The news here has been captured by a case of rape at the international school in the capital city. Hearing about the brutal attack on a five year old child by members of the janitorial staff has been devastating. Two have been arrested for the crime, although others have not completely been ruled out. Apparently there is also news of another victim coming to light. Some have condemned the mother for going to the media and splashing the sordid details for the world to see. She claims that she took the story to the news media because the school and the police didn’t respond to her complaints in a timely manner. Now she is filing suit against the school for $10 million. Some are condemning her for that action, questioning her motives. Although I don’t necessarily agree with a civil suit that has the intention to “punish” the school, I do find myself imagining what I would feel. Something went horribly wrong–who was to blame? How could it have been prevented? What if something so terrible happened to my amazing five year old? My heart bleeds with anguish for what he has endured. My mind can’t fathom it and I feel physically nauseous thinking it. I wish I could turn back time and save him from that agony. Although I don’t necessarily agree with her suit, I have seen that ‘hiding’ sexual sin can be so damaging too. If it is not exposed, it could happen to other victims since the perpetrators could get away with it. People should be horrified…people should feel anguish for his boy and his family. Her exposure did put it out there and hopefully it will result in protecting others in the long run.
As that school reels with what has occurred, all of us are thinking about what needs to change so this doesn’t happen again. How do we protect our kids? How do we protect our students? Can we? What measures would really help?
As they struggle with this, the news broke that the U.S. just found a man who is considered one of the worst pedophiles ever. His secret was discovered and he committed suicide. The man worked at schools for a long time–at many schools overseas. He was American. Guess what? He worked at this same international school for TEN YEARS. He drugged his victims, so many had no knowledge of what happened to them. Now the government here is responding by closely scrutinizing foreigners at all schools. It feels like we are going to be under a microscope and that can feel unfair—but, on the other hand, if it really ends up helping to protect some kids somewhere (and doesn’t result in just an extortion opportunity)—then it is not a bad thing.
I guess it goes to show, that you never can know where a pedophile or sexual predator lurks or what their citizenship, education or background may be. That was proved this week. Foreigners are not the only possible “bad guys”. Local people can also fit that description. We have the responsibility to teach our kids about boundaries and have to be diligent as teachers and parents.
I read tonight that the American who took his life said he was molested when he was young, so he had to do that to others. This just crushes my heart in two because I’ve seen this happen in the lives of some people I love dearly. I feel such sorrow and pity for him because he was robbed of his innocence and then he felt that he had to terrorize others. I feel so angry at Satan, because this wickedness can be so damaging for generations. Only by the very grace of God can a person be completely healed and not wreck havoc upon others. It takes the LIGHT of the Lord to expose the hidden sins and pain. It takes JESUS to heal.
I am praying this evening for those who have been hurt. I am praying that God will cleanse that place in them so they will not hurt others.
God, please, have mercy….
sharonbernhardt 