This ministry is the result of a conversation between Pastor Raymond C. Bell and Brother Winston S. AdaMrs. From there, volunteers were solicited from the congregation to work toward this effort. In October 2003 a group of five persons met and chose the HIV+/AIDS Outreach Ministry.

We have set out to do the work of Christ. The ministry has developed a network of support and strength for individuals that addresses or gives attention to the many areas of affliction associated with HIV/AIDS. Our ministry includes health education, community outreach, source of referrals for counseling with our pastor and outside agencies and spiritual support.

We engage to participate in prayer vigils and healing services for persons infected by HIV/AIDS as well as provide ongoing seminars for members of all ages within the congregation and community.

We as a ministry look to the church to be a teacher, proclaimer of hope, a reconciler and a healer as we go forth.

Over the past year, we have successfully completed the following prograMrs.

• Ministry education and training conducted by CCPNA
• HIV/AIDS Education Seminar for the church family
• Week of prayer and healing for AIDS
• Keeping it real/Breaking the Silence Workshop at Howard University
• HIV/AIDS Health Fair with Magic Johnson at Shiloh Baptist Church
• World AIDS Day Memorial at Union Temple Baptist Church

Our future events include:

• Invited various AIDS organizations with clients to our Faith Luncheon in conjunction with the Missionary Society/Food Bank Ministry
• In conjunction with the Youth Council, plan a workshop geared just toward youth
• In conjunction with the Deaconess and Nurses Ministries host a health fair

Our ministry has been blessed with new members and we are looking for others to join us.