I remember vividly The Ryan White Story. A young white boy, who contracted H.I.V. (which became full-blown A.I.D.S. killing Ryan White) found a way into my spirit when I was young, I’ve never been able to forget it. I remember watching the story, hearing about the details of the mysterious disease that emerged in the 1980’s under whispers that the “gays” had brought this on themselves. One of my favorite songs is Elton John’s “Candle In the Wind”–originally written for Marilyn Monroe, later adapted for White, and even later Princess Di. Every time that song plays on the radio or at a restaurant I see Ryan White, lying in his hospital bed, dying of A.I.D.S.–not because he lived a reckless life (as if only the pious deserve mercy) but because of a blood transfusion gone bad. Ryan was a hemophiliac and relied upon regular blood transfusions (thank God we have advanced significantly in the past two decades). I remember the discussion of compassion that broke out in the middle school class I was a part of, questions, pleadings to our teacher to let us be involved.

Then Magic Johnson came public with his own battle. I remember crying when I saw the press conference. I was barely a teen, Magic was a hometown hero (Lansing is one hour from where I grew up) and international icon. He was one of the most recognizable, if not the most, athlete of the 1980’s (MJ wasn’t MJ yet). Incredibly, access to top-of-the-line medicine and quality food, Magic has been able to avoid the death-smothering grip of the disease. And, hopefully, simplify his then chaotic life-style.

This morning, I got my first experience with Step Into Africa, Otter Creek’s partnership project in August with World Vision to connect issues of global injustice with local American congregations. We’re expecting several thousand to come through our “temple” this week, I pray you’ll consider being one of them.

Every 15 seconds, someone dies of AIDS. 6 thousand deaths per day (that’s almost two 9-11’s every single day). 33 million people have AIDS. Africa alone has 11 million orphans due to AIDS.

This week, Otter Creek is telling the story. Come and join us.

Peace,

Josh