A void

April 2024
Loran Tang, recruiter and training coordinator of Children Ministry

A Void

“You made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Augustine

On April 25, 2023, Harry Bruke, a 17-year old student in eastern P.E.I., died by suicide just hours after making contact on Snapchat with someone he thought was a girl but who turned out to be an extortionist.

On February 14, 2023, Robin Janjua, a 14-year old hocky player, took his own life as he had been tricked into sending explicit photos to an online predator. The victim had interactions with the predator for minutes only.

After reading a few similar news, I am stunned to learn that extortionists now only take minutes to hours to lure victims to send out explicit photos then blackmail them for money or gifts.

I am even more stunned to know the perpetrators are mostly after teenagers who have close family and community ties with promising future. So, it’s not what we stereotype that such cyberbullies would only happen to broken families that left the victims neglected and alone.

When Harry Bruke realized that he fell into the trap of sextortion, he told his parents hours later. The family sat down to discuss the matter and also reported it to RCMP. They did all the right things they could.

While the family was discussing how to deal with it, Harry’s mother got a message from the person who had contacted Harry. They said they were going to ruin him!

Harry called one of his military friends, who told him some pictures had already been sent to him.

Even the victims had supportive families and lived healthy lives, they would fall in the trap of sextortion within a few minutes – the very moment they feel a void in their hearts!

I feel disheartened. So many don’t know they’re loved. So many feels lonely. So many rather turns to the unknown cyber world while they can rest their hearts in God. I feel defeated. Because even Christians can have the same struggles. Our hearts are so prone to wander.

Parents, please don’t become complacent. Even though our children learn the bible and go to church, even though they have you to protect them, it’s never easy to fill the void in their hearts. Only God can and we definitely need to guard their hearts by praying for them without cease. Making efforts in bonding and opening up conversation with your kids. Sharing your testimonies how you overcome temptation with God’s help. All in all, never assume your child will not fall into this trap but be on guard for this spiritual battle.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8