Troy Lewis enjoys visiting House of Moses in Lusaka. The facility cares for infants whose parents, after discovering they were infected with HIV/AIDS, either abandoned them or died. One of the babies was found discarded in a plastic bag.

AIDS: How do you minister in a crisis? August 06, 2003

The HIV/AIDS crisis in Southern Africa is becoming bad enough that the ministry may shift from church planting to 'heaven planting'

Regardless of what it's called, the number of missions opportunities in Africa continues to rise while the focus on ministry remains the same.

"This crisis doesn't change what our job is," says D. Ray Davis, Richmond associate for the Southern Africa office at the International Mission Board. "If we do our job, it will affect the AIDS crisis. You do the best you can among the population that still exists."

Mike Howard, an IMB worker in Zambia, says he believes church planting is still an effective method to combat the AIDS crisis. In 2001, 800 churches and outreach groups were started. Last year, more than 900 churches and outreach groups were started.

"When people accept Christ as their Savior and Christ changes their life," Howard says, "this will change that person and, therefore, their community."

Operation HIV

One new opportunity in the Southern Africa region that focuses on the crisis is Operation HIV (He Is Victorious). The project involves teams of three-one nurse and two youths; student workers; evangelists-educating the public on HIV/AIDS awareness and True Love Waits curriculum. Teams distribute materials in local high schools, universities, churches and other institutions.

Teams also help start Bible studies and discipleship training.

Want to help?

For those who would like to help, here are some suggestions.

• Pray for IMB personnel working with the HIV/AIDS crisis throughout Africa.
  
• Pray for the people of Africa, that they will become more educated and aware of the gospel and HIV/AIDS.
  
• Give to the Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® through your church. Help put needed missionaries on the field. Right now, the Southern Africa region desperately needs to fill 41 positions for Operation HIV.
  
• Learn more about short-term volunteer and other mission opportunities in Southern Africa and other places around the globe. Go to http://going.imb.org/vim/main/default.asp .
  
• Order a free prayer guide, Africa: AIDS and God's answer at (800) 999-3113 or online at http://resources.imb.org .

For more information on Operation HIV or other related missions opportunities in Southern Africa, contact D. Ray Davis at (804) 219-1384 or at ddavis@imb.org .