wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] PC(USA)'s new mission iniative battles HIV/AIDS as 'a

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8981 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05569
Oct. 21, 2005

PC(USA)'s new mission initiative
battles HIV/AIDS as 'a matter of faith'

by Jerry L. Van Marter 
and Pat Cole,
WMD communications officer

LOUISVILLE - The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has stepped up its efforts to
combat the worldwide spread of AIDS, launching a new campaign: "It's a Matter
of Faith." 
 
	The project was created after the 2004 General Assembly directed the
Worldwide Ministries Division (WMD) to "make a concerted effort to lift up
and publicize" opportunities to contribute to the response to the HIV/AIDS
crisis around the world.

	"For our church partners in Africa and in other places, the AIDS
crisis is a matter of faith and a call to action," said Joy Raatz, the
facilitator of the denomination's international HIV/AIDS initiative. "Our
church partners are confronting the crisis with courage, compassion and
faith. They deserve our prayers and our support."

	In the first phase of the effort, WMD is emphasizing AIDS ministries
in sub-Saharan Africa, where the crisis is most desperate. "Sub-Saharan
Africa is at risk of losing an entire generation," Raatz said. "More than 25
million people there are infected with the HIV virus, and AIDS killed 2.3
million people in the region last year."

	Raatz said she sees hope in the ministry of African churches. 

	"Churches are educating their members and others about AIDS
prevention, and they are leading efforts to establish community-based orphan
care," she said. "Thousands of African Christians are caring for AIDS
patients as home-based-care volunteers. In these efforts they are bearing
witness to the hope rooted in Jesus Christ."

	Contributions for "It's a Matter of Faith" can be made through
regular PC(USA) giving channels or by mail to Individual Remittance
Processing, P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Write ECO #862706 on
your check. 

	For more information or to donate online, visit
www.pcusa.org/aids-international.

	For a free booklet and congregational resource packet about
international AIDS ministries, call (800) 524-2612 and ask for PDS
74330-05-002; or visit www.pcusa.org/marketplace. The booklet also was
inserted into the September issue of Presbyterians Today magazine.

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