Have you ever watched a movie 8 times??? Well…after this past month, I can say I have. This movie that I watched has changed my life and the lives of thousands of young South Africans as well. We have been participating in a ministry called Beat The Drum.
Beat The Drum is a Hollywood made, educational film about HIV/AIDS…stressing the importance of absitinence. It is a heartwarming story about having the courage to make a difference in your family and your community. The main character lost his mother, father, and baby brother to the disease. He (at the age of 9) left his village for the big city where he worked to earn money for his grandmother and cousins.
We went around to four different High Schools, showed the movie and then taught a series of four lessons. These lessons discussed Sex, Marriage, Rape, Diseases, myths, lies, and truths about what is going on in South Africa. Knowing full well that most of the students in the class know people who have died of AIDS or are living with the disease themselves, I stood up and gave them the facts. The facts that 1 out of every 6 students their age is infected with HIV. It was really difficult for me to say that to this population. I heard stories of kids who have AIDS, have been raped, and are now pregnant.
The most powerful moment of this whole month was the last day I got to give my testimony about how I have made this decision to abstain until I am married. (you should have seen some of the looks I got) I stood up in front of the class and asked the students to make this decision for themselves. The last page in the booklet they got was a pledge for absitinence. Most of the students made this decision. It was not made lightly…there were a lot of tears and questions! It was really awesome to stand amongst these kids and make that decision.
Please pray for South Africa concerning HIV/AIDS.
It is VERY REAL!!!!
