By: J

Mark 10:13-16 (message bible) states,”13-16The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

As a christian Jesus Christ, (the embodiment of our faith and sacrifice for our sins), in the gospel or good news according to Mark, lets us know that children should be celebrated and loved. Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni, founder of the Girl Child Network and recent CNN Hero, has been providing safe havens for young victims of sexual abuse for nearly a decade in her homeland. Makoni a child rape victim herself has become a movement of healing by establishing 700 girls’ clubs and three empowerment villages across Zimbabwe.

I also got a better perspective on why the aids epidemic is such a problem in the continent of Africa. There is a disgusting myth in Zimbabwe that if a man has sex with a virgin he will be healed of aids. Young girls are not only being abused but on top of that they are getting HiV. According to Makoni, “Ten girls per day report rape cases,”. She also stated, “It means if we keep quiet, at least 3,600 girls per year may just be contracting HIV and AIDS.” I just had to share her cause and I pray that you find it in your heart to give to this organization. Log onto http://girlchildnetworkworldwide.org/ for more information. Thanks again to CNN for giving her a world wide platform.