PC(USA) - International AIDS Ministries


	Presbyterian HIV/AIDS Awareness Sunday October 12, 2008 Presbyterian HIV/AIDS Awareness Sunday is an opportunity each year for Presbyterians to reflect on the ways that HIV and AIDS affect individuals and our local communities, and to think about how we can respond to the global pandemic. Every Presbyterian has an important part to play in this observance, either through planning or participating in events in local congregations. Find out how you can observe Presbyterian HIV/AIDS Awareness Sunday.


	It's a Matter of Faith Africa stands to lose an entire generation to the AIDS epidemic that is sweeping the continent. In some pockets of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 20 percent of the population is infected with the virus that causes the disease. The crisis is cause for despair, but for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s African church partners it also is a matter of faith and a call to action. [Read more] Give now to support International AIDS Ministries. Download the It's a Matter of Faith congregational packet.


	Pray for the people of Africa Mbujimayi women sing during worship. Photo by Joy Raatz The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study starts in January with Africa. One of the major issues confronting sub-Saharan Africa is HIV and AIDS, where 68 percent of adults and nearly 90 percent of children are infected with HIV Almost 61 percent of the total number of adults living with HIV in 2007 are women More than 76 percent of all AIDS deaths in 2007 occurred in this region Currently, more than 11 million children in Africa have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS; that number is expected to reach 20 million by 2010. Study the Mission Yearbook entries for Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa and Madagascar. Each entry can be used for a moment for prayer. Pray for The people of a particular country Women and children, who are disproportionately infected and affected Church leaders who are dealing with AIDS-related issues such as death, illness, gender inequality, poverty, lack of health care, education, food insecurity and clean drinking water. These prayers can be said individually or during your worship service. Download a printer-friendly version of the Mission Yearbook pages for these countries.


	A second chance for Luanga with Moringa Luanga is an 18-month-old boy who was abandoned by his mother a few months after his father's death. By the time he arrived at Centenary Health Center's nutrition program, he was severely underweight and malnourished. The center houses a feeding program run by the Presbyterian Women and Family Department of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK) and the Presbyterian Health Department (DPS). [Read more]


	Africa's Children: A Church Response to Children's Issues in Sub-Saharan Africa In sub-Saharan Africa the number of orphaned and vulnerable children is growing as a result of issues such as the AIDS pandemic, poverty, lack of education and countries in conflict. This free book and study guide reviews the models of care existing in sub-Saharan Africa and evaluates them in the context of the African culture and the realities of limited resources. Additionally, this book includes discernment questions for congregation or individuals that want to help. Free single downloads available For multiple copies order from Presbyterian Marketplace. Read the Presbyterian News Service article about this resource.


	New Resources: General Assembly encourages Funding of AIDS-related ministries The 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved the overture (submitted by the Presbytery of Ohio Valley) to address the world AIDS pandemic. The overture directs the Peacemaking Program to encourage congregations to use their 25 percent of the Peacemaking Offering, and presbyteries and synods to use their portions of the Peacemaking Offering, to fight HIV/AIDS in the United States and globally (where those diseases are decimating whole populations). The funds generated will be utilized for education, prevention, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS in the most afflicted areas of the world. AIDS and Peacemaking This one-sheet leaflet briefly describes the work of the PC(USA)’s International AIDS Ministries in Africa and how that work relates to peacemaking. Congregations, presbyteries and synods are encouraged to use all or part of their share of the Offering to go for work with AIDS-related ministries. Free PDS # 1114207289


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