I've been overjoyed to see the impact that Invisible Children's new video and campaign seem to have made on my generation in a matter of less than 48-hours. (Watch it here.) This is storytelling at its finest; this is how I dream of serving someday. But when any idea/movement/organization/youtube video gains an astonishing amount of backing (or clogs up enough people's Facebook mini-feed), then there is bound to be a bit of backlash.
The logistical questions that many are asking about the financial and ethical responsibility of Invisible Children, and the effectiveness of the strategy employed in capturing Kony and ending the LRA's terrorization of Central East Africa, are completely warranted and legitimate questions. It's true that doing one's research is necessary before giving money to any cause. (Although I will point out that IC's emphasis in Kony '12 was not on getting our money, but on spreading the word in order to influence our government involvement. The money that they do ask for goes to Tri, the programs that educate the children of Uganda and help build their futures through safety and job training.) And for those questions, you should check out Invisible Children's responses, as well as this video message given by Jolly, a Ugandan woman whose face appears in almost every documentary on the block that involves Uganda and the victims of the LRA.
But the critical reactions to Kony '12 that I have found most prevalent and troubling are of an entirely different nature. In fact they aren't questions about Invisible Children so much as they are about the principle and intentions of non-profits, social-justice, and secular charities. I'd like to break down some of the most frequent comments I've seen via facebook and offer a response to them, because it's something that's truly been weighing on my heart.
1. Kony '12 and IC has become too "trendy." It's a bandwagon following of people whose interest in the organization is only temporary and superficial. People posting this video didn't even know anything about Uganda yesterday.
Are you kidding me?!
First of all, assuming that humans have the Divine vision to see into people's hearts and determine their motives for posting a video about social injustice is prideful and judgmental. You don't have to be an expert on foreign policy to be moved by a story about human suffering. Demanding people to know geography or history about Uganda in order to validate feeling compassion for the oppressed is like requiring an Old Testament entrance exam in order to experience the love of Christ. IC has a special gift for reaching younger generations who aren't yet educated on global issues, and opening their eyes up to the immense injustices that take place across the world through their brilliant use of social media. If this video is educating people who are in the dark to the issues, shouldn't that be celebrated, rather than mocked? Furthermore, turning up our noses at a cause simply because it is popular–isn't that a "bandwagon" of resistance (and snootiness)? Shouldn't we be beyond excited if social justice becomes the new "trend" for our generation??! Or are we satisfied with our trends of casual sex and drug/alcohol abuse that dominate our media? This is mind boggling to me. If one person on the planet is moved enough by this video to be provoked to action and service, don't ya think you can sacrifice your clogged mini-feed?
2. IC and Kony '12 is not a worthy cause because it's not a Christian organization, or similarly, Social justice is worthless without the Gospel.
How's the world look from up there on your high horse? While I agree that saving an earthly life is comparatively insignificant to the individual's eternal life, No Christian or religious organization is equipped to save an eternal life. That is the business of Christ alone. We are not called to save or convert the people of the world; We are called to serve them and pray for them, forgive them and love them–in hopes that they will see Christ's love through this service. Social justice is embedded in the Gospel. Scripture is filled with God's heart for the poor and oppressed, and He demands that we must protect them from their oppressors and give a voice to their voicelessness. Focus on discerning your own individual motives for service, rather than an entire organization's. I hate to burst your bubble, but plenty of religious organizations are also corrupted by selfish desires of men. Labeling things as Christian or secular is dangerous because it causes us to abandon our spiritual discernment. God speaks and moves everyday through what we label as "secular." He is not confined to the church or "religious" organizations; He is internally related to His entire Kingdom. Discrediting an organization that has taken so many strides in pursuing liberation and love for victims in Africa as well as making younger generations aware of social issues for the first time, is ludicrous and self-righteous. While the organization as a whole may not proclaim a particular religious affiliation, it is made up of passionate people who may very well be passionate about social justice because of their own responses to Christ. Bottom line is that taking an interest in and fighting for children who live in torment and fear of abduction, sexual slavery, rape, violent torture, murder, etc. is not unworthy of our support : humanity needs physical and spiritual needs met.
3. There are plenty of issues in our own backyard that we should be fighting against and making the masses aware of.
Yes, yes there are. What are you doing in your community to work for the issue that you are passionate about? If you are called to local ministry, that's fabulous. But you can't discredit someone else's God-given calling and passions–even if it's in Africa; even if it's in their own home church. Diversity is essential within the body of Christ. You may not feel a Divine tug to give your time or money to Invisible Children–you may be used better elsewhere. But that doesn't give you the right to discredit someone else's ministry. This isn't a competition– the hands and feet of Christ are used in accordance with each other. Ask God to reveal a ministry to you that makes you come alive. Take action. Celebrate the victories of your brothers and sisters in their missions.
Today I am celebrating the creativity and drive of a group of young men who began Invisible Children, and in doing so, have changed the entire future of Uganda. I am celebrating the fact that God can use the least of us to serve His Kingdom. Will you?
xx Jessica
