What Would Jesus Do
in March of 2008?
The Black Church Week of Prayer
for the Healing of AIDS

We have all seen bracelets, t-shirts and other walking billboards proclaiming the initials, "WWJD" - a reference to the phrase "What would Jesus do?" It reminds us as people of faith that we have an anointing and an obligation on our lives to follow the example of our Lord and Saviour. When He met downtrodden people, He encouraged them. When He met the sick, He healed them. When He encountered any situationin which chaos was present, He got involved and made a difference. Chaos in the form of HIV /AIDS is ravaging the lives of African Americans all over the United States. If Jesus had a chance to participate in the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, would He do so? Would you follow His example? 

The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an internationally celebrated week in which churches all over the United States (and in several African communities) come together for prayer services, workshops, marches, community health fairs and other upbeat activities to highlight the fight against HIV and AIDS in black communities.

This year's activities will culminate in a celebration service at David Chapel on March 7, 2008 at 6:30 PM. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Debbie Hagins of Atlanta, Georgia, a physician and minister who specializes in public health and the HIV crisis in the African American community. Dr. Hagins is a dynamic speaker who moves people to action and brings healing and encouragement to those suffering from the devastation of AIDS. The Black Faith-based Health Initiative (BFHI) is the the Austin sponsorof the local celebration and we encourage people of all faiths, races and genders to come out and share this tremendous opportunity with us on March 7th.

Here is some information to ponder. It would be nice to say we are winning the fight but unfortunately, we are losing the battle at an alarming rate. The number of black women who are contracting HIV every day is outrageous, and yet the majority of our community seems to be unaware of what is happening. Right here in Austin / Travis County, black women make up nearly half of all new HIV cases! When African Americans are only 9% of the population in the greater Austin area, how can this be possible?

If Jesus were walking the streets of Austin today, do you think He would be concerned about what is happening in the black community? Would the woman He met at Starbucks today (modern day water well) be black? Join us in March - your perspective on this issue will never be the same. Come join us!

The City of Austin issues a proclamation recognizing the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.  This annual event is the flagship event sponsored by the Black Faith-based Health Initiative and brings together community leaders, pastors, health agencies, non-profit groups and citizens from all over the greater Austin metropolitan area. (March 2006)

Pictured (from left to right): Austin Mayor Will Wynn, Pastors Raymond Bryant, Kennedy Young, Assistant Director of the Austin Health Department Shannon Jones (speaking), Pastors Roy Jones, Isaac Grant, Marcus Freeman and City Manager Toby Futrell.