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Hope for today
The African pastor sighs, looking around at the faces in his community. “If
there is a place where HIV is tough,” he says, “it is this place.” He
hears their stories, their heartaches, on a regular basis. People who have never
set foot in a church come to him because they have heard he offers a listening
ear—and a message of hope.
His message is consistent—God loves them, and He wants to build a relationship
with them. The pastor says, “God’s church is doing a great work
here. [The infected] are taught from the Word of God
that they have a reason for living—to serve God for the short period
that God has given them.”
A losing battle
According to the UN, AIDS is now the number one cause of death on the African continent. Thousands
are dying every day. Currently, more than 20 million Africans suffer from HIV/AIDS, and the overwhelming majority of the world's AIDS orphans live on the African continent.
This mounting health crisis has led to an outpouring of humanitarian assistance
from countries around the world. Secular and Christian organizations alike
are furiously seeking to halt the disease’s spread through contraceptives,
sex education, and medical care.
Try as they might, though, it all seems a losing battle—at least on
a human level.
A better way
There is, however, hope for the people of Africa. African Christians are witnessing
a miraculous transformation as God’s Word takes hold of communities. According
to one such Christian, the Bible has had more of an impact on HIV than any
well-meaning organizations or trained professionals.
The Massai, a tribal group of eastern Africa, have been particularly influenced
by the teachings of the Bible. Within the Massai culture, sexual behavior is
traditionally very open. When men are away from the tribe for hunting, it is
perfectly acceptable for other men of the village to sleep with their wives.
In addition, it is normal for the men who are away to have intercourse with
women outside of their village. Because of this promiscuity, sexually transmitted
diseases—including HIV/AIDS—spread rapidly.
However, as the Massai are receiving Bibles and instruction from Christians trained by Bible League International, incredible changes are taking place. They learn that God intends
sex to be a holy act, celebrated between one man and one woman within the boundaries
of marriage. As the Massai accept Christ, God changes
their hearts, their thinking, and ultimately, their behavior.
A Massai pastor explains, “The Bible has helped us understand more about
AIDS and overcome it. It has prevented us from following the former ways of
doing things. When people are born again, the Bible instructs them to better
ways.”
What’s more, when a Massai turns to God, people of other villages are
astounded by the changes. One African Christian explains, “It amazes
them and they say, ‘Anybody can give their life
to Christ!’ Just the testimony that he was a Massai, that he has
changed, and has given his life to Christ moves hundreds to come to know Christ!”
Power of God
God’s Word is doing what no effort of man has been able to do—God’s
Word is stopping the spread of AIDS. The Bible offers Africans hope; the Bible
offers Africans instructions; and the Bible offers Africans the fulfillment
of living a life in Christ. |
More than 200 million African Christians are waiting for Bibles. Help us quench
their spiritual thirst. click here
To learn more about the Bible League International's work in Africa, click here
Johan walked over 12-1/2 miles to reach the Samburu tribe.
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God's Word stops AIDS
