Saturday, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day. It's a time for us to stop for a minute and consider those affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide.
The statistics are startling.
• 33 million people are living with HIV
• 2.5 million of those living with HIV are children under the age of 15
• 22.5 million of those living with HIV are located in sub-Saharan Africa - that is more than two-thirds of all those living with HIV!
But, statistics easily overwhelm us. They don't seem real.
Yet, each number isn't just a number - it's a face, a personality, a life... just as real as me and just as real as you. 33 million real people who are suffering.
The statistics are startling.
• 33 million people are living with HIV
• 2.5 million of those living with HIV are children under the age of 15
• 22.5 million of those living with HIV are located in sub-Saharan Africa - that is more than two-thirds of all those living with HIV!
But, statistics easily overwhelm us. They don't seem real.
Yet, each number isn't just a number - it's a face, a personality, a life... just as real as me and just as real as you. 33 million real people who are suffering.
CFCA (sponsor of Walk with the Poor) works with people affected by AIDS in developing countries where we work.
Jose's* story
We work with Jose (not his real name),* a 14-year-old boy in Colombia who, along with his father and sister, is HIV-positive. AIDS is very misunderstood in his culture, so his illness is not disclosed to his community, for fear that his family would be viewed differently. Instead, Jose concentrates on his schooling, where he is studying engineering and teaching his father to read. Even though his life is hard, Jose hasn't given up - he has dreams and goals, just like we do. And sponsorship is helping him pursue those dreams, despite his illness.
We work with Jose (not his real name),* a 14-year-old boy in Colombia who, along with his father and sister, is HIV-positive. AIDS is very misunderstood in his culture, so his illness is not disclosed to his community, for fear that his family would be viewed differently. Instead, Jose concentrates on his schooling, where he is studying engineering and teaching his father to read. Even though his life is hard, Jose hasn't given up - he has dreams and goals, just like we do. And sponsorship is helping him pursue those dreams, despite his illness.
Today, let's pray for those around the world affected by HIV/AIDS. Pray with compassion and conviction. They need our support.
You can pray for:
- Strength, peace and hope for those living with AIDS and those affected by the disease.
- Physical provision - adequate nutrition and medical care, both for those struggling with HIV/AIDS and the children orphaned by AIDS.
- Emotional support and friendship - because of lack of information, many cultures don't understand AIDS and therefore don't associate with those who have HIV/AIDS. Pray those affected would find friendship and support.
Learn more
Sponsorship eases burden of HIV/AIDS
Read more about students living in AIDS-affected areas who are waiting to be sponsored. Follow this link, scroll down and click on a name to read more about each student's life.
*Name changed to protect his identity and respect his privacy.
Source: UNAIDS
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