Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy. Matt. 5:7

By Dr. Ken Jenkins, Zimbabwe

 

AIDS is with us whether we like it or not. The statistics are staggering as we read of millions of people, laymen and health professionals alike, infected and dying on our continent.

 

It is well said that a million deaths is a statistic, while one death is a tragedy. We cannot stay removed from the individual tragedies being lived out all over our lands.

 

As we face this epidemic, we need to realize that we Christians can offer people hope. When many of the disciples deserted Jesus, Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

 

We believers have the greatest opportunity to offer people the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. People with AIDS face the same destiny that we all face. They are going to die, just as we will.

 

I was recently involved in helping care for a lady with AIDS. She faded away before our eyes and died, but she died knowing her Lord; and I now have a picture of her restored, beautiful, healed, laughing with the Lord she came to know and love during those last painful years on earth.

 

As Christians dealing with people with AIDS, we need to get involved, to care and alleviate pain and suffering wherever we can. We need to have compassion on them, so let us reach out with the healing power of our Savior.

 

If you are compassionate,

you will find practical ways to show you care.

 

 

 

From Patterns for Life, a daily devotional for health professionals.

Copyright 1996, MAP International, Africa (used with permission).