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Even if the majority of Christians can never do something bold and dramatic to relieve the suffering caused by HIV/AIDS, a few can—like Christ Presbyterian Church, a congregation in Minnesota that sends its members to help AIDS orphans in Uganda.

Those who cannot make such a trip can certainly pray, donate to ministries that minister to HIV/AIDS patients, keep abreast of the problem, and encourage others to get involved. Whatever our level of involvement, this is our chance to show the kind of radical mercy that Christ holds for each of us.

Richard E. Stearns is president of World Vision.

Opinions expressed in Speaking Out do not necessarily reflect the views of Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of HIV/AIDS this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on the history (pdf) of the epidemic.

In June, CNN also produced an extensive report on the past 20 years of AIDS.

Avert, a British AIDS Education and Medical Research charity, details the AIDS epidemic around the world, presents a history of the disease, and offers statistics.

The United Nations Population Division has painted a grim picture of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa—life expectancy will drop by at least 17 years by 2005, according to The Post in Lusaka.

The General Board of Global Ministries United Methodist Church presents facts and figures, news and views, and a look at children affected by AIDS/HIV in Africa.

PBS.org's extensive AIDS in Africa special report includes lists of organizations to help, statistics on every country in Africa, and analysis on how this happened.

Time.com also has an extensive, sobering look at the topic.

For more articles on AIDS in Africa, see allAfrica.com and Yahoo Full Coverage.

Recent Christianity Today articles about the worldwide AIDS epidemic include:

Indian Church Steps Up Education Programs To Deal With Threat Of AIDS | Ten percent of those living with AIDS live in India. (August 17, 2001)

Dying Alone | Baptist women seek out and care for ashamed, abandoned AIDS patients. (July 9, 2001)

Kenyan President Suggests Hanging for 'Knowingly' Infecting Others with AIDS | Church organizations criticize use of capital punishment as solution to epidemic. (July 9, 2001)

Few to Receive Generic AIDS Medicines | Pharmaceutical companies drop suit against South Africa, but problems remain. (May 18, 2001)

Zambia's Churches Win Fight Against Anti-AIDS Ads | Church leaders are concerned that condom promotion encourages promiscuity. (Jan. 12, 2001)

Mandela, De Klerk, and Tutu Join to Fight AIDS | South Africa's men of peace call for end of silence and stigmatization. (Dec. 14, 2000)

Speaking with Action Against AIDS | A report from the Thirteenth International AIDS Conference. (July 19, 2000)

Survey of AIDS Infection Among Priests Shocks U.S. Catholics | Kansas City Star says priests dying at much higher rate than American population. (Feb. 7, 2000)

'Have We Become Too Busy With Death?' | As 4,900 people die each day from AIDS, African Christians are faced with the question. (Feb. 4, 2000)

'Sexual Revolution' Speeds Spread of HIV Among Africans | An interview with World Relief's Debbie Dortzbach. (Feb. 4, 2000)

Lessons from Two Sides of AIDS | An HIV-positive woman and a wealthy businessman are reminded of God's expansive love at a unique camp. (Oct. 23, 2000)

Pastors as Grave Diggers | Christians hope to break the silence and overcome Asia's prejudice against people with AIDS. (July 28, 2000)

African Americans Focus on AIDS Outreach | Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS gains observation (March 24, 2000

Books & Culture Corner: An Open Letter to the U. S. Black Religious, Intellectual, and Political Leadership Regarding AIDS and the Sexual Holocaust in Africa (Jan. 24, 2000)

Church Aids Refugees Despite Violence (Oct. 25, 1999)

Africa: Fidelity Urged to Fight AIDS (July 12, 1999)

Global Death Rates May Skyrocket (May 24, 1999)

I Am the Father of an AIDS Orphan (Nov. 17, 1997)

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September 3 2001, Vol. 45, No. 11