SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH?

[Rev. Jenny Terrero]

In the field of substance abuse and as a counselor in an inpatient facility, I have heard many horror stories. Boys sexually abused by priest, daughters passed along to every male in the family serving as a sexual object. I have heard about mothers training their sons to be their sexual partners, daughters pregnant by their fathers or brothers or cousins or dealers of drugs. Babies abused by their fathers, baby sitters, day care center workers. Christians youth sexually abused while on prayer retreats and Christian children abused during Christian summer camp by so called Christian leaders. Sexual abuse is in the church and among God's people. I have heard stories of fathers who quoted scripture to their child before abusing them sexually believing it was their right to do so.
Sexual abuse and incest is an evil tool used by Satan to destroy lives causing Christians to remain 'STUCK' in sin, medicating their pain, memories, guilt, shame, hate, fear, anger and paranoia with alcohol, drugs, sex, eating disorders, violence and out of control compulsive dysfunctional behaviors just to name a few. My friend, sexual abuse is in the church of Jesus Christ! (page 27 of the booklet - 'NO MORE SILENCE- understanding and overcoming sexual abuse." Available only from the author at [e-mail]

The poem ---- 'SLEEP'

oh sleep of peace my hearts desire
to sleep and never wake
depart oh cursed thorns in my flesh
depart, come not my way

oh open door! oh lighted room!
oh Sun shine down on me!
before the darkness
consumes my soul
and lost i ever be!

oh die! oh die!
oh soul does die,
for joy and peace are far
my empty soul so all alone
finds no way to come home

oh sin of sins and consequence
of shame and death to bare
it's dreadful mark upon my brow
oh LORD i pray YOU care!