Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2728

Tonight's special guest is Stephen McEvoy from Covington, Louisiana, who was sexually abused by clergy member at 12 yrs old. He says, "Today, as I reflect more and more about so many things throughout my past, it's a wonder that I survived. Raped as a child, became an alcoholic, felt suicidal, got sober, raised a family, owned businesses, suffered a fractured back, survived a stroke, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and relived the sexual abuse in my mind, leading once more to suicidal thoughts and feelings." He continues, "So much has happened over the past year and a half - states of deep depression, drinking, and having to confront the hell of the last 43 years. As each day passed, I wondered if and when it would all end." Stephen explains, "God may not answer me through his voice, but he answers through my family, friends, and even strangers who have come into my life, and those voices are strong. I thought God had abandoned me when I was abused. But it was the church who allowed it to happen, something I could not comprehend as a child. Instead my mind focused with tunnel-like vision on the person who assaulted me and the school where it happened. I don’t know if I will ever feel comfortable stepping foot inside a church again, but at least I’m now able to have a relationship with God that isn’t dictated by my past." Things are better now. "With the support of family, friends, co-workers and others, I’ve gained more and more strength. I realize now that my tears, when this topic takes center stage, are tears of joy, and not just pain, because of the support I’ve gained throughout this process. Finally, I have no more fear. I am a person, a son, a husband, a father, an uncle, and a grandfather."