Face To Face: Praying with the 2007 CWS Calendar

SMALL STEPS
Every child's first steps are thrilling to its parents. But Kibaki's first steps are like a victory march for his mother and father. Both were HIV-positive when Kibaki was conceived. In Kisii, the region in western Kenya where they live, AIDS has ravaged the population. But thanks to CWS's partner, the multi-faith Bosongo Community Health Outreach Services, Kibaki's mother was taught how to grow foods that would keep her healthy through her pregnancy. She was also told that if she nursed her baby, she would increase the risk of passing on HIV, so the baby is being supplied with fresh cow's milk.

Kibaki, thankfully, is HIV-free. But he and so many other children in eastern Africa face an uncertain future, as thousands have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. Through its Giving Hope Program, CWS is supporting its partners' creative efforts to empower these vulnerable children by teaching them what their rights are, how to feed and care for themselves, and how to get schooling. The years ahead may be hard for Kibaki, but they are not without hope.

"To this family and this community, Kibaki is a symbol of hope."

Paige L. Stephan, CWS volunteer

	SMALL STEPS Every child's first steps are thrilling to its parents. But Kibaki's first steps are like a victory march for his mother and father. Both were HIV-positive when Kibaki was conceived. In Kisii, the region in western Kenya where they live, AIDS has ravaged the population. But thanks to CWS's partner, the multi-faith Bosongo Community Health Outreach Services, Kibaki's mother was taught how to grow foods that would keep her healthy through her pregnancy. She was also told that if she nursed her baby, she would increase the risk of passing on HIV, so the baby is being supplied with fresh cow's milk. Kibaki, thankfully, is HIV-free. But he and so many other children in eastern Africa face an uncertain future, as thousands have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. Through its Giving Hope Program, CWS is supporting its partners' creative efforts to empower these vulnerable children by teaching them what their rights are, how to feed and care for themselves, and how to get schooling. The years ahead may be hard for Kibaki, but they are not without hope. "To this family and this community, Kibaki is a symbol of hope." Paige L. Stephan, CWS volunteer
	How does your impression of the child change after you read his story? What is your prayer for Kibaki and other children whose families are afflicted by AIDS?
	Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and destitute. Ps. 82:3
	Lord, help us to accept the challenge of AIDS: to protect the healthy and calm the fearful; to offer courage to those in pain; to embrace the dying; to console the bereaved; to care for their orphans and families; to support all those who care. We offer our energies, our imaginations, and our commitment. Unite us in your love, and free us from this disease. Durban, South Africa
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