I now live in Uganda. I was shocked to get on Facebook and Twitter and see all things Kony. Shocked because I am here and it has been a long time since I have heard of this man from my friends. As I watched the video this evening I had an extra little pair of eyes watching it with me, a 7 year old from our Babies home. Her eyes were glued to the screen. As my eyes wondered from the story on the screen to the sweet girl next to me, it became real. This child, born and raised in Uganda, an orphan could have been one of the 30,000. I know how much I love the children God has entrusted to us and the video made my heart literally hurt to think there are so many children and families whose lives have been marked by Kony and his war. I have known of Invisible Children since I was in college when they would come and hold awareness campaigns on our campus but I never attended one. I had heard of what was going on and knew of the children being abducted but it is so easy not to let the information and statistics resonate within you. I have always thought; I am so glad that other people are taking a stand and changing their day to day life to reflect a passion that has been ignited in their hearts. Today I am still amazed and humbled that He has awakened my eyes to the country and people of Uganda. And today I laughed with one of my friends who prepares meals for me with the most gracious spirit who bears scars of this terror. She has a name and she is my friend. I have realized that I probably have many more friends who have been affected by the LRA in some way but who cannot bear to talk about it because they have done everything to forget. Yet He makes all things new…. I am so encouraged along with my Ugandan friends that the world would fight for their wreckage and I truly do believe that it is a powerful and necessary stand. But I can’t help but wonder, what if this awareness was about the Restoration and Redemption that Jesus has for these 30,000 children in addition to the families that have been robbed of freedom and life that this world has to offer. What if every Christian was as passionate about the TRUTH that he has given us to set the captives free, to bring hope, and the assurance He has not forgotten them. What would happen if we loved his Name and all that He is that we started a movement that reached every country and government? I know that there are many who are pursuing their passions and making His name famous all around the world…missionaries everywhere, even in America. But have we shaken the world like this message that is beyond broad casted over every social media? IT’S NOT OVER….THE WAR IS NOT OVER….WE WILL NOT STOP…. “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then finally, the end will come.” Mt. 24:13 This war is not over. He is still fighting on our behalf. Pursuing His people, of every nation and tribe. We still have to fight…we cannot stop. Turn our eyes from ourselves and realize that when we stand before the Lord this will be the ONLY thing that matters. Oh how we have been feasting on the fleeting things of this world. Let’s be encouraged to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ and to love our enemies. His grace is for everyone…let that sink in. But I challenge you, bring your own awakening. Get out of your comfort zone. Our time is nearing, what will you be doing?

This is my Joy…