This post comes from one of our World Racers who is currently in South Africa. Her name is Ashley Musick and you can read more about her blog here. It’s facinating. Here is what she is experiencing first hand in regards to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa:

"Sorry the blogs have been few and far between over the time in South Africa.  We have been cramming so much into our last weeks of ministry.  Over the past couple of weeks we have been working with "Beat the Drum."  We are showing a hollywood-made movie about AIDS in schools and then spending the week talking about it in the context of the students’ community.

Last week we talked to 8th graders.  I think it was beneficial for them to hear and see the repercussions of a wild sexual lifestyle.  Many kids gave their lives to the Lord at the end of the week and signed a commitment to abstain from sex until they were married.  It was an awesome and hectic week.

This week we are in a new school talking to students in the 10th grade.  After we recieved some letters from the students I realized that 10th grade might be to late.  So many of them are already facing issues that deal with HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, and other STD’s.  One girl’s letter simply said, "I have HIV/AIDS."  My heart broke for her, but today, she came to me after the lesson and asked to talk to me.  She told me who she was and asked for help.  What am I supposed to say?  I have never known anybody that had the disease.  I only know the facts that are in the movies and materials we show the kids.  I don’t know what life is like for the people in this community.  I don’t know the terrible realities that they face.  I gave it to God and I was able to say some things to her and pray for her.  My heart was broken as I watched the tears run down her face and felt her hands shake in mine.  She can’t be more than 17-years-old. 

The problem of AIDS in Africa is real.  We hear about it in America, but I don’t think we understand that the population of the entire continent is suffering.  5.5 million people in South Africa alone are HIV positive.  1 in 5 women between the ages of 20-24 are HIV positive.  We’ve got to stand up as Christians and help these people.  To many of them die every day without the hope of Jesus and He’s the only hope that they have.  Pray for them.  Pray for the "Beat the Drum" ministry.  Pray for my new friend that I met today."