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AIDS Patient Finds Acceptance By Lorrie Orr I don't believe in God. I'm only here because my mother insisted that I come. Thirty-five-year-old Augustin was an adamant atheist. Augustin also had Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS.) Debilitated by the disease, he came to Hospital Vozandes-Quito in a wheelchair. During his first visit with missionary physician Dr. Roy Ringenberg, Augustin grudgingly consented to have Roy pray for him. Subsequent visits showed Augustin that the excellent medical care he received was not dependent on how he believed. Love was given in Jesus' name in spite of his atheism, promiscuity and AIDS diagnosis. Augustin had never encountered such acceptance. His heart began to change. One day as chaplain Phil Cook shared the gospel, Augustin knew that he wanted the presence of God in his life. Bowing his head, he asked God to forgive his sins and make him a new creature in Christ. Physically, Augustin's condition deteriorated. Anti-viral therapy proved to be ineffective. Spiritually, Augustin grew by leaps and bounds. His confidence in the Lord increased. One day he said, 'I know I'm dying. I don't need to take any more medicines. I'm ready to die.'
Augustin is just one of many patients who have been helped by Hospital Vozandes-Quito's AIDS clinic. It all started in October 1990 when four AIDS patients pleaded for Dr. Roy Ringenberg to start an AIDS clinic for them. No adequate care was available anywhere in the country. (Ecuador) The AIDS epidemic in Ecuador is an estimated five to 10 years behind that of the United States. The virus here is contracted mainly through sexual promiscuity and rarely through intravenous drug use. Dr. Ringenberg's goal in starting the AIDS clinic was two-fold. He wanted these people to know the Lord, and he desired to give them the best medical care possible. A tremendous stigma is attached to anyone found to have AIDS. Should the fact be discovered at their job, the result is often an immediate firing. They become social outcasts. Ignorance about the transmission of the disease is responsible for much of the fear. As a result, AIDS patients are hungry for love and acceptance. Counseling enables patients to come to terms with their disease and educates family members about AIDS. Many of them also make decisions for the Lord, finding in Him the love and forgiveness lacking in their lives. Much of the medical care provided is preventive. Keeping the patient healthy by building the immune system to fight off disease is an important part of their treatment. Care is given as long as the patient lives. AIDS is a terminal disease. Patients know that death is imminent. Only through Christ's sacrifice is hope given for the future. Home Articles Speaking Blog About Me Links Contact Copyright 2006 Lorrie Orr |