Who is Douglas Perlitz? Well, the 40 year old Colorado man founded the Project Pierre Toussaint School in Haiti in 1997 to help clothe, feed and school homeless boys. Sounds pretty noble, eh?  Unfortunately he plead guilty to illicit sexual conduct with 8 of the boys.  The abuse is said to have gone on for approximately 10 years.  So what happens here? These cases never cease to amaze or disgust me. When initially accused he was said to have patrolled the internet looking for “gay black boys.”  I don’t understand it, nor do I wish to understand the psyche. At the same time I can’t help but ask is this kind of behavior preventable? It happens everyday in schools, churches and in homes around the world. This sickness, perversion, demon -or whatever you want to call it needs to be exposed and dealt with.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN?

Darkness is only expelled with light-that much I know. I don’t profess to have all the answers but off the top of my head-here are just a few possibilities.

1. Teacher Accountability - There needs to be a system in place in our schools where educators undergo some type of periodic assessment. Children can be asked non-leading questions but asked questions nonetheless. Teachers are evaluated on their lesson plans so why not spot check from time to time? I know this may instill fear and that’s not the goal. I didn’t say it was the perfect solution-but you feel me? Something along these lines…
2. Awareness Training for Students- There also needs to be more awareness training. If children are not receiving instruction from their parents on how to handle these types of situations perhaps schools should empower the children with information. Children listen to adults-even twisted adults. They need someone safe they can tell. They also need basic tools that help them recognize when an adult is trying to intimidate, bribe or manipulate them.  Parents need a pamphlet or conversation on the topic too. I’m just saying. Thank God Perlitz was found out but 10 years of abuse is 10 years of abuse.  I want to create a purple sky over the school where my future children attend because this kind of stuff is DARK BLUE. Kingdom Come for crying out loud!
3. Help for the Abusers – In closing, there needs to be a hotline or something for folks who feel like this is their “issue.” As disgusting and horrible as this behavior is, a safe place needs to be created for abusers to seek the accountability and deliverance they desperately need. Who knows their past or current struggle. As challenging as it may be to see these perpetrators through purple colored glasses (the Love of God) I’d rather they get help  before they commit the crime-not after.

Ok. I’m done for now but someone please talk me off the wall. I love Jesus but this…this makes me mad. Purple hearts unite!