Having the Heart of Jesus

By Amy Lang

HIV/AIDS is a worldwide issue calling for worldwide action. Forty million people worldwide are infected with this virus. Its prevalence is inextricably linked to poverty, lack of resources, and hopelessness. In some parts of the world, many have been forced to sell themselves into what is commonly referred to as "survival prostitution." Right here in Baltimore, statistics show that 80% of those infected with HIV/AIDS live below the poverty line. These are "the least of these" that Jesus commands us to love and care for in Matthew 25.

So how is Central responding? Central's mission is to move people toward Christ by being a community of faith which loves, encourages, and equips them in Christ, sending them out to serve. HopeSprings is an embodiment of this mission statement. We seek to be a community of faith which loves, encourages, and equips our congregation in Christ so that we can share the blessings He has bestowed upon us with our brothers and sisters infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Through a vision trip to Africa in 2006 and the Willow Creek Leadership Summit that same year, the leadership at Grace and Central were awakened to the extent of this pandemic. Both felt that they could no longer ignore this, the largest humanitarian crisis ever to hit God's creation. The two churches joined in their response based on the belief that by responding together as the unified body of Christ, we bring Him honor and glory. By mobilizing, educating, and raising awareness in the Church, HopeSprings wants to provide avenues for this unified body to reach out, unconditionally loving people where they are, as they are.

Luke 7:13 tells us that Jesus looked upon the widow whose son had just died, leaving her alone and in desperate straits. "When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, 'Don't cry'." Over 25 million have died of AIDS since 1981. Fifteen million children have been orphaned by this killer. Join us as we open our hearts to model the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we let our hearts go out to those "crying" in the face of this virus. They feel hopeless, like the widow Jesus met. Please join us in offering them the very hope that Jesus has offered each of us; for His hope is surely the only thing that can comfort and restore any of us to the fullness of life God wants for all of his people. We are called to share our blessings of life to the full. Join us as we seek those broken by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, for they are "the least of these."

Upcoming Events

• World AIDS Day Hope Service - December 1, 2007, 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church
• HopeSprings Launch - January 7, 2008, 7:30 t0 9:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church