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Churches
Across Ukraine Unite to Form the First National Committee
Against AIDS
AIMS News: Posted 12/1/2004
Editor's
Note: The following is a report submitted by
ìDeborah,î AIMS HIV-AIDS Coordinator, following
her latest trip to Ukraine to establish the Ukrainian
National Committee Against AIDS.
God
is alive and well! The Ukrainian "Christian National
Committee Against AIDS" was formally launched in
October and an initial leadership team of seven people
has been chosen. The leadership team is sharp, highly
motivated, and each is from a different denomination
(or union, as they say in Ukraine). Three speak good
English and have been nominated to attend the United
Nations training for AIDS program directors in Ghana
at the end of October. One of those 3 will probably
become the national coordinator of this new organization.
"When
God is involved, the steps are sometimes giant
steps." |
During
the afternoon meeting, our convener, Bishop Garbar,
pointed to my translator, "Yerik," and designated
him to be the representative of his denomination. Since
Yerik speaks flawless English, he is also a candidate
for the position of national coordinator. Yerik's jaw
dropped. For months, I have considered how good he would
be in that role. Yerik has impeccable integrity and
deep faith. His knowledge of HIV/AIDS is incredible,
having translated every word that I have spoken in my
teachings here. He has good communication and people
skills and better computer skills than I'll ever have.
Most importantly, his passion is to see AIDS turned
around in Ukraine.
Before
the meeting, Yerik warned me to be patient. The process
in Ukraine often occurs in slow steps. Afterwards, we
laughed about it. When God is involved, the steps are
sometimes giant steps! Pray that God will confirm His
will to Yerik, his wife, and his boss about his level
of involvement in the new committee.
Thank
you so much for your prayers and for the support which
has enabled me to be here for this momentous occasion.
I am deeply aware of how much this is a group project
and of how much each of you will share in the credit
for the turn-around of AIDS in Ukraine and the extension
of God's Kingdom here. Praise God for His sovereign
power in working this all out.
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