Living + Hope addressed the complexities surrounding HIV/AIDS and what people can do to help those suffering from the virus. Through New Wine’s engagement with the pressing issue of HIV/AIDS, people were convicted to help the millions who are suffering from HIV/AIDS and be compassionate towards them. Guests at the conference included REACH Ministries, who “through the love of Jesus, extends compassionate care to those affected by life threatening illnesses and situations, focusing on the most isolated, children infected with HIV/AIDS and their families,” Dr. Tony Campolo, Honorary Chair of REACH Ministries, Todd Korthuis, M.D., Director of the HIV Program at the Oregon Health and Science University.
“Jesus was and is theologically conservative and compassionately liberal. U2’s Bono calls AIDS the modern day leprosy. God’s Son came down to earth to transform hearts and heal lives. We must seek to be his hands and feet today. We must reach out to those with modern day leprosy—those so often despised, misunderstood, and abandoned by the church and broader society. We must follow Jesus.” – Dr. Paul Louis Metzger