Strings

We just finished our latest training course for church members in caring for people with HIV.

Just before our last session of commissioning and prayer we spent a short time reflecting on what we had learned. All of us in a circle. A ball of red wool. One person shared what they had been touched by and then threw the ball across to someone else, while holding their end of the yarn.
We were overwhelmed with how positive everyone was. At the end of the session we had a beautiful star made out of red yarn.

Each one was connected with each other. Holding up our little part kept the picture going. Each person had shared something valuable. We knew that we were going to go our different ways, but the picture of unity and family that we had is precious.

There is so much that can be done to work with people who have HIV/AIDS - and to really make a difference in stopping the further spread of the disease.

The good news is that we do not need more experts. We need lots of ordinary people - like those who were part of our training course - which was taught by ordinary people - being willing to do loving actions. Consistently. In obedience and joy to our loving Lord.

As we said good-bye to our course participants it was a bitter-sweet parting. We are sad to see our new friends leave - but happy that God is going to use them to make a real difference in the lives of people with HIV and their families.