Reflection from GuluWalk: Los Angeles
Libby Collier, an organizer for GuluWalk: Los Angeles and a friend of Uganda-CAN, reports from California -
The sky was grey as the crowd was gathering. But by 2:00pm the sun was breaking through the clouds as over 100 people gathered in Los Angeles in the heart of the San Fernando Valley to march in solidarity for children that are forgotten and have no voice, at least not one most of the world is listening to.
The event began with a few words before the walk by the GuluWalk organizers and brief prayer by the respected pastor Johnson Okema from Lira, Uganda. After walking 3.2 miles, the walkers arrived at Woodley Park. A platform with various leaders from the local Ugandan community as well as the president of the California Ugandan Community organization were present. The keynote speaker was Marilee Dunker-Pierce, the daughter of World Vision Founder, the late Bob Pierce. After the park venue, the crowd walked back to the Ugandan Community Church and then viewed several audio/ visual presentations detailing the conflict. A small group slept on the cold floor of the hall like the night-commuters do every night of their lives. Those who attended will not be the same as now they know the real work for lasting peace has only just begun!
The sky was grey as the crowd was gathering. But by 2:00pm the sun was breaking through the clouds as over 100 people gathered in Los Angeles in the heart of the San Fernando Valley to march in solidarity for children that are forgotten and have no voice, at least not one most of the world is listening to.
The event began with a few words before the walk by the GuluWalk organizers and brief prayer by the respected pastor Johnson Okema from Lira, Uganda. After walking 3.2 miles, the walkers arrived at Woodley Park. A platform with various leaders from the local Ugandan community as well as the president of the California Ugandan Community organization were present. The keynote speaker was Marilee Dunker-Pierce, the daughter of World Vision Founder, the late Bob Pierce. After the park venue, the crowd walked back to the Ugandan Community Church and then viewed several audio/ visual presentations detailing the conflict. A small group slept on the cold floor of the hall like the night-commuters do every night of their lives. Those who attended will not be the same as now they know the real work for lasting peace has only just begun!