The Unthinkable

• Jul
  12
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• 0

We all know it can happen. We are aware that it's out there. Senseless violence that results in the death of good and wonderful people. And this time, it's close to home. It is with great sadness that we pass on the information that one of Invisible Children's employees was killed in a terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Invisible Children family as well as the family of Nate "Oteka" Henn. He will be missed and his sacrifice will not be in vain so long as there are people like him in this world.  Here are the details and more information. (FROM INVISIBLE CHILDREN'S BLOG) In loving memory of Nate “Oteka” Henn It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you that one of our dear friends has been lost in the terrorist attack earlier today in Kampala. Nate “Oteka” Henn was killed by an explosion that ripped through a rugby field where hundreds of people had gathered to watch the final match of the World Cup. Nate worked with us at Invisible Children for a year and a half and leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and service. From traveling the United States without pay advocating for the freedom of abducted child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s war, to raising thousands of dollars to put war-affected Ugandan students in school, Nate lived a life that demanded explanation. He sacrificed his comfort to live in the humble service of God and of a better world, and his is a life to be emulated. Nate was determined to go to Uganda and see the homeland of the friends he had made on tour. His love for the Ugandan students he had worked with is exemplified by the deep friendships he forged with them. He was not serving some idea of down-trodden Africa. He was serving Innocent, Tony, Boni, Ronald, Papito, Sunday and Lilian. These are some of our Ugandan students who fell in love with Nate’s wit, strength, character and steadfast friendship. They gave him the Acholi name “Oteka”, which means “The Strong One.” Some of them were with him at the time of the attack. Nate was not a glory-seeker and never sought the spotlight. He asked not to be made a hero of. But the life he lived inspires reflection and imitation. In a facebook status update he made just before his trip to Uganda, he wrote, “thank you for helping me achieve my dream of getting to Uganda” and while there he wrote home about being in the best days of his life and loving his time with his Ugandan friends. Nate’s life ended while living out this dream, a selfless dream of putting others first, seeking peace, and living a life of integrity. He will be forever missed, forever remembered, and his legacy will live on in our love and deeds. For more information and news about the terrible attack, click here for the New York Times article. Sincerely, the Invisible Children family.

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