Invisible Children – Uganda
Several weeks ago, I posted on the recent Christianity Today article “Deliver Us From Kony”, detailing the atrocities facing the people of northern Uganda (and southern Sudan) at the hands of Joseph Kony and his so called “The Lord’s Resistance Army” (LRA). Since my participation in our local Gulu Walk, this reality has consumed my attention, driving me to do more about it.
While I gathered information regarding these issues, I came across the website Invisible Children (IC). I have since ordered the DVD of the documentary Invisible Children: Rough Cut (they are adding footage and editting for full feature release), which my wife & I watched this afternoon. Our staff saw it recently at a conference as well. When you buy the DVD, you get a second copy for free to give away. I highly recommend everyone buying this film for their own collection, church, school, youth group, etc. Order it here now.
I have already been in contact with the film makers about partnering, both through events here and possible trips to Uganda. I would never much like to make the trip to Uganda some time in the near future, hopefully coinciding with the IC crew’s trip. It will require some cash, but I feel it is worth it to bring back first person accounts to call people to action. If you would like to get involved or donate to this cause, please let me know (Canadians will receive tax deductable receipt). For those in Manitoba, I will be arranging several viewings of the film in the near future, so if you’d like to help make that happens, please let me know.
I encourage all of you to check out the site. It is new and can be tricky to navigate at times, but it is well worth it. Here are a few features I’d recommend:
- Invisible Children Blog: Keep up to date with their blog. Things are busy there, so be patient with updates.
- Invisible Children FAQ: Get answers to the most commonly asked questions. Take note of the Brian McLaren/Donald Miller connection.
- Brief Project Overview (links to PDF download): This is perhaps the most exciting development at IC, as it looks to create effective partnership to create sustainable change and options for the children.
I, too, came across this website a few weeks ago; a powerful website and story, and one that needs our support.
Thanks for bringing this story out in the open.
Very inspiring, Jamie. Have you been to Africa? I went last year. Life-changing. I can’t wait to go back.
Central Park Films is going to kick into operation later this month or maybe the first week in March. On Thursday nights we’ll be showing African, Asian, local/indie and documentaries at Knox Centre. If you’re willing, let’s show it – could even be the kick-off. Let’s talk in next few days.
Lukas,
I highly recommend that you order the DVD and host a viewing, either in your home or at church or both. It is will worth it.
Peace,
Jamie
Heather,
Of the nine countries I’ve visited, only one was in Africa- Morocco. I want to return to the continent very badly. We shall see what happens.
Peace,
Jamie
Bill,
I was planning on calling you. I think it would be great to show it. I leave on Sunday for 4 days to connect with the Micah Challenge crew in Kitchener. After that, we should connect.
Peace,
Jamie
have you considered a 2 week prayer project concerning this issue? A friend of my mentioned something about Christ’s presence in Africa????
Ree,
Funny, I heard something similar about this recently… from… you! Good on ya! More details to come.
Peace,
Jamie
Um, Jamie, turns out it’s a small world. I’m heading to a Micah Challenge meeting too! But mine’s in Mississauga. Strange that there’d be 2 going on in different places at the same time.
Heather,I think we are at the same meeting. I am staying in Kitchener, having no other info. If you know anymore about what’s going on, let me know.Peace,Jamie
Jamie, thanks for the additional information on this. Much appreciated.