No one should be ever be discriminated against because of their health, especially those who are HIV AIDS positive. Unfortunately, however, discrimination and stigma undermine such people in their societies to the extent that some cannot share the same space with infected people. In addition, many people worldwide are experiencing stigma in their communities because of their status.
Today I landed at Kiwa village, where Carrol lives with her parents after her husband had chased her away because of her status. Carrol is a public eye in the village, something which causes her to sink every day. Carrol’s future is uncertain since it is difficult for Carrol’s family to take care of her. In addition, AIDS stopped her dream of becoming a mother. However, through education of the good news (Gospel), Carrol overcame fear and stigma for a moment.
“I had rumors that my husband is HIV AIDS positive. And I was acutely aware of HIV as it affected people around us. I regularly tested for HIV, always with negative results- until I was shocked with positive results,” said Carrol. “After diagnosis, I was afraid and lonely,” she added. HIV illness can be managed like any other medical condition. If you get educated about HIV, you can overcome fear and stigma. If you adhere to treatment and ensure your viral load is undetectable.
JFM is giving hope to the hopeless. What a relief!
William J. Wegener (Bill) is the founder and director of JesusFedMe.com, a ministry with a simple yet powerful mission: to feed the hungry, share the gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and transform lives in Uganda. Bill believes that meeting both physical and spiritual needs is the best way to reflect the love of GOD, and through JFM, countless lives have been touched.
Under his leadership, JesusFedMe.com has:
Delivered food daily to poor families and orphans. | Dug wells to provide clean water to villages. | Built homes and resource centers for struggling communities. |. Established the Miracle Medical Center (MMC) in Nakaseke District, providing medical care where none was available. |. Launched the CVTI Skilling Center, offering vocational training and hope for the future.
Bill’s heart for the poor flows from the words of JESUS in Matthew 25:35: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” He often says that every bag of rice delivered, every child clothed, and every prayer offered is a reminder that GOD’s love is real and practical.
None of this would be possible without faithful donors who give generously. Bill sees himself not just as a director, but as a steward—ensuring that every dollar makes a difference in feeding the hungry and leading souls to CHRIST. His vision is to see communities in Uganda transformed, both physically and spiritually, through the power of the gospel and the kindness of those who support the work.
