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.Sibonelo was anxious and bitter. The young South African man knew that AIDS was destroying his body, and his spirit had been broken years before by poverty and discrimination. Though his mother tried to care for him, she did not earn enough from the backbreaking work of building roads to buy sufficient food to strengthen his body against the disease.

As Sibonelo continued to waste away, his mother sought help from the community. A Christian organization that partners with Samaritan's Purse heard of the family's plight, and a home-based caregiver named Pabble took them food, basic medicine, and Biblical literature.

Sibonelo's spirits lifted when he saw Pabble's compassion toward him, and he listened intently as his new friend talked about Jesus Christ. However, he could not believe that Jesus would have mercy on him. Pabble explained that her presence in his home was proof of Christ's love.

Pabble continued to visit Sibonelo, and she reassured him that Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life to everyone who repents of sin and believes in Him. Last October, Sibonelo joyfully prayed to accept Christ. The young man was so excited that, despite his frail health, he made the exhausting trip to a nearby town to buy a Bible of his own. From that time forward, he faithfully read God's Word and marked his favorite passages.

Pabble took Sibonelo to the hospital just days before he died, and the two prayed together one last time.

"Sibonelo affirmed his salvation and said a beautiful prayer of commitment to the Lord," Pabble said. "I thank the Lord for Sibonelo, and I am certain he is now in Christ's presence."

Through our Prescription for Hope program, Samaritan's Purse supports grassroots HIV/AIDS ministries worldwide that are working on the frontlines of orphan care, prevention, Bible-based education, counseling, chaplain training, hospice care, and medical aid. Most important of all, our Christian partners offer the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and the eternal hope of the Gospel to those affected by the disease.

Samaritan's Purse , South Africa , Prescription for Hope , Hope for South Africa