I was first made aware of what was happening in Burma through my friend, Shane Abrahams. I was shocked, and couldn’t figure out how something like that could be taking place in another part of the world, and even through today’s technology and connectivity, I still hadn’t heard a single word about it. After doing research, and hearing stories about refugees, child soldiers, and unbelievable violations of human rights, I couldn’t help but begin to wonder what happened, and how we’ve become so numb to the stories. Why doesn’t our media talk about this stuff?
Maybe we’ve just all been deceived into thinking that what should be our focus, and the focus of our media, is what actually has a direct impact on our level of comfort here at home. But what if what really matters, and what really counts, are the things we aren’t currently seeing and paying attention to? And what if we aren’t seeing it because our focus has been diverted and misdirected?
This morning, I got a note from an acquaintance, Tyler Ward. Tyler seems like the kind of guy you wish you were friends with. He drips with humility and kindness, and just seems like a genuinely cool guy who isn’t interested in living life at the surface. He just turned me on to a new organization he’s involved with called “Project: AK-47.” If you don’t know anything about this issue, you need to! Check out this video:
(Can’t view the embedded video? Watch it here.)
Visit the site and support the mission. But don’t do it out of guilt. Throwing a few bucks their way might make you feel better about yourself, but that really isn’t the goal. While every penny towards the cause certainly fulfills a need and goes to good use, the ultimate goal is for you to get involved, spread the word, and be a part of the fight. For some of you, being a part of the fight might actually be to just skip Starbucks today, or eat at home instead of going out, and donate some cash. But be careful, because some of you might find yourself in Southeast Asia, spending your time playing with orphans. If you do, please call me…I might go with you. Last time I spent a day playing with orphans, I lost track of time, discovered meaning, and didn’t want to leave.
Tags: ak-47 gun, burma, child soldier, child soldier video, child soldiers, child soldiers of, children war, human rights, orphans, project ak-47, shane abrahams, soldiers child, southeast asia, stop child soldiers, tyler ward
you should check out invisible children. something like this is also happening in Northern Uganda and surrounding areas over a 24yr long war due to the Lord’s Resistance Army. just go to http://www.invisiblechildren.com and check it out!
also i think this AK-47 thing is great. thanks for posting this video! =)
and btw, great show at TCTC. me and my youth group realy enjoyed it. thanks for coming!
-sister in christ, erin
Thanks for posting this Harris. My church in Hong Kong works with a lot of refugees from Africa. For some reason, the UNHCR sends them to Hong Kong while their applications for refugee status are reviewed. So, I got to know guys from places like the Congo and Togo, many of whom were once child soldiers. Even now, as adults they still carry the emotional scars.
But, Burma is by far the worst offender, with reports of boys snatched off street corners in major towns, while on their way to school!
Its good to know that despite the lack of interest from the media, some people are taking the time to get informed and to find out how they can help. Keep up the good work.