SOUTH AFRICA

The pain of recent loss was etched deeply into the face of a grandmother as she spoke with members of a team from Project Positive Ray--an outreach of Christian compassion made possible by your caring support of SIM.

This woman's daughter had died of HIV/AIDS just the week before, leaving her with two small grandchildren to raise. The children's father died last year of the same disease, another example of how the AIDS pandemic is devastating the younger adult population of Africa, leaving behind grandparents and children to struggle for existence.

The team was able to pray with and encourage this grieving woman.

Ray of Hope

In the face of the tragic loss of so many people in South Africa due to HIV/AIDS, SIM and our church partner, the Evangelical Church of South Africa, launched Project Positive Ray in the affected regions to minister to AIDS victims and their families. We are grateful for the opportunity to shine a ray of light and hope into their lives as committed supporters like you stand with us in this ministry.

The medical workers and volunteers who make up the outreach teams of Positive Ray are doing an incredible work of sharing Christ and showing hands-on love to suffering people amid some of the most painful circumstances imaginable.

The same team that ministered to the grandmother mentioned earlier also encountered a family of children who watched both of their parents, their oldest sister, and a nine-year-old brother die of AIDS.
These children are now in the care of an uncle who does not have the financial resources to provide for them. He and the six children live in a ramshackle hut with only one bed for the children. This family is doing the best they can to cope with overwhelming needs, and they greatly appreciate the ministry of our Positive Ray team that is giving them hope despite their trials.

Growing Needs

We thank the Lord for every life touched by this ministry of care and witness that our SIM supporters provide. The need for programs like Positive Ray is growing rapidly as HIV/AIDS continues to ravage the people of South Africa.

We know that the light and love of Christ can penetrate the deepest darkness--and we are seeing this truth lived out among AIDS sufferers and their families in South Africa. Thank you for helping us shine God's love into the dark world of AIDS victims and their families through Project Positive Ray.
Project 097488