Church visits during December

January 2013

Of 700 people tested during December, just 11 were HIV positive – a reason to celebrate for the volunteers who go into churches.

Teams from Yola, Michika, Biu, Gombi and Jos visited 12 Nigerian churches in the run-up to Christmas, firstly preaching the gospel of grace, openness and love and then testing everyone who wanted to know their status.

“Christmas is such a busy time for churches, with nativity plays, carol services and other special events, so it was great they were willing to have Grace & Light teams visit and encourage people to be tested,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

The volunteers brought back some spectacular stories of grace; one stands out for Tassie. One woman who didn’t mean to go to church that Sunday, but did. Who didn’t expect to be positive, but was. Who couldn’t stay for her results, so sent her husband. He didn’t come, so she came back later.

“She was so angry that initially we were afraid they would separate. But when he found out he was also positive and she saw how shaken he was by the news, she forgave him. With God’s grace they’ve been able to go through the shock together,” said Tassie “and she has graciously accepted her status.”