Working with HIV Positive Children Changes Lives

Back in 2002 my then high school aged daughter who needed community service hours came to me wanting to make use of her time and talents for something meaningful, something that would have eternal impact. So, she and a handful of her other high achieving girlfriends formed a group called the CIA, Chicks in Action –and my sister and I became their mentors. They were all very high-energy, smart, and driven young ladies, with a common passion – to serve others. So we helped them figure out through a series of meetings and local service projects what their passion and purpose was as a group. They sent packages to soldiers in Iraq, painted nails and spent time with elderly folks, held car wash fundraisers, and the list goes on…. In the end – through many signs and even wonders they decided that they would give their time to the desperate fight in Africa with kids affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS. At that time, we couldn’t know all of our lives would change forever.

These girls who had an unending supply of energy, worked tirelessly to raise money, send cards, gifts, and love to a group of kids at a local orphanage in South Africa. They served for many months before going over, raising thousands of dollars of support, and many thousands of dollars in gifts and supplies to put on an amazing Easter program and classroom renovation for the orphanage. The life changing part of the trip for all of the kids was realizing that many of the children they were holding and loving on, had HIV or had lost their parents to the horrible disease. They were just kids, like any other kids, and they were completely loveable. They wanted to be held, loved, cuddled; and cared for. Their needs were basic; clothing, food, a caring hand to hold. I honestly don’t think any of our girls expected to fall so in love with those kids at the orphanage.

Not one person, who went on that trip, came home the same person. Many of us who chaperoned made future trips, and have continued our work in Africa. One person changed their vocation to full time ministry; one of the students as I write this is studying to be a social worker and is in South Africa on a foreign exchange through her college. All of this was as a direct result of answering a call upon their lives to make a difference in the lives of others. My now college age daughter is studying public health and wants to change the world through her efforts on a global scale.

My husband and I came away overwhelmed by the need but believing we were called to be a part of one child’s life through the process of adoption. You see, God used this ministry, which initially had nothing to do with HIV, or Africa to change lives forever. Not simply those we served, but those who were serving. We each became witness to a great need, an overwhelming need, and a realization that we could do something about it; and God faithfully called each of us according to His purpose.

I am in frequent contact with a variety of people in South Africa who are working on the front lines with regards to adoption of orphans, because of our experience with the adoption of our daughter and the process we went through we have met so many others who have taken this step in many other countries as well.

If He calls you, He will equip you and meet your every need. Your life will never be the same. Working with children who have been affected or infected with HIV changes lives. Just look at a group of girls who got involved and look at the Reid family for proof.

Julie Reid and her husband Mark of 22 years reside in Southern California with their three amazing children. They share a passion for social justice and international adoption issues. Julie is the Executive Editor for Worship Leader Magazine.