The STOPLight

Bedbugs needed now!

Behold the maligned bedbug. Talk about a nasty reputation. They attack when a person is most vulnerable-- during sleep-under cover. They don't announce their c6ming or ask permission to bite. Yet these audacious little creatures were highly valued by some people I once knew.

Papua New Guineans honored the bedbug back in the days when tribes were out warring. An enemy tribe would often attack at night when villagers were sleeping and most susceptible to being surprised and overwhelmed. It was in just these circumstances that bedbugs served an important-if not irritating-function. They kept people half-awake. Since deep sleep is impossible when the little rascals are biting, people slept lightly-so the villagers were more likely to hear enemies in the night and not be taken by surprise. So it was the nocturnal nuisance--the bedbug--that was honored for keeping people safe from their enemies.

Bedbug-like intrusions can't be appreciated unless one first recognizes untimely stealth and danger. Most parents and youth have not come to terms with the very real threats that exist around us. Therefore the idea of valuing bedbug-like friends doesn't cross their minds.

A-STOP wants to be your bedbug-like friend. In fact, this very issue of The STOP Light might bite you a few times. It talks about issues none of us really want to hear about. Maybe you're even saying, "Please don't tell me about sexual addiction. Don't bring up Internet pornography. I just want my kids to grow up carefree and happy. That stuff just happens to other people and I don't want to even think about it. Just leave me alone."

Would you rather do nothing until maybe your daughter-in-law calls to tell you your wonderful son is sexually-addicted and she's moving out with your grandchildren? Would you rather ignore the possibility of danger until that chat room friend of your child lures them into sexual activity and an abyss of secrets, shame, and hurt?

Haven't we come to expect that some youth will listen to destructive musical messages, will use pornography, will have sex, will use drugs, join gangs, get pregnant-just not our kids. Somehow, we like to think our own kids will miraculously make it through the minefield alive and well without any safety strategies, warnings or skills.

Being bedbug-like, A-STOP asks you, "Isn't it better hear about it now, before it happens to your kids?" We want to jar you out of your apathy before your world comes crashing in around you. This information is biting and unwelcome; it's not a call to panic, but to plan. When you understand the issues, you will know you can make a difference--and how.

People are preying on our kids. Deceit is smooth and surrounds us. A-STOP has information and resources to arm you against the silent snipers aiming at youth. The six-session Wise as Serpents course provides Christian churches with tools to prepare youth and their parents-so everyone in your village can wake up alive and well.

by Al Erickson, A-STOP founder and director

In 2002 our organization changed its name to Adults Saving Kids. Prior to that we were called A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths On Prostitution), STOP (Speaking Truths On Prostitution), or Grassroots Ministry Alliance.