Today I was able to go through The World Vision Aids Experience. It was an exhibit of sorts where individuals get a chance to walk in the shoes of a person affected by AIDS. I followed the heart wrenching story of a little boy from Malawi named Timothy. He watched both of his parents die from AIDS only later to find out that he had contracted the disease. Thankfully, Timothy was adopted by someone through World Vision and is now being taken care of and attending school.
This exhibit helped me get a glimpse of the enormous toll this disease is taking on people, especially children. Here are some alarming statistics:
- 6000 children are orphaned by AIDS
every day, joining the 15 million of children worldwide who have lost parents to AIDS. - Fewer than 10% of children orphaned by AIDS are receiving outside assistance.
Source: United Nations
These numbers are devestating, but there are things we can do. Here’s a list World Vision has of 12 ways you can help at http://www.worldvision.org/get_involved.nsf/child/worldaidsday_2006?Open&lid=wad_bluetext&lpos=today.
I have no idea what to expect when we go to Africa and see the wreckage this disease has left in its wake. I’m encouraged though by the fact that we have a heavenly Father that is alive, compassionate, and deeply in love with those He’s created. I pray that I develop a heart like His.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these…you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
