CARING FOR THE WHO, NOT THE HOW

About this sermon

Pastor Straton and members of his local church in Rwanda minister to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. He doesn’t ask how they became infected—he chooses to love them where they are by walking with them through the pain, holding their hands, and praying with them. Of all the people who have entered his church, Pastor Straton will never forget the first time he met Bovic. Just months before, Bovic had lost his wife to HIV and was now left raising their children on his own. “The loss of my wife weighed heavy on my heart,” recalls Bovic. “I felt I had lost all hope.” Hearing of his situation, a member in Pastor Straton’s church invited Bovic and his children to attend a church service. He knew nothing about God’s love and was skeptical of the invitation. In spite of that, members gave Bovic and his family a supply of food including flour, beans, and oil. Most importantly, they gave him a new perspective on the church. But their generosity didn’t end there. In partnership with the government and clinics, Pastor Straton’s church has trained their members to go out into the community to help people living with HIV/AIDS. Not only do they share knowledge on preventative measures, but they provide medication to those in need. “My family and I were in a bad situation,” says Bovic. “To the extent that we could have died at any time.” Through the church, Bovic and his children were tested for HIV/AIDS, and found out they were all positive. Afraid of the outcome, Bovic leaned on a church member for support. She told him that no matter what happens, God is in control. From that moment forward, Bovic and his kids began receiving HIV medication administered through the church. “Immediately I saw a big change in my life and in that of my children,” says Bovic. “When I look at the way I use to be, if we had not taken this medication, we would not be alive today.” To learn more about what Saddleback Church is doing through the PEACE Plan in Rwanda and how you can get involved, visit http://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/the-peace-plan/lake-forest