It was Monday, the only off day for the old preacher, and he looked forward to a restful day and some time alone with his wife. However, he could not shake off this nagging feeling of visiting the home of these street children his Church ministers to in Dakar.

The scene that greeted the preacher was horrifying – seven children sprawling in the sand and vomiting, with the wife of the Marabou doing her best to administer some medicine from the local pharmacy to them. He called his wife, and they took the children to the hospital in time to save their lives. The living conditions of those children were deplorable, yet that is the situation of these little boys they call Talibes in Dakar. Why would any parent send their child to live under such negligent at best or horrific conditions and exploitation at worst, under the guise of religious education?

Child exploitation is a serious crime in the world. Many parents send their children, especially girls, to live with other families as servants. Some consider it a privilege and a rescue for their children from the village to live in the cities. There are exceptions, but they often subject these children to some of the most reprehensible treatment one could imagine. The sad thing is that many Christians see nothing contemptible about this system, and many become some of the worst abusers of these children.

In Acts chapter 16:16-24, Paul and his team encountered a slave girl possessed by an evil spirit. A group of people had formed a syndicate and exploited her as a fortune-teller. When Paul cast the demon out of her, the people became furious because they had lost their source of income. They lied about it and got Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned.

Such is the wickedness of humanity. People treat children as property in most places around the world. However, (God holds them close to His heart. That is why Jesus was indignant when His disciples tried to stop people from bringing their children to Him (Mk. 10:13-16).

We applaud all the individuals and organizations, as well as godly and caring families, that work to support or nurture these children at different levels. But those who have underage children in their homes as maids and houseboys should know that it is exploitation and sinful. Why don’t you employ adults and pay them well? If you cannot afford it, it would be better to take care of your own house. But if you intend to help that child, do it in a Christian way and give him or her a future.