We saw the graves, three of them, beside the garden at "Joseph's" and "Gertrude's" home. In those graves lie their adult children, all lost to AIDS. Now Joseph and Gertrude must care for five of their grandchildren, three of whom are HIV positive. No wonder Gertrude was bitter at first. "But now," she told us in her simple English, "Jesus has made me free." Gertrude recently became a Christian, and knowing Jesus has made all the difference. We do indeed have good news that can turn the bitterness of a devastating epidemic into a sweet experience of Jesus' presence.

How did this come about? Rob and Debbie Ng-Yu-Tin, social workers from Northern Ireland, came to Pietermaritzburg as short-term workers. There they helped a community develop HIV/AIDS ministries. Rob visited Joseph and Gertrude to discover their needs. A crumbling house ready to collapse and water pipes with no water were the immediate needs. So Rob organised help for them. Soon a team of volunteers had constructed a new house and repaired the water pipe. Rob continued to visit, providing assistance and counsel, enabling them to face the crisis in their family. Gertrude began asking questions and learned about Jesus.

It's amazing what happens when Christians respond to real needs! The Africa Evangelical Church in South Africa, after months of strategic discussion, has produced an action plan for their denomination. We will soon hear more stories about people finding rest and confidence in Jesus.