“Here's Proof That All Things Can Work For Good”

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Nationally, three children will die as a result of abuse in our country each day. The Teen Challenge prevention and recovery programs target people in our community that are most in need of hope and help. Many of the participants in our prevention programs are those most susceptible to be victims or perpetrators of violence and many of our residential program participants have endured years of devastating physical or sexual abuse…

Not long ago, a girl named Cindy came to Teen Challenge. She had dark hair; brown eyes and a beautiful smile although we did not see that smile very often at first. What we did see were the tears and pain that clouded her eyes and anguish we knew only God could heal.

When she was just a little girl, someone in her family brutally robbed Cindy of the precious gift of purity given to all children. Sadly, the sexual abuse happened not once, not twice but too many times to count for horrible years.

Would it surprise you if I told you that 95% of our female students here in Teen Challenge of Southern California have suffered from physical and/or sexual abuse and almost 50% of our male students? It's true. Every time it happened to little Cindy, she felt dirty inside. Ugly. Worthless. Year after year, her fragile emotions grew more and more scarred. By the time she reached the tender age of nine, Cindy wanted to kill herself.

All too often, sexual abuse drives young people like Cindy to frantically search for "real love" -- just like a blow to the stomach leaves you gasping for oxygen. But with no guidance, these kids look for love in the worst places. Many turn to promiscuity, drugs and alcohol. That's what Cindy did. Tragically, she never found the genuine affection she craved.

Instead, she was raped at 14 . . . got pregnant . lost her child . . . was "jumped" by gang members . . . and overdosed on drugs. All before dropping out of 10th grade. Not surprisingly, Cindy told us, "I was an emotional wreck, ready to give up, and I wanted to die."

But you know what? God specializes in hopeless cases. People who hit rock bottom. Like Cindy. Through Teen Challenge, she began to experience the Holy Spirit's incredible healing power. She let God's Word wash over her soothing her soul and cleansing away the deep-rooted pain and anguish locked up inside.

We call this process "Emotional Healing." It's the critical second step after our students accept Jesus. It must happen for a young person to succeed. And no matter how messy or ugly a young person's past has been, emotional healing can take place, But it requires prayer and support from friends like you.

Statistics and General Information
The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (HHS)
http://www.childwelfare.gov/

What You and Your Church Can Do: Family and Domestic Violence Information and Resources
Teen Challenge International
Family & Domestic Violence Resources

Prevention
Prevent Child Abuse
www.preventchildabuse.org