My friend, Glenda, a South African native, whom I visited last year on a missions trip, is here and staying with us for three months. She runs an INCREDIBLE organization called Ithemba Lethu. I feel so lucky. She is a living example of Jesus' call to "Love your neighbor as yourself." She works on the front lines of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Durban, South Africa - rescuing babies orphaned by HIV/ AIDS, educating the children of the township in her community about HOW VALUABLE THEY ARE TO GOD. She is passionate about her ministry and totally devoted to the idea that when Jesus commissioned his followers to love their neighbors, that he was not, in fact, kidding.
Glenda's arrival is timely, especially in light of this election year. Her presence has reminded me of some very important truths.
Jesus saves. Literally. There are 12 orphans in the care of Ithemba Lethu that have been plucked out of destitution and given a new destiny. Jesus saved these kids through the work of his church, his followers, his people who decided to take His commands seriously. Useless political ideology did not save these kids. Obedient Christ-followers did.
The kids involved in the education program have seen unspeakable tragedy. Rape. Death. Intense Poverty. Infection. When new students enter the Ithemba Lethu club on public school campuses, the youth leaders who are charged with directly communicating God's love through counseling sessions, home visits, and teaching, do the following activity.
Leader picks up a 100 Rand note (approximately $9.00). This is more money than the kids have ever seen at one time. He asks, "How much is this worth?" The kids, just chomping at the bit with excitement, shout out,
"100 Rand, 100 Rand!"
The youth worker then crumples the money into a ball and says,
"How much now?"
"100 Rand, 100 Rand!"
He then spits on the note and tosses it to the floor.
"How much now?"
The kids begin to look worried but say,
"Still 100 Rand."
The youth worker aggressively stomps on the note and says quietly,
"How much now."
"Still 100 Rand."
Youth worker picks up the 100 Rand note, straightens it out and cleans it off.
"No matter what has happened to you. No matter what you have seen. You are more valuable to Jesus Christ than all the money in the world."
omg- that story brings tears to my eyes- thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love that story. I know that you've told me that before but it is still so poignant. Can't wait to meet her!
ReplyDeleteIt is truly wonderful what this organization is doing for babies orphaned by aids,and to help children who have seen and experienced horrific things we don't even want to imagine regain their self-esteem.
ReplyDeleteSo much work is needed to stop the spread of HIV in Africa so that babies are not born HIV -positive or lose their parents to AIDS. However, there is concern about how this work is being done by some U.S. based/funded organizations. While the need to delay sexual activity and limit the number of sexual partners one has needs to be stressed, it is imperative that the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and the use of contraception to prevent HIV positive births need to be taught. And condoms and other forms of birth control need to be available to the Africans.
What approach is Ithemba Lethu taking to this education?
FIrst, IL is not US based. It's a native South African organization with support from WHO. They document all research and submit to WHO. The founder travels the world speaking at HIV/AIDS conferences.
ReplyDeleteThey educate students on ALL aspects of HIV prevention. The primary focus is teaching the kids that they are VALUABLE. That rape is not something normal, that it's not something they simply have to expect and tolerate. South Africa has the highest rate of child rape in the world. They encourage girls to report rape and other abuse - Something very foreign to the patriarchal culture prevalent in the townships (also called shantytowns, squatter camps)
This basic lesson of the value and significance of a human life is also taught to boys. When boys understand that they are valuable, that God has a plan and purpose for their lives, they suddenly understand that that the same is true for their neighbor. That others are valuable as well. Their sisters are valuable, their cousins, their aunts.
Use of contraception is also taught. As are the risks of Mother to Child Transmission through birth. Honestly, though, there is such stigma attached to the use of contraception within the townships, that it's not necessarily the most effective way to prevent transmission. Especially since most girls under the age of 14 are not willing consensual partners in the sex taking place.
I am so proud that Ithemba Lethu (Zulu for "I have a destiny") is working to counteract stereotypes and stigma. I am so thankful they are taking on the task of education while considering literally every facet of the crisis.
Jodie, thank you for that. What great work they are doing. Your friend must see such sadness and at the same time bring such hope and joy back into young lives.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mean to suggest that their's is necessarily a U.S. funded operation. It's just that you mentioned that her presence is timely with the upcoming election. In what way? She would know first hand what's needed in this fight against AIDS in Africa and how effective the current U.S. programs may or may not be and what we should be looking for from our future government. Perhaps she could share with us her thoughts on this.
When she gets over the jet lag....I'll show her the blog and get her feedback.. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to have her come and stay in your home!
ReplyDeleteShoot! I feel like I'm totally missing out over here.
WOW! That was amazing. I absolutely loved the story at the end.
ReplyDeleteOh man...I'm crying. That's amazing.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff here. I appreciate the comment you wrote too.
ReplyDeleteI think you know that I was in the Peace Corps in Kenya for 27 months. I lived in a rural village and taught about HIV/AIDS. I learned quickly that communication is always in the context of culture and beliefs.
For example, it's in my value system that people are married (or coupled) and should not have sexual partners outside of that marriage. Because my tribe was a polygamous society that quickly adapted to only one marriage, the sexual practices outside of marriage were pervasive. So I adjusted my conversations to men… if I said they should only have sex with their wife, they looked at me like I had three heads. But if I told them that they should use condoms when they are not having sex with their wife, they would listen more. Do I think they listened? Not really. Change is slow. Every time (without exception) I gave a presentation on HIV/AIDS and talked about condoms, I would get a comment of “using a condom is like eating a sweet with the wrapper on it.” Every time.
What you say about rape is also interesting. I recall being at a larger school once, and I separated the boys from the girls. I did my basic teachings of the ABCDs of HIV/AIDS (Abstinence, Be faithful, Condom use, Delay onset of sexual experiences). I had a wooden penis and I showed them how to put condoms on the penis. I put questions in condoms and blowed them up like balloons so the kids would be comfortable touching them and to try to reduce stigma. On this day, I was sitting on the grass talking to the girls, and one girl said, “teacher, but how do we say no when the boys push us in the bushes and have sex with us?” She was describing rape. And many of these girls had those experiences.
Oh, there is so much I could say about all of this. You touched on an issue I am passionate about. I have two years of stories I still like to talk about! I wished I lived in Seattle and could meet your friend. One can never go wrong with showing people how loved they are. It sounds like amazing work.
Diane, I think we may indeed have been separated at birth. Seriously.
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