As part of a study group sponsored by General Assembly, Kyle and Christie Kittrell (First, Jeff City) visited South Africa and Malawi from February 22-March 7, 2008. The purpose of their trip was to see first-hand the realities for survivors and those with HIV/AIDS and learn how we can more effectively support the Church in Africa as their ministry. The exciting news for churches in Missouri Union Presbytery is that Kyle and Christie are ready and willing to come and speak to groups at your churchabout what they learned and what can be done to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families or survivors. Contact the Kittrells at (573) 634-3662 or kylemo@mchsi.com to hear of their experiences and what is being done. The Kittrells outlined their presentation at the Aug 2008 Presbytery meeting and have since presented it in full at both Trinity Presbyterian and First Presbyterian Church of Columbia. They have also spoken to groups such as Presbyterian Women at First Church, Jefferson City.
Background information: The continent of Africa stands to lose an entire generation to the AIDS epidemic. In some areas of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 20 percent of the population is infected with HIV. The United Nations projects up to 45 million new infections by 2010 and nearly 70 million deaths by 2020 if the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to spread at the current rate. For twenty years, the PC(USA) has spoken with prophetic compassion on the issue of HIV/AIDS. Resolutions and overtures of the church call for the commitment of time and resources to educate, prevent, care for, treat and cure HIV/AIDS.
