An opportunity to help and learn - July 20

In the spring of 2006, seeds were planted in my heart for the people of Africa through an adult education class offered at my church on Hope in Action. Our Associate Pastor, Jon Nelson, shared with us through some DVDs about the AIDS epidemic in Africa and how devastating it is in the lives of the individuals, families and communities. The needs are overwhelming and the question “how can I help?” became a pressing and disturbing question in my heart. Simultaneously, Jon Opgenorth, our Pastor, went on sabbatical during which time he traveled to Uganda and developed a relationship with a local Ugandan pastor, Rev. Canon Captain Titus Baraka. Our worlds met when Jon shared about his trip and he described Titus’s vision for setting up a counseling center to help those in his community, primarily with youth and college-aged students who are struggling with issues involving HIV/AIDS. The seeds that were planted in my heart began to grow as they were watered with further questions and prayer. The mission’s team, of which I am a part, began to talk about what it would take to respond to Titus’ vision and request for help to set up a counseling center and to help train lay counselors. It was then that our church, Trinity Reformed Church, decided to send a team of 5 to encourage and support Titus in his immediate efforts and to explore the possibility of developing a long term relationship with him and his church. I am very excited to be of help where I can and I am also eager to learn from our brothers and sisters across the world about their persons, faith and culture. Joan