Prayer Guide

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:16b-18 (ESV)

Those living with HIV/AIDS deal with humiliation, secrecy, isolation and death on a daily basis. One who works among these hurting people in South Africa said that poverty is their friend and death is their neighbor. What sad words!

Oh, Lord, may they know YOU as their True Friend and Savior. May they experience victory over spiritual death. May the sting of physical death be overcome by the vic-tory in Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:53-57)

In Sub-Saharan Africa, 42 million people are currently living with HIV; another 14,000 people become infected every day. Almost 8,000 people die every day due to AIDS. An estimated 28 million people have died from HIV-related causes since the beginning of the pandemic. That is reason enough to pray!

Lord, the numbers are staggering. Give us eyes to see beyond the numbers. Each number represents a soul groping in darkness and pain. Teach us, Lord, how to pray with understanding, compassion and love for these people. May we be ever mindful that whoever loves You must also love his brother. (I John 4:21)

Facts and myths affect the world. They can even affect our praying. So, read carefully the facts and myths added to each day’s prayer reminder. People of faith hear the call to create an environment of hope, concern and care for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Will you pray for hope, for healing and for a cure? Will you pray for justice to ease the conditions of hunger and poverty that encourage the spread of this deadly disease?

Lord, may this guide be a springboard for deeper, more specific prayers. Help us to separate facts from myths. May this prayer guide be used to pray over each item as it is placed into the bucket. May we be diligent to pray for the recipient of the items as well as those who deliver them. With each prayer may we remember the caregiver and their needs. May we devote ourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Colossians 4:1)

REASON TO PRAY: 22,500,000 people with AIDS live in Sub-Saharan Africa.MYTH: HIV/AIDS is mostly a disease of homosexual men.

FACT: HIV/AIDS is primarily spread by heterosexual sex. It now infects as many women as men worldwide. In 2009, there were 12,100,000 Sub-Saharan women with HIV/AIDS. In 2009. there were 2,300,000 children with HIV/AIDS. (UCSF HIV InSite Website)

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known; and the peace of God, which surpasses all under-standing, will guard your heart and mind. (Philippians 4:5-7)

DAY ONE

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects cells of the immune system and causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It gradually destroys certain blood cells that are important to the immune system. People may have HIV for long periods of time before significant damage is done to their immune systems and for AIDS to develop. AIDS is that condition at the ending phase of the HIV infection in which an individual’s immune system is so deteriorated that various infections and cancers are easily allowed to enter the body.

KIT ITEM: 5 gallon plastic bucket

PRAYER: Oh, Lord, how nice to have a multipurpose container in which to pack all the items. Thank You. May the uniformity of size and color make it easier for them to pass through customs without any delay. As contents are emptied may the buckets be put to good use as containers for storage of food and other personal items. As they use them to carry and store fresh clean water, may the user come to know the One who is the Living Water. If they are used for washing clothes or for bathing, may each user know the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. If they are used to sit upon, may the user know that as a child of God there is a place prepared for them to sit at the throne of God.May those delivering the buckets and the caregivers of the ones receiving the buckets not grow weary of doing good. May they remember I Corinthians 15:58. “Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the Lord because you know that your labor is not in vain.”

May these buckets be vessels of mercy bringing help, hope, love and salvation.

BGR is about connecting people in need with people who care. You are the people who care! We pray that as eyour group packs these Hospice Kits you will sense the realitiy of God’s presence and that His Spirit will bring a unity among you that will be unsurpassed. We pray that this act of kindness will spur on other acts of kindness right in your own neighborhoods.

We are the body. Our hands should be reaching. Our feet should be going. Our words should be teaching. Our love should be showing that there is a WAY!

Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except thorugh me. (John 14:6)

CAN MY PRAYER MAKE A DIFFERENCE?I ran across an article in “Pray!” magazine about a man who, in the early 1970s was challenged to pick out one country and commit to pray for that country every day for 25 years. This brave man took the challenge and decided to enter into an agreement with God to pray for the country of Uganda every day for 25 years. When this prayer journey started Uganda was going through a horrible genocide. Faithfully he prayed through the reign of Idi Amin who ruled with an iron hand and slaughtered almost 300,000 men, women and children. After Idi Amin was exiled, the next dictator of Uganda was Milton Obote who was not better and killed over 100,000 Ugandans. After Obote, the AIDS pandemic struck Uganda full force with a 25% plus infection rate that was climbing higher each consecutive year. National Geographic Magazine said that Uganda could possibly be wiped off the face of the earth as a country. Still this man prayed. After 20 years of faithful prayer, things began to change as Uganda voted in leaders who had some moral principle. The people of Uganda began to seek God. Today Uganda is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has experienced a downturn in AIDS infections. Was the change in Uganda a result of that one man’s prayer? Well, my guess is he started a snowball that gained momentum as it rolled through the years until Uganda couldn’t help but change. My challenge, and yours, if you choose to accept it, is … to what will I devote my prayer?

BIBLIOGRAPHY:•AIDS in Africa: www.avert.org

•INSITE: www.hivinsite.ucsf.edu

•The HIV epidemic in South Africa: www.uct.ad.za

•African AIDS Crises: www.socialresearthmethods.net

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed. Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be man-ifested in our body. (II Corinthians 4: 7-10)

COUNTRY: South Africa

•5.6 million were living with AIDS in 2009 •310,000 died in 2009 •Mother to child transmission is one of the main routes of infection

As you pray each day, pray over the countries and cities where these

people live. Pray God will bring forth more laborers for the work to be done. Pray there will be enough buckets provided to meet the need.

TRUE or FALSE:

HIV/AIDS is mostly an African problem. FALSE

Found in every country in the world, HIV infections are growing most rapidly in countries outside of Africa, including India and Russia. TRUE

Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love that you have shown from long ages past. (Psalm 25:4-6)

DAY Seven

The option of treatment for the majority of people liv-ing with HIV/AIDS in Afri-ca seems impossible. High costs, demanding treatment schedules, and the lack of even basic health care are all barriers. There are also the challenges of the declining number of health professionals, poor patient follow up and the availability of HIV/AIDS drugs. Even though many people have already died from HIV/AIDS, there is still hope.

KIT ITEM: 13 gallon Garbage bag

PRAYER: As this bag is folded and placed on top of all the bucket contents, pray that each one receiving this bucket will be wrapped and sealed in God’s love and salvation.

•59,000 people living with HIV/AIDS

•32,000 women with HIV/AIDS

•2,600 deaths

•24,000 estimated number of people needing Antiretroviral drugs

PRAYER FOR BUCKET COMPLETION:•Pray that the treatments will be made available to even the most destitute.•Pray that God will give BGR wisdom as to what part we are to play in these chal-lenges.

DAY TWO

HIV/AIDS is one of the world’s most deadly communicable diseases. Overtaking malaria, it has become the number one killer in Africa. Many patients have fallen victim to discrimination because of how it is spread. It has also led to the creation of many organizations that have helped the world understand about sexual health and gender relations. Some people with HIV experience a flu-like ill-ness lasting a few weeks at the time of initial infection. This illness goes away on it own. Next comes a period of time during which the individual is well and may not have any more symptoms for years. Eventually, HIV overcomes the body’s immune defenses and symptoms begin to occur.

KIT ITEM: Water Proof Quilted Bed Pads

PRAYER: As the bed pads are placed in the bottom of the bucket, it becomes the foundation for other items. Lord, may those receiving have a foundation of faith and hope in Jesus.

KIT ITEM: Bath Towels

PRAYER: The bath towel is placed around the inside of the bucket acting as a shield. Oh, Lord, may the shield of faith bring protection to those bringing the buckets and to the caregivers. May the towels not only dry the body but also dry the tears and bring comfort. (Ecclesiastes 4:1) “Again I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed with no one to comfort them.” Lord, may more workers heed the call to go and be comforters as they deliver buckets of provisions and cheer.

KIT ITEM: Mattress Protector

PRAYER: Lord, may the mattress protector help keep the patient’s bed clean. May it be an effective shield keeping body fluids from getting into the mattress. Lord, may You be their shield and protector. “But you, Oh, Lord, are a shield around me; you

PRAYER: Pray as patients lay their heads upon the pillowcases God will fill their heads with thoughts that are pure and holy. May they think upon the things of God.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise-worthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

COUNTRY: Zimbabwe

•14% of the population is living with HIV/AIDS

•One million children are orphaned

•A number of severe crises in the past few years has interfered with progress. A severe cholera epidemic, unprecedented rise in in-flation, high rates of unemployment, political violence and a near-total collapse of the public health system have plagued the country.

TRUE or FALSE:

If I am not HIV+, the disease doesn’t affect me. FALSE

The high rate of HIV/AIDS infections is causing instability in many countries and reversing the progress made in development. It is also causing worldwide tuberculosis pandemic. Every community is affected. A pandemic affects everyone even if not immediately recognized. TRUE

PRAYER FOR BUCKET COMPLETION: As you finalize your buckets: •Pray that the one who is ill would be encouraged through your generous gifts. •Pray that their pain and suffering would be much less because of the items provided.•Pray that the kits will travel well from the USA to their destinations with no prob-lems or delays in customs.•Pray that as each container arrives, its contents will be delivered efficiently and that they will reach the most needed areas.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. (Colossians 4:2)

are my glory, the One who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord and He an-swered me from His holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this sal-vation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you may have to endure many trials for a little while. (I Peter 1:1-6 NLT)

COUNTRY: Botswana

•¼ of population aged 15+ is living with AIDS

•93,000 children have lost at least one parent to AIDS

COUNTRY: Lesotho

•Has third prevalence in the world

•Life expectancy has dropped to 48.2 years of age

Pray that these countries will increase their efforts of HIV/AIDS awareness.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

TRUE or FALSE:

A cure exists for HIV/AIDS. FALSE

While there are treatments to prolong life, there is no cure. Many scientists are working on a cure but few believe there will ever be one way to effectively cure someone because the virus constantly changes. TRUE

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

DAY Six

Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV/AIDS than any other region of the world. Since the be-ginning of the epidemic more than 14 million chil-dren have lost one or both parents to AIDS. In the ab-sence of massively expand-ed prevention, treatment and care efforts, it is expected that the AIDS death toll will continue to rise.

KIT ITEM: Flat twin sheets

PRAYER: Fresh bed linens can bring much comfort to irritated skin or feverish bodies. Pray that souls will be restored as they lie on the soft sheets.

KIT ITEM: Pillowcases

COUNTRY: Swaziland

•34.2% of pregnant women have AIDS

•One in 100 people are estimated to be in-fected every year

TRUE or FALSE:

HIV/AIDS spreads mostly because of poor moral choices. FALSE

Women are often infected by their husbands. Children most often contract HIV by being born to HIV+ mothers. TRUE

But the needy will not be ignored forever, the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed. (Psalm 9:18)

DAY THREE

What are the long-term effects of HIV? When the body’s immune system is no longer able to defend against HIV, the individual may contract any number of infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, fungal and yeast infections and in-testinal infections. Several types of cancer can occur at this stage.

As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. (Luke 4:40 NLT)

KIT ITEM: Vitamins

KIT ITEM: Soap

PRAYER: As the infected bathe, using the soap, may they know there is Jesus who washes them white as snow by His shed blood.

KIT ITEM: Washcloths

PRAYER: As each washcloth is used, pray that the caregiver will have a gentle touch. May each patient be washed clean. Pray for the protection of each person giving care.

KIT ITEM: Socks

PRAYER: Pray that the soft cloth will bring comfort and warmth to their feet. May the socks be a protective covering to keep germs away. May each patient be reminded of Psalm 23:4 as they wear the socks. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff, they will comfort me.”

Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (Psalm 51:7-9)

COUNTRY: Uganda

•1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS

•64,000 people have died from HIV/AIDS

•43% of people in most urgent clinical need of HIV/AIDS therapy do not have access to drugs

COUNTRY: Kenya

•1.5 million people are living with HIV/AIDS

•1.2 million children have been orphaned

•80,000 people have died

PRAYER: May each vitamin taken enhance the body’s ability to process nutrients nec-essary for healing and strengthening.

KIT ITEM: Lip Balm

PRAYER: As lip balm is applied may it be soothing to the dried out lips and to the sores that form on the lips and mouth. May the one using the ointment discover the Balm of Gilead that can bring eternal comfort.

KIT ITEM: Petroleum Jelly

PRAYER: It acts as a barrier, keeping dirt and germs off the affected area. Lord, may the person using this item be soothed on the outside as the Holy Spirit soothes on the inside bringing peace in the midst of pain.

KIT ITEM: Body lotion

PRAYER: May the body lotion be applied with the tender touch of compassion by the caregiver.

KIT ITEM: Drinking straws

PRAYER: As they sip the liquid through the straw, may they be told and receive the Living Water of Jesus Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (II Corin-thians 1:3-4)

COUNTRY: Cameroon

•5.3% estimated prevalence (age 15-49)

•37,000 estimated deaths

•330,000 estimated orphans

•Worldwide, Nigeria has the second highest number of new infections reported each year.

•Pray that Nigeria would be aggressive in the education, treatment and funding for HIV/AIDS. Pray that there will be sufficient buckets of sup-plies to meet the Nigerian needs. May the buckets come to symbolize love and hope to the patients and caregivers.

TRUE or FALSE:

Antiretroviral medications (ARVs) are widely available. FALSE

While ARVs are becoming more available, they are still difficult to find in many rural areas and in some countries. Both drugs and systems to distribute them are needed in many poor countries. TRUE

If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed then your light will rise in the darkness. (Isaiah 58:10)

DAY Five

AIDS is the biggest threat to Af-rica’s development. The reason is the large numbers of people in key roles that are dying: teach-ers, farmers, health-workers, and young professionals. Sub-Sa-haran Africa is by far the region most affected by HIV/AIDS. Over a five-year period, 53% of staff illness in Ethiopian firms was AIDS-relat-ed. In Burkina Faso, 20% of rural families have cut back their farming activities because of AIDS. The UN says that school enrollment in Swaziland has fallen 36% due to AIDS, largely because girls are frequently taken out of the classroom to care for sick relatives. 12% of that country’s teachers are infected with AIDS. 70,000 new teachers were needed in 2-10 to replace sick and dying instructors.

COUNTRY: Gabon

•48,000 living with HIV/AIDS

•25,000 women aged 15+ with HIV/AIDS

•32,000 children with HIV/AIDS

TRUE or FALSE

Plenty of money is being spent on fighting HIV/AIDS. FALSE

While governments, private organizations and individuals fight HIV/AIDS and are spending a great deal of money, much more is needed. TRUE

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. (Psalm 140:12)

DAY four

No treatment has yet been found that can eliminate HIV infections or cure AIDS. An-tiviral medications have been introduced which can reduce the amount of HIV in a per-son’s system and postpone the onset of AIDS. The antiviral medications used to treat HIV are very expensive, and some strains of HIV have become resistant to them.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

PRAYER: Oh, Lord, may the hearts of those receiving these buckets be made cheerful. May ones who have a cheerful heart deliver them. May there be opportunity to share where real, true cheer and joy come from.inside bringing peace in the midst of pain.

KIT ITEM: Nail clippers

PRAYER: Clipping the nails is a very difficult task. Pray as caregivers do this task they would be given extra patience and compassion. May the love of Jesus be ex-pressed with each clip.

KIT ITEM: Scrub brush

PRAYER: Linens must be scrubbed effectively to eliminate germs. Pray that as linens are washed and scrubbed clean, God will bring His cleansing to the patient and the whole household.

KIT ITEM: Latex gloves

PRAYER: These protect the patient as well as the caregiver. As the caregiver puts on the gloves, ask God to allow their hands to be His hands. Pray that the patient will sense God’s hands of comfort and compassion in this time of need.

KIT ITEM: Toothbrushes and toothpaste

PRAYER: These are basic items that can bring a sense of freshness to the patient. Pray that the caregiver will be gentle, especially since the mouth may be full of sores.

The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. They eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in every-thing He does; He is filled with kindness. (Psalm 145:14-17)

COUNTRY: Nigeria

•3.6% of the population are living with HIV/AIDS

•Despite increased efforts to control the epi-demic in 2006, it was estimated that just 10% of HIV-infected women and men were receiv-ing antiretroviral therapy

•Only 7% of pregnant women were receiving treatment to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission in 2006