ELWA workers demonstrate Christ-like compassion as they care for men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS.

Famatta is 31 years old. During the civil war, two soldiers raped her. Soon after, she started getting sick. She went to the Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) hospital for help, and she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS on March 21, 2003.

Like so many others in Africa, Famatta did nothing to "deserve" AIDS. But she has suffered from the terrible effects of the disease, and the stigma that accompanies it. She has been shunned and shamed by her community and her own family. "Sometimes," Famatta says, "I just cry about the state I am in, but I know God is there. He has the power to heal me, and he will take care of me."

Support for People Living with AIDS

Famatta is among the hundreds of people living with HIV and AIDS who have been embraced by the HIV/AIDS ministries of ELWA hospital. Famatta and some 400 others have benefited from the support and encouragement provided by ELWA counselors and hospital staff.

ELWA offers monthly support group meetings, medicine, food, and even home-based care to those trying to cope with the devastating disease. In addition, ELWA counselors teach life skills to help people living with HIV/AIDS provide for themselves in the absence of family support.

But ELWA goes beyond meeting physical and medical needs. One of the counseling staff's primary goals is to equip those living with HIV/AIDS to live a godly life and have a positive impact for Christ in spite of their diagnosis.

Positive Impact for Christ

Faith, another participant in the program, has taken the call to help others to heart. "God has saved me for a purpose," she said. "Now I go around to tell people that AIDS is real--even though it is painful and shameful to go in front of thousands of people and tell them my weaknesses and disease, I want to do as Jesus did, to help save a dying world."

Faith has improved dramatically since she came to ELWA weighing only 61 pounds. Now she wieghs110 pounds, and she thanks God for carrying her through. She is also grateful for the encouraging support group. "Those with HIV/AIDS need help because of all the rejection they go through," Faith says.

Thankfulness is common among all the patients attending the support group. When they were asked if they would share their stories with you as financial supporters of the ELWA counseling program, nearly all were willing to openly give thanks to God for what they received through your generosity. Thank you for your partnership and caring for those who are suffering.