Diocese Working to Expand AIDS Ministries in Africa

The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania is continuing to expand its relationship with the Bishop Masereka Foundation, an independent charity that operates in southwest Uganda to assist victims of HIV/AIDS and their families.

Members of the Diocesan AIDS Commission will be meeting with the Foundation this summer in hopes of helping people in southwest Uganda learn about the NOAH Project in South Africa. The NOAH Project provides community care for AIDS orphans in villages where the adult population has been devastated.

In early June, Dr. Nathan Nshakira, a physician who works with the Masereka Foundation, will visit Central Pennsylvania. The Diocese is also working with US AID to explore possible funding for some of the Masereka Foundation projects from funds designated for international AIDS prevention, and from the Gates Foundation.

Related Efforts

The Prayer Friend Program was established after a visit to Uganda by Dr. Tom Leaman, Professor Emeritus at Hershey Medical Center and a member of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Stephen, and his wife, Jeanne as a response to the terrible conditions they encountered during their visit. This program asks that individuals in the Diocese select a Ugandan who has asked to have a Prayer Friend and correspond with and pray for them. The Prayer Friend will also keep you in their daily prayers. Currently, 21 persons in our diocese have established a Prayer Friend relationship.

The The Student Scholarship Program was established to obtain sponsors for Ugandan children who cannot attend school because of lack of money. These children are from families that have lost one or both family members due to HIV/AIDS. Uganda has no public education. Students must pay $200 a year to attend school. To break the cycle of poverty and HIV/AIDS, children need to have an education. The Commission has the names of 19 Ugandan children who are in need of scholarship support.

If you would like to establish a Prayer Friend relationship or contribute to the education of a young person in Uganda, please contact Milton Leake by phone at 717-757-797, by E-mail at leakem@asme.org, or by US Mail at 4100 Camberlay Drive, York, PA 17402.

Click here for more information on the effort in South Rwenzori.