Leading Christian HIV/AIDS campaigner urges Christians around the world to 'step forward and pray for those with HIV/AIDS'
by Dan Wooding
November 29, 2007
IRVINE, CA (ANS) -- The leader of a pioneering HIV/AIDS ministry has called on Christians around the world to "step forward and pray for those with HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day2007."Bruce Sonnenberg, president of He Intends Victory, has also asked believers to take seriously the theme of this year's World AIDS Day 2007 which is: "Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."
Sonnenberg told ANS, "With the Christmas season fast approaching and the ease to which we all focus on tinsel and tradition, we must not forget those who are suffering around the world with HIV/AIDS.
"Over 33.2 million adults and children wake up every day and ask themselves: 'What now?' Our goal is to show as many as possible that with the help of Jesus Christ, we can change that 'what now' to 'thank you, Lord for the hope we have in You!'
"Please pray for those with HIV as well as their families and friends. Pray that you might do more to share God's love with such a needy group."
He went on to say, "Just a few weeks ago, as I visited our work in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, I was confronted by a young man who said, 'What can you do for that old man?' as he pointed to an elderly gentleman whose feet were swollen and cracked? 'He's got AIDS and is going to die!'
"I told him sadly, 'We don't have the necessary money at the moment for the medications, but someday I'll be back with some help for all of you, but what I have, I will give to him right now.'
"With that, I knelt down and, through an interpreter, I asked the rough-looking Ugandan man if he had ever met Jesus. 'I never have, and my life has been pretty bad, but I want to know Him,' he said. So I prayed with him and, with tears rolling down his cheeks, this man met the Hope-Giver, Jesus!
"Helping people with food, and medications and the essentials of life are what we do, but what we want all to know is that Jesus loves us and has an eternal plan for our lives."
Bruce Sonnenberg then spoke about the problem of what has turned out to be the world's worst health crisis.
"The United Nations announced this past week that, with greater ability to track HIV infection world-wide, the actual number of those with HIV in the world is now at 33.2million adults and children," he said. "Even with this lower total, 2 million people died of HIV/AIDS -related complications just this past year. The war against AIDS continues!
"For many in the United States, AIDS is passe! To them, you just take a pill and life goes on. But those pills have difficult and challenging side-effects. They are expensive and if not taken properly can easily lead to ineffectiveness. Yet today, each year in the United States, as many people are being infected with the HIV virus as 15 years ago. This is still a deadly virus in every way.
"And around the world, the poor and needy are being overwhelmed by HIV. People in Uganda and India and Russia are hearing the words, 'You are HIV+' with no access to medications. Twelve million children will go to bed tonight somewhere in the world as an AIDS orphan.
"Yet we can make a difference. Now, more than ever, Christians need to step forward in this battle against HIV infection worldwide. We HAVE the answer of Life and not to share it with someone who is facing their mortality is wrong. We MUST step forward with the hope of Jesus Christ and offer eternity with Him."
He Intends Victory is an international HIV/AIDS organization based in Irvine, CA with established chapters in 17 countries around the world. The ministry focuses globally on: homes for AIDS orphans, prison ministries, outreach to vulnerable women and children, support groups, and educational support and encouragement. He Intends Victory is a leading evangelical HIV/AIDS ministry in the USA.
Southern California concert for World AIDS Day 2007
He Intends Victory has announced that it will be celebrating World AIDS Day with a concert at the Bella Terra Mall in Huntington Beach (405 Freeway/Beach Blvd.) in Orange County, California, on Saturday, December 1 from 12:30-2:30 PM. The concert will be provided by "Marnie and Paul" (Marnie Ann and Paul Stebner) from Orange County, California, who have been a musical pair for well over a decade.
"Their compositions have won a place on national radio and television," said He Intends Victory spokesperson, Jennifer Veary. "Most recently they released a raw and uplifting CD entitled 'Waves of Mercy.' Marnie is a professionally recognized vocalist/songwriter/guitarist who has had the pleasure of being involved in a variety of musical projects. Paul is a producer/songwriter/guitarist whose works include producing 'Mike V. and the Rats' for Tony Hawks' Underground 2 videogame.
"They are currently crafting a new release which will feature the unique musical blend of their talents and backgrounds." Veary went on to say, "This will be a public event and we are inviting the community to attend and remember those still living with HIV/AIDS, and honoring those who have died.
"He Intends Victory is especially pleased to have country directors from Belize, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Uganda, and Vietnam at the concert as we remember the global impact of HIV/AIDS. A moment of silence will be held at the end of the concert, followed by a sharing of names of loved ones lost to this disease."
Note: Mr. Sonnenberg and a number of the He Intends Victory HIV+ team are available for interviews regarding World AIDS Day and the Christian response to it. To schedule an interview, you can phone Bruce Sonnenberg at 949-350-9990 or 949-727-2108 or visit their web site at: www.heintendsvictory.com.
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission.
