There's a difference between being alive and living.

So, everyone is posting things about Joseph Kony. One of the world's worst war criminals. Previously active in Uganda. Now terrorizing Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Central Africa Republic.

The man that challenges me in loving my enemies more than anyone else. 

But, I don’t want to talk about him because the mention of his name makes my blood turn hot.

Instead, let’s talk about what he’s stolen from so many families: life.

He’s murdered, mutilated, and destroyed.  

Those who’ve managed to survive are the living dead.

Still victims, and now persecutors.

The way that so many individuals have been robbed of life makes me physically ill. 

Children have grown up in this army. Children that have grown into adults. Children that have never experienced a different kind of life.

What could be possibly more disturbing than this whole situation? 

1. It’s still going on.

2. It’s real. Real people. Real lives. Real war. 

3. That there are billions of people in the world who have the chance, the opportunity to live lives worthy of being lived and don’t. 

4. The way people have a tendency to bandwagon about hot issues and then jump off. 

5. It’s still going on.

Jesus told us, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10 

Something is seriously wrong.

And, what’s the world doing about it? Well, now we’re talking. A whole bunch of people are talking about it, and that’s great because it’s creating awareness.

But, don’t talk about it today, if you’re going to forget about it tomorrow. 

Please don't talk about it, if you're not willing to pray about it too. Because clearly, something is wrong.  People are talking. Things are happening. But the thief is still stealing, killing, and destroying. 

So what can we do?

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind,  be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."     

Ephesians 6:10-20

So, pray.

Just a few memories from my first trip to northern Uganda in July of 2008. 

The trip that awakened my heart to Uganda, the destruction of the LRA, and the joy of those whose hope is in the Lord. 

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isaiah 61:1