Keep the Promise

Today we honor World AIDS Day, an opportunity to unite globally in the struggle to fight HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 1988, World AIDS Day has worked to raise awareness of the realities of the virus, which is spreading widely through sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and East Africa at the same time as new drug cocktails have served to push back the disease in the affluent parts of what we used to call the "First World." With over 40 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS around the world, the epidemic has only worsened in the past 25 years.

While we realize one day is not enough, we join in the hope that this ongoing project of conscientization, awareness and activism will remind the world of the crisis we all face. HIV/AIDS is not a gay disease, an African disease, a poor disease nor an addict's disease. HIV/AIDS affects us all. Set aside a few moments today to remember, pray and take action.

Prayer:
O God,
In your compassion made known in Jesus,
Look with favor upon those
Who are in distress because of HIV/AIDS
To them give hope and patience,
And the ability to entrust themselves
To others and to you

Reveal the closeness of your presence
To those who suffer
And also to all family members and friends
Who care about them
And work to alleviate
Their discomfort and anxiety.

Receive this prayer through Christ
Who came among us that we might have life,
And have it abundantly. Amen.

Prayers adapted from Laurence H. Stookey, This Day.

Scripture:
Matthew 11: 28-30
Come to me
All you that are weary
And carrying heavy burdens,
And I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you,
And learn from me;
For I am gentle and humble in heart,
And you will find rest for your souls
For my yoke is easy
And my burden is light.

Action Opportunities:

• Participate in a World AIDS Day event or action.
• Visit the Medicine Wheel Exhibit at Boston Center for the Arts today for a 24 hour vigil.
• Support Advance #982345, "United Methodist Global AIDS Fund." Give through a local United Methodist church or send your tax-deductible contribution to: UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. To make a credit card gift, call 1-800-554-8583.
• Help build support for the AIDS Cure Act.
• Help support the Global Access Project's call to urge the US government to lead a global health workforce initiative in AIDS ravaged countries.
• Get involved with organizations such as Balm in Gilead, The Boston Living Center, or AIDS Action Committee.