Missions work abroad has always been a very strong passion of mine. I have been very blessed with the opportunity to serve in Mexico on several occasions, and had a life changing experience while serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The challenge for myself, as well as many others who have such passion for this type of service, is how to continue serving these countries when the opportunity to physically serve is not available. Volunteering with and donating to non-profits or missions-based organizations is one significant way to do so.
Falling Whistles is a small, non-profit organization that focuses on children soldiers in the DRCongo. It does not have the popularity of organizations such as Invisible Children or Aid2Africa, but this organization is incredible. I encourage you to read about why I've chosen to be involved with Falling Whistles, what it is, and what you can do...
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Too often, we go to Eastern countries and force our Western ways upon them. We try to make them do things "our way" because we think we know the best way, whether that be in the construction of a building, organization of a new church, or providing food for the hungry. In reality, what's best is to help these individuals accomplish things based on the values and traditions of their own cultures. I experienced this type of challenge myself when in the Congo helping build a church...it's hard not to go there and do things how we want to do it. But the truth is that for the Congo, the solutions to their problems comes from those living with them. It's the people of the Congo that are laying the foundation for a future of peace. Falling Whistles supports this. Team members of Falling Whistles work with the local leaders, allowing them to do things their way. To me, it is important to support an organization that isn't going to force the American culture onto others, but instead works with the culture to find the best solutions.
Another humbling experience I had in the Congo was realizing that my trip wasn't just about me going to help others. The problem that many of us have is that we only look at what we can do for those we are going to serve and we ignore what they can do for us. This is often the case with evangelical or spiritually based missions; It is important that we be the salt and light of Christ, but we get so focused on the ways our own culture embraces the Gospel, that we don't see how the gospel is calling us to repent. We need our brothers and sisters from other cultures to show us the things we have failed to embrace in our own culture. Because Falling Whistles works so closely with the leaders of the Congo, they develop close, personal relationships. Throughout my participation with Falling Whistles I have received numerous stories from amazing Congolese citizens that are doing incredible things to bring peace to the Congo. These humbling stories touch me personally, and constantly teach me new things. I don't want to be involved with an organization in which I cannot personally be involved in the lives I am impacting, or with the lives that are impacting me. I never thought this part of my experience in the Congo could continue after leaving, but it has.
But here is the main reason I've chosen to be involved with Falling Whistles.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to one of the deadliest wars in history; a war that still goes on today. On Christmas day, a month after I found out I would be traveling to the DRC, there was a massacre in the Congo. The Lord Resistance Army brutally killed over 600 civilians, and the violence has continued since that day. I got to see first hand the extent to which this war has affected the Congolese people. What is significant about this war, is how they are fighting: Millitary leader Laurent Nkunda is known for using children soldiers when fighting in these wars. And this is how:
The story of the whistleblowers (fallingwhistles.com)
Captured by Nkunda's rebel army, boys not big enough to hold a gun are given merely a whistle and put on the front lines of battle.
Captured by Nkunda's rebel army, boys not big enough to hold a gun are given merely a whistle and put on the front lines of battle.
Their sole duty is to make enough noise to scare the enemy and then to receive - with their bodies - the first round of bullets. Lines of boys fall as nothing more than a temporary barricade. Those who try to flee are shot at from behind. The soldiers call it "encouragement" to be brave. Without a gun to protect themselves, the smallest boys are placed between the crossfire for the two armies - forces fighting for reasons far beyond their ability to understand.
And so, while blowing their whistles, the boys fall.....
And so, while blowing their whistles, the boys fall.....
Falling Whistles is a campaign for peace. The whistle is a symbol of protest. We wear the whistles around our necks and they rest on our hearts...or we hang them where people will see them, so that people will ask questions: This does two great things:
1. Everyone wants to know what the whistle is. It gives an opportunity to share great stories. of great people. who need our help.
2. The money goes into rehabilitating the war-affected children. Currently 267 children are are being rehabilitated with the help of the Congolese community and those who have contributed to Falling Whistles. The proceeds also go to Congolese visionaries and into building a global coalition for peace.
Beyond that. Falling Whistles provides several opportunities and activities so that supporters can actively participate in bring peace to the Congo. This isn't just about donating money, and letting others do the work...
What can you do?
Be moved.
Be a whistle blower for peace.
I've learned that we have to be careful when choosing to work or donate to a non-profit organization...too often, individuals donate their money to organizations that don't even support the cause they are so passionate about.
It's important to be suspicious of any organization you choose to support. Every group and organization is trying to shape others in a very specific way, and that is okay, as long as we know and are aware the we are being shaped. Our desires should not just be shaped by our heads, what we read, or what others tell us, but by our hearts. I have learned, we must first find what is most important to us in our hearts, and then seek out an organization that successfully supports those desires. I still encourage you to visit the website and watch the video...but even more, I encourage you to dig deep into your heart, find out what you're truly passionate about, what you really want to do, and find an organization that can help you actively fulfill your desire.
You may also like this posting by Rebecca V. Raines:
