The Challenge of AIDS in West Africa

One of our pastor friends contracted the HIV virus from a blood transfusion a couple of years ago and was just recently diagnosed with AIDS. My husband Todd and a Nigerian believer went to see this pastor and gave him some medicine after discovering that he had pneumonia, typhoid, and malaria. Since they wanted to continue to see him during the treatment and ensure that he would receive good care, they took him to his brother's house to live. This pastor ("M") and his wife have faced much persecution in their village, including a dodo (a traditional medicine man) coming to their house. Also, there has been some direct persecution of their family, even by the church. AIDS is huge stigma and it is usually viewed as something you have done wrong, even when a reasonable explanation is given. "M" and his bride of just one year need much prayer - he is down to only skin and bones. Please lift "M" and his family up in prayer. Pray that West African Christians will show compassion and love to AIDS victims and their families.

Margaret Black - Engagement Team

In 1999 the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate was estimated at 6.5% for the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. It is now projected to reach 9.3% in 2010. Also by 2010, it is estimated that there will be 3,288,000 AIDS orphans. Today I can list the names of several of my West African friends and acquaintances who have died from AIDS in the last 10 years. A few of these were Christians who discovered that their behavior before they accepted Christ could have disastrous effects on their future, and on the future of others around them. However, others were infected when they received contaminated blood transfusions, several were young children who had been infected by their mothers, and some were infected by their spouses who were unaware that they were HIV-positive. The AIDS crisis is giving us an unprecedented opportunity to share Christ with many people who are desperate to hear a message of hope. Pray that West African Baptists will be willing to share reliable information that will help to protect the physical well being of people in their communities. Ask God to give West African Christians boldness and passion to share the most urgent message of all - the way to have eternal life.

Sarah Haun - Regional Leadership Team