February 6, 2009

  • World AIDS Day

    World AIDS Day

    December 1, 2008

     

    While Sal and I were still in the States, mind you, Kazungula District Ministry of Health called Geoffrey on his cell phone.  Now remember….Geoffrey is the other Clinical Officer here at SoT(besides Sal) that was covering the Medical Ministries while we were on furlough.  Well it’s not unusual for Geoffrey to be contacted by the Ministry of Health (MoH), but this phone call was different.  This phone conversation was a request to hold “World AIDS Day” here at Sons of Thunder Farm for all of the Kazungula District in the Southern Province of Zambia!!!  This, ladies and gentlemen, was a BIG deal!!!  Imagine….the government of Zambia was asking Sons of Thunder, a Christian Mission to host one of the biggest events of the year!  Sons of Thunder Clinic has such a reputation as an ART Clinic and such a good working relationship with the District MoH, that we were considered for this honor (…….and besides, we have a lot of room! J ) Sal and I were so proud of everyone….the entire farm participated dividing up the workload.  Abson was in charge of the grounds setting up tents loaned from the Zambian Air Force and making sure the large water tank purchased for the new church building site was filled and in place for the day.  Namatama was selected to attend all meetings with the District representing Sal and I and the clinic and being the liason.  Meetings were held at the farm with Zambian planning committees and leaders from all areas of the farm involved.  Lena A was in charge of food for the multitudes that would be coming and Janice was in charge of the diplomat luncheon that would be held at the guest house for all the Zambian officials.  Mishack was selected to be the Master of Ceremony and the Sons of Thunder Praise Team would provide singing.  Pastor Julius was asked to preach a Gospel message and say an opening and closing prayer.

    The preliminary ceremonies officially began the evening of November 30th with a candle lighting service originating at 6:30pm at the entrance gate to Sons of Thunder.  A procession of people with lighted candles marched from the gate to the Sons of Thunder Church in commemoration of those who had died during the past year of HIV/AIDS.  It was amazing  I was told and people were very touched with the event.  Mishack welcomed all who were present and the Sons of Thunder Praise Team sang some worship songs.  Following the singing, there was a time of testimony given by two people from another area of Kazungula.  The Gospel message was then shared by Pastor Julius (Chaplain at Sons of Thunder Clinic.)  After the preaching, Mishack invited the DAKA (this is some government official that I didn’t get the name of nor what DAKA stands for) to give a talk on HIV and AIDS, then everyone joined in a wonderful song which left  hope in people’s hearts. The service concluded at approximately 9pm.

    The next day, December 1st, was officially World AIDS Day.  The commemoration festivities started late… around 9:30am. The national anthem was sung and then Pastor Julius opened the program with a prayer.  Mishack, again as Master of Ceremony, welcomed everyone and gave opening remarks.  The schedule of events as outlined by a written program had to be changed since the Guest of Honor was delayed in Livingstone with the First Lady.  Entertainment ensued to fill time.  There was drama, poetry, singing, dancing and acrobats.  Testimonies were shared and speeches given.  Remarks were shared by the DAKA, the District Commissioner himself Mr. Haasuntwe and the Provincial Minister Daniel Munkombwe.  Other honored guests included the Southern Province Permanent Secretary Darius Hakayobe and Chief Sekute and his family from Kazungula.  Another outreach organization, Corridors of Hope carried out HIV testing throughout the day.  The scheduled events ended at 2pm when everyone departed for lunch.  Close to 500 people were estimated to have participated in the day including lunch!! 

    Feeding Africa physically and spiritually…..500 people heard the Gospel….500 people were provided lunch (paid for by the government )and all 500 were shown the love of Jesus and given Hope!!  It reminds me of the banner I was given to bring over in 2005 for the clinic….a godly woman made the banner as she felt God directed her…..on it was one word “HOPE.”  It hangs on the wall inside the reception room.  Outside, we also have a sign….It says “Jesus is our source of Hope!”

    Jesus is indeed the only Hope we can ever give to a dying world and a day remembering those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS brings it home!!!

    Check out the pictures…..

    Banners crowds