World Aids Day- Take The Lead

Dec 9, 2007

This World AIDS Day, the Church of Christ was moving!

Over 2500 people took to the streets of Athlone to show their commitment to those living with HIV.

Young and old, from all three Dioceses, and from many other churches, they gathered to walk to Turfhall Stadium, led by the Church Brigade.

At the stadium, there was a wonderfully uplifting programme of worship and dance interspersed with challenging messages.  

Fanie de Villiers, living with HIV, shared his testimony and encouraged us to  reach out. The Mayor, Helen Zille, resplendent in her green Walk for Witness t-shirt together with  mayoral chains reminded us that there was only one immaculate conception in history, and that every teenage pregnancy should remind us of how many young people are having unprotected sex. The Simorenes led us in truly uplifting praise and worship.

Bishop Garth and Bishop Merwyn, together with other religious leaders stepped forward to ‘take the lead’ by taking an HIV test. They were followed by a large group who gained courage from their lead, so many so that some were even turned away!

As the agents of change (peer educators) sang their theme song – “I’m gonna be a history maker in this land’ , they committed themselves to become the change they want to see in the world.

“God loves us all, positive and negative”
“Your body is God’s temple – use it wisely”