According to some reports, 700,000 children are abused in our country each year. Nearly 2,000 die from abuse-most during their first year of life. Neglect is the most common form of abuse, but 17% suffer physical violence, and 8% are abused sexually. Most startling is that 80% of mistreatment comes from parents. As one might expect, child abuse is not new. King Herod took the lives of innocent children in his attempt to get rid of the Child Jesus. We read this in Matthew CH. 2, “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under. ‘A cry was heard in Ramah – weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted for they are dead. It is hard to fathom why anyone would want to harm a child. Yet it happens. That’s why we all, but especially God’s people, should do all we can to prevent child abuse. It is why churches and social agencies should support families and parents, providing them counsel and services that promote child rearing in a caring environment.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
