The Henn family is grateful for the concern expressed for their two sons, Nathan and Kyle. We are devastated by the loss of Nate in the terrorist attack in Uganda, and the pain is immense. We are blessed that by the grace of God we did not lose our second son, Kyle, when the plane bringing him to be with our family crashed Monday. Our prayers and wishes go out to the men that died and were injured in providing help to our family.

Nathan’s death shocked and hit us hard. A parent is not designed to lose a child. It is important to us that we make clear Nathan’s purpose in being in Uganda at that time. We could not be more proud of our son and brother, and of the man that he was and the life that he lived. He died doing the ministry that brought him the most joy, following Christ to reach and help the children of Northern Uganda.

Nate’s legacy is the pursuit of peace and a future for the children of Uganda and the Congo. His hard work at Invisible Children was integral in the passing of a landmark bill that provides support to rescue the child soldiers caught in Joseph Kony’s war. The bill, the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Recovery Act, was signed into law in the second week of May. The law calls for Obama to create a plan of action within 180 days of it being signed that ensures that the leader, Joseph Kony, is responsibly apprehended and that the focus is put on recovering and rebuilding in Northern Uganda. After working selflessly to serve the people of Northern Uganda for the past year and a half, Nathan finally got the chance to go see it for himself.

On his Facebook status posted on the day of his death he wrote that “he has never had a happier time in his life.” On the day of his death, he was with friends including some of the very children that Invisible Children has helped and have grown to be advocates themselves. His life ended too early, but we look at the few years God gave him on this earth, and we are humbled that he was used in such a powerful way. Many people live their whole lives hoping to make some sort of impact. And with just 25 years, Christ blessed him with a heart for the oppressed, and because of that he has touched lives in the U.S. and in Uganda. We fully expect that God will use this tragedy to continue to change lives, reminding us all how short life is, and how important it is to live sacrificially for something bigger than ourselves.

In the shadow of this heart ache, we know that God has welcomed His son with open arms, and a ‘well done, my good and faithful servant.’

Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have experienced over the last twenty-four hours, both for Nathan and for Kyle. We would like to thank the community at Invisible Children for their support and for being a family to Nate, as well.

The Henn family remains strong as we live by faith and rally around one another in the spirit of family. Though certainly still in shock, and we are so thankful to everyone for your love and support.

People ask us how they can help or what they can do, and we know Nate’s heart was for the people of Uganda. So we ask that if people feel compelled, that they would make donations in Nate’s honor to Invisible Children at www.natehenn.com where a fund has been created. The purpose of this fund is to continue Nate’s legacy of advocacy by providing for others to do the same. For more details please check the website.

We would appreciate some time to be a family right now, to process this through prayer, and to mourn the loss of our son. We ask that the press respects this wish, and if we wish to make any further comment we will contact you. For further information about Invisible Children, refer to their website at www.invisiblechildren.com.

Suicide bombs tore through crowds that had gathered in celebration to watch the final match of the World Cup.

Tons of reports and news outlets have been telling the story, but the terrorists have not only killed 76 people, they’ve shaken an unstable nation and took the life of our own Nate Henn.

Nate “Oteka” Henn, was a volunteer with Invisible Children in San Diego for over a year and a half. He dedicated his life to following Jesus and was a man after God’s own heart.

He was a servant and a peacemaker who never wanted to be in the spot light.

His Ugandan Legacy Tour teammate, Innocent, gave him the name “Oteka”, which means “Strong One”. The two grew close on IC’s Legacy Tour in the US and Nate had recently traveled to Uganda to visit Innocent and experience “Africa” for the first time.

One of Nate’s dreams was to visit Uganda and travel to Gulu to see the programs he’d so selflessly supported through fundraising, awareness and advocacy.

We’re beyond thankful that Nate was with his friends Innocent, Tony and Lindsey when he moved on to be with his maker.

IC has put together a Memorial Fund for Nate Henn, www.natehenn.com, and an incredibly well made video to give you a glimpse of who Nate was and what he stood for.

Yesterday, I had the honor of spending the day in Gulu with Nate’s dad who had traveled to Uganda to gain some peace and closure, but also to fulfill Nate’s dream of visiting Gulu and the Invisible Children Uganda family. All I can say is that God is doing incredible things through the Henn family...the entire day I was blown away and inspired.

Within minutes of meeting Nate’s dad my faith was challenged and strengthened. Mr. Henn continuously praises God for His sovereignty and that God was able to use Nate’s life and death for His own good pleasure and glory.

Despite the wake of the terrorist attack, God has revealed Himself in mighty ways.

Ways that require walking by faith and not by sight.

In loving memory of Nate and The Way he followed Christ.

Nothing but love [God]

The 1910 World Missionary Conference was a watershed moment for Protestantism. Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland, the assembled 1,200 Protestants believed that Christianity was on the cusp of spreading to every corner of the world, and that Christ would come again once every ear had heard the good news of salvation. Their master plan for missions would hasten his return.

But Edinburgh 2010, the centenary conference that concluded last month, drew only about a quarter of the crowd and received attention only from a few Christian publications. The modern master plan was less ambitious as well: a call to global missions and "to witness and evangelism in such a way that we are a living demonstration of the love, righteousness and justice that God intends for the whole world."

This dramatic change was summed up at a small gathering of academics and missions professionals at Fuller Theological Seminary in late May. "At (1910) Edinburgh, people thought they were going to take over the world," said C. Douglas McConnell, dean of Fuller's School of Intercultural Studies in his opening remarks. "And now many of our students wonder if they should even try."

Indeed, colonialism is dead (thankfully). But the term "missions" itself now carries with it a negative connotation, even in politically and theologically conservative circles. Christians today typically travel abroad to serve others, but not necessarily to spread the gospel.

Continued here.

By BRAD A. GREENBERG

An Invisible Children Cotton Initiative staff member wearing an IC t-shirt that will eventually be made with the certified organic cotton surrounding him. In the background, 12 IC Roadies listen closely as the organic cotton "from seed to sow" process is explained by IC's Agronomist, John Tembo (my former housemate in Uganda who's originally from Zimbabwe).

IC's Agronomist, John Tembo, explaining the "from seed to sow" process of cotton to the IC roadies. Directly to the right of John is the General Manager of a t-shirt factory in Kampala called Fenix and to his left is a organic cotton t-shirt buyer from Japan.

It’s all been a facade.

A delusion based on the principle of self-interest.

My own personal interests have diverted my own good intent to live for the interest of others.

Let me explain in more detail.

For the past two months, I’ve been living and working in Gulu, Uganda with a non-profit humanitarian & development organization called Invisible Children. It’s been an incredible two months that have been built up from a desire to live selflessly and to put the interest of others before my own; to give up plans for a successful career and a life full of comfort, convenience, choices and commodities.

I’m currently in Uganda and I haven’t been able to give up any of those things. Sure, they may look, feel and taste a lot different in Uganda, but in and of themselves they’re the same vices.

It’s a constant day-to-day struggle to invite God into the day and live a life in pursuit of righteousness and holiness.

The reason I said that my “good life” is a façade is because the second I over-value my existence I loose touch with the reality of humility. If I think I’m “good” than I’m actually in need. When I think I’m “humble” I’m actually dealing with pride.

“What passes for goodness of heart? Remember, we are fallen beings, born in sin, and by nature depraved. Christian faith does not begin with the premise of innocence or goodness of heart. That is optimistic humanism, not authentic faith. Christianity proclaims the need for forgiveness and transformation. We are not what we were meant to be.” – William Wilberforce

I’m in a state of mind where I desperately need forgiveness and transformation.

"Selfishness will always avoid acknowledging the truth that we are selfish."

I don’t want to avoid this knowledge anymore. I know that I’m selfish and need to depend on mercy and grace to be lifted out of the darkness that tempts me.

Thank you for your prayers and support. They continue to “lift me up” as a brother in Christ. It’s been too long since I’ve thanked those who’ve continued to support me financially over the years…Thank You. A lot of people are going through financial difficulties (including Invisible Children) and your financial support is humbling & enriching. Thank you, thank you & thank you.

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Invisible Children just released a new documentary called Together We’re Free.  It follows the course of IC’s most recent advocacy event, titled “The Rescue”.  (Watch the film online for free at http://www.livestream.com/invisiblechildren under the “On Demand” section of the website.)

The event encouraged international youth who truly believe in and value creativity, idealism and sacrifice to tangibly make a difference by “abducting themselves.”  These abductions represented the injustice that has been unleashed on east African children who’ve been taken from their families and forced to become soldiers in a rebel army known as the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army).

On Friday morning, I showed this film to the entire Invisible Children Uganda staff of 80, a unique group that is comprised of people from different regions, tribes and backgrounds from all over Uganda. At first, showing the new film seemed like a horrible and potentially damaging idea.  I was worried that the culture of each Ugandan individual would collide with footage of an American culture that they’ve never experienced firsthand. The staff perspectives would be limited and would affect their understanding of the IC supporters featured in the film.

My mind was like a remixed album that continually screeched, “What will they think?” “What will they think?” “What will they think?”

My fears and worries heightened as the projector and computer were prepared for the staff’s arrival. As each person entered the room I kept hoping and praying that the film would translate into a positive and inspiring group experience. My anxiety slowly dissolved as the sounds and images of the film filled the room and the staff fell silent.  There’s no turning back now, I thought.

Half way through the film, I caught myself peering around the room, trying desperately to read the faces of an expressionless crowd.  The film was showing scenes of IC supporters standing in the cold wind and rain in Chicago.  Surely they must be thinking that the youth of America are out of their minds.  What are they thinking? I wondered.

Only a few minutes later, the film reached the scene where Jason says, “I want to go home to my wife and child…they need to be rescued too.”  The entire staff erupted into laughter, and from that point I could hear chatter spreading through the room. Everyone was beginning to share their thoughts and questions with one another. However, when the film ended the room once again fell silent.

“Does anyone have any feedback?” asked Jolly.

No one spoke.  I scanned the room looking for someone who’d be brave enough to be the first to respond, but instead I found the face of an individual that I had completely overlooked. His expression breathed of disgust, guilt, and pain.

Finally, someone else broke the silence in the room.

“I think that this film really puts everything back into perspective. At times I find myself caught up in the day-to-day work, and I loose sight of how I’m part of something bigger than self.” –Program Manager

Then someone else spoke up.

“I’m kind of speechless. Watching this makes it worth the extra mile in my job as a mentor.” – Mentor

“I wish we could bring this motivation to the very students we’re mentoring.” – Mentor

As I sat listening, it took every inch of me to fight back tears. I couldn’t believe the words in the air and the spirit of the staff. The meeting had been a complete success and I was excited to ask each staff “What did you think?” But just before Jolly could close the meeting, the staff member with the expression of disgust stood up.

My heart dropped.

What happened next was undoubtedly mind baffling.

He spoke about how he’d been a soldier in the bush for 11 years with the LRA. He’d escaped some few years back and handed over all of his things to the government except his wife and two children.

“We didn’t go to the LRA intentionally, but were taken by force. My wife was given to me not from saying I love you, but given as a gift. I stopped in primary 5, but am trying to learn English from listening to English speaking people. In future, I will go back to school out of the interest of IC. I first heard of IC and came looking for a job, but the building was so nice and I told myself no these people inside have diplomas. For me, I only have two documents to show, my driving permit and Bible, but praise God I was given a job as a guard and now I protect everything of IC. The buildings, vehicles, people, what what…IC doesn’t have a fucking segregation…LRA, tribe, color, what what. No it’s not there. I like my job so much and I like you people…I want to say by next January, I’m going to traditionally marry my wife that was given to me in the bush. We had one child after coming out and am now having three children in total.”

My motions were paralyzed as everyone clapped, cheered and congratulated Mike.

As Jolly officially ended the meeting, a few of the staff showed Mike photos that they’d taken during his speech. I could see big eyes and smiles on many faces. I still didn’t know exactly what they were thinking but their expressions spoke louder than any answers I could have received to the question “What did you think?”

Watching a film about the youth of America raising the banner for child soldiers while in the room with a former child solider is a surreal situation.  It’s difficult to be submerged in two completely different paradigms and cultures at the same exact time.

The experience was made more surreal by the fact that I’ve had moving experiences with Invisible Children on both sides of the Atlantic:  I was one of the youth in America who raised the banner for child soldiers during “The Rescue” event, as well as someone on the interview panel that hired Mike as a guard in Uganda.

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Mike is free from the LRA, and now he’s together with us.

Together we’re free.

Mike with his wife and three children