"My part of the distribution focused on Aids sufferers within the Mpanshya area, including a visit to the patients in the hospice at the local hospital. Those to whom we ministered were enrolled in a home based care program and thus will continue to be monitored. Although it is difficult for me to remember all of the details of each individual who received one of the "buckets of blessings," the overall ministry experience is one that I will never forget.
Perhaps it is just best if I share some general impressions/observations. Aids not only impacts individuals, but also touches entire family units - and often in unexpected ways. For example, there was the grandmother who was entrusted with the care of her 15 year old grand-daughter. Since the medicines the young teenager is taking are so strong, they are supposed to be taken with food. The grandmother sometimes goes without eating so that the grand-daughter has the food for her time of taking the medicine.
In our two days of distribution we saw that disease is no respecter of persons. We ministered to the 8 year old little orphan (who looked to be 80) and to older grandparents, to male and female, to individual sufferers and whole family units, and to the poor and the poorer.
Will our "supplies" extend the life of an individual? My answer would be "perhaps." Will the "buckets of blessings" improve the quality of life? My answer would be "undoubtedly." Some were so overjoyed beyond measure with that which they received that their whole body spoke of thankfulness. Some were so caught up in the grips of their disease that the best that they could offer was a simple "thank you." All were touched by the love of their brothers and sisters in America and were thrilled to know that you care about their suffering - and most especially they were thrilled with this reminder that God cares for them."
These two pictures were taken at the local hospital.
Van Thompson ministering to those who have AIDS.
Luke Mwila, local baptist and home based care worker, explains what is in each of the buckets to the patients.
Patient testing out the lotion.
Many times we had to walk some distances to get to the homes of the patients.
What a small sacrifice on our part to be able to help so many.
This woman's children were looking on, eager to see all that was in that bucket.
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