Good Deeds: Celebrating Unsung Heroes

Pastor heeds call to fight AIDS in Africa
The trip began with Pastor Patrick Bossio Sr. accompanying me to Capetown, South Africa, where we met with Pastor Ian Murray, who then arranged for us to see the work of Pastor Simon Mulosa in Botswana. I thought our mission was to minister the word of God and see Him work there; but God had a very different plan for me.

As we boarded sister Gypsy Mulosa's van and left the airport, I sat in the rear, gazing out the window, very amazed that I was on the edge of the desert. Suddenly my attention was captured when a cemetery with rows of fresh graves passed by my window.

Then I recalled this country is dealing with the AIDS epidemic. These graves must be the result of the AIDS plague. My heart was deeply saddened at the horror of this realization.
Very soon, we arrived at the home of Ruth Kqoroba. Her husband is the minister of education and she offered to house us. She began to explain her background; she was a nurse and was doing home care for the AIDS victims.

I asked her to explain what was going on in the country. As she gave her account, I could see her heavy heart and asked her, "What can I do to help?" She replied, "Please send us Ensure."
She explained that the value of Ensure, the nutritional supplement, actually strengthens the immune system of the individual. When given Ensure, the AIDS patient is able to hold off the disease's effects, and both quantity and quality of life is improved. I told her I would knock on doors when I got home and would certainly send some Ensure.

After arriving home, I went to talk to a newspaper reporter I knew from our local paper. I told her my story and asked her to do an article about AIDS in Africa. She did the story and put it on the front page and our community began to rally.

The local high school gave $1,300 from the foreign club, another school district sent 3,500 fliers home with their elementary children and other donations were given.
The miracle has continued for three years. The total sent so far is 36,000 pounds or 18 tons of liquid nutrition in nine shipments; four to South Africa and five to Botswana.
I am grateful to World Medical Relief here in Detroit. They collect surplus medical supplies and send them out internationally. They have agreed to give me the liquid nutrition they collect.
This program has two goals: first, to help the AIDS victims of Africa; second, to educate America with motivation to action.

I plan to take a mission team to Africa in September. We are planning to send two shipments of liquid nutrition ahead of time. We plan to help distribute it to the AIDS victims.

I am continuing to keep my promise to knock on doors. I hope you feel the gentle knocking on the door of your heart. Don't say, "It is a terrible problem, oh my," and just walk away. You can help make a difference.

The Rev. Frank Julian
Faith Christian Assembly
Melvindale
ensureforafrica.org