Words cannot express the burden I feel for Africa. Specifically, the young people, the infants, and the innocent who will die from a disease that is preventable and treatable. One day, I am convinced that when I stand before God I will be asked the question, "What did you do to help the children of Africa?"
Today another report was release on what is happening in the country of South Africa. These reports typically state what can be 'proven' but aren't typically reality. In other words, the situation is much worse than they admit. Why? Well, you can't test everyone for HIV, you can only get a 'sample' of the population. Children are rarely tested - even the ones who are in Christian-based programs. Having been to an HIV clinic myself, I know there are many days when people come in to be tested and 100% of them are infected. The people will even tell you it is much worse than what's being reported.
This report states that 15 year olds have a 56% chance of dying before 60. In the region of Kwa-Zulu Natal, where our group was, the life expectancy was down to 43. This is an area where millions of people live, so there's plenty of healthy people to off-set the statistic.
The cure for HIV? The health minister said, and I quote, "praised garlic, lemons and the African potato as remedies for HIV while disparaging the benefits of antiretroviral medicines." Are you kidding me? You can read the article by clicking HERE.
The good news, the great news, is that we received our first round of profiles for the children in Swaziland today - over 350! It's just the beginning. For those 350 kids, God willing, their life will never be the same because God's people are busy doing something to make a difference in their life. By the way the dates for the next trip are set: March 2-12. Do you want to come? :)
