AJAN (Africa Jesuit AIDS Network)

HIV/AIDS is one of the largest causes of Death and leading cause of children being orphaned in Africa.

Roughly 10% of those living with HIV/AIDS in a given country will die each year.

Statistics are important because they drive research and response.

HIV positive (+) is not an illness itself but a vulnerability-- as any sickness can lead to death since the immune system becomes defenseless.

Only 10% of a given infected population can even take the medications that are available to treat HIV/AIDS because one's body and case must be able to match correctly with the medication as each situation is somewhat different -- thus, the most appropriate and most comprehensive response must be wider than a purely scientific/medical approach.

There is a long term mentality at AJAN as this program is thought of as a 100 year project.

Challenging opportunities have arisen in order to think more about questions considering human sexuality because of HIV/AIDS.

Poverty is the central question/context surrounding AIDS--nutrition, education, and other problems stem from this.

Positive Living-- a term used to portray a way of life in which victims of HIV can live much longer before become infected with full blown AIDS. Positive living includes proper nutrition, clean water, basic social services, education, security, relationships, and faith. Those who are able to take part in Positive living can live as much as 15 years before even acquiring AIDS.

Therefore, there are a vast range of premedical approaches that are important and essential responses as well.

Problems
-People are trying to help Africa merely survive, NOT help Africa Live and Prosper
-$15 Billion is given by President Bush (U.S.) for Medicine to treat AIDS-but minimal funds to aid the millions struggling at the hands of poverty.

Three Populations to Approach when working on the AIDS pandemic in Africa
1) Prevention from infection
2) HIV+ Positive Living
3) AIDS Patients--Take Medication for Life

JRS (Jesuit Refugee Services)

Kenya is a country with hundreds of thousands of refugees and JRS is working to provide a better life for these people.

*The Kenyan office works with refugees from East Africa currently living in Nairobi or Kakuma (the refugee camp in Kenya).

*There are are over 269,000 refugees in Kenya located at the two main refugee camps and possibly a million or more other refugees in spread throughout Nairobi (the capital city) and other areas in the country.

*Social services are provided:
-1 on 1 counseling= counselor training (refugees then begin counseling others)
-massage facilities (help find physical problems and address them)
-SAFE HAVEN= battered women and children's center.

*Educational Services:
-Scholarship program: started with primary and secondary education; in 2001-- started providing university scholarships; 2006-- only offering scholarships for 2 year diploma programs; 50% of those enrolled in these programs are woman; the refugees have an extremely high motivation and perform very well in the degree programs.

JRS Mikono Income Generating Project
-Suffering is the reality for the majority of refugees-- as they are not allowed to work, and therefore have no means of sustenance.

1) Micro finance campaign-- loans are provided without interest, this enables refugees to begin small businesses such as arts and crafts, etc.

2) Mikono shop-- hand crafted goods made by refugees; high quality products but difficult to market; the majority of Kenyans cannot afford luxury items so international marketing will be important. (One can help by buying in bulk order from the shop and resell for fund raising purposes)

Pastoral Center
-Home visits by Pastors who work with refugees to learn more about their situation and condition.

Prayer to our Lady, Cause of our Joy

O Mary, Immaculate Virgin,
Woman of pain and hope
Be benevolent to each person who suffers
And obtain for everyone fullness of life.

Turn your maternal gaze
Especially to those in Africa
Who are in extreme need,
Because afflicted by AIDS
Or another fatal disease.

Look at the mothers
Who weep for their children;
Look at the grandparents
Who are without sufficient resources
To support their grandchildren
Who have become orphans

Clasp all of them to your Mother's heart
O Queen of Africa and the whole world,
Most Holy Virgin, Pray for us!

-Pope John Paul II

Whatever You Do For the Least of My People, That You Do Onto Me

Serving is not easy, it requires giving up our time, energy, and selves to another person or persons. It is much easier to "let someone else do it." However, we all have specific qualities and abilities which we need to share with others, especially those who are not as fortunate as we are. Certainly each of us has certain gifts and talents that have been given to us, why not share them in service. Many people might say why should I help other people? Sure, this is a question that might come to mind, especially when we are living comfortable lives and do not have to worry too much about anything. Why not take an approach that will help you grow as a person and benefit another in a significant way.

There are many people out there who can do various acts of service which could change the lives of others. The only people who fail when it comes to service are those who do not try. Why was I given this life in the United States? Why was I given this life in which I have been granted an education? Why was I given this life where I do not struggle to find food or clothing? Why was I given this life with a family that cares so much for me? Why was I given this life in which I enjoy a healthy body, mind, and soul? These could be questions that you have asked yourself or maybe could consider. Why, because if you are living a decent life that is great and I am happy for you. Maybe you worked very hard to get to where you are, maybe you are fortunate enough to have been born into a family that was set from the start. Whatever the case may be, your life is important in the eyes of others.

We are not only talking about donating sums of money to various charities, organizations, and funds. However this is an excellent thing to do especially for those who can do so and I urge those who can to do this. We are also talking about giving of our talents and abilities whatever they may be to benefit other people who need our love. There are many people in this world who do not have it nearly as good as we do. I urge you to join in and serve your fellow man because in doing so you will touch a life. If you are able to touch one person in a unique and special way you have done a monumental thing.

It is very easy to care and to love those who care and love us. It can be difficult to reach out to those who are forgotten. One group of people who need our love and charity are the poor in the our home country of America, but especially those who live in third world countries across the globe. Not only are these people grateful for all that we do for them, their lives may be changed forever. It is much easier to give to those who we may receive from later on in life. It means all the more to give and to expect nothing in return and it is outstanding to give to those who can never repay us. For giving is an act of love, it is something one does because he cares about the universal human good.

Therefore, I once again urge you to give of yourselves in service to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world. For God has told us that whatever we do for the least of His people that we do onto Him. By serving others we not only show our Christ-like love for them, but we honor, worship, and serve the Lord our Maker who has given us all that we have. For those who are able to go over seas or to another country and do service work, do so for you will come back with a new perspective on life, a new appreciation for what you have, a sense of accomplishment, and just knowing that you loved on another person and served your God. For those who are not able to travel, do something in your neighborhood for the less fortunate, maybe donate to some Charities like Food for the Poor Inc. And lastly use what you have been given for by using our talents we will receive more and be able to do more for others.

The late Pope John Paul II once said, "Christian love is not simply an act of charity, but an encounter with Christ Himself in the poor." For the scriptures do say that there is no greater thing that one can do than laying down his life for another. Why not pick up our cross and lead others to a better life and a happy future by the grace of God. Why not serve and do what Jesus stood for, what the Lord calls us to do "My commandment is love one another as I have loved you." Thank you and God bless you, may your heart be filled with treasures of love, happiness, charity, grace, and peace.

Show Christ to Others Every Day

How often do we go day in and day out merely loping along and at times complaining about absurd things. Why not instead take a more positive outlook on life, be grateful for the gift of life we have, and the many joys we receive each day. Why not spread the "Kenyan" way of love and fellowship as believers in Christ by saying hello to a stranger. Why not compliment your collegue or peers on a daily basis instead of criticizing them. Why not do some of the little things in life that make a huge difference. Jesus walked this earth over 2,000 years ago, however He is the Shepherd guiding us every day, all we must do is listen and let Him show us the way. For He assured us that He would be with us always, even to the end of time. For He is "the way, the truth, and the life."
We people of God need to trust in our Lord more. He is the light that shines forever, the one who has no end. Christ resurrected on the third day as the completion of His love for us, ensuring Eternal life for His disciples, the good and faithful servants who were redeemed by His most precious body and blood. For He is a holy sacrifice for us all by dying on the cross. So pick up your cross and carry it one day at a time, with full confidence and trust that Jesus is at your side all the time. For He is the one who said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden light." Surely, Jesus is the Lamb of glory, the Lamb of life as He said, "even if you die you will live." There is no better companion and friend than Christ. The gateway to the Father is through the Son as Jesus Himself said that I and the Father are one. He who knows Christ and loves Him knows and loves the Father.
Witnessing the Lord is so extremely powerful and an outstanding thing to do. Be courageous and know that you "can do everything through Christ who strengthens" you. One way of witnessing is giving all that we've got in whatever we do. There are days when we do extraordinary things, however much of the time we tend to forget to do small things in extraordinary ways. Our life mission can become more complete if we work for the Lord in all that we do and give glory, praise, and honor to His name most High. So show Christ to others by living and loving in the name of the Lord every day.

Property of Jesus

Today I decided to wear my Property of Jesus shirt as I do on many travel days at Airports. The reason I do so is to witness to others the Lord Jesus Christ and how important it is to have a personal relationship with Him as Lord and Savior. Without God and the Son, Jesus the Lamb of Life, we are nothing and have nothing.
In London, much to my surprise I was just resting in the seating area by my gate when a woman came rushing over to me. I was not sure why she was approaching me, but found out soon enough. She told me that she really liked my shirt and said that she to is Property of Jesus. She continued and said that this makes us one. How awesome was this, I believe it was the Holy Spirit speaking through her by the grace of God because I needed to hear those words. We spoke for a few more seconds and her last words were that many people are afraid to become Holy and don't want to get too close to Jesus or God. She explained that many people want what they would see as a comfortable distance between themselves and their Lord. She was 100% right whens she said that such people do not know what they are missing. She concluded by saying to me, draw closer and become as close as possible to Jesus, as a relationship with the Lord is the most important thing one can have and what we all need.
I don't know that woman's name, but what I do know is that she is a Christian by her love for me and for her extreme devotion and love for God. Speaking with her reminded me of how important true love, faith, and hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are as a Catholic. The trinity is paved in its emphasis of Holiness, Wholeness, Love, and Unity. If Christians everywhere would come together as me and this lady did any problem could be solved by the grace of God and His ministry through us. It is ever so important to remember that a stranger is a friend not yet met, and that a friend is a brother or sister who we must work to live in communion with through prayer, peace, charity, and love. Remember Christ said that whoever worships and glorifies my Heavenly Father is my brother and sister and mother. There is a reason why the scriptures place an emphasis on on the three keystones of Christianity: faith, hope, and the greatest of these--love. Through love all can be achieved and all can be conqured, as God our Father is Love.
So are you Property of Jesus? If not you are property of darkness, evil, death, and the enemy--the Devil. "Resist the Devil and he will flee from you." We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Remember "in all that you do whether in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col 3:17). "If you live by the flesh you will die, but if you put to death the deeds of the body you will live." (Romans 8) Be property of the Holy Spirit, be property of life, be Property of Christ. For Jesus bought our redemption at a great Price.

Living in Despair and Darkness, Hoping for Light

Kenya is a country where millions of people live in poverty. However, in order to get a grasp of what poverty is like in this third world country opposed to the poor areas of the United States, one must be willing to listen and face reality. There are over 5 different slums surrounding the Nairobi region of Kenya these including Kariobangi, Dandura, Karangwari, Kangemi, and Kibera. Most of these slums are home to over 200,000 people with the largest containing over a million. The poor in Kenya live in terrible conditions and things will only get worse if more action does not take place. There is no running water, no sewage, minimal electricity, and no sanitation. As a result of no place to dispose of human waste, the people go to the bathroom in the streets, around the corner of houses, and in the fields. Therefore the lack of bathrooms has resulted in a breeding ground for disease. Furthermore, because there is no running water the people have to walk far distances to fetch water from rivers and streams. There may be a few water pumps in different areas of the slums, but I walked through all five of the poor areas and did not once see a water well or tap. The water fetched from the streams and rivers is quite dirty, mostly yellow in color and if one does get lucky enough to receive some water from an outdoor tap it is almost always contaminated because of the pollution and high water table. Not only do these people have to wash themselves with this dirty water, many must drink it too because this is one of their sources of beverages as many cannot afford bottle water let alone other liquids. With minimal electricity in a house, this provides another challenge for these people. There may be one light in an entire house, while other homes in the slums have no electricity whatsoever.
To compound the problems even more, the people live in small shacks the size of maybe a 40 square foot area, some slightly bigger (the size of a mid size kitchen in the U.S.). There is only enough room to sit in the home for a couple people at a time, as the bed room which takes up the majority of the house is shut by a curtain. Most homes have anywhere from 5-10 children and one women had 15. I couldn't imagine living with 10 kids in my 2,000+ square foot home, let alone one less than 60 square feet.
Food is most definitely one of the biggest problems as many families do not have enough for all of the children. One of the main reasons why there is poverty and malnutrition in Kenya is because there is an extremely high unemployment rate. Hundreds of thousands of people do not have jobs, not because they can't work, but because there are no places to work. The city becomes more crowded every year and this means that there are less and less job opportunities. The jobs that people do have include selling fruits and vegetables, making and shining shoes, metal worker (welder), wood working (furniture), hair salon, clothing stand, field clearer, construction worker, matatu (van) driver, butchery, char coal salesman, bike making and repair, and coca cola stand operator.
It is evident that many Kenyans are a part of a darkened world living in despair. They try to survive on a day to day basis and do not know whether they will have a better life tomorrow. However, what they do know is that God loves them very much and that they do have life. As a result they have the courage and will to want to wake up when the sun rises and keep fighting for their lives. Seeing the light in their eyes and smiles on their faces, in addition to the burning desire for a better life, I believe that these people have hope. They are not going to give up on life. It is nearly impossible for them to live a better life if we do not come to their aid. It is up to those who have to share with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It would be very difficult to fix the situation on the large scale, but we do have an obligation to grant these human beings improved living standards one person at a time. If we all could just touch one life, we have done a great deed for humanity. Why not love as Jesus loved and give our selves in service to others. For remember, to those which more is given, more is also expected. What would Jesus Do? He would certainly not allow for people to be suffering daily when there is an answer to the problems. For where your heart is there also will your treasures be. Do not be another person who forgets about those who are marginalized throughout the world. Be the man or woman who rises up against odds and looks the challenge in the eyes will full confidence that what you do can and does make a difference. The people of Kenya are in hope of light, they believe in Christ--the light of the world, and are people who deserve a better life. The only one who will fail is the one who does not try! Shed some light on your fellow brothers and sisters, be disciples of Christ. Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." Go now and serve.