What a difference a year makes!!
Oct 21, 2011
Oct 18, 2011
Dear Mr. President,
INVISIBLE CHILDREN supports your actions against the LRA!
Well, and so do the Duffy's. I kind of wanted to write something about what's been going on, in that wonderful place that has given Marty and I, THREE beautiful children..
DISCLAIMER: This may not be a post for the youngin's....
For those that might not be aware of the situation, I have a few links attached so that you can spend some time looking through the history of the conflict in Northern Uganda. I really encourage everyone that reads this to educate themselves on the TRUTH of the matter. So many things have swirled around in the last few days, since the President of the US announced that a group of 100 advisory forces are being deployed to Uganda, to support the Ugandan government with equipment and tactical advice.
Here is a link to the announcement from Invisible Children, an organization set up to help combat the crisis in eastern and central Africa, caused by the destruction of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army).
Many people have voiced some anger towards this recent announcement, some criticizing by saying things like "Where has the US government been in the past?" Or that "Obama is only doing this because an election is coming up... " Please, really, educate yourself. Below is some info on the history of the crisis, and details the things that the US HAS been doing in the last several years, to combat the issue.
The second thing I really want to bring light to is that there are many comments being posted, questioning the religious affiliation of the LRA. Some are blasting the US for it's new involvement, by saying that Obama is gladly sending troops out to kill Christians, because he is Muslim. It's so sad. If anyone is taking Rush Limbaugh's side on this one, I encourage you, again, please educate your self on the situation, instead of googling and taking the first piece of information you find on Wikipedia, to suffice your thoughts or opinion on the matter.
While we are uncertain of the religious implications of the LRA, no matter what their driving force, it's not for us to really decide if Joseph Kony and the LRA are killing in the name of God or plain psychotic. They're killing. Period. Jim Jones, Eddie Long, Fred Phelps, Emperor Theodosius, Adolph Hitler, Charlemagne, the FLDS, Clifford Peeples, the KKK. The list goes on and on. All of these people or groups, think that what they are doing, has been done to either honor, or in the name of God. No matter how distorted we may think their views are, and how atrocious their actions, we really shouldn't be judging if any, or all of them, are Christians. That's just not for us to decide.
We may yes, certainly, bring justice to the criminal actions they are committing. But let's leave the judging of their faith/Christianity to the chief Justice himself. Below is a link to some information about the LRA and what they are currently doing. Invisible Children is a great organization that thoroughly supports bringing justice to those that are imposing horrific crimes against humanity in Eastern and Central Africa. They said it best that this is NOT a political issue, but a human issue. This is about people. Innocent people. Men, Women and Children being slaughtered by the thousands. Please consider supporting Invisible Children and their efforts to raise awareness and seek Justice in Africa. They have many campaigns listed on their website that you can prayerfully support, and they are a wealth of information to be had.
As Deken and I plan to head over to Uganda in the next few months, pray for our safety and travels. Uganda is like a second home to the Duffy family, and with new strides being taken to protect this home of ours, we are excited to hear more about the situation on the ground. Below are some more resources for your reading pleasure (or not). Mostly books about child soldiers and what it's really like for them. That's what it's like for the LRA.. Children being recruited and brainwashed to fight for such an absurd cause. It's so senseless, and it happens all over the world. Educate, Educate, Educate. Don't be afraid, and don't hide from it, because it's REAL. Not the Real Housewives of New Jersey. That's not really REAL. This is real. And scary. And now has HOPE.
Thank you for listening. Please don't use my opinions as proof to anything or reference. There is great solid fact and information on the INVISIBLE CHILDREN website that is available to you for free! Don't be afraid to peruse, educate yourself on the situation, and take action! And don't forget to see some of the links below. I've read some of the books, and as hard as they are to read, it's so important and encouraging to hear, those faced with such tragedy, can make their way through the darkness!
~Kathryn
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