AIDS in West Africa
Opportunities to Witness

Pastor "M" has passed away. He was diagnosed with HIV in March 2006, although he contracted it through a blood transfusion almost eight years ago. More than 300 people came to his funeral, including many pastors as well as people in his family who are not Christians. When the Gospel was presented at the funeral, approximately 10 people accepted Christ. Please pray for M's wife who is also HIV positive. This means that she cannot marry again or have children. This is especially hard in the Nigerian culture where family and children are an important part of a woman's identity.

Pastor M. had an important role in our call to Nigeria. When we came to Nigeria in 2004 on a volunteer trip, we were touched by the eagerness of the people to hear the chronological Bible stories that M. shared with them. Through this experience, God used M. to remind us that many people are hungry for the Gospel and that we are able to go and tell. Thank God for the impact of M's witness and pray that those who were touched by his life and ministry will share the Gospel message with others.

Margaret Black - Engagement Team

After I shared chronological Bible stories at a local prison, several inmates accepted Jesus as their Savior. George and Tchangai, two of the new believers, became my assistants when I began a medical ministry at the prison. One week I was only able to see half of the 70 patients among the 450 inmates. Malaria, parasites, scabies, dysentery and malnutrition were the 'small' sickness; many of the patients had AIDS, tuberculosis, or both. When it was announced we could see no more patients that day, George begged us to see just one more, his friend Tchangai. Then Tchangai asked if we could see his friend George. Both recovered for a while and continued to help me before they were both pardoned for good behavior. After their release from prison, these two growing saints, gifted with love and evangelism, and with no salaries, returned many times to help with this ministry, in spite of declining health. Even the day he collapsed and was hospitalized with end stage AIDS/TB, George begged me to let him go with us.

The Lord has kept the doors open for weekly Bible studies and bi-weekly discipleship meetings and medical clinics. Dozens of prisoners have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior! I covet your prayers for God's direction, provision, and protection so that the harvest will continue. Tchangai continues in his 'Barnabas' ways as one of my assistants. The Father, in His loving kindness, has taken George home to be with Him, free from the pain and suffering of AIDS. I will never forget my "Brother" George and his powerful acts of God's love and true Christian witness.

Lin Pinter - Kabiye Team