The shocking world of children in crisis
Staggering statistics reported by Glenn Myers in his book “Children in Crisis”, although written ten years ago, continue to reflect current conditions. The spiraling crisis facing children in third world nations continues to escalate.
The previous problems and other debilitating diseases have been reduced in part, but now they are replaced by a new dilemma, a new crisis. Street children, child soldiers, a global sex industry, child labor and various forms of slavery are growing problems. Excessive poverty, lack of education, and abuse in various forms add to the nightmares these children experience.
The recruitment of adolescent boys to participate in modern warfare and witness the atrocities of violence and death has created trauma in the minds and lives of these “child soldiers”. These children in crisis have been exploited and now constitute a large part of a global sex industry. Myers details these issues, reporting on the failure of the government, the lethargy of the churches and the neglect of the community to address the urgency faced by children in crisis.
I was encouraged by the positive steps now being taken to address the role of the church in a renewed all-out effort to minister healing and reform in this multifaceted area of need. UNICEF and the Christian community have made progress in dealing with the crisis by providing education, training and a holistic approach to meeting physical and spiritual needs, providing food, medical supplies, street workers, drop-in centers and night shelters for children.
The many photographs included in the book show children in various stages of crisis and circumstances that clearly illustrate the dilemma they face.
Readers are encouraged to be actively involved in advocacy, networking, and church planting. “Children in crisis” is a wake-up call to the need to act. A list of resources and organizations is provided to help the reader participate. “Children in Crisis” is timely, important and compelling.
OM Publishing, 1850782709
As reviewed for the Midwest Book Review
