Congregation raises money for HIV blood testing kits

Mennonite Central Committee
Friday, 9 March 2001

AKRON, Pa. -- Jan Emswiler left for Tanzania in September 1998 with the full support of her congregation, Harrisonburg (Va.) Mennonite Church. But the church's support went beyond a simple commissioning service and Emswiler's expectations. In the ensuing two years, the congregation twice raised money for blood testing kits, in demand at Mugumu Hospital where she works.

During two years in rural Mugumu, Tanzania, Emswiler has written to her congregation, telling of her work with HIV/AIDS prevention and education, the people she tests for the virus, the families and individuals she counsels.

"The epidemic does get overwhelming at times," wrote Emswiler in February 2000. "I am just thankful I can be involved in a variety of areas." An estimated 9 percent of Tanzania's population is infected with HIV.

"Jan shared in a letter about gaps in equipment," said Beryl Jantzi, the pastor.

Emswiler's mother, Ruth Emswiler, discussed with her women's Bible study group how young Tanzanian children with malaria received blood transfusions at the Mugumu Hospital. If no testing kits were available, the children received unscreened blood.

"Jan just couldn't stand to see children getting untested blood while she was working hard on prevention," said Ruth Emswiler.

The women's group took Jan Emswiler's request for help to the congregation, which raised $6,200 Cdn./$4,000 U.S. that year, enough to provide adequate blood testing kits not only for malaria patients but also for walk-ins wanting to know their HIV status.

For Christmas 2000, the congregation pulled together a project for Jan's work, raising an additional $17,000/$11,000 U.S. They presented Emswiler with the contribution at a church service while she was in Harrisonburg over the holidays.

"Our commission is not simply to nurture this place, but it's to nurture our broader mission... to bring healing to those who are sick. Jan is doing this on our behalf," said pastor Jantzi that morning.

"It was surprising and encouraging," said Emswiler. "When I asked for financial support to help us buy the HIV test kits I was hesitant. I had no idea I would feel as much support as I do."

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org