The Church In Action

A bridge of Hope to HIV/AIDS

For people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, true hope is found in Jesus Christ who loves and died for all. AIDS is real and it is in our Church. Often we are not keen to admit it. Often we think that the church should not become spoilt or dirtied by involving ourselves with those with AIDS.

A proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The next best time is now.” Many people are dying without God and without hope.

With HIV/AIDS raging through communities, the Church is given a unique opportunity to minister Christ’s name, share God’s truth and demonstrate his love and grace.

What is happening in the Kezi community in terms of HIV/AIDS? I had a meeting with Home Based Care ladies from the Kezi community to find out what is happening with HIV/AIDS and the community involvement. It was very encouraging to hear the women are being pro-active in visiting households where there are sick people as well as helping orphans. They identified the need for Home Based Care volunteers to be compassionate, full of love and grace, encouraging and so on.

The Kezi community, like many other communities in Zimbabwe, has many infected people but stigma is not so much of a problem anymore. The Home Based Care volunteers said they would love it if the Church could help with regular trainings, speak holistically into HIV/AIDS, encourage the HBC volunteers and visit the sick as well. The need for basic medical kits is crucial particularly gloves.

As Crossroads Community Church, we will play our part in bringing hope to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS as well as ministering to the orphans in the community.

Prayer Pointers:
1) Volunteers passionate about helping the sick
2) Future trainings
3) Necessary tools/kits to help the community
4) The Church to be proactive in speaking into the whole area of HIV/AIDS

By Molly Manhanga