Kony 2012

Growing up in a small rural town in the southern part of New Jersey, my parents always sought to give me the opportunities that they lacked as children. My parents worked hard, through job losses, to ensure a steady quality of life. I attribute much of my success today to their hard work and dedication. As a child in America, we often take advantage of the gifts we are endowed with, propagated by a free government, and strong family values.

In an age where child abuse seems to be becoming more prevalent (or is drawing more attention), it is difficult for me to understand how anyone could ever take advantage of a child. Their innocence seems to transcend the understanding of adults. Children rely on the guidance of strong figures in their life, and suffer greatly without it.

Recently, my girlfriend moved to the southern part of the African nation of Uganda to start work with a wonderful organization called Dorcas Widows. She had spent time there last year searching for something that seemed to be lacking deep down within the fiber of her being ; purpose. When she came home from Uganda in December of 2010, I could tell that something in her had been rejuvenated, like the desert after the first rain of the wet season. She had found a deep gladness in Uganda, one centered around working to provide the same steadiness to the children's live in Uganda that my parents had provided for me. The challenge she faces daily are deadly wide spread illnesses such as HIV, rampant poverty, lack of strong male role models to guide the children, and homes devastated by a senseless war that effected thousands of families. Her bravery and steadfastness are things to truly be admired. She gave up the idea of "Living the American Dream" to fight for those in need, to be a voice for the voiceless. It has not been easy for the both of us, but the reward is unquantifiable.

Before I show you some pictures of how life is lived in Uganda, I want you to think about any one child in your life, if its your own, a nephew or niece, or even a child you hope to have some day. Think about the love you have or  would have for such a child and how you would do anything to keep them safe. Now think of how you would feel if they were living in these conditions, alone and abandoned....

These are children. Children like you and I once were. Children as I hope to have one day. These are children with aspirations, that have lost their parents, have no money, and therefore no way of attending school (in many cases) to realize those dreams. Without a tangible skill to guide them, many of these children have little hope of escaping the self perpetuating cycle of poverty.

Matthew 25:40
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Psalm 127:3 ESV
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."

Recently, a Southern California NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) called Invisible Children  has begun a world wide campaign to shine a light on one of the worst war criminals this planet has ever seen, Joseph Kony. They published a 30 minute video highlighting, briefly, their experiences in Uganda and why they are seeking to capture this man.

Joseph Kony is a brutal Ugandan Warlord who came to power in the early part of 1986 as the leader of a premillennialist group that sprang up in the wake of the Holy Spirit Movement in Uganda. His group would eventually become the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA built much of its military might by kidnapping and assimilating children from local villages into their movement through intimidation and promises for a greater Uganda. Kony would have the parents of the foot soldiers murdered, and would cut off the appendages of children (noses, ears, hands, arms) if they ever resisted.  Kony, although a polygamist, rapist and murder, claims to be fighting for the Ten Commandments. 

I have been utterly appalled by the recent backlash to the Invisible Children's Kony 2012 ad. I have seen numerous articles bashing the group, and thusly, directly their cause. The most prominent rebuttal seems to stem from  their financials (which the NGO openly posts on their site).  Whether you believe in their business model or not, their cause remains the same. Before you decide to try to destroy this group of men trying to make a difference by shining a light on these crimes against humanity, search for pictures of children effected by this man, and think of how you would feel if that was your child. By trying to destroy this organization, you are turning the spotlight away from the cause, which I think we can all agree is a very worthy one. If you dont believe in their financial model, you are very welcome not to donate to the cause, but I beg you, do not strip the voice from these children. 

To Invisible Children, I say well done. Stay steadfast. Continue to give these children, and this struggling country hope. 

If you have not seen their video, I have posted it below.

 It is good for you to note, before watching this video that Joseph Kony was in indicted in 2005 by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.