Listening, Loving and Letting Jesus Heal

BY KIM PETERSON

Kony 2012. Posters. Internet blogs. National news. It all becomes so real as I look into the eyes of the young man beside me. I have shared meals with him, sat beside him in a game of Uno and heard him laugh. My daughter has been teaching him guitar and my son played on his team in a soccer game. Yet what he experienced as one of Uganda’s “Invisible Children” and in his 3 years in Kony’s army is beyond anything we can imagine. Paul (all names of Kobwin children have been changed) was only 10 when he was abducted by Kony’s soldiers. That is just one year younger than my son Micah. He was beaten, starved and made to carry a gun and kill. And that is only the beginning of the story. “What does that do to a boy of 10?” I wonder. “What would that do to my son?” And the most important question. “What do I possibly have to offer to this young man?” So I sat with him in my inadequacy. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. We had come to Kobwin Children’s Center to bring God’s love and healing to the children there. Kobwin was started with the vision of providing care and education for those coming out of Kony’s army. Often after children escape or are released from Kony, they are not welcomed back into their families or communities. Without education or a support system, life can be close to impossible for these traumatized kids. Kobwin was the compassionate response of the leaders of New Hope to the needs of these children. For 11 years my husband and I had met with people in counseling situations and led them to Jesus for hope and healing. Why did this seem so different? We came to Kobwin with a team of people. Because we knew it was often hard for children to open up painful memories, we had brought with us Chris and Rachel and Leslie, artists from New York City. Together with Constance Dobbs, a New Hope Missionary involved with Kobwin since its beginning, we had put together a program to facilitate getting to the heart of the children. Our desire was that each child feel known, loved and led to Jesus, as they were willing, for comfort and healing. So the artists had put together various art projects to help the children open their hearts.The staff, led by Manager Ikwarit Charles, had agreed to let us take up a week of school to work with the children. The first two days we led the staff through the same process that we would later lead the children through. We had them draw out the path of a day in which something good happened, complete with pictures and colors representing the emotions of that day. The next day we repeated the process with a day something very bad happened. Then we had the staff members share their stories to each other. It was an amazing time as we saw the staff reach out and care for each other as the difficult stories were shared. We also had the privilege of bringing Jesus into some of the painful memories and see healing happen. Now that the staff were prepared for what we were going to do, the last 3 days of the week we repeated the process with the children. Every child created a drawing of the path of their good and bad days and every child sat with a staff member to tell them about both. As the children were willing, they were either prayed for or led in a prayer to Jesus for healing and comfort. It was amazing to see the tears stop and faces brighten as Jesus touched their hearts. There was Donna and Sarah who were abducted to be ‘wives’ of Kony. Sarah’s body still bore the marks of the witchcraft done to her. There was Alice who was in the army 3 years, the stories she told were almost unbearable. Part of her body was missing because of a grenade thrown at her ‘just for fun’ by some of the soldiers.The effect of these experiences have haunted her many nights. There was Jacob, Ronnie and Abraham in the bush with Kony for years before escaping, each with stories worse than the last. And then there was Paul.

BY KEITH MCFARLAND

Are you tired of hearing about Kony? I hope not. We’ve been living with him in our backyard for many years. I am truly thankful for the publicity that the video Kony2012 has generated regarding Kony and Northern Uganda. Many people are asking, What do I do with this? Can we really make a difference in this whole Kony issue and the suffering he has caused? What should our response be? It is my hope and desire that every person who has watched the video and been touched by God for Uganda can understand the BIGGER picture of what’s behind Kony, can grow in understanding the shortcomings of the video itself, and also understand how to be a better part of the healing of his atrocities here in Uganda. I’ll try to briefly hit on these three issues.

1. The BIGGER Picture of What’s Behind Kony and God’s work in his Wake

Let me begin by saying that I would LOVE to see Kony brought down and taken in to stand trial for his crimes. I would love to see those who have been “ruined” by him gain some sort of vindication in this world and I’d love to SEE justice prevail against Kony on this side of the veil. But I also know that our view of justice is not always God’s view. As Job reminds us, God does not govern the world according to our view of His justice, but according to His Wisdom. God has not forsaken His people nor made his people to suffer in vain. I know that this thing has not caught God off-guard, that He is in control and that Kony is working on a divine time-table and that his end WILL come. The Gospel will go forth and the healing of the nations will come. So how do these work together and what is God calling His people to do in response to the reality of this man’s abuses, injustices, and atrocities?

The video creates a response for many of us of “Wow, we really can do something to bring Kony down! All we need is to get involved and get the US military involved and we can do this. Then there will be NO MORE abduction and children can sleep easily at night. The bad guy will lose.” If only it were that simple. But for the goal of the video it is that simple, and that’s its appeal. Yet the issue is NOT that simple and is truly beyond the scope of this article.

While the West tends to simply view Kony as a terrorist who can be brought to justice through military power, the reality is that BEHIND Kony is deep Satanic bondage and power. Kony is in a line of witchcraft-using children-abusing “warlords” who love POWER- demonic power, material power, and power over people through fear. There is deep and serious spiritual bondage here, beyond the simplicity of a simple “Let’s go get him!” This Satanic ritual did not begin with Kony, but was passed on to him from his predecessor in the “use fear to control people” line of control.

The reality that we all need to face is that to bring Kony down will not change the foundations on which his regime was established and currently uses to maintain its “power,” that is apart from God Himself intervening. Another Kony will arise and terrorize wherever he can get away with it.

There is a group here made up completely of Ugandans called “Intercessors for Uganda”. They understand the various spiritual aspects to Kony and they have been engaging in serious prayer for many years that God would break down these spiritual strongholds and that the Kingdom of God would shine forth, both through his evil and atrocities and in their coming to an end. We often do not think about how God IS WORKING through all that Kony has sought for evil. In the words of Joseph in Genesis 50, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” Granted, we will never understand the full picture until eternity, but in-country it is incredible to see how the Church has risen up and been challenged to love and live the Gospel, to reach out with tangible compassion and mercy on those in need. Amid many stories, one place in particular that was hard-hit by Kony witnessed an incredible Jesus-centered reconciliation movement between various tribes that had both believers and even some non-believers seeking forgiveness for past wars and wrongs committed against one another. There are other stories like this that point to God’s Glory being unveiled even through the atrocities that Kony has committed, yet in the light of the darkness that Kony has spread, it can be easy to miss the light of the Gospel shining forth in its midst.

2. The Shortcomings of the Video Itself

I was a bit surprised to NOT see or hear more about the reality of the peace in Northern Uganda over these past years (the video would give the impression that Kony is still troubling Uganda to people who are being exposed to this for the first time). One article I read put it like this, “Moreover, analysts agree that after concerted campaigns against the LRA, its numbers at this point have diminished, perhaps amounting to 250 to 300 fighters at most. Kony, shadowy and illusive, is a faded warlord on the run, with no allies or foreign friends…” Of course, this is debated, but Uganda is not the Kony hot-spot anymore. He seems to be lurking in DR Congo and Southern Sudan. But at the same time we do NOT want to see him return to Uganda either!

My biggest concern was when the video was speaking about the help being given to the children of Northern Uganda. This is where you move into what’s really happening on the ground. The focus was on one MAIN thing- SCHOOLS. One Ugandan woman in the video spoke and said, “The best you can offer a child is by letting them be independent and that is by providing education (bold mine).” In essence, this captures a pervasive and dangerous philosophy.

While most of us here in Uganda understand the need for GOOD schools and education that has the ability to touch and impact lives, education must be seen in the context of the needs that are much GREATER and DEEPER in the lives of hurting children. Is the BEST thing you can offer a child really INDEPENDENCE through EDUCATION? The answer must be NO. Education cannot replace family, and independence (a characteristic of the orphan heart) leads to self-reliance, isolation and ultimately death. We need to beware of the danger of meeting the external needs of orphans instead of their greater and deeper needs, creating cultural orphans who simply perpetuate the cycle.

We are convinced that the best thing you can offer a wounded child is loving, caring FAMILY. And of course the greatest thing you can offer is ultimate HEALING through the Gospel of Jesus, discovery of the perfect Father-God, and inclusion in the great, beautiful and diverse family of God- this is true and freeing DEPENDENCE, and is also the place where healing is lived out. This is what we need to be looking at for the long-term care and healing of the children of Northern Uganda.

Obviously, working with New Hope Uganda, I am very keen to what “Western baggage” and philosophies can do to children. I’m also aware of the danger of meeting external needs of orphans instead of their greater and deeper needs, creating cultural orphans who simply perpetuate the cycle. New Hope’s ministry in Kobwin is focused on healing children recovered from Kony, and though “small” in the light of the great need, we rejoice that right now there are around 20 children living in “families” who are gaining an education, but on a deeper level are experiencing true and genuine healing- and that is a beautiful thing.

3. How to be a Better Part of the Healing of Kony’s Atrocities Here in Uganda

While I’m all for the tangible ability for young people to get involved in bringing Kony down and helping (which the video makes possible), I also want to guard against an “America can save the day” mentality, which quickly reminds Ugandans of colonialism and the mentality that has been perpetuated here by many well-intentioned westerners that we have all the answers, even to questions you don’t have. We as westerners need to understand that Ugandans are doing MUCH to lead in the care for the children of the North, they have done much to resist and see Kony brought down, and many Ugandan organizations are having great impact without western leading- even our Kobwin ministry is almost completely Ugandan led and run (as one example).

The book When Helping Hurts has some good insights into this discussion, as much Western “help” can actually end up hurting. We need to remember that partnership in the truest sense of the word is a two-way street, one where both parties recognize they have needs the other can meet, both seeking the good of the other. It does not fill the “need to be needed” mentality that I have seen many Westerners carry over here to Uganda, and it does not bolster an “I’m helping you from up here, you who are down there” mentality. To move beyond these natural initial responses takes good teaching and solid cultural exposure.

So what is a proper response for people being touched by God in a genuine and compassionate way to help in Uganda? 1. Pray- consistently and with purpose. Pray in the larger realm for God’s Glory to be manifested in the midst of the darkness. Pray for the works going on in Uganda and for broken children to find genuine healing through God and His people. 2. Research and find out what is happening in-country. What are Ugandans doing? What are solid local organizations and churches doing who understand the broader issues and what are THEY saying that they actually need? 3. Support is good, but partnership is best. Find out how you can truly partner. 4. Check financials of any ministry you are considering working with. If only 30% or 50% of the money given is actually getting “on the ground” or directly to those in need, you should step back and re-evaluate. Any organization has overhead, but HOW MUCH is being used and for what purpose?

Feel free to write with any thoughts or comments (alethia1@juno.com). If you want to read more on the orphan heart and issues related to orphan ministry, check out my blog: www.orphanheart.blogspot.com

This video cost $0 to make. There is no kit for sale. No bracelet to wear. No poster to put up. There is no one to make famous.

Charles is a former abducted child soldier who through the grace of God has chosen to forgive his captors rather than seek revenge. We believe that the weapon that will change the issue of Kony and the many children affected by his atrocities is the releasing power of forgiveness.

You may wonder if we believe Kony should be brought to justice. Absolutely! We praise God that Invisible Children has helped bring these atrocities into the light once again, and we pray that this campaign will help end Kony’s efforts to steal, kill and destroy. But more importantly is the transformation only God can bring to the lives of the numerous children scarred by the actions of Kony and the LRA. Truthfully, if healing and forgiveness doesn’t take precedence in the hearts of these former child soldiers, then we can expect revenge and hatred to rule and Kony’s own victims to rise up in his place.

Letter to All former Institute Students:

The Institute of Childcare and Family is going to be celebrating its 10th Anniversarythis year. From the time Uncle Jay and Uncle Jonnes began the Institute we have seen God’s faithfulness to us at NHICF and also to the ministry of New Hope Uganda as a whole. Many continue to serve here at New Hope while others have ventured on to many different places around the world. Since 2002, we have graduated nearly 300 students from more than 10 different countries! Many of you are actively being vessels of God’s love to the needy and fatherless children through your local churches, families, through adoption, fostering, teaching, childcare, youth programs, NGO’s, children’s ministries or beginning/serving with other children’s homes (like New Hope).

It is amazing for us to see what God has done through you and in you by His grace, and we thank you for your commitment to walking this JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION AND RELATIONSHIP. We have been blessed to walk with so many of you and we look forward to the many more to come. Our Father is still not done with us as He continues to work in and through us for the Glory of His Name.

Our main reason for writing is to inform you that we would like to celebrate our 10th Anniversary by having a REUNION with all of you- or at least as many of you as possible! Our dates are not in stone yet, but we are thinking of sometime in late July or early August. We would take one weekend and make it a time of celebration, testimony, fellowship, food, time to catch up with many of you, and most of all to give praise to the “Father of glory” who has done such a great work in all of our lives.

We are calling each of you back for this time. We know it would be a great distance for many of you, but as we say here, “You are most welcome.” We will try to assist you in housing for weekend and some provision of meals.

Please respond to us briefly if you think this time could work for you to come. Let us know which dates would work best for you. We would greatly cherish the chance to see you and be with you. When we hear from you we will confirm a date.

Most of the current Institute staff.

By grace,

Keith and Laura Beth, Chris and Rebecca, and the rest of the Institute Staff

After almost nine months of consistent rains, the dry season has finally come. It is dry, hot (mid to high 90s) and dusty. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s clear to see that God has his purpose for this time as well.

The maize has had time to dry and Thursday was time to harvest.  Each harvest (there are two a year here) all available Kasana staff and kids of all ages head down to Enterprise Farm and pick  maize together. It’s a fun time of fellowship and the free labor allows the Farm a better opportunity to make a profit to help the ministry. The maize will be stored in our maize crib for a number of weeks before being sold and turned into maize flour.

We thank God for His provision in times of rain and times of sunshine.

Uncle Jonnes and Uncle Jay open Envisioning 2012.

As the Ugandan school year runs Feb. – early December each year, December  and January serve as “summer vacation” for the kids.

Our Envisioning band has led wonderful times of worship.

We reported back to work on Jan. 4 and we have been busy hiring new staff and preparing for the year ahead.  Most of our sons and daughters who live with us full-time at Kasana Children’s Centre are visiting relatives for three-four weeks before returning to us, their Kasana family, next week.

On Wednesday, we began our annual Envisioning week. It is a wonderful time to join together with New Hope staff from each of our sites and be reminded of the calling God has for us. With nearly 100 staff, their spouses, 30 Investment Year sons and daughters, a number of S5 and S6 sons and daughters, and ten Kenyans from the first Kenyan Institute of Childcare and Family class, this is our biggest Envisioning gathering yet.

This year’s theme is based on Matthew 1:23 – Emmanuel – God with us. We are focusing on the primary purpose God has for us, relationship – first with Him then with others.  In our first two days, we have discussed the Biblical foundations of relationship, what deep relationship looks like, barriers to relationship, our own orphan hearts (and how that affects relationship), and relating with wounded hearts to others with wounded hearts.

There is much more to come (three more days of Envisioning). We would appreciate your prayers that we will all be able to receive all God has for us.

- Tal Anderson

Our Kobwin family in their new school uniforms.

At the age of seven, one of our sons now at Kobwin, witnessed the brutal torture and murder of his mother. The LRA rebels then took his father and until two months ago, our son never knew if his father lived or not. For the last eight years, this young man has had repeated nightmares reliving his mothers death and grieving the unknown fate of his father. We recently received a call that his father was living only an hour from Kobwin! What a joyful, yet tearful reunion it was!!! God, our Father does work in mysterious and amazing ways.

This is just a snapshot of what the Father has carried our Kobwin children through to bring them to our care. Each one has a story of loss, trauma, and heartache equally as astounding and amazing in the depth of need. Yet, we are so thankful that their lives are being transformed in His perfect timing. Most of the children at Kobwin have been with us for almost two years now and the newer ones that joined us this year have been enfolded into the fabric of who we are.

During my recent visit, I had the privilege of leading a number of the nightly devotions as we examined the book of Acts. In just one week, God met us and spoke to us profoundly. We saw how the early church came to be and how they lived and worked together. WE realized that that was us! Young believers, in general, living as family, praying and sharing the word daily, breaking bread together daily – having everything in common with no one in need. The kids were amazed and challenged. The challenge is to go on in the same way and to go out into the Kobwin community and even return to their own community to share the Gospel – to bring life to those who know no life and share the hope they now have. In December, the opportunity is coming. Our kids all go back to Amuria for the holidays and to be with relatives and friends. Please be praying with us for these young ambassadors!

The fact that our Kobwin children are growing is a real testimony to the Father’s amazing ability to change lives. But there is still much work to be done, much healing that needs to take place. And for this, we also need your prayers! As staff we need wisdom and strength to pursue these special children to the depths of their need. Some of them will be “repairers of the breech” (Isaiah 58:12) for their people and their community. Others, I believe, will go to our local community in Kobwin, and beyond.

We are thankful for our current partners and all that have come alongside of us in one way or another, very thankful! We trust that the others who will join us are on the way!

Digging in the garden. The harvest this year provided a couple of months worth of food.

If you feel the Lord calling you to this area of our ministry, please contact us.

cooking!

Note: The following was written three weeks ago.

Investment year 2011 is coming to an end. We still have two weeks to all have to finish before the 25th (of Nov.) which is going to be the baton hand over to the new incoming I.Y students. This is always a hard time mainly to our leaders because they had gotten close with those going out and at the same time they are excited to have those coming. In it is all a period of mixed emotions.

zam Zam, Fiona, Joanna

For us students it is hard since we were all used to being together. This marks our time to separate as different ones of us join different institutions and those taking the same like a’ levels seldom go to the same school. It is a time marked with testimonies which are a great inspiration to those about to start IY.

The incoming students get their first assignment on the same day they are acknowledged as the next I.Y students. They are asked to read the Kasana story called the LONG ROAD TO HOPE by Jennie Dangers. The book clearly narrates the days of small beginnings to all the achievements reached. All of us children need to hear this as it is the roots unto every thing we are enjoying now.

Zam Zam (IY 2011)

Praise God that we have almost completed our Standard of Living Matching Funds grant. This grant is already starting to be used to help in providing some much-deserved raises for our national staff and to do some home improvements. Unfortunately, we have had to go very slowly on the home improvements simply because we currently have a serious shortage of construction staff.

While we continue to look in-country for construction help, we could really use construction experts and handy-man types help over this next year. We have 40+ solar units to install (this reduce our reliance on the unreliable grid system here) and a number of water tanks and indoor plumbing to install. If could help us install these items or do general maintenance and would be available to volunteer here for a week, one month, three months, six months etc., we would love to talk to you.

Please contact us through our website.

I am a recent graduate from Seattle, Washington with my BSN degree. This is my first trip to Uganda, as well as working with New Hope Uganda. I heard about NHU through my cousin who went on the trip a year and a half ago. I decided to come on this trip in hopes of supporting the staff, building relationships with the children, and spending time in the clinic. I have a heart to serve others and I am extremely passionate about caring for others, especially children.

This week I was invited to make dinner with the Jonathon Family! I had the opportunity to learn and spend time with Auntie Constance and many of the children in the family. I was able to work alongside Sarah and Clair making chapate! It started with measuring the flour, water, and oil (no measuring cups, all by hand and feel of course!) to making balls of dough and rolling them out to the right consistency and size. I was able to see another son, George, fry them in a pan. He loves to help cook! Our team ate with the entire family after sharing a time of worship and devotions! It was amazing to see each of the children do their part and take pride in their role in preparing our meal.

During the night I was able to talk with the children and find out what they enjoy studying, if they like cooking, etc. They were so welcoming and hospitable! It also gave me the opportunity to practice with their names and connect with them on their level. This was their area of expertise and they were able to share it with me! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to cook with Clair and Sarah and learn from them! I believe cooking is important in all cultures and brings people of all ages together!

Chelsea Van Dalen, Lynden, WA, member of the Alexander team