turning the tide
A huge part of what we do at Thrive Africa is AIDS prevention. I love our strategy for combating HIV because I know we are making a difference. The fruit speaks for itself. And I don’t mind shouting that from my blog. Because it’s not a pat on my back, it’s a pat on God’s.
There are a lot of agencies focusing on the effects of the AIDS crisis–building hospices to care for the dying, establishing orphanages for the scores of children left parentless, and providing services to those infected and affected by HIV. I believe in the urgent need for each one of those things. But I also know if we don’t start focusing on the cause of the AIDS crisis, we’re going to lose an entire generation in Africa.
The vision God’s burned into my heart is to mobilize next generation leaders to live God-honoring lives. The only thing that will truly turn the tide of the AIDS pandemic is lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Long-lasting behavioral change comes from the work of God in a submitted heart. So we teach thousands of students each week in public schools about the purpose God has for them and how to avoid getting HIV so they can actually fulfill that purpose.
Our reason for teaching students isn’t just to prevent them from getting AIDS. Our primary purpose is to lead them into growing relationships with God. As they grow as Christ-following leaders, they’ll learn to make wise choices in every area of their lives.
You can learn more about our AIDS prevention program, how you can invest into Africa, and opportunities to serve with us on Thrive’s website.
@moweezle says:
So true!!! Gotta reach them BEFORE the problem occurs. Ohhhh, Break the Silence! (I love that one :)
@PrudyChick says:
This really hit me “Our reason for teaching students isn’t just to prevent them from getting AIDS. Our primary purpose is to lead them into growing relationships with God. As they grow as Christ-following leaders, they’ll learn to make wise choices in every area of their lives.”
You can only do so much in teaching them how to prevent getting AIDS. Unfortunately, the reality of life says there is that chance that they will. I love how you give them Jesus. You offer healing for their souls. That is what Jesus did. He forgave sins before He healed the physical illness.
@gritandglory says:
absolutely. the best thing we can ever do is lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. the rest is just the cool whip on top.
I love what you guys do over there. Its the best kind of difference you can make. I bet you miss being there.
Your series this week has been really good. I looked at the Thrive website too and it looks like an amazing opportunity… do you guys ever do adult trips in the summer? That is the only time my husband is off of school so the only time we could do missions stuff…
Hope you are doing well this week Alece – great series!
@gritandglory says:
right now we only have thrive adult trips scheduled for feb/march and october. BUT we host teams all year — so if you want to put together a group of adults to come out in the summer, we can facilitate that. you interested???
[and thanks for letting me know you've enjoyed the multiple posts about AIDS. i thought i scared everybody off!]
I just happened to stumble across your blog this morning…but I have seen you before leaving comments in places…
I am humbled by your story and your willingness to put it all out there.
AIDS is scary to me and I admire your brevity and strength to fight it head on.
@gritandglory says:
thanks, renee! i appreciate that you let me know what you’re thinking!
SO very true!! Aftercare, hospice, etc. all imperative but teaching our children…even if it means we end up saving only one that means one can go on to educate more and eventually… Many will learn.
Prevention. Prevention. Prevention.
It’s what I focus on in my work against human trafficking. How do we prevent it in the first place? It all comes back to the same thing. Education. Education. Education.
Why am I writing in 3′s?
@gritandglory says:
ha ha! i love your 3′s! ;)
I love the strategy. It’s God.
If there was a “like” button to put for this post, I’d “like” this!
“The only thing that will truly turn the tide of the AIDS pandemic is lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Long-lasting behavioral change comes from the work of God in a submitted heart.”
There it is. I’m reminded of Romans 6:12-13, about submitting your members as instruments of righteousness to God. That once you have your heart and mind changed, the right behavior follows – from the heart, not the law.
What an incredible, holy vision God has burned on your heart. WOW that you are not going to let that be stolen.
@atangie says:
I love that you let your heart be broke by what breaks His. March on, friend.
Going to the root of the problem instead of going around it. I love this! :D