As always, I meant to blog something yesterday morning and it got away from me. Something very sad happened on Sunday. Something that angers me but mostly makes me very, very sad. A terrorist organization exploded a couple bombs in Kampala, Uganda in Africa over the weekend. Apparently there were a crowd of people in a field watching a broadcast of the World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain. I hear over 70 were killed. I’ve seen other reports of 50. One of those who lost their earthly life was Nate Henn.
If my memory serves correctly, the giant rugby fields where this World Cup viewing took place. When I was in Kampala in February of 2008 I remember passing by a very large stadium on our way to visit some projects/churches that Compassion works at. I imagine this is where the terrorist attack took place. While this tragedy is mindless and horrific, it is also true that the children of God that were adopted by their Father in heaven (due to the loving ransom paid by Jesus the Son) are actually in the presence of God now, enjoying untold wonder and joy by having entered eternity in an instant. I thought I’d share what Invisible Children posted on their site. This is a wonderful organization that reached out to us almost a decade ago with an advance “screener” of their film that has changed the lives and perspective of so many people (and bands) that have seen it. We appreciate what this organization does and applaud their efforts to be like Jesus and “let the children come unto Me…” You can judge a lot about a man’s character by how well they get along with children. There’s something special about younger ones and we’re all better off by having them around. For real.
It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you that one of our dear friends has been lost in the terrorist attack earlier today in Kampala. Nate “Oteka” Henn was killed by an explosion that ripped through a rugby field where hundreds of people had gathered to watch the final match of the World Cup. Nate worked with us at Invisible Children for a year and a half and leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and service. From traveling the United States without pay advocating for the freedom of abducted child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s war, to raising thousands of dollars to put war-affected Ugandan students in school, Nate lived a life that demanded explanation. He sacrificed his comfort to live in the humble service of God and of a better world, and his is a life to be emulated. Nate was determined to go to Uganda and see the homeland of the friends he had made on tour. His love for the Ugandan students he had worked with is exemplified by the deep friendships he forged with them. He was not serving some idea of down-trodden Africa. He was serving Innocent, Tony, Boni, Ronald, Papito, Sunday and Lilian. These are some of our Ugandan students who fell in love with Nate’s wit, strength, character and steadfast friendship. They gave him the Acholi name “Oteka”, which means “The Strong One.” Some of them were with him at the time of the attack. Nate was not a glory-seeker and never sought the spotlight. He asked not to be made a hero of. But the life he lived inspires reflection and imitation. In a facebook status update he made just before his trip to Uganda, he wrote, “thank you for helping me achieve my dream of getting to Uganda” and while there he wrote home about being in the best days of his life and loving his time with his Ugandan friends. Nate’s life ended while living out this dream, a selfless dream of putting others first, seeking peace, and living a life of integrity. He will be forever missed, forever remembered, and his legacy will live on in our love and deeds. For more information and news about the terrible attack, click here for the New York Times article and here for a CNN article about Nate. We will be keeping you up to date on any news about services for Nate, a vigil, and ways to support his family. Check back to the blog. Sincerely, the Invisible Children family.
Comments