HIV ministry is about surrender

I've been on a writing sabbatical for the last few weeks working on a new book about surrender. I am learning more and more that HIV ministry is about surrendering our plans, preconceived ideas, biases, priorities, political philosophies, and prejudices to God.

We have no time to waste. Millions are infected with and affected by HIV. We have the hope they need and can provide the care they deserve. Won't you join me in surrendering your life to God's plan for the lost, the poor, and the sick?

Kay Warren, co-founder, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif., and executive director of Saddleback Church's HIV/AIDS Initiative

One church breaks stigma's 'loud silence'

"The conference left me in tears, with a broken heart, but also with a determination to make a difference, however small, to give hope and reduce the spread of this terrible illness," says Millie Ojera, from Bombo Pentecostal Church in Uganda. "You see, we live in the midst of this disease, so much so that it's easy to take it for granted. Our relatives and friends have died and are suffering from the same, and our church has so many cases. The stigma surrounding the disease makes it even easier to just let it go as a bad problem that we can do little about." Learn how one woman moved from passive indifference to life-changing ministry >>

Faith-based communities significant in HIV care,
says World Health Organization

A ground-breaking study recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the significant role faith-based organizations play in providing healthcare to those living with HIV/AIDS. The study of two African nations shows that Christian hospitals and health centers are providing between 30 and 40 percent of HIV care and treatment.

"The importance of churches in effectively caring for individuals with HIV is being recognized by the WHO," said Elizabeth Styffe, R.N, M.N, director, Saddleback Church's HIV/AIDS Initiative. "The Church has much to offer and is an important partner alongside medical, business, and government entities." Learn more about the study >> | Learn a church-based strategy for care and treatment >>

AIDS ministry part of larger missions focus for Warren

A small tent church where 50 adults cared for 25 AIDS orphans in South Africa helped spark his wakeup call to the HIV/AIDS crisis, Rick Warren says in the spring edition of Missions Leader, published by Woman’s Missionary Union.

“The realization that that tiny church was doing more to help the hurting than my mega-church punctured my heart,” Warren told Missions Leader, recounting his visit to the African country several years ago. Read interview >>

A pastor’s perspective on 'cutting edge' opportunity to proclaim Christ

Eugene Rivers, pastor of Azusa Christian Community in Boston, spoke at the 2006 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church. Listen to his passionate call for the Church to share the Gospel’s redemptive truth while offering care and comfort. He shares three distinct, practical ways the Church can get involved. Listen >> | Download complete session >>

I was apprehensive when I started my travels from the middle of Tanzania (a two-day drive to Dar es Salaam) and then a plane to the UK and another to LA with a hired car driving on the wrong side of the road at the other end.

I was delighted by the [Global Summit on AIDS and the Church]. Delighted because it confirmed the work and the vision which we have here at Nuru Centre for HIV/AIDS. It confirmed the need for a holistic approach. It confirmed the need for men and women of faith to be involved, not just short-term, but for the duration. I too was delighted in the warm welcome given to me by so many people attending the conference, particularly those who worship at Saddleback Church.

As a consequence of the Summit, I returned to my church in the UK and spoke about the need to be involved, the need for eradication, not reduction. I returned to Tanzania full of the same passion and am getting pastors together from various churches to work together to meet this goal.

Thank you, Saddleback. I am looking forward to seeing you all again in November.

Alison Sutherland, director, Nuru Centre, Tanzania

Tell us how your church is responding to HIV/AIDS >>