World AIDS Day
Today is World AIDS Day. Steve Camp has posted a Biblical call to help people with AIDS:
It is a day to remember those who are infected with the AIDS virus–those who are HIV positive. It is a day to reflect on how little we as Christians have done in regards to this important issue and need to be doing from a biblical world view in precept and practice. It is a day to repent of our sins; both of apathy and promiscuity.
Two megachurch pastors expressed regret this week for not responding sooner:
Megachurch pastors Bill Hybels and Rick Warren both expressed their deep regrets for not joining the fight against HIV/AIDS sooner as they partner to call the Church to quickly take action in the battle against one of the world’s greatest humanitarian emergencies. Bill Hybels, senior pastor of the 18,000-membered Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, Ill., and Rick Warren of the 20,000-membered Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. both began their sessions Tuesdays with apologies for their lack of awareness and response to the pandemic that is expected to kill 93 million people by 2010. “Willow would be on the list of churches to get it too late,” reflected Hybels. “As I look back, I take full responsibility for this. Our church just celebrated its 30th anniversary last month. I have to live with that. I confess it. I believe it is covered with the cross but it is a mystery to me why I didn’t get it.” Similarly, Warren lamented during the opening session, “A few years ago I had to repent. How did I miss this? What were the blinders on my eyes? You can’t just care about people spiritually but you have to tend to people physically too.” …“The church has been missing in action. If we are the Body why aren’t we ministering with the whole Body?” he asked.
(Via Monday Morning Insight Weblog) It is a day for reflection and repentance, a day to think about how we can do better in the future.
If Jesus Christ were on earth you’d find him in a gay bar in San Francisco. He’d be working with people suffering from AIDS. These people are the new lepers. just like the turn of BC / AD. Don’t touch them, walk away from them. If you want to find out where Jesus would be hanging out, it’ll always be with the lepers. – Bono, U2
