LCMS World Mission Blog

“Initially, the idea of a trip to Madang for ‘United to Be’ members, from my perspective, was to gain insight on effective awareness methods from people who have been more organized and fighting HIV/AIDS longer. However, much to my surprise, it was UTB members that impressed people from the Madang Provincial AIDS Committee. While in Madang, not only did ‘United to Be’ perform dramas, but they networked with organizations such as: Madang PAC, VOS, Save the Children, local high schools, and a representative from a local Drama Network Theatre group. It was during these meetings where my praise of this unique group was reinforced. Many organizations in Papua New Guinea, especially volunteer grassroots organizations, wait. They wait for leadership, wait for money, wait for ideas, wait for someone above them to start-they are always waiting for something. However, members of ‘United to Be’ recognize the need to share the love of Christ with people infected, affected by, and living in a world with HIV/AIDS right away. They are often a true representation of God’s body on this earth.

“As mentioned above, UTB also provided dramas and speeches at various events. They also promoted the Madang World AIDS Day celebrations, since no one else seemed to be doing it. UTB’s first stop was a local park where they performed the ‘Tug o’ HIV’ drama, which shows which attitudes and behaviors pull communities, countries into the HIV epidemic, and how only by joining together in fighting HIV/AIDS are we able to defeat it. The next presentation was at a busy bus stop where the same drama and speeches were performed. The next day, UTB spent with high school students talking about the basics of HIV/AIDS and answering questions. They also performed the ‘Bridge of Life’ drama, which shows that as we travel through life, there are many things in this world trying to make us fall off the bridge to happiness. However, God sends us things to help us-mentors, positive peer pressure, pastors, teachers, education, and wise decisions. Even if we do fall, He’s there with an outstretched hand to help us up again.

“UTB’s final educational event was at the Pacific Orientation Course for missionaries entering Papua New Guinea. UTB performed the Amazing Grace drama which shows God’s amazing love for us, even if we are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. It is through God’s amazing grace that we are able to accept ourselves and others living with HIV/AIDS. We then talked about the importance of missionaries understanding the many systems, both modern and traditional, that contribute to the HIV/AIDS epidemic because the body of Christ in Papua New Guinea is suffering from it. We encouraged the new missionaries to help their communities to fight and stand up against HIV/AIDS, to have respect for marriage and to live God-filled lives.

“We were a bit reluctant to leave Madang and head back to the Highlands, but did so joyfully as there are still many people and places that need to hear about God’s amazing grace in Enga. ‘United to Be’ is needed in Enga to translate the love of Christ to people living with, dying from, and crying out against HIV/AIDS. Please continue to keep the work of UTB in your prayers.”