Churches Lead the Charge in the Fight Against Child Abuse

In Partnership With Blue Sunday

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This title sounds like we are going to hold a demonstration, a rally, or a march, but what we are asking for is much more powerful. We are asking churches to take a moment in their Sunday Service on April 28 to pray for the millions of abused children in our country. We want your church to participate in the 30th Annual Blue Sunday Day of Prayer for Abused Children. It’s free, and costs nothing to join—just prayers for the victims of child abuse and for those who rescue them.

My name is Janet Magee, co-founder of Blue Sunday. I remember the day our Blue Sunday journey began. I was serving as the children’s director at our church when I learned my daughter’s battle with addictions had returned. Despite years of rehabs, counseling and a million chances—once again her addictions spiraled, crushing us all.

That day God spoke to my heart: Rescue who wants rescued. My daughter had not asked to be rescued, but her young children had. I wiped my tears and made the call to the state child welfare department which led to repeated home visits, interviews, and trips to what is called Family Court.

It was at Family Court while waiting for our turn with the judge that we saw eight children enter the room. They were excited to see their siblings. They were holding hands, passing a baby back and forth, and chasing after the younger ones who kept trying to run around the room. They were a glimmer of joy in that dreary courtroom. It turned out they lived in separate foster homes and had not seen each other in three months. It was a sweet reunion and, adding to their excitement, they were going to see their mother for the first time in as many months.

All was well until it became apparent to everyone that their mother was not coming. No one came, not even a grandparent. I’ve never heard so many hearts break at one time in my life, and I pray I never do again. Watching them as they left the courtroom was a gut-wrenching site for everyone, the judge, the clerk, the child welfare staff, myself, and my husband, who tearfully leaned over and said, “We can do something about that.”

That day, abused children became our new mission field. We committed ourselves to them with the same care and drive that we had given the many children who walked through our church doors.

Our invitation today is to join us in praying for the millions (3.6 million new cases annually) of abused children in our country. Should your church decide to “put feet to their prayers,” here are three areas of service to consider in making abused children your mission field:

1. AWARENESS:

A. Please pray on Blue Sunday, April 28. Just take a moment out of your service to pray they are rescued. Pray they are placed with good people. Pray they can heal. Pray they find faith. Please pray for those who rescue them. On Blue Sunday consider inviting a prevention agency to set up a table in your foyer so your church can meet people who are impacting children’s lives. We highly recommend CASA (www.casa.org) or Children’s Advocacy Centers (www.nationalcac.org). Please visit our website for free videos, handouts, and ideas to support children in your church and your city.