Thanx Folks.. interesting (and in some cases tragic) posts.. how easily we can be deceived..for sure.

It might not be 'good' looks in some cases..it can be 'kind' looks.

When I was a child, this 'nice kind' man paid the shortfall in my fish and chip order.... (I was in maybe grade 4) then offered me a lift back to school from the shops. Wellllll...after his kindness how could I refuse.. he drove me down to the river (at Warrandyte) and started to go kinda strange.. (quiet) and I sensed 'something isn't right here' and just asserted myself and said. "its ok..I'll walk back to school' and jumped out of the car.. (pheew).

How would a war criminal look? a Sadist?

If one of you had been tortured.. harmed.. brutally beaten repeatedly by a sadistic monster, a man who had all the feelings of a cold chunk of ice.. but who delighted in inflicting suffering on you for the sake of it... who just went on...and on...and on.... beating..punching.. hitting.. even though you were not even fighting back... on..and on..and on.. until one half of your upper body changed color from pale white to purple, scarring you for life on the inside... would you ever consider placing such an individuals image with that story on the internet?

Let's say the federal police indicated that such an event was not something that ranked with 'terrorism and sexual abuse' in their priority list, yet they had told you that what the person did was a serious crime.. and for which there is no statute of limitations.

How might one seek justice?

-Confront the person physically.. offer to 're-enact' the event now that your not only bigger and older, but perhaps much better trained in how to deal with physical assault?

-Sue them for emotional damage using witness statements from people who saw the event?

-Just shut up and sulk?

-Let 'life' take care of him?

-Simply 'forgive' them?

-If you have identified their present location and place of employement.. tell their boss and fellow colleagues about their past?

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Years ago I was friends with a very nice family in the church. (And as far as I know the rest of this family still are very nice people). Neither of the Parents had driver's licences, so when their 16 year old son was able to get his L plates, he saved up a bought a car. Many other adults in the church would give their time to supervise him so he could learn to drive and get his licence. I did once myself, and was invited to have a meal with this family. (His mother said nothing special, just a normal family meal, but the food was excellent). We all commented in the Church what a nice young boy he was.

That boy is now an adult and in Jail. He tried to murder his wife and even had the grave dug for her. So we can't always judge by appearance.

The photos of Bilaf Skaf in the paper the other day show a very friendly man, but I bet his victims didn't find him very friendly.

Polycarp, I think that studies were done in the 1800's to see if a criminal had any notable facial characteristics but this couldn't be proven.

Gibo, I'm not sure about your church elder. He needs to be very careful about accusations. He could be wrong. If he really does have a concern, he should speak directly to that person first prior to speaking about him to any member of the congregation. Discernment can often be confused with suspicion.

Most children who are molested are molested by someone they and their family know and trust. When I was a child we were taught to never go off with strangers, regardless of how nice they looked.

This is serious stuff, Boaz

>>This is on the profile of a man who inflicted exactly that suffering on myself many years ago<<

Are you seriously telling us that someone inflicted these injuries on you "many years ago", Boaz?

And that you have decided after all these years to ask your audience here what you should do about it?

A story so bizarre, it could almost be true.

Here's my advice.

Take absolutely no notice of any suggestions of revenge that you might receive on this thread, but take your story instead to a competent professional.

A psychiatrist, perhaps, if it is something you need to work through your system. Or the police.

Even - especially if someone here actually recognizes the description and decides to name and shame - a good lawyer.

But please. Unless this is a complete cod, do yourself a favour and get some help.

Gibo,

Giving some more thought to your Elder.

I sit at the front of the church, so I can't see who's behind me and I don't care. That way I'm more concerned with worship. If you sit at the front of church you will know what I'm talking about, if you don't you should try it. You will be blessed.

Your elder is probably noticing people at the back of the church.

Dear Steve,
For a person to be placed in a position of trust in a church he must first devolope character or the ones in authority are foolish. The bible tells you how to judge Godly not condemning and if the leadership do not follow the leadership of God they are fools looking for trouble and will soon find it.