Invisible Children
Nate’s life ended while living out this dream, a selfless dream of putting others first, seeking peace, and living a life of integrity.
via Crowdrise 3 years ago
BENEFITING: Invisible Children
THE STORY:
It is with deep sadness that we write to tell you that one of our dear friends has been lost in the terrorist attack on July 11th 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.
He will be forever missed, forever remembered, and his legacy will live on in our love and deeds.
Please donate what you can as a tribute to our friend and his dream.
if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa What a truly beautiful person Nate was. rare. 3 years ago
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