Visit to Kitgum and the ACET Conference in Uganda

‘It’s a privilege…that’s fantastic…how amazing…what a wonderful person!’

These are some of the overworked phrases I used at ACET’s Global Conference in January when I met with 170 people from 33 countries who had come to share, celebrate, listen and learn.  As I listened to people from places as diverse as , DR Congo and I was inspired by their vision and amazing commitment to serving Jesus through the work of ACET.

One example is that of Sujai and Lavania from Hyderabad :  They opened their home as a clinic for those who are HIV+.  600 people were attending before they found new premises.  Another is Kitisak and his wife from who took AIDS orphans into their home and now run a home for 49 children plus widows.  Others face persecution for their involvement in Christian work.  All, in one way or another, have given up much to serve in this work.

I found the whole conference very moving and inspirational.  Our last action was to place tea candles on the floor in the pattern of the AIDS ribbon.  Knowing that most delegates were thinking of those they had helped and loved who were no longer living brought it home to me just how much this work costs each one of them.

I don’t usually expect a conference to be like a Pioneer event!  This conference was as centred on Jesus as on the common desire to prevent HIV/AIDS and care for those living with it.  The worship and devotional times were beautiful and helpful and the presence of the Holy Spirit was tangible.

As well as attending the conference, five of us went to Kitgum in the north of to see the work ACET Uganda is doing for people in the displaced persons camps.  It was wonderful to meet ACET workers and some of those they help. They have established savings and loans clubs, youth and children’s clubs and trained volunteers to help those living with AIDS.  ACET Uganda has been one of the few charities to stay working in the north over the last fifteen years while the Lord’s Resistance Army has been fighting, abducting children and killing and maiming civilians.  ACET workers have done a fantastic job in bringing hope and practical help to many who have lost their homes and livelihoods and then suffered further because of the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Seeing this work, and that of many of the ACET family of organisations, I am humbled by the devotion of ACET workers and their practical outworking of Jesus’ command to love God with all your heart and soul and mind and to love your neighbour as yourself.

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