Africa stands to lose an entire generation to the AIDS epidemic that is sweeping the continent. In some pockets of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 20 percent of the population is infected with the virus that causes the disease.
The crisis is cause for despair, but for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s African church partners it also is a matter of faith and a call to action. [Read more]
World AIDS Day, December 1, is the one day of the year when individuals, churches and organizations from around world come together to remember that all our lives are touched by AIDS, especially those living with HIV and AIDS. It is the one day in the year where issues surrounding HIV and AIDS can take center stage.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages congregations to make the most of World AIDS Day 2009 by engaging in some form of worship, event or advocacy focused on HIV and AIDS. Learn more.
Peacemaking and HIV and AIDS
In 2007 the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expanded the Peacemaking Offering causes to include the fight against HIV and AIDS. This action encourages congregations and presbyteries to use their 25 percent of the Peacemaking Offering toward addressing HIV and AIDS issues nationally and globally. A new HIV and AIDS and Peacemaking Offering Extra Commitment Opportunity, #E053504, has been created to support the PC(USA) as it works with partner churches to address both the causes and impact of HIV and AIDS by empowering women, reducing poverty through income-generating activities and providing orphan care and support, home-based care and AIDS education in seminaries.
A woman demonstrates how to wear the wrap. Photo by Janet Guyer.
… because you are precious in my sight, and honored and I love you.
(Isaiah 43:4)
The story of the wrap
This is the second wrap in a series to promote understanding and support of the various aspects of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Presbyterian partners' work in Africa. Caring for kids is something happening out of both love and necessity. The numbers of orphans are growing, due both to AIDS and other causes. Hunger continues to stunt children’s growth, impair learning ability and be a cause of death for one child in the world every five seconds. The basic desires that we have for our own children are what God desires for all children, namely, love and security, food, shelter, education, health care and a network of good and helpful friends.
Addressing the root causes of HIV through a community development model
Group exercise to experience concepts. Photo by Nancy Haninger
In April 2009, 32 community volunteers representing churches, schools, community organizations and neighborhoods throughout the city of Kananga, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were transformed into community health evangelists (CHEs) during a five-day “training of trainers” workshop, conducted by Action Pour la Santé et Développement Communautaire (ASADECO). The training in Kananga, the seat of the Congo Presbyterian Church (CPC), marks the expansion of this community development model. Each volunteer trainer received a solid foundation in Christian community health evangelism and prepared a clear action plan that they will use in their respective community health (including HIV/AIDS, orphan and vulnerable children and home-based care) and development work. Keep reading.
Stay informed with the latest HIV and AIDS news
Topics in this news feed powered by Google News include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), antiretrovirals, preventive measures, treatment options and co-infections, people living with AIDS, women, orphan and vulnerable children, and related social justice issues of poverty and gender inequality.
How to use this information
If your church has a partnership in a country such as Malawi or Thailand or here in the United States, you can find out the latest AIDS statistics of that particular country and the trends they are facing. If you have a family member or friend who is HIV+, you can read the latest research on treatment, nutrition and living positively in order to support that person. If you are interested in advocacy and want to know about the latest piece of legislation, you can track its progress and know the details of the issue before you take action.
There are still many myths concerning HIV and AIDS. By staying informed, you will be able to share accurate and up-to-date information about AIDS-related issues with your congregation, community or family.
Africa's Children: A Church Response to
Children's Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa the number of orphaned and vulnerable children is growing as a result of issues such as the AIDS pandemic, poverty, lack of education and countries in conflict. This free book and study guide reviews the models of care existing in sub-Saharan Africa and evaluates them in the context of the African culture and the realities of limited resources. Additionally, this book includes discernment questions for congregation or individuals that want to help.
Free single downloads available
For multiple copies order from Presbyterian Marketplace.
- Files marked with this icon can be downloaded in printable Adobe Acrobat format. This file requires the free Acrobat Reader. For best results, right-click the link (or click and hold for Macintosh), select " save target as" and save the document to your desktop for viewing and printing.
Group exercise to experience concepts. Photo by Nancy Haninger
