Tough but meaningful

Last night we took some time out to look at a big issue in South Africa namely HIV and AIDS. Belinda Smith who works with AIDSHope, a ministry of OM South Africa, shared with the participants about the challenges but also the hope that comes with this epidemic. Especially one line she said struck my heart: "We cannot call this situation hopeless because that means we take Jesus out of the equation." She continued with the evening helping the participants understand not to be afraid of this disease and also how to help people that are infected and affected by AIDS.

Afterwards the movie "Beat the Drum" was shown. This is a South African film about a little boy that lost his parents to AIDS and his story as he goes to the city to find income to support the rest of his family.

This might have been a very tough evening listening to this huge need. But I believe it was very meaningful as people are exposed not only to what HIV/AIDS is about but also that Jesus wants to bring hope to lives and He wants us to do it.