With the peace talks in danger of falling through and the Jan 31st deadline of the threat towards military action looming, right now is a good time to take action for our friends in northern Uganda. I cannot tell you how awful it would be if the gov't of Uganda or Congo went in---the child soldiers (the very ones we fight for) who were kidnapped and forced to fight, would be killed. Click here to sign the petition to your congressman. Every little bit makes a difference.

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing." -Edmund Burke-

ps--For more info on the current situation visit: http://www.resolveuganda.org/node/534

TAKE ACTION!!!

at Displace Me in DC

(me with volunteers at displace me)

(me with Zion PRoject volunteers at War/Dance screening with directors, Sean & Andrea Fine)

WAYS to GET INVOLVED in ZION PROJECT!


For Churches: By establishing dynamic relationships with churches, we provide the opportunity for congregations to unite and embody change and in turn bringing support and attention to the people of Northern Uganda. Churches play an essential role in meeting the physical needs of distressed people and bringing healing in a devastated region. In the future, we hope to bring teams over to learn, establish relationships, to build, and to bring the love of God.

For Individuals:

-Sign up on the Zion Project website to receive newsletters (http://www.zionproject.org/)
-Educate yourself (http://www.resolveuganda.org/)
-Send a letter to your Congressman
-Attend Uganda Lobby Days (http://www.ugandalobbyday.com/)
-Go to an art-exhibit to support child mothers (http://www.saritahartz.com/)
-PRAY—get on a prayer list or develop a prayer team
-Network—introduce ZP to your friends, family, bible studies

-Host a benefit party for ZP
-Give of your resources (ZP is very accountable for all donations)

-Give your time & talents---use your God-given gifts to volunteer with Zion Project ( sarita@zionproject.org)

-Research Grants and help write them
-Give legal counsel
-Web-development and maintenance talents
-Fundraising
-Event planning

• Administrative & accounting

ZION PROJECT HAS OUR 501c3 STATUS...FINALLY :)

You might wonder what these two images have in common. Since I began Zion Project, about a year and half ago when God told me to, it has been a long road of filing for our status and setting things up etc. None of the fun stuff I actually thought I signed up for. During that time, God has brought me amazing people to come along-side me and help me in the areas that I am not gifted (of which there are many, but ESPECIALLY in the area of accounting :) So the first picture is of Megan Letcher, the woman who has devoted her time to trying to help me understand bank records and budgets :) (yes I dressed her up in all my african jewelry so she could look more "african")

She has faithfully prayed and fought alongside me for our status. I am VERY happy, excited, elated to announce that ZION PROJECT is now an OFFICIAL 501c3. (yes, all your gifts before-hand have been tax-deductible, its just now we can rest in the fact that we can raise funds will full credibility.) I am now loving the IRS. What usually takes 6 months to a year to find out about, with God's miraculous help, only took us 2 1/2 months. And we don't even have to answer any questions. Whew!

We're that good. Or Megan is that good. Or God is that good.

And how that relates to the second picture---is little girls like her, who I met on my second trip up to the camps in northern Uganda, we can now fully be an answer to her prayer. So if you have churches or groups you want me to speak at let me know--and let the fundraising for the healing of girls in Uganda, begin. MANY THANKS and MUCH LOVE to all you who support us.

After the news, I feel a little bit like this:

Only a bit more excited :)

Through HER EYES--Girl Soldier Photo Exhibit Opening

Because she deserves to tell HER story

Zion Project & JMU's Prism Gallery
Causes - Fundraiser

Saturday, February 16, 2008
Time:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
JMU's Prism Gallery
City/Town:
Harrisonburg, VA
Contact Info
Phone:
703.888.6693
Email:
sarita@zionproject.org
Description
An art gallery reception featuring the photos of girl child soldiers who have children from captivity. Given disposable cameras by Zion Project, these girls photographed their own lives to show us how they live and what is important to them. Come see what life is like through their eyes. Also featuring the work of Joseph Michael. Food and drinks provided as well as music and video. Photos FOR SALE!

I'm not above shameless self-promotion ;)
Before I return to JMU for the art exhibit Feb 16th,
thought I'd share the article they did on me:

http://www.jmu.edu/madisononline/madison/wm_library/Fall07_P30-P39.pdf
http://www.jmu.edu/madisononline/hartz.shtml