One day Maria* came to our HIV testing center to receive a rapid test. She didn’t know why she was there, but the Lord did.

She looked nervous, sad, and thirsty spiritually. She seemed like she was looking for something real. She was very frustrated because of her husband. She was hopeless, depressed, and lacked self-confidence. She said her husband was very rude. She told me that, at times, she thought about committing suicide.

In the pre-counseling session, Maria expressed her fears. She was afraid that her husband had infected her with the virus. She knew he had been visiting other women. I told her basic facts about the disease and that even though there is no cure, she can have hope for the future through Jesus Christ.

Maria decided to pray that day to receive Christ and says she now has peace in her heart.

Praise God that Maria’s test also came back negative.

*Name changed for privacy

My name is Wilson Cloter. I was born in San Pedro Sula, the second largest city in Honduras. My parents are from the Garifuna community (African descendents), and I am proud to be part of this ethnic group.

Above all, I am proud to be a Christian. I can shout from the depth of my heart: “My Lord is the portion of my inheritance. I don’t need anything else” (Psalm 16:5 paraphrased).

I first began working with Samaritan’s Purse as a coordinator of an HIV/AIDS project in five Garifuna communities on the country’s north coast. During my time there, I taught youth aged 9-15 about HIV/AIDS prevention and had the privilege of showing the love of Jesus Christ to HIV-positive people.

About 350 young people met at a champa, or local straw hut, each week to listen to basic facts about HIV, how to prevent infection, and Biblical wisdom about marriage and caring for those who are sick. Our hope is that these young people will leave the program with the ability to make informed, healthy decisions.

This year, I have returned to San Pedro Sula to work with the Samaritan Center, a small voluntary counseling and testing facility located downtown. The center offers free HIV tests (with results available in 20 minutes) in a loving and confidential environment.

My role with the Samaritan Center is to conduct outreach events in universities and textile factories. We call the program “The Power of Knowing” because we believe people are able to make better decisions about healthcare and their families if they learn their status.

Our goal is to test 22,500 people this year, and we’re already at 22,256. Wow!

It is very difficult to provide counseling to people who go through this process. Many are worried as they wait for their results. While they are waiting, I often try to give them spiritual hope by sharing the story of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Since May, 673 people prayed to receive Christ as their Savior.