embarrassed.  He didn’t want his mother to cause trouble and she didn’t know what to do.

We prayed together—for her son and for her. We asked God to give me direction and wisdom in what to do with this information.

I went home and prayed about it.  I waited two days and then felt God leading me to take action.  Her story may not be true, but perhaps it is! The matter cannot be ignored.  I made an appointment with the manager of the establishment in question.

He was gracious and listened.  He knew the boy I referenced and his mother.  He said Judy has a known history of drugs and alcohol. He questioned her integrity and doubted her story. Yet he said, “If what she said is true, then it needs to be dealt with.” He thanked me and assured me that he would take care of the matter from here on.

A week later Judy was waiting for me with a big smile.  She said the manager had come to visit her in jail and she’d explained to him the situation.

Some weeks later I again saw Judy.  She told me the assistant manager had confessed and was now in jail!

“Thank You Lord God, for helping Judy, for helping me, for helping the manager do the right thing.  Please heal Judy’s son from harmful memories.  Help him follow You all the days of his life.  Oh. And the perpetrator?  He needs You, Lord, to cleanse him and turn his life around.  He too is a victim of the Evil One. Show him Your ways and Your power to live a life honoring to you.  I pray in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.”

• He will defend the oppressed among the people; he will deliver the children of the poor and crush the oppressor.      Psalm 72:4 (NET)
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.         Philippians 4:6-7
• SONG: HUG THEM –  Lyrics by Liana Wendy Howarth; Music by Kathleen

This life is temporary.  This life is short.  When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever.  Where will the “real you” live?  Will you live for all eternity separated from God?  Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven?   Learn more so you can make your most important decision:   http://www.godlife.com/gospel/

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