After being forsaken by family and friends, Mary’s despair turned to joy when she began a relationship with Jesus.

Easing Suffering

An HIV-positive woman finds hope for the future in Christ’s unconditional love

When we hear the words “global pandemic,” it’s easy to believe there’s nothing individuals can do to stop the spread of HIV. But there are practical ways to be involved. To learn more about what you can do, visit our BE THE VIRUS homepage.Mary was desperate and alone. The 45-year-old woman, who had spent most of her life in the squalid refugee camps of northern Uganda, was becoming sicker each day. Her body was wracked with pain.

"Each time I went to the clinic for treatment, they told me I had a different type of illness," she said.

Eventually, she began developing body rashes and coughing. She lost strength, her weight dropped, and she was faced with the painful reality that she was suffering the ravages of HIV/AIDS.

Mary's life became worse as neighbors learned of her condition. Her children came home from school each day with tears in their eyes because of their classmates' cruel words. Her friends and family abandoned her. She felt as if no one loved her, and she anguished that her last days on earth were destined to be miserable.

One day, Mary decided to attend a class conducted by Prescription for Hope, the HIV/AIDS ministry of Samaritan's Purse. She learned the facts of the disease, how to care for herself, and that Jesus Christ offers His unconditional love to everyone—even those with HIV/AIDS.

Mary approached one of the educators after the class and said that she was overwhelmed with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. The educator responded by sharing the Gospel with Mary.

"God will prove Himself to be faithful through the pain, the problems, and the insults," the educator said. "If you choose to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will never be the same again."

The educator then asked Mary if she would like to receive Christ, and she enthusiastically replied, "Yes. Please pray with me." After she prayed, Mary said with a smile, "My body is still broken. The people around may never change their hateful ways. None of this matters, however. I will look to Jesus for my strength from now on."

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

PRAY:

Please pray for our ongoing HIV/AIDS ministry in Uganda. Pray that churches and local Christians will continue to reach out to families affected by the disease with God’s love and compassion.