Gospel in action

Word Alive is a local church working with other smaller churches to stop the spread of HIV and alleviate the impact of the disease in Malawi. Since Pastor George from Word Alive started working with other local pastors, HIV-related ministries have expanded in the local community…

At Zambezi Evangelical Church, Pastor Paul says his attitude has changed: "I used to think my job was just spiritual, but now I know I must care for material needs too. I have taught church members who are HIV-positive to live positively and have encouraged others to go for testing. Our Welfare Committee visits people in the community on a weekly basis and we also have a youth committee involved in HIV prevention activities. I have run marriage seminars in my church since my wife and I went to one run by Word Alive. The church also pays school fees for orphans and has started a nursery school at the church."

At Glad Tidings Revival Church, Revd Maxwell Mbete says, "The Church is caring for 18 orphans and paying school fees. Church members contribute grain and money. We also have committees to oversee home-based care, the provision of material resources and visits to orphans. Two church members went to the Word Alive training programme and have now started a Sunday school, which has 45 children."

Each of these activities is transforming the lives of local people as they experience the gospel in action through the ministry of their local church. Here is just one personal story of what the Bible and spiritual support from Word Alive can mean to someone affected by HIV...

Susan was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2000. Her husband died in 2004 when Antiretrovirals (ARVS) were not yet available. Susan is on ARV treatment and is visited by the home-based care team and Amon, a spiritual counsellor. Susan explains: "Usually when you have lots of problems you say 'God has forsaken me'. But because of Amon's support and the Bible, I know that God has not forsaken me". Susan is now passing on the hope she has found and uses the Bible that she was given to encourage other people who are attending the clinic. She also leads prayers at the local community centre and plans to start a ladies' Bible study.