Invisible Teen Runaways

Watch the video, pray for this issue.

Video Name: When No One is Looking

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/10/25/us/12474...


Comment (on New York Times article Recession Drives Surge in Youth Runaways written by Ian Urbina)

Back in 1986, I was a teenager who had run away to escape physically and emotionally abusive parents. I spent a summer living at the town library which was undergoing extensive renovation and expansion at the time. I recognize the survival tactics employed by the teenage runaways interviewed in this story. Their reasons for running away are all too familiar. I wouldn't expect the reasons or the tactics employed by runaway teenagers to change over the last two decades. But I was disheartened by the extreme shortage of public services and resources available to help children running away from abusive homes. In 1986, there were no services available for teenage runaways. I wasn't even a statistic. I became "invisible" within a world that continued to operate around all around me. It is gut-wrenching to know that 23 years later, nothing has changed. Except the number of runaways.
-D.J.
Amherst,MA
October 26th, 2009
9:36 am


Issaiah 45:3
I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel who calls you by your name.

Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Let those who are in love with the Creator recognize a hurting creation. Respond. Let those who are willing to lay everything down at Christ's feet join Christ and also be willing to suffer. Respond. Let those who interceed with Christ for His broken people become the answers to their prayers. Respond.

-miciah