HIV/AIDS Caring Community
Issue 03  4/5/06

Women, testing, and the Church

Kay Warren in Rwanda

Welcome! Since we launched the HIV/AIDS Caring Community two months ago, we've discussed why it's critical that churches wake up to the vast ministry needs surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and we've shared resources to inform and encourage you in your own ministry. This month, we're looking at two major aspects of HIV/AIDS: its effects on women worldwide and the critical need for testing. You’ll hear from an expert, a church, a moms’ group, and more. I am excited about these ministry resources and am very thankful that you are on this journey with us.

I pray that God already is using this newsletter to strengthen your ministry. If that’s true, please forward it to friends and encourage them to subscribe, too.

Warmly,
Kay

Kay Warren, co-founder, Saddleback Church

Losing children to HIV/AIDS bonds Colorado moms
By Rheta Murry

For the past 11 years, a group of mothers near Colorado Springs, Colo., have gathered for support and prayer and to wipe each other’s tears. Read more >>

HIV/AIDS seminar at Purpose Driven Church conference

Need practical help and life-changing strategies for your church? Don’t miss a one-day HIV/AIDS ministry seminar with Kay Warren during the Purpose Driven Church Conference, May 16-19. Learn more about the seminar or register for the conference.

Also on the Caring Community

Your Letters

Just this past September, my youngest sister died from AIDS-related complex. … I was privileged to lead her to rededicate her life to Christ and she took great comfort in her relationship with him. However, she begged me not to share her health status with our family, friends, or church because she did not want to deal with the judgment and condemnation she felt she would receive.

My heart aches at this very moment because my sister … and so many others suffered and continue to suffer in silence or lie about their conditions because our families, friends, churches, and communities do not understand or care about or are afraid or are condemning of people with HIV/AIDS. …

My church has just turned 5 years old, and the leadership team shared that God is leading us to develop an HIV/AIDS ministry as we enter our next five years. I let them know that I want to be at the forefront of this ministry movement in our area.
  
Deborah A. Austin
LifePoint Community Church, Tampa, Fla.

What is your church doing in HIV/AIDS ministry? The Caring Community Update wants to know. Share your story >>

Your Stories

In 1993, Barb was diagnosed as HIV positive and given only months to live. Rick Wise and Barb were headed toward marriage, and Rick remained committed to her. By God’s grace, they have been married for 12 years and Rick has remained HIV negative.

Barb offers this prayer >>

Resource

HIV 201: The Local Church Engaged in Prevention, Treatment, Care, & Support
Learn how your church can be involved in treatment and support and what non-medical people in your church can do now.

Help grow our community
Do you have friends or colleagues interested in HIV/AIDS ministry? Forward this newsletter to them. Encourage them to join our Caring Community by subscribing to the HIV/AIDS Caring Community Update.

Community Poll
When I picture the “face” of HIV/AIDS, I see
Children
Heterosexual men
Homosexual men
Women

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