Children in Crisis by Glenn Myers
The shocking world of children in crisis
The 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 partly reduced, 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 children to participate in modern warfare and to 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 make up a large part of a global sex industry. Myers details these problems, reporting on the failure of government, the lethargy of churches, and the neglect of the community to meet the urgency facing children in crisis.
I was encouraged by the positive steps now being taken to address the role of the church in a renewed total effort to minister healing and reformation in this multifaceted area of need. UNICEF and the Christian community have made strides to address 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 overnight 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 active in intercession, networking, and church planting. “Children in Crisis” is a call to action on the need for action. A list of resources and organizations is provided to help the reader get involved. “Children in Crisis” is timely, important and compelling.
Editorial OM, 1850782709
As reviewed for Midwest Book Review
