Evil walks among us

She was in the youth group in a church I served while in college. I see her often since she works at a business nearby. She told me she found her childhood diary and read an entry about traveling with me to a youth function. She was probably 13 and I was 19 or 20. I thought how things have changed. Today ministers are taught never to be alone with anyone, especially children. I asked her to place the diary under tight security!

I suppose it’s true that the church has had several issues thrust upon us in recent years without invitation. The most disturbing is the abuse of children. Years ago, this issue wasn’t on the “front burner.”

MICHAEL BROOKS Columnist

BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

We know the problem was there, but I can’t remember churches dealing with this, or even discussing it. Maybe we lived in blissful denial. But today we see this issue with new clarity.

I heard about the Jeffrey Epstein series, “Filthy Rich,” on Netflix and viewed it some time ago. Later I found attorney Bradley Edwards’ book, “Relentless Pursuit,” in our local library.

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Edwards, a Florida attorney, pursued the prosecution of Epstein for many years. He befriended the Epstein victims and helped many find justice. Edwards also worked with the state of New York to reopen the Florida case. There Epstein was convicted on lesser charges and placed under house arrest with his records sealed. Eventual charges in this New York case brought about Epstein’s arrest in the summer of 2019 preceding his infamous prison suicide one month later.

Edwards explained how Epstein groomed young, and most often troubled, women. One of the survivors called it “sexual slavery.” It’s hard to imagine why a prominent and