HELP & HOPE in India (February 2007)

HELP & HOPE in India
by Rosemary Hack, OM AIDSLink Coordinator

India is the world's second-highest rate of HIB at 5.2 million know cases. There are about 21,000 people on antiretrovirals and an estimated 710,000 who need them. Medicine and treatment are available in India, if you can afford it, or for free if you can get one of the government hospitals that provide treatment. After hearing all these statisitics and caring for a 18-year old that died from HIV, a man naed *David was prompt to begin an HIV/AIDS minisry. David chose to open the ministry in the town of Balarajai because this partcular town is one of the hardest hit areas in South India.

The vision is big, but it is already taking shape. People come for many reasons, not only HIV. But those who are positive find a rare place of help, counseling and understanding. This is not just a clinic for physical healing but it is also a place where they can find eternal hope and peace with God. The team also launched a monthly support meeting for those who are HIV-positive and their family members. In a country where HIV-positive people are ostracized and dare not reveal their status to anyone, it is a rare place of encouragement.

Operation Mobilization recently purchased five and a help acres of land and plans to move the clinic there soon. Eventually they want to build a small hospital, church, and a school for children affected or infecetd with HIV/AIDS. But those projects will only happen as the needed funds come in. The church in India is starting to respond to this crisis. Historically the church has been the institution best suited to caring and Educating and the only place to give eternal hope. Pray for the Indian Church to see this challenge as an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of bring help and teaching prevention in this epidemic. Pray for the Operation Mobilization team as they are a light in a very difficult situation.

*name has been chagned


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