World AIDS Day
December 1, 2014
“And behold a leper came and worshiped Him (Jesus), saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.'” (Matthew 8:23)
The AIDS pandemic continues to affect millions of people around the world. Many church organizations in countries around the world continue to be active in seeking to respond to the on-going AIDS crisis. Thankfully, many Christian organizations continue to believe that the Biblical set of values, found in the Bible, taking personal responsibility to help stamp out HIV infection, and nonjudgmental attitudes are primary ways to help in the AIDS crisis.
For me, HIV/AIDS is far more than professional – it’s personal. If you are like me, you often go for long periods of time without ever taking stock of the contents of your address book. And if you are really like me, your address book is full of notes, comments and names that have been both penciled in and inked in, arrows drawn to connect various pieces of information and generally a hodgepodge of stuff reflecting numerous years of life’s special moments, dates and especially, people.
As the fight against the AIDS pandemic continues, there remains a legitimate concern that public awareness campaigns, education, and condom distribution are simply not working to stop the disease. At the same time, the quest by researchers to find a cure continues.
Experts agree the answer to stopping the AIDS pandemic globally is not treatment, but prevention. They also agree that the best hope for prevention lies in changing human behavior. Never has the need and the opportunity for the Christian community to take the lead in responding to this present crisis with conviction and compassion been greater.
Many local churches, missionary agencies, faith-based organizations and Christian hospitals are making a difference on the front lines of this remaining crisis around the world. They teach and model biblical principles of abstinence and marital fidelity. They offer comfort without condemnation to those living with HIV/AIDS. They provide loving care for multitudes of widows and orphans.
Above all, they are called and equipped to meet the spiritual needs of men, women and children affected by this on-going pandemic.
It is an undeniable tragic fact that nations, communities and families have lost leaders of today and tomorrow. Health care systems have been overwhelmed, economies undermined, and schools robbed of both students and teachers. I remain convinced the continuing global tragedy cries out for a united Christian response.
While I certainly have no desire to sound like a prophet of doom, I could not deny the blatant realization of reading through my address book. The A’s, B’s, C’s, thumbing all the way through to “Z,” only to have each alphabetical section bring a wave of emotion. Each page of every section reflected at least one and often two names that are no longer with us. Enough.
God has given us Biblical principles to halt HIV infections and to bring hope to those whose lives have been devastated by this deadly disease. Jesus Christ has shown us how to teach, minister, lead, and live, and offers the sick and suffering eternal hope through the Gospel.
With the Lord’s help, we can accomplish what the world considers impossible. “With man this is impossible,” Jesus once told His astonished disciples, “but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
It is my continued hope and prayer that when the history of the 21st Century is written, may it be said of The Church of Jesus Christ, that we showed the love of Christ by leading the way in defeating HIV/AIDS. This is all about people.
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…
His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers…we remain truly grateful!
Merry Christmas and a Safe and Blessed New Year!
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries