With a compassionate spirit many CBF partner churches and individuals showed their concern on World AIDS Day. With nearly 40 million persons infected with HIV/AIDS worlwide, it is certainly an issue that all persons can be concerned about and show their support by praying for and taking action on behalf of the world’s citizens living with and affected by this deadly virus.
World AIDS Day reports from around the nation from CBF connected individuals include:
Tallahassee, Fla. – Marty Bennett reports that her church, Tallahassee Fellowship, joined an interfaith worship service planned by Canopy Connection. She writes, " I am so grateful to CBF for making the fight against HIV/AIDS a priority in our churches. My small church is active throughout the year in this ministry through our local HIV/AIDS agency. I pray that the wonderful people who love CBF will continue to become involved in AIDS ministries. I believe Jesus would be right smack I the middle of it!"
Knoxville, Tenn.- Samaritan Ministries hosted a World AIDS Day "Celebration of Life" service with Bill Bruster as featured speaker. They also assisted with observances at two local colleges including Carson Newman and Pellissippi State Community. This active ministry also assisted with services at St. James Episcopal Church and were involved with the Knoxville Community Observance. Samaritan Ministries director Wayne Smith reports, "It seems to me that more churches are getting involved…..our call volume has increased….good things seem to be happening."
Richmond, Va. – Students at the Baptist Theological Seminary Richmond had a special day of remembrance and a display of AIDS reports and facts listed. Tabernacle Baptist Church held a World AIDS Day observance.
Manhattan, N.Y. – Metro Baptist Church in Hell’s Kitchen hosted a non-denominational service with several churches participating. Ronnie Adams, one of CBF's Global Missions field personnel, helped in the service. The service included original songs written by Brett Kristofferson and preformed by a community choir, candle lighting, communion and a message by pastor David Waugh. "It was a special night of prayers and fellowship with those living with the virus and those affected by it, feeling a sense of the presence of the healing power of God’s love," Adams said.
Brooklyn, N.Y. - At Greater Restoration Baptist Church (GRBC) in Crown Heights, World AIDS Day was a day of prayer, remembering, honoring and community involvement. Not only was the church open for prayer, red ribbons were also handed out. Furthermore, the church participated in its very first "Service of Remembrance" in honor of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. About 25 people were in attendance from both the church and the surrounding community as we learned more about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its direct affect upon our community. The service was held that Friday evening and consisted of prayers, the litany from CBF’s HIV/AIDS Summit, songs, personal reflections and a moment of silence. We also lit a remembrance candle as we read the names of people who have passed away from HIV/AIDS and also the names of those individuals who are currently living with the disease. The service not only represented GRBC’s commitment to being there for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, it also served as a catalyst for GRBC’s involvement in the fight against the deadly disease. The church has committed to participate in future World AIDS Day events.
Do you have a report to share? Contact Taisha Rose at trose@thefellowship.info.