Most of those in Kenya afflicted by HIV/AIDS live in theslums. In the vast Nairobi slums we were profoundly moved by the extent of the poverty and the devastation wrought by AIDS.

We saw first-hand the Home Based Care programme, funded by Bible Society supporters. Team members visit AIDS victims in their homes, bringing physical comfort and spiritual hope. A typical home is just one room, no more than four-metres square, with a dirt floor and a single cooking pot. There are thousands of these homes. The HBC workers are usually volunteers, recruited from local churches. After caring for the physical needs of AIDSsufferers, the team talks to them about the Christian faith, assuring them that God loves them and cares deeply for them. 80% of AIDS patients who are visitedhave made a profession of Christian faith.

We also visited a number of schools where an AIDS education programme, again funded by Bible Societysupporters, is helping students understand the risks of AIDS and how to avoid infection. An important part of the programme is teaching the children the Christian values of chastity before marriage and faithfulness after.

The Bible Society of Kenya produces written material for both the schools and the Home Based Care programme that use the words of Scripture to establish the key principles under which they operate.

We were deeply challenged and uplifted to see this vital work first hand. We can say on behalf of each AIDS sufferer we visited and each young person in the schools – thank you for your support!

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