HIV&AIDS Initiative
The HIV&AIDS Initiative at Saddleback was born out of the conviction that God cares about sick people – he loves people who are HIV-positive.
A study of Scripture reveals a God who is passionate about the sick, the widow, the orphan, the immigrant, and the poor. Over and over he
instructs the children of Israel to make provisions for them, treating them fairly and with compassion. Jesus spent one-third of his ministry
healing the sick. There is no doubt in our minds that if Jesus was walking the earth today he would be with orphans, widows, and those living with
HIV and AIDS. His heart was always with those ignored, neglected, or rejected by society.
Today, those with HIV and AIDS are often treated as outcasts, forcing them to hide even from family members out of fear or shame. It is likely
that someone in your workplace or church is HIV-positive and you don’t know it. Because Jesus loved, touched, and cared for those who were sick,
we must too. We care because God cares. We care because people matter to God and to us.
The global HIV and AIDS pandemic is the Church’s greatest opportunity to serve the hurting like Jesus did, to show God’s love to skeptics, to
share the Good News, and to extend a helping hand in communities around the world. You have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
"You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate" (Luke 6:36).
To learn more about the Local HIV & AIDS Initiative, please visit www.hivaidsinitiative.com or contact Bill Mugford, HIV&AIDS Pastor at (949) 609-8295 or e-mail him at billm@saddleback.com.