The Tribune

By Minister Keith Evans

I must say what the Lord tells me to say. I must do what the Lord called me to do. One of the greatest displeasures in this life is to live for oneself, and not for the Lord. If you're not living for the Lord Jesus, then you're only existing and not living.

One of things the Lord has instructed me to do is to shed light on a very dark situation in our nation. A monolithic evil that has grown exponentially throughout the families of islands in the Bahamas. This evil is the ongoing molestation of our children. I say this unashamedly and without fear. We can preach, teach, prophesy, exhort as much as we like and still the dilemma is present! However, God is very much concerned about this diabolical evil that is prevalent within the Bahamas while we play Church.

Matthew 18:1-6 states: "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.' Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me."

Jesus' rebuttal against the draconian treatment of children echoes throughout this poignant narrative. There's a silent cry for help by the young children who are abused. Whether it's sexual abuse, verbal abuse, or anything that is associated with the mistreatment of children. I know that this is an unorthodox article that you're probably hesitant to fit within your theological curriculum.

The Church has been too quiet while this evil continues unchecked. Child molestation is a conspicuous elephant in the room, and in this case the Bahamas. It is now time for the Church to stand on God's Word and fight this demon! The psychological scars that our young people have to carry because of this evil is simply too much to bear. Jesus loves the little children and is very much concerned about how we're handling this matter as the Church. We hold conferences, seminars, revivals, and yet this issue looms large. The children are crying out in silence and it seems that nobody listening or is genuinely interested. The silent cry is loud and clear, in my honest opinion. It's time to do what Jesus has commanded us to do!

• For questions and comments, e-mail keithevans242@gmail.com or kenazevans242@gmail.com.