Introduction

Nalini came to the big city of Thane to get married. The only believer in her family, she was overjoyed when a marriage proposal came from Mohan, a man from a Christian home. Shortly after the wedding she conceived. Her joy, however, quickly turned to sorrow when a routine test found her to be HIV positive. Her husband had not only given her a child - he had also given her HIV - the disease that leads to AIDS.

Ramsevak is a fruit seller from the North. After falling sick repeatedly a local doctor 'tested his blood'. It came back 'reactive' - HIV positive. As he kept getting sicker he was not able to keep selling fruit. Finally his wife took him to the village - where he died - and she got the family property.

Prakash is a local man whose mother distils illicit liquor. As father of 4 children he works occasionally as a labourer. Repeated visits to the local TB treatment centre had him sent for an HIV test. He was positive. He continues to drink and recently had another child.

How many 'Nalinis', 'Mohans', 'Ramsevaks' and 'Prakashes' are there in Thane? We estimate that at least 21,000 others. Each one of them living in Thane city and infected with HIV - the virus that leads to AIDS. What is the burden of the silent suffering that they and their families are going through? Is there any hope for these people? Where are God's people when it matters?

We believe that God has called his people - the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ - to reach out to people with HIV at this time.