The UN estimates that there are 42 million people infected with the HIV/Aids virus (the majority living in Sub-Saharan Africa).

World AIDS Day was December 1st.  This day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of caring for those affected by AIDS.  In response to World Aids Day, Antioch partnered with World Vision to have an informative Aids Sunday.  Our main vision for Sunday was to provide details on Aids and ways we as a church community could get involved. 

We began the service by watching a video interview between Bono (the lead singer of U2) and Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.  In the interview Bono shared passionately and articulately about what he termed “the AIDS emergency” and the necessity for Christians to be involved based on Jesus’ words and the teaching of scripture.  He also talked of the calling God placed on his heart in 1998 to get involved with the AIDS epidemic.  Following his partnership with DATA, Bono helped to create the ONE Campaign, which is fighting to end AIDS.  Following the video interview of Bono, Ken challenged Antioch to be a missional church, not only in our backyard but throughout the world.

We were also fortunate enough to watch a short video on Uganda, created by local producer Beth Fischer who traveled there in 2006.  She shared her heart for the people of Africa and why our help is so important.  Kim Hunt talked about how vital it is get involved and how God has placed in her life a desire to travel to Africa and work with AIDS Orphans. 

Sunday evening, Caregiver Kits were assembled containing supplies necessary to equip World Vision caregivers with items needed to provide better medical care.  We also had Hope Children available for sponsorship at the information table.  To date, we have 9 people/families who have committed to sponsoring a child.

Sunday was a chance for Antioch to learn about the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time, AIDS.  It was also an opportunity for us to be inspired to take action.  At the end of the World Vision video there was a statement that seemed to sum things up:

      You have one life…Do something.