My Calling
As I research the effects the HIV/AIDS epidemic has on PNG and its youth, I have to wonder how many teenagers are being reached by the Gospel when the mere speculation of HIV infection can create a social stigma so severe that you will be disowned by your family, friends, and cast out of the community- even the Christian community. The HIV epidemic in PNG currently reflects the early years of the crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of infections are due to heterosexual contact and the information dispersed is often culturally inappropriate and inaccurate. If this continues, we will soon see the same epidemic in PNG that faces us today in Sub-Saharan Africa. An intervention today might influence this path, at least for those we reach.While in PNG, I will be mobilizing communities to fight stigma and apathy by working with the Gutnius Lutheran Church HIV Coordinating Unit and its advisors. This work will include developing and implementing educational strategies with church agencies as well as provincial institutions. I will be working with young women on Christian identity and what it means to live a Christian life reflecting the love of God. I will talk to the older women about the importance of mentoring the young children and encourage them to do so.
As children of God we have the right to live a life of human dignity, but those who are HIV positive do not receive this right. They are forced from their homes, from their church community and from their village. Those infected with HIV are forced to venture from their homes only at night and cannot attend church. As God's children, we are not to turn our back on the "least of these", by turning their backs these church communities are leaving Christ in the streets. One of the greatest tragedies of the social stigma caused by HIV in PNG is the excommunication from the church, they are not encouraged to seek forgiveness and comfort in Jesus, but instead are cast into the shadows of shame.
During my time in PNG, I will be focusing much of my attention on the HIV epidemic and how it effects the youth in the area. I will be living my life as an example-one of Christ. With integrity, simplicity and hope, teaching, sharing and living in community with people's whose lives are torn apart by the social ramifications of HIV in their midst. I am going over with no preconceived notion of what I have to do or what needs to be done, but instead with the flexibility that is need in order for me to listen and do God's will so that I can be His hands, His feet, His heart and whatever else is needed of me. There is an immense and untold need in Papua New Guinea, both of the physical and spiritual need and I am going because that is what God has called me to do.