The Faces of AIDS

Alice, Rathna and Friend

In 2010, I dared to hug a leper, and we wept together.  Yesterday, I hugged some women with HIV/AIDS, and we laughed together.  

It was an incredible experience.  AIDS is a death sentence, especially in an underdeveloped area.  Yet many of these women appeared full of life.

Some, I admit, were obviously suffering in their final years from a disease that was probably acquired from a wayward husband.  Others seemed like middle-aged scholars, or kindly aunties.  Yet many were young and beautiful—and had darling little children.  All will probably die within the next several years.  This is hard for me to grasp.

Russ Preaching, Johnpaul Interpreting

Johnpaul's Favour the Helpless Mission gathered about 65 women and three men, all HIV-positive.  The evening began as Russ spoke on the uniqueness of humanity:  God’s power in Creation and His love for humans as individuals.  He also explained the fall of mankind and the need for Christ’s salvation.

Attention was riveted on Russ, with Johnpaul interpreting--then laughter broke out.  Johnpaul has a half-grown, well-fed buffalo heifer, (think 2 year old Angus) intended as a milk cow in the near future; she had been untied and led to drink nearby, then she decided to head for the porch where the meeting was in progress.  It took quite a bit of muscle for men and boys to redirect her wayward path.

I had been apprehensive about this evening.  How could I minister to someone I knew was going to die all too soon?  What sadness would their lives hold?  How could I know their needs, especially since I cannot speak their language?

As I sat on the far end of the porch, they blended into a colorful mass of backs.  I think the laughter over the buffalo jolted me into the reality of what Russ was preaching:  Each woman and man was a precious individual, created and beloved by the Lord.  Jesus Christ cared enough to come and die for every one of us. 

Bright Eyes

I became acutely aware of a little girl staring brightly at my strange face and skin.  Yet, as different as I seemed, we were all women, all alike in so many ways.  We all washed our laundry, cooked our meals, swept our homes, loved our families, tried to look beautiful, and had tears of suffering in our hearts.  Maybe from different causes, but there was much we shared.  Right here and now, we shared the will to live, and we responded to laughter together.  Death was still some months or years away. 

HIV/AIDS Meeting

I rejoined Russ at the front after his message.  We were waiting while the government man slowly registered each HIV/AIDS victim’s name.  Meanwhile, I saw the women as faces, as individuals, as souls.    Our eyes met and we began to communicate.  I went to one lady and pointed to her toe ring (the symbol of marriage in this culture), then to my wedding ring, then to Russ.  He held his up as well.  She nodded in understanding and the women around her giggled.  They whispered among themselves and indicated that we were a good couple—somehow the thoughts leaped over the lack of language. 

I took more photos, and shared the camera screen with each one.  Soon they were pushing their children forward for “one photo”, and gathering around me with more laughter.  Even the older women wanted to be recorded, to be recognized as unique human beings.  Don’t we all want to be known, at least by God?  O God, please cause Your Word to be understood, Your love made known, and Your salvation, Lord Jesus, become a reality to these souls.  All of us are close to the door of eternity.  Some of us realize how close we are, others are oblivious.  But all of us eventually pass through that door into Your Presence.  Please help us to come to You before that day.

Faces of Grief--Naga Mani

Russ and I feel we brought a touch of joy and hope into the hearts of these women.  Yet some were deeply sorrowful, beyond comforting right now.  Nagamani had two sons also with HIV/AIDS.  One son was still in school, but the other one was made miserable by taunts and insults until one day he finally committed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train.  Her grief is still visible on her lined face.

Old Faces

About 2.5 million people in India live with HIV/AIDS—half of the world’s cases.  With proper medical care (not affordable to the very poor) many victims could live for 8 or ten years.  However, this culture—where community and extended family ties are essential to life—treats them as outcasts.  Many die within two years because they are cut off from family, friends, and society as a whole.  

Faces That Embrace Life

Young Faces

We want to share some of the faces with you.  Please pray for the HIV/AIDS victims of Tenali, of India, of the world.  They are souls in need of salvation, just as we once were.  May God be glorified in these lives also!   --Alice Sharrock