Kelly and Cherise Smith-AIDS/HIV ministry to the Zulu people

The Need:
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is ravaging South Africa, causing untold statistics of death, suffering and misery. While many victims are also perpetrators of the disease, behaving irresponsibly and sinfully, many of those who suffer have been inflicted through no fault of their own. The country of South Africa ranks number one in HIV/AIDS deaths. According to the 2003 estimate of the CIA’s World Fact Book, 370,000 South Africans die of HIV/AIDS during a given year. Most of these are unsaved individuals, who’s opportunity to receive the gift of salvation is being ripped off by the disease. According to this same estimate, there are 5.3 million South Africans living with the pain and suffering of the AIDS/HIV virus. These numbers represent only the reported cases. There are many unreported cases of HIV/AIDS, because many do not know when they are infected. Sadly, the few that know they have the virus are not aware that it can be passed from mother to baby, or do not have the resources to take preventative measures. The life expectancy in South Africa, impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, is just 43 years old. The need for HIV/AIDS relief and education is great. “South Africa.” World Factbook. 12 Apr. 2006. Central Intelligence Agency. 29 Mar. 2006. <http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sf.html>.

Description:
Kelly and Cherise see the HIV/AIDS pandemic as an opportunity to offer Christ’s love and salvation to those who are suffering. Burdened by the number of South Africans dying of HIV/AIDS before finding Christ, the Smiths are focusing on the fact that if there are 5.3 million South Africans suffering from HIV/AIDS , there are 5.3 million people who know that they face immanent death and many of them are willing and motivated to discuss getting their affairs in order for eternity.

In short, the Smiths goal is to use HIV/AIDS relief and education as a vehicle to let this group of people, who are keenly aware of the fact that they are dying, know that they can secure their after-life status before they go. In detail, the Smith’s plan to utilize their newly purchased land as a ministry base that will offer many forms of relief to HIV/AIDS victims, including education and practical aid. They will also be involved with some other local HIV/AIDS projects as their time away from the farm allows.

The compassion of Christ for the sick and suffering of this world can be seen in the amount of time He spent healing the sick while he was on earth. Truly, those who are suffering are close to the heart of our Savior. He Himself was the pioneer of this type of ministry. He used his power to heal as a way to reach people with the good news about Himself.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”
Matthew 9:35

Goals:
1. Use HIV/AIDS relief as a bridge to build relationships and share the gospel with those effected by HIV/AIDS .

2. Use education as a tool to decrease the number of lives effected by HIV/AIDS .

3. Bring relief to the suffering in the lives of HIV/AIDS victims and their families.

Needs:
1. Faithful prayer warriors to supplicate our Father for their safety, their relationship with Him, and soft hearts for the people they reach out to.

2. Monthly support used for the living expenses of the Smith family.

3. Support for the HIV/AIDS ministry’s projects.

4. A vehicle to transport them to and from their ministry sites.

Who's Involved:
1. ITMI to provide oversight and US presence exposing this ministry to those God has called to partner with it.

2. Serving In Missions, a South African based organization that is partnering with the Smiths in ministry.

Project Progress Report

March 2006

Kelly and Cherise arrived in South Africa with their two five-year olds, Wyatt and Zoe, in early March to begin their ministry. By the end of March, God provided a vegetable farm in Zulu territory forty minutes outside of Durban to serve as their home and ministry headquarters. The farm has 13 Zulu nationals who work on it daily. Kelly and Cherise plan to keep the farm running with the help of these Zulu workers, who will also help the Smiths learn the local language.

Shortly, the Smiths hope to be raising goats on their farm. Goat-milk is a practical alternative for mothers with HIV/AIDS who risk passing the virus to their babies via their own milk. Kelly and Cherise hope to be able to provide many mothers with this safe alternative.

Before the Smiths even got over their jet-lag, the Lord was opening doors for them in South Africa. In the Smith’s words, “God is moving so fast in so many areas...we are just hanging on for the ride!” The Smiths need supporters who will join them on the ride God is taking them on, and who will be used by God to provide the "fuel".

"God is moving so fast in so many areas...we are just hanging on for the ride!”
-Kelly Smith-