In addition to offering free testing and counseling for adults, our HIV/AIDS programs in Honduras include Biblically-based abstinence and behavior change programs for youth.

Finding Forgiveness

A young woman who fears she has AIDS hears the Gospel message of redemption and comes to faith in Christ

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.Florinda was overwhelmed with fear. The 18-year-old Honduran girl had just learned that her former boyfriend was HIV-positive, and her behavior had put her at risk of contracting the deadly disease. Instead of enjoying her last few months of high school, her heart was heavy with shame and regret.

She was invited by a Samaritan’s Purse counselor to attend a youth camp program about HIV/AIDS, but hesitated to accept. Florinda thought that it was impossible to find redemption for her past mistakes. With encouragement, she decided to attend. She learned that God was ready to forgive her sins if she put her faith and trust in His Son, and she prayed to accept Jesus as her Savior.

One week later, Florinda visited our Samaritan Center voluntary counseling and testing facility. She was thankful to God that her result was negative.

Recently, Florinda reported that she has been sharing the Good News with her friends at school.

“God came into my life and forgave me of everything I had done,” she said. “I now feel like a new person with a future, respect, and joy. With God’s help, I have been able to keep my promise to change my lifestyle. I hope that He will give me opportunities to share my testimony with other youth, so they can flee temptation too.”

Prescription for Hope, the Samaritan’s Purse HIV/AIDS ministry, is working around the world to bring the Gospel message of redemption to young people like Florinda. Working with local believers, our staff is teaching youth that it is never too late to change their behavior.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalm 103:2-5, NIV).