Giving for New Life

Is Christ leading you to respond with compassion to children, youth, or adults who are affected by HIV/AIDS? We pray for people on World AIDS Day, December 1. In this season of giving, you may feel led to support one of the many excellent ministry programs that are being carefully implemented in different contexts through the Advance for Christ and His Church.

We can contribute to new life flourishing for people around the world, from America to Zambia, through The Advance for Christ and His Church. Truly, 100 percent of gifts reach their goal because apportionments cover administrative costs. At www.umcmission.org/give-to-mission/search-for-projects/Advance-Project-Search, more than 850 programs and ministries are connected and accountable to United Methodist partners. You can search by key word or category, focus area, population, region, missionary or UMCOR. Curious to learn more about the range of options, I did a search on programs that mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS. Here are some highlights of the treasures that I found.

In the African countries of Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, children orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children are enabled to help themselves through an effective three-year empowerment program called ZOE. ZOE means “life” in Greek, and the program began as the Zimbabwe Orphans Endeavor. Since 2007, this program has helped more than 30,000 children to be able to support themselves and younger siblings. Read about their story found at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/982023.

The Armenia Development programs assist people in many practical ways, including education about the spread of HIV/AIDS. This is a great example of the reach of The United Methodist Church to spread hope and practical help in diverse areas of our global community. Read more here.

In Haiti, Grace Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Clinic takes care of children and families who are coping with TB, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illness. Time has passed since the 2010 earthquake, so donations to this health care center will show that we still care about their plight. Find out about it at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/418520.

In India, three orphanages with children whose parents died of AIDS are nurtured by the work of Global Hope, which also has locations in Kenya and Romania. Care givers and educators are committed to providing shelter, meals, clothing, education, school supplies, and loving Christian parental care to these children. Discover more at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/15087A.

In China, people recovering from drug addiction are given a fresh start at the “Born Again Garden” through the Amity Support for Gospel Voluntary Drug Rehabilitation Center. They may have contracted HIV/AIDS through sharing drug needles. Graduating from the 1 ½ year program means that participants have received farm training and experience, education, Bible study, and even enjoyed wholesome activities like basketball. Learn about this ministry at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/3021560.

In Nicaragua, Acción Medica Cristiana (AMC) upholds its mission to “empower poor communities through leadership and capacity-building, for health and development.” The range of their important work in this poor country is described at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/14846A.

In Thailand, an AIDS Orphanage called Angels’ Haven is thoughtfully and joyfully led by missionary husband and wife team Cindy and Gary Moon Your support will help the children living there thrive. Discover more about the ministry at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/3021209.

Closer to home in America, Christ House in Washington, D.C., provides healthcare to homeless men and women, some of whom are living with HIV/AIDS. Christian fellowship is sustained through the Kairos Program, a spiritually-based recovery community to foster addiction recovery while also managing residents’ chronic illnesses. Read more at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/381215.

No matter where you choose to give, your monetary gift will help bring the love of God and a whole new chapter of life to people in need. Through your generous financial support, the church is further equipped to help people experience new life now. Thanks be to God!

The Rev. Rosanna Anderson is the Associate Director of Stewardship Ministries for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church.