Ukraine - Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) continues to expand partnerships throughout the world in order to come alongside those who are already living with AIDS and to help prevent future HIV infections.

In Ukraine, six teams received training from partner organizations like ACET (Aids Care Education Training) and PLWA (People Living with AIDS). In this training, teams have learned how to teach prevention through engaging activities. Each team goes into public schools in Vinnitsa Oblast and also in Coky, Southern Ukraine, to help educate about AIDS prevention through an intentional peer-to-peer approach.

These same teams have also begun work to help support people living with AIDS who may also be addicted to various substances.

AIDS ministries in Ukraine are being further developed by a partnership between local churches and other international organizations responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“I’m happy to report that our goal of building relations with other organizations who are ministering in this same area is indeed happening,” said Trino Jara, NCM Coordinator for the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) field.

A phone ministry has also begun, called “Telephone Trust”, aimed at helping PLWA to find support.

“We are excited about what God has been doing and what God will yet do through this ministry,” Jara said. “We envision thousands of lives saved from alcohol and drugs, which happens to be the main cause of HIV infections in this part of the world.”

PRAYER REQUEST:

Please pray for the Ukrainian teams who are serving their local schools in AIDS prevention and education ministries. Please also remember to pray for those who suffer because of HIV/AIDS in Ukraine and throughout the world and how the Church can continue to respond in love to these varied needs.

Click on the image to view pictures of the AIDS ministry.