Africa (MNN) ― Africa Inland Mission is working hard to help its members throughout Africa to develop an effective Christian response to AIDS.
John Chaplin is the ministry's International HIV/AIDS Coordinator. One problem he encountered was that as HIV/AIDS spread throughout Africa, the church remained silent on the issue.
As a result, John helped start the AIC AIDS program in 1998. In 2006 they moved to AIM's International Office where he serves as the Mission's International Aids Coordinator.
That means the team develops AIDS strategies within AIM's Regions in Africa and encourages all missionaries to develop an appropriate response to AIDS in their particular field of work.
AIM is trying to be a catalyst to African churches, helping them to see how the Gospel message of a changed life can fight against AIDS.
For example, in Lesotho, a group of church leaders is conducting AIDS education among the herd boys. At the same time, they mentor young men from the local churches as they assist the leaders to teach chastity and faithfulness.
A small group of young people in Rundu, Namibia have formed an AIDS group that is teaching about the disease in churches and to the youth around.
AIM is encouraging them in their stand to be different from their peers and helping them to find useful material and training to share the message of godly living through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray that churches in Africa will get involved in AIDS education and care for AIDS victims and their families.
