Millions of hits...a boy named Francis

Francis is a friend of mine.  Francis was abducted by gunpoint in the gardens near his family's home.  Francis was forced into the army of Joseph Kony.  On our vision trip we were able to sit down and listen to this young man share about the abduction of himself and many others in his village. We heard him tell us about being tied by rope, one child tied to another as they trampled through Ugandan terrain and through rivers, not being allowed to look at the face of Joseph Kony.  How he was forced to kill.  The things this boy had to endure and see were unimaginable and sorrowful.

Francis led a heroic escape from the hands of the LRA. (lords resistence army)  He helped several others escape including his buddy sitting next to him in the picture.  He found his way back to his village.  But now what?  He was tramatized to the extreme...Enter the love and transforming power of Jesus Christ.  Francis went through a process guided by counselors to show him how much His Father in Heaven loved Him and had the power to renew his mind, his soul, and his spirit.  The nightly nightmares have been taken away, joy has been restored.  Hope has been given graciously poured out on Francis.

The beautiful young lady in this picture is another one of the LRA's former child soldiers.  Francis explained to me that she is his bride.  And I have a secret to share.  They are expecting their first child. I was told to keep that a secret from members of his village, so if you find yourself in Uganda please don't tell!  Praise God!!  

It is customary and cultural in Uganda for boys and guys to hold hands with their friends.  I was a little wary of this custom, however when Francis grabbed my hand and walked me out to the gardens to see the place where he was taken I felt privileged to have this amazing young man consider me a friend.

So, as you watch the videos and the news reports of the terrible things going on in our world today pray.  Pray for Francis, pray for the people who are suffering at the hands of these cruel people.  Pray for those who are sharing of themselves to help share Christ's love.  Pray for Joseph Kony and others like him that desperately need a Savior.

I've been asked why would I take our family to Uganda.  It is for Francis and many others like him.  The question isn't why would I?  The true question is why wouldn't I?

Chris