This morning I received an email from Care2 Action Alerts at actionalerts@care2.com. Their website is at http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFKNs/zjwm/Ap_d4.  They told of the devastating situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are asking for people to sign a petition to ask President Obama appoint a special envoy to the DRC.  The following is a description of what they are suffering.
"War crimes and severe human right abuses have lead to a grave humanitarian disaster. Rape is used as a tool of war, devastating communities. Woman and children are forced into labor for armed troops. Thousands of people are living in overcrowded camps waiting to go home, but after more than a decade of conflict no signs of safety or security have surfaced."
Sometimes we tend to forget how fortunate we are here in the United States.  Most of us don't know what it's like to go without food, to be raped, to have no home, to be forced into labor for armed troops.  The Lamplighters at www.thelamplighters.org has now two Lamplighter chapters in Africa, one in Nigeria and one in Kenya.  We are hoping one day to have Lamplighter chapters not only all over Africa to help with the sexual assault part of their suffering but to have Lamplighter chapters all over the world.  Women who have experienced sexual assault need a safe place to go, a place where they can talk about what has happened to them, a place where they are surrounded by other women who have experienced the same thing. 
The book REPAIR Your Life can make a difference in the life of anyone who has been sexually assaulted. It took me from being married to my third abuser, living part time in a women's shelter, suicidal and filled with despair to being the happiest person I know.  When I finished the REPAIR program my motto was: "If I'd known life was going to turn out this good I would have started it sooner."  Please spread the word about REPAIR.  So many need it.
Please take a look at our website and if you know anyone who can start a Lamplighter chapter please have them email me at margie@thelamplighters.org so I can email a Lamplighter Movement Facilitator's Guide to show how easy it is to start a chapter.  It can change your life and the lives of those around you.