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The Christian leaders gathered inside the small church in Mwabolane looked at each other with surprise and apprehension when Armando walked through the door. The 52-year-old man was not only a community leader in their isolated village in southern Mozambique, he was also the culandero or witch doctor.
The leaders had come together through a church mobilization program supported by Prescription for Hope, the Samaritan’s Purse HIV/AIDS ministry. They were there to receive education about a Biblically based response to the disease—and also to learn how to counter the teachings of people like Armando.
Communities like Mwabolane have no trained doctors, so the vast majority of residents rely on culanderos who spread misinformation about diseases like HIV/AIDS and promote dark spiritual practices.
The Samaritan’s Purse educator began to teach from Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Armando listened attentively, but there was no sign of emotion on his face.
After the message, Armando stood and said, “I want what you are talking about.” Stunned, the educator asked if he was prepared to leave behind his former life. “Yes,” said Armando, “I am prepared to give up everything if I can have Jesus Christ.”
Armando burned his idols and charms, and he affirmed his faith in front of the entire community. “Christ is now my Savior, and this is the only way of truth and life,” he said. “From now on, I will guide people towards Jesus rather than witchcraft.”
Armando has become an HIV/AIDS educator himself and has spoken with many youth and adults. The man who once dispensed false spiritual advice now is pointing people towards true physical, emotional, and spiritual healing through Jesus. |
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Despite the alarming statistics surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic, there is hope. Prescription for Hope, the HIV/AIDS ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, is working to mobilize and equip Christians around the world to respond to the disease with the uncompromising truth and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Our integrated approach includes abstinence programs for youth, workshops for church leaders, support for mission hospitals, and partnerships with grassroots organizations.
LEARN MORE
Would you join us in praying for a solution to the crisis? When we approach the Father in Christ’s Name, we have confidence that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, NIV).
• Christians would respond with the compassion of Jesus Christ to all who are affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.
• The Lord would open doors for Biblically based prevention education to help stem the spread of the disease.
• God would use the HIV/AIDS ministry projects of Samaritan’s Purse to give immediate and eternal hope to those who are suffering.
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Includes an informational brochure, a prayer guide, and a DVD copy of the video above. |
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