The Eleventh Commandment

The title of this article is inspired by a song sung by Collin Raye on the "Bikers Against Child Abuse" website. Please take a minute and listen carefully to this song. Just a word of caution, however, be sure you get your tissues ready. This one will cause tears. There are also other songs and testimonials on this page.

The 11th Commandment

God has much to say about little children in His Word:
Matthew 18:1-4 NIV - "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change, and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

I recently wrote an article about Bikers Against Child Abuse and wanted to continue with more information about this group.

I, for one am extremely happy to know about this non-profit organization "Bikers Against Child Abuse". This group was first formed in 1996 in Utah by John Paul Chief Lily, a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist and part-time faculty member at Brigham Young University. He has served 20 years as a therapist and works mostly with abused children. He saw the need to help abused children feel safe in their world following a violent assault. It takes a lot of time before a child can regain that sense of safety and well-being and BACA was formed to help fill this gap. BACA started as a result of helping one little eight-year-old boy. The child was so frightened by his perpetrators that he would not leave his home. "Chief" was moved to include the child in his bikers' group and within a matter of a couple of weeks, the little boy was again playing outside with his friends. From that one event, the Bikers Against Child Abuse organization has grown and has become the positive force it is today.

I know an organization such as this is most unusual and takes most people by surprise. We all tend to think of bikers as brusque, burly, law-breakers who have little regard for the rights of others. That is just not the case with this group. Their physical appearance is definitely in keeping with the stereotype, but the hearts of these men are far from brusque and insensitive.

BACA members are very caring and sensitive men who want to make a difference in the lives of abused children; and they are doing just that.

If you would like to become a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, here are the requirements listed on their website:
1) Must be 18 years old (or older).
2) Must have a motorcycle that will do the speed limit.
3) Must pass a background check for having no convictions of violent abuses or crimes against children.
4) Must attend regular monthly meetings, rides, court hearings and events and ride with their local chapter for one year. They will then be presented to the Board and must have a unanimous approval in order to become a member.

Because BACA is a non-profit 501-C-3 organization and receives most of its funds from the public, there are no paid staff personnel and everyone involved serves on a volunteer basis.

If you want to learn more about this wonderful group of men, please visit their website:
Bikers Against Child Abuse

Sources:
NIV Bible
http://www.bacausa.com/Internet/AboutBACA.aspx