The leader of a Christian HIV/AIDS ministry has called on Christians across the world to rise to the challenge of the battle against the illness and to pray for both those infected and affected, reports Assist News.

|TOP|President of the California-based ministry He Intends Victory, Bruce Sonnenberg, has appealed to Christians to get involved in the fight against the illness on World AIDS Day 2005, which takes place on Thursday 1 December, with both direct action as well as prayer.

“The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day 2005 is ‘Stop AIDS – Keep the Promise’ which is an appeal to governments, communities, help organisations, policy makers, and individuals to follow through on our commitment to help those infected with HIV/AIDS,” he explained. “With 40.3 million worldwide affected and 3 million people a year newly infected, the challenge continues.”

He continued: “It is important to remember that each one of those 40.3 million are people hurting, confused, and needing help, but people. Most have families, many are children. Jesus Christ offers that help with real hope.

"There is no cure for AIDS but there is a cure for the hopelessness that comes with AIDS, and that is the hope of Jesus Christ. He truly does intend victory!”

In the last 15 years He Intends Victory has gone from strength to strength establishing five international community homes for HIV positive men, women and children, as well as a growing to a staff of 51 workers in 13 countries.

|QUOTE|“All this has been done, for over 15 years now, through the ministry of He Intends Victory and with all volunteer help,” said Mr Sonnenberg. “What a privilege it has been to see the hand of God work in such wonderful ways for so long.”

Mr Sonnenberg also welcomed the decrease of the rate of infection of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe over the last two years, saying that He Intends Victory is a contributor to that decrease.

He added, however, that “there is still a huge mountain to climb in education and care not only in these countries but all over the world”.

“Much work needs to be done by God’s people in showing and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ,” he said. “We need to stand together with the love and compassion of Jesus. We need to financially support ministries that reach out with that hope and compassion.

“And the message needs to continue to be proclaimed that ‘He intends victory’ for all those who ask Him for help.”