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You've been speaking out about HIV and AIDS. What is the biggest obstacle to Christian ministry in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis?

One is the perception in the church that it's caused by homosexuality, which in this country accounts for the majority of cases. Churches say, "This is dirty. We don't even want to get near it." But the AIDS issue around the world is basically heterosexual.

The world's response is condom distribution. But the problem is people don't use them, for whatever reason, even people who are educated. I was invited to speak at an AIDS fundraiser in New York City with the Global Business Council on HIV/AIDS. Former ambassador Richard Holbrooke is the head, and he said, "Franklin, we'd like for you to come and give the benediction."

"Can I say something other than a prayer?"

"Yes. The only thing we ask is that you don't attack homosexuals."

"That's not what I do."

When I got up to speak, I reminded them that every one of the 40 million people infected with HIV has a soul, precious to God. I said, "I will work with each and every one of you to save life." Oh, they applauded.

Then I said, "I'm prolife." Silence. I said, "I think it's just as important to save the life of an unborn child as it is to save the life of a man or a woman eaten up with AIDS." Silence.

"We can't do this without God's help. That's why I'm here to ask for God's help."

The number one obstacle is the world's concept: Just give me a billion condoms and we can solve this issue. What the world wants to do is to continue in a sinful lifestyle.

The church is sitting back, saying, "I told you so. If you all would keep your pants zipped up, then there wouldn't be any of these problems." We have failed to get involved because homosexuals are in this fight. We've got to be willing to get down with people we don't like.

The greatest mission field in front of us is HIV/AIDS patients. Yes, it's tough, but what a challenge. These people have a soul, made in the image of God, and Jesus Christ died for them. Are we to say, "I don't want to get my hands dirty"?

Would you see this happening through organizations like Samaritan's Purse and World Vision?

No, I see it working in the local churches. Every local church ought to be looking for ways to have hospice care for HIV/AIDS victims, counseling, and education.

We need to be right up in the front. We are so wrapped up in our little programs. I'm saying, Just do it. Quit talking about it. How much money do you have in your budget for HIV/AIDS? Anything? Put it in there. Make it a line item so that the elders and the deacons and the pastor, everybody, sees it.

Then let's start looking for somebody in the community who we can invest in—somebody who has a heart for HIV/AIDS, who's doing something for HIV/AIDS in the community. Let's pray that God will raise up men and women out of that church who say, "Pastor, I'm here, I'll go to the hospital, and I'll visit."

As a Christian leader, you are unusual in that you are involved in social ministry through Samaritan's Purse and in evangelism through the BGEA. How are your two callings related?

I don't see a division. The thing is Jesus Christ. He healed people. That's social ministry. He fed people. This is social ministry. But that wasn't the end in itself. Christian organizations got off on the social ministry, and they forgot their purpose. The soul is the purpose. Every miracle Jesus did, he did so that those who were the recipients of his grace and his mercy would put their faith and trust in him as the living Son of God.

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November 18 2002, Vol. 46, No. 12