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Invisible Children
- 01/26/06
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In the spring of 2003, three young Americans set out for Africa, in search of adventure and a story. They found what they were looking for. They found a tragedy that changed their lives and has since changed the lives of many who have heard the story. They found the invisible children of Uganda.
Jason Russell, Laren Poole and Bobby Bailey headed to Africa with a desire to have their lives changed. Armed with camera equipment they had purchased on eBay, they set out for Sudan, a country that has been rocked with continual war and strife. Unable to find anything in Sudan that could capture their short attention spans they set out for Uganda and soon found themselves in the northern part of that nation. It was there that they found their story.
What they found were children who were being abducted and forced to participate in one of the meaningless, brutal wars that rage in Africa. Young children, even just six or eight years old, are taken from villages and the countryside, are indoctrinated, and forced to bear arms against their own people. They are subjected to unbelievable horrors. They watch their friends and siblings being killed and dismembered simply so their captors can destroy their innocence and shock them into subjection. They are warned that any attempts at escape will end in a brutal, violent death. Those who do escape are hunted like dogs.
Every night the large towns in this part of Uganda fill with children - children who flee the surrounding villages lest they be abducted. Thousands of children migrate to bus parks and hospitals to spend the night in relative safety. Largely unsupervised and with little more than a blanket and the clothes on their backs, these children return night after night. They have no choice. They are desperately poor and suffer terrible abuses. It truly is a tragedy the likes of which is foreign to the mindsets of North Americans.
Invisible Children is a fast-paced MTV-style documentary designed to appeal primarily to young people. The filmmakers say, "This wonderfully crappy rock-and-roll documentary is something truly unique. To see Africa through young eyes is funny, and heart breaking, quick, and informative - all in the very same breath." While it is not the quality of some of the better documentaries I have seen, I found it well-made and well-produced. In fact, the only real problem I had with the quality of the film was the narrating and voice-overs. They were stilted, unnatural and unsuited to the format of the film. What I watched was only a rough cut of the DVD and I do hope they address the narration before releasing a final cut.
Having brought the story of these invisible children before a North American audience, Russell, Poole and Bailey have great plans for aiding the children. Their plan has three parts. First, they wish to expose the effects of a 20 year-long war on the children of Northern Uganda by telling their stories in a relevant way. Second, they wish to empower the individual viewer towards action (volunteering, donations, the bracelet campaign, political pressure, etc.). Finally, they would like to use the proceeds to provide aid to the invisible children on the ground, in Uganda. "Our dream," they say, "is to inspire the young and young at heart, to challenge their thinking, and empower them to 'be the change they wish to see in the world' through action." To this end the organization encourages individuals to host viewing parties, to be creative, and ultimately to donate money to the cause. According to the extra features on the DVD, the young men have partnered with World Vision to design communities in Uganda that will provide safe housing and education for the children. These projects can begin only when there are sufficient funds available.
The story this DVD tells is powerful and convicting. It is heart-breaking. I admire the young men for finding this story and for their passion in telling it. Unfortunately I would be hesitant to donate funds to their campaign. I have every confidence that these people are sincere in their desire to help the children of Uganda, but I am less convicted that they will be able to make the impact they desire. Sincerity is not enough: they must also have credibility. I felt that the apparent obsession with South Park, Dave Chappelle and Family Guy along with the immature activities recorded at the beginning of the film (blowing up termite hills with gasoline, chopping snakes into pieces with an axe, and close-in shots of vomitting) damage the credibility of the young men and thus their organization. This may appeal to their target audience, but it will surely prove a hindrance to those who are older and are likely to have more resources available to them.
I should note that the organization does have an active board of directors and that my fears may be unreasonable. "Invisible Children has an active board of directors made up of local businessmen and women who are passionately committed to growing and expanding the effect of Invisible Children both domestically and abroad. They meet on a bi-monthly basis and have the ultimate legal control over Invisible Children. The filmmakers of Invisible Children have creative authority over the film. Their vision is the driving force behind the movement of Invisible Children. The staff at the IC office takes the vision and facilitates action. They are in charge of setting up screenings and events, organizing volunteers, budgeting/financial record keeping, communication with IC representatives in Africa and coordinating the international campaigns."
My other concern was that, while the three filmmakers are professed Christians, Invisible Children is not a Christian organization. I do hope that those who help the children will do more (and certainly not less) than provide the necessities of life, but also share the Gospel which brings eternal life.
Invisible Children was a chilling DVD and made me profoundly grateful to live in such a safe and innocent part of the world. It truly is a blessing to live in a land of freedom and safety. It made me aware of horrors that are almost unimaginable. I have little doubt that it will stir and motivate many young people to look beyond their comfort zones and see the importance of extending help and comfort to those who are in need. I hope it does. Ultimately I hope God uses it to bring the Gospel to those hurting, abandoned, invisible children, for they are not invisible to Him.
To read more about Invisible Children or to order a DVD, visit invisiblechildren.com.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I write books and blogs for fun while doing web design and consulting for a living. I worship and serve at 
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Comments (21)
I found this very interesting. I am a Senior at a small college in Illinois, and last year there was a small movement among my campus that was beginning to raise money for the Invisible Children. Infact a few students made T-Shirts and sold them, and I think sent the money to this organization.
Thanks for bringing to light some concerns that I hadn't heard about, or even thought about!
I found this very interesting. I am a Senior at a small college in Illinois, and last year there was a small movement among my campus that was beginning to raise money for the Invisible Children. Infact a few students made T-Shirts and sold them, and I think sent the money to this organization.
Thanks for bringing to light some concerns that I hadn't heard about, or even thought about!
I've been to Uganda several times and live in Southern California so the world being the small place it is, I've become pretty familiar with the IC guys and what they are up to. I share some of your concerns about how much of their "vision" will be realized. But I would also add, 1) Any press for Uganda is good press. America is just recently gaining an awareness of a war that has been going on for 20 years. No one in the country of Uganda is unaffected by the rebel activity. Everyone without exception has either lost a family member, lost a child, been displaced, been threatened, been kidnapped, been beaten, or some combination of those and other horrible things because of this war. The government has done little to act because a conflict like this attracts financial help from other governments. The people in Uganda need voices here in America and around the world to tell their story. I admire the IC guys for their work in doing that and pray that their efforts will be successful.2) The documentary that is currently available is almost two years old and I believe a significant degree of maturity and sharpening of the vision and goals of the IC movement have taken place since then. I understand and share you concern over how much faith to put in some young guys with a dream. However, I would also be quick to remind you and remind myself that we should be eager to think the best of our Christian brothers and seek their success as they work to minister to the orphan and oppressed. I believe when the final version of the documentary comes out soon we will see a more focused and mature production from IC that is already being seen in their bracelet campaign and other efforts.As someone who has a passion for Uganda, I appreciate you taking the time to highlight this ministry/effort. I hope you will continue to follow up on it as it becomes more developed. On a separate note, perhaps someday you could also post your thoughts on the implications of the current trend in American Anglican churches placing themselves under the authority of the more evangelical African (including specifically Ugandan) Anglican churches over the issues of biblical innerancy and homosexuality.
SEZ
Several of the members on the team (at least 2 that I know of) attend Biola University and this has been big news over here. At least one night chapel showed the movie and there was also a second screening because of the popularity.
I had similar concerns as Tim because of some of the seemingly immature scenes that occur in the beginning of the movie. However, just two days ago I was reading something by C.H. Spurgeon at his preachers college that does seem relevant. I will have to paraphrase:
"Some men complain that you use humor in your sermons!" Spurgeon: "They do correctly see that they are laughing but they must open their eyes and see that just a second later they are crying".
The point is that humor (even this seemingly immature kind) draws people in and leaves them open for a strong dose of the truth. I can tell you that both times I have seen the movie that indeed people were laughing, but just moments later the film had them in tears. When you can do this then you have opened their eyes to the truth and things can begin to change (how many of us still remember vividly the truths portrayed in Hotel Rowanda).
In any case, whether a person decides to support the ministry or not, I would suggest that everyone see it at least once. It really is eye opening for us who consider getting a traffic ticket when we are already late to be a "terrible day".
In Christ alone,mike
Mike and Scott - Thanks for your comments. I am glad to hear that the guys and their vision are maturing. I truly am glad that they are calling attention to what is clearly a terrible situation. Their passion is infectious.
I should point out that some of my concerns stem from the web site which I assume is more updated than the DVD. But still, your points are well-taken. I think that if they really want to be taken seriously they may have to act a little more seriously. However, it could be that they are trying to appeal to a younger audience than an old guy like me. :)
That is the hard thing. Basically their marketting campaign is college compuses (showing the movie) and youth groups at churches. Accordingly, I suppose the MTV-esq stuff is to be expected. I may not like it, but most people my age do.
You said something interesting about the Youth not really having the resources. You are definitely correct if we are talking about money. However, if we are talking about potential people to get actively involved promoting it, even going there, becoming missionaries there, etc. then the youth has traditionally been the people who fill that role.
Jason and Laren go to my church in San Diego and I've got to know them fairly well over the last few years. I can tell you they are some of the most creative and inspiring people I know. But they are also some of the humblest I know as well. I mean these guys have in the last year presented their vision to Congress, corporate CEOs, thousands if not millions of people, had death threats put on them, interviewed the president of Uganda, interviewed Alice Lakwena and all through it remained humble enough to recieve criticism and grow through the proccess. Your right they are immature, but they have grown up and will continue. Besides, in their immaturity they have done more for the children of Uganda than anybody in a suit and tie and a degree up to this point. In addition I agree with Mike that alot of the immaturity in the film and even the web site is intentionally aimed at drawing in the MTV generation. And they are definetly looking more for people who are willing to give their life for these children more so than money. Personally I think the beauty of the whole movement lies in exactly the fact that these surfer dudes from San Diego are the least qualified and likely to have had this kind of impact. And they werent even planning on going to Uganda in the first place! makes me see the hand of God all the more. Which brings me the theological concerns. I must admit, being a seminary student with a passion for church planting, I share some of your concerns. Knowing Jason and Laren pretty well and Bobby on a peripheral level I can tell you they are all sold out for Christ. But they are not theologians. They are filmakers. But they are diffinetely open to working with people who have a passion for church planting. In short, as someone who probably shares your theology (TMS student) and knows the filmmakers personally I give my whole hearted recommendation to Invisible Children.
Thanks for your comments, J.R. They are very valuable.
Tim C. why do you think they should be a christian organization ?
My personal expirience with promoting Invisy is that most local church could less what's going on (and no i did not show the first immature part), and i live in the holy city of colorado springs. The most generous offers of help, interest and fund came from secular individual, business and organizations. Like scott said any exposure for uganda is a good thing. Plus the money goes to building safe communities with churches, school, hospital etc...
Timso
"Tim C. why do you think they should be a christian organization ?"
It depends what you mean by "A Christian organization." I simply feel that these children should be given an opportunity to hear the gospel.
Thank you for this posting. I missed a screening for IC in New York last December, and was really wondering about how the N. Ugandan situation was portrayed by such young filmmakers. (I've ordered it so I'm soon to find out). As I've begun to really get more in-depth with my own research on children in conflict, I've found that there are many christians on blogs and elsewhere taking up the Ugandan conflict as a personal cause. And though IC has not developed their statement of belief/mission statement around the Gospel, it seems that college aged Christians have been attracted to IC on the basis of the 3 filmmakers' faith. This is a generation just aching to be mobilized. You're certainly just in your concern for evangelism. But it seems to me that IC may have created an opportunity for Christians involved to share with fellow activists, as well as take up the call to go to Uganda themselves. Finally, I pray that those Christians who are concerned & desire to do something for the children of Uganda realize that IC is not the only venue in which to do so.
Tim,
Hey brother. We were recently approached to screen Invisible Children and get the people in our ministry involved in supporting this effort. We looked at it in some detail and had the following thoughts.
1. Great film making - this sort of art and compelling documentary can serve many good causes. 2. The generation that I work with - and the film targets - is moved by this sort of thing and many times will quickly jump on board because their emotions are gripped.3. The organization seems to be "bigger in their own eyes" - notice the partnerships on the web site. On the page is supposed to be all their partners - this is stated at the top of the page. Then the list shows the logos of Starbucks and Worldvision only to say in the text next to the logo that these are in no way partners.4. Changing Africa is more than raising and sending money. Those doing serious work in Africa understand that leadership development, pastoral training, and people of character are what is sorely needed. ALARM (http://www.alarm-inc.org/alarm/genesis.asp) and African Leadership (http://www.africanleadership.org/) seem to be doing this right. 5. I too would hope the educational efforts and humanitarian community development would include sharing the gospel. They highly recommended any of the works of Brian McLaren in their FAQ about not being a Christian organization. This did not encourage us to have our people sent this direction.6. At this juncture I was a bit concerned that our people would get excited, raise some cash, send it and feel like something was accomplished. I would rather them give and go to things on the ground that are developmental and ecclesially based.
Anyway, I thought I would share as we have recently been looking at the Invisible Children effort. I wish the young bucks well and hope God uses them greatly in Uganda. I just hope they seek to bring water and living water, bread and the bread of life, education and the truth of the Word of God so that the children might know the way, the truth and the life.
Reid
I heard of IC after I went to Liberia for my friend's adoption. I ended up meeting a woman who works for Mercy Ship, and her web site has a link to Invisible Children. I commend them for following their inclination to help others and NOT turn a blind eye to those beautiful kids in Uganda. Maybe some will think the guys are immature in the beginning, but it shows the harsh contrast between suburban Cali to war torn Uganda... that's the whole point. We sit here in our comfortable homes with running water, heat, locks, and safety. They live in displacement camps and can't return to their lands to make an honest living. I hope showing the DVD brings our world closer to the world of Africa, and inspires more to actually go to the many different countries there. The red soil, the sudden rains, the smiles on the children's faces all are emblazed in my mind's eyes, and I can never forget.
I am a 40 something Christian mother of two. I am also a business woman. My 19 year son, who attends Belmont University in Nashville and plays in a band told me about Invisible Children. He had seen the DVD and now his band wants to be a part of raising money for this cause.
I think our generation needs to be very proud of some of the children we see growing up right now! Perhaps the film makers of Invisible Children are immature or maturing and haven't reached the right people with the power and ability to do something YET. But the idealism and passion they have will get them there eventually. It takes a dream and vision to take root before all the other steps can take place. I for one am totally behind my children being part of something so noble and worthy of attention. And I hope they don't allow us older, mature folks to squelch their idealism. It is what makes a difference in a society full of materialism and filth.
I am a senior in college and have, over the last month been very heavily involved in the supporting the work of Invisible Children at my college and hometown. I have also spend a good amount of time with members of the organization and so I have gotten a fairly thorough behind-the-scenes look at the workings of it. The more I learn, the more I support what these wonderful and dedicated people are doing. When I first began corresponding with the workers in CA, I was shocked to hear them say that they have received a good amount of antagonism from older Christians. I really couldn't believe it. Why? Why in the world would that be? I wondererd. I knew that the organization was said to "not be a Christian one" but no connection was made in my mind or heart as to why that would ignite such criticism from Christian circles, especially older Christians. I now believe that this antagonism exists only because I have now seen it and experienced it first hand as I have openly supported the IC movement. What I don't understand is what we mean by a "Christian organization". Does a lawyer who loves Christ put on his name plate, "Christian Lawyer, Mr. So and So. Do doctors that are born again have on their license "Doctor for Christ, Dr. So and SO, PHD." WHy is it that we recognize in every other profession that we live out our faith in the context in which God puts us, that we bring Christ into our workplace and school and community. However, in an organization that is already doing the work of Christ by loving the Ugandan people and caring for orphans and widows, we are so skeptical of them because their official, documented missions statement doesn't say "We are a Christian organization." These 3 guys are trying to ignite compassion, a desire for justice, and a will to take action for a good cause in the American people. They are desperately trying to help a dying people. I don't think the organization is alone trying to save Uganda; I think it is trying to spark passion in American young people (especially Christians) so that THEY will do what they can to save Uganda. For Christians that means falling on our faces in humble prayer for this land and then DOING something. If we want this organization to be Christian, we join it and bring Christ into this organization by how WE are involved. We have to stop being so lazy, expecting a pre-packaged Christian setting in which to live, and isolating ourselves from the world. Yes, we are to be a separate people, but God separates us, we don't separate oursleves. Why is it that we will only serve the hurt and dying of this world through officially Christian organizations? And what does "officially Christian" mean anyway. *"They will know we are Christians by our love."*"Preach the gospel at all times and use words when you have to."* "Religion that is pure and undefiled to before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." Can we please stop looking for every way to criticize the loving work of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Can we be one, as Christ and the Father are one? Those adults that see holes or faults in this organiztion should humbly, gently and lovingly join the movement and bless it by offering thier wisdom and discipleship to young people like myself instead of deciding to not be a part of it. We, as young people have passion and we do, I admit, often lack direction and wisdom. Instead of criticizing and magnifying our lack of wisdom and experience, stand behind us in our Christ-centered passion and give us your wisdom and experience. As a member of the young generation of Christians, I plead to the older generation to partner with us. Help us in where we are lacking and recognize that we very often have the passion and desire to ACT that adults can easily (and understandably) lose because of all the responsibilities they carry. Let's work together to exalt the person and work of Jesus Christ in our own communities, in Africa and everywhere in between. I'm sorry this is so scattered and poorly written, but I just kept writing as these things stirred in my heart. Thanks.
I'm a senior at UNCW in north carolina. i applaud the efforts of those three guys. without caring what holy rollers and "evangelize only" attitudes say against them they are out there not to make a name for themselves in this situation, but to help the children and people of Uganda. As a Christian i am sort of disgusted by how other Christians are so quick to take shots at these kids "credibility." they weren't claiming to have any great credibility, they were barely out of their teens when they happened into this ordeal. like another poster said, these young men have done more than evangelizers, politicians, and peace organizations for a damaged country that seems invisible to the rest of the planet. Please take this with a grain of salt, because i'm not saying that they shouldnt be spreading the gospel, i too believe that has greater implications than food and water. Christ didn't come attract followers and believers simply because he claimed to be our savior and the son of God. He first helped those who were in need, and then explained his story. He healed the blind and crippled before explaining to them the Truth. I'm saying that what these guys are doing with these children opens a direct connection to the Ugandan people to allow them to be open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't understand why you would discredit the good they are doing because they don't have some rich man's or denominational approval.
Aw my class and I were talking about this. And my high school [st. francis] is trying to get out the word. We're going to do fundraisers and as many things as possible.
I think, as I read your comments and concerns for those Ugandan children, what do we do? On the one hand, they are children in horrible conditions, forced to fight to survive and more. Yet, as I consider it more, I realize that lost is lost.
Are they more lost because of harsh conditions? Will they suffer more because they are enduring things that most Western or European countries would consider 'horrific'?
I hear from my African missionaries, and friends in Paupa New Guinea, who read by candle light, and cook in fire pits covered by a wire grill, sleep on pallets above the ground for fear of things that slither, walk on four legs with lots of teeth, and must walk for miles to the nearest place to mail a letter. Who's life is constantly beset by aborigines who come out of the forest ready to kill because they do not know the white man, much less the natives who are learning in the huts set up by the schools and churches supporting them.
I too long for people to come to know our Father, and His salvation. I have lived in and been a part of countries described in the letter above. But, I am not a missionary. My calling is not to another country. Not when so many of my own country men stand in the abyss of "tolerance", and the discount of God's authority. When those around me are just as lost as those across the sea.
Not so tragic, not so horrible, but just as dead in their sins. I don't mean to demean the plight of those suffering children, but we need to be aware that people are dying next door to us, and if we are not willing to do anything about them, is God really calling us to do something for someone across the sea?
Just a thought.Because of HimSteveE
I have seen the movie several times. It "disgusts and inspires", meaning, it digusts them, but, inspires you.I have been doing a project on it, so I learned alot about The Invisible Children of Uganda. They are called "invisible", becuse they are not realy known by alot of people (example: they are not known as much as September 11th.) Every night they have to stay in basements because they fear the Rebels, and the Rebels might kidnapp them or even kill them and after that they are brought to the "Bush" and forced to fight and brainwashed to kill. It is basicaly "Kill and or get Killed." And if they are not good enough to kill they get killed.
Good one, Warren, my bro! Could not said it better myself!by, his loving brother!
Good One Bro!
For those of you who like me who had not known who the invisible children are? you can Visit this website site http://www.acholiteck.com It has details of the people called the Acholi who are the ones shownin the invisible children Video. The page also clearly has a map of africa that gave an indication of who these people are, and i also seen a video of the back ground of the conflict. What amazes me is that they are more invisible because even the video did not really talk much about who these people are.