Community educators provide spiritual and physical support for HIV-positive people living in Lira, Uganda.

 

Denis was strong enough to flee from his home in northern Uganda when rebels seized the area four years ago. He and his mother settled in a refugee camp in Lira and occupied a small hut, hoping the conflict would resolve quickly.

But after stability returned to the area, Denis was unable to accompany his friends and neighbors on the journey home. He had become too weak even to clean his small hut. He spent his days suffering alone.

Denis had symptoms associated with advanced HIV infection—severe diarrhea, a hacking cough, extreme weight loss. His mother had left him, fearing that she too would become ill. After that, Denis had stopped eating.

Denis was lying on a cot, waiting to die, when Helen and Catherine found him.

Helen and Catherine are Samaritan's Purse-trained community educators that bring basic facts about HIV/AIDS to their communities. They offer training sessions to churches and teach Christians how to provide compassionate care to vulnerable individuals who are not in a position to meet their basic needs.

The women returned to Denis' hut later that day, bringing fresh tomatoes and cleaning supplies. Helen prepared a meal while Catherine cleaned the house and washed Denis' bedding and clothing. When they sat down together, the women opened their Bibles and read from Isaiah 54:4-6: Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated…The Lord will call you back."

Denis started eating again and asked the women to visit him often. They kept their promise, cooking and cleaning for him until he regained his strength.

The women also accompanied Denis to a nearby hospital where he took a free HIV test. Samaritan's Purse has provided voluntary counseling and testing for more than 10,000 people in the Lira area. Denis' result was positive, and he was prescribed antiretroviral treatment, which will prolong his life and suppress his symptoms.

The compassion demonstrated by Helen and Catherine prepared Denis' heart for the Good News of Jesus Christ, and he accepted God's gift of salvation. Denis now attends a local church where he is supported spiritually and emotionally.

He has also joined Catherine and Helen as an HIV community educator and teaches others basic facts about the disease, Biblically-based prevention strategies, and in turn, reduces stigma.

Though I am still weak, I will continue to testify about what God has done in my life," he said.

 

Ways you can help

Pray:
Please pray for our ongoing HIV/AIDS ministry in Uganda. Pray that churches and local Christians will continue to reach out to families affected by the disease with God's love and compassion.

Give:
To support the ministry of Prescription for Hope, please visit our Donation Page.

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