Nuri Kino, the founder of A Demand For Action (ADFA) and the Survivor Jewelry project, is an internationally recognized investigative journalist, award-winning author, filmmaker, and devoted human rights advocate. He has infiltrated pedophile networks, posed as a refugee to expose unscrupulous human traffickers, investigated war crimes and crimes against humanity—the list of his investigations is long. He appears in war zones, areas of famine, and places of displacement and trauma, always ready to roll up his sleeves and distribute food, only to debate with leading politicians and other officials moments later.

Nuri is the driving force behind Survivor Jewelry, bringing his wealth of expertise and compassion to the project.

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 Here is the story of how he created the LifeStones Bracelet:

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"I was on a plane returning from Lebanon, where nearly every aid organization complained about not having enough funds to buy food, medicine, and other necessities for those in need. Everyone knows that the suffering in the world is enormous, and the demand is equally great. I kept thinking that we needed new ways to raise money. I looked at my wrist, where I wore a Salvation Bracelet and another bracelet made by a girl who survived kidnapping and assaults.

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Bishop Martin Lönnebo created the Pearls of Life during a stormy boat trip in Greece when he was forced to seek shelter on an island with just 47 inhabitants. In a simple room, he began sketching the rosary, which is now carried by tens of thousands and tucked into pockets and bags. The Pearls of Life have helped countless individuals find deeper prayer and a closer connection to God.

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In my mind, Survivor Jewelry started to take shape. It is based on thousands of years of tradition in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa regarding the power of stones. For example, Bibles from the early 1st millennium often include stones in the cross itself. I began researching this and ended up with 16 stones.

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They signify the struggle of an oppressed, persecuted person to survive. It could be a child who survived trafficking, a woman who overcame domestic violence, or someone persecuted for their faith or ethnicity. That person gains strength, rebuilds, finds protection, receives asylum, and eventually, after healing, helps others in need.

 

To help a fellow human being is the best therapy in the world."