Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it could be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea – Matthew 18: 5 6
The last Saturday Sun carried a disturbing story under the headline/strapline Locked Up – Facebook Predator Jailed For Molesting Girl, 12.
The 12-year-old girl was solicited on Facebook and the interaction developed beyond the Internet to the telephone, then face-to-face meetings. With social media and technology, I am sure that we as a society are in for many more such cases. What a pity.
Too many men are involved with minors and young women. They even go as far to say that if the girls cannot fit on the calendar they do not want them.
Social media can be good and bad, and too many people are using it for the wrong reasons and purpose. The 24-year-old predator claimed that the 12-year-old girl forced herself on him.
How in Heaven’s name is a 12-year-old going to force a big “hard-back” man into sexual activity? Where were the parents when she was going to the drive-in? It must be remembered that she is a minor and a minor cannot give consent. This is what you call taking advantage of the youth.
Parents, you need to keep an eye on what your child or children are doing on social media. The situation could have been worse; he could have been a killer. Take heed.
Parents need to teach girls and boys not to meet strangers on Facebook or any other social media site as it can be dangerous to meet someone you do not know. A word to the wise is enough.
Church Army service
There will be a Church Army service on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the St Luke Anglican Church. The service is for groups in the St John Deanery.
Harvest
The Mount Tabor Moravian Church in St John holds its harvest festival on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Lenten series
The St Leonard’s Church is hosting a series every Tuesday during Lent called To Be A Disciple at the church from 12:10 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. The presenter/facilitator is Rev. Dr Sonia Hinds.
Clergy forum
The first clergy forum of the Anglican Church for this year will be held on Thursday, March 30, at St Leonard’s Church at 10 a.m. The facilitator will be the Rev. Mark Harewood, rector of St Barnabas.
Congrats
Congratulations are in order for Rev. Mark Harewood on his recent appointment as chaplain to the House of Assembly.
Pulpit exchange
There will be a pulpit exchange in the St John Deanery on Sunday, April 5.
Death
It is with regret that we learnt of the death of Beresford Brome, a former Assistant Commissioner of Police and an active member of the St Stephen’s Anglican Church. He was the brother of retired bishop the Rt Rev. Rufus Brome.
This column expresses its deepest sympathy to his widow Eunice, his five children and all family members. May he rest in Jesus Christ and rise in glory.
