A Zulu woman in her early thirties heard about the HIV&AIDS support group we had formed in Durban, South Africa. She came on her own, eager to join the fellowship as well as participate in the income generating projects. She shared. She had been infected with the virus while living in the big city, Johannesburg. She wasn’t sure which boyfriend ‘got her sick,’ but believed it was the last one she dated, right before she was hospitalized.

Thandi (not her real name) appeared to be a “spiritual” person, eager to pray and study the Bible. She had earned a college degree ten years earlier, but still struggled to find work. We spent a lot of time together as she was eager to help me understand the culture and to get involved in ministry. We became very close, like big sister/little sister.

When I made plans to move to Johannesburg, Thandi asked if she could take the 5 hour ride with me. She relocated and stayed with relatives who lived right outside of the city. She hoped to find adequate employment, comparable to her education and training. We remained in contact and got together on occasion.

 A few days after I settled into my Johannesburg apartment, I received a call from the US. One of my childhood friends revealed he had just tested positive for HIV. Apparently, he had been infected for ten years or more. He contacted his previous partners to tell them. Two of the women said they had known they were HIV positive when they dated him. They had not told him, nor used protection. I was hurt and sad and outraged for my friend.

Months later, Thandi called me to announce she had moved in with a man in Johannesburg. I reminded her of some of the topics we had discussed in our support group. Sex is sacred to God. It is reserved for marriage. You must not spread the virus. Don’t do to others what someone did to you. Then I asked if her friend was aware of her HIV status. Thandi had not revealed her status to him, but said she was taking precautions. I was upset!

Over several months’ time, I occasionally saw Thandi and her friend. Once or twice we attended church together. Since they had been together so long, I knew protection was a thing of the past. I became emotional whenever I saw them—first compassion, then outrage, and finally defiance. How could she put this young man at risk? He is someone’s son, brother, friend—like my friend at home. I wanted to tell him!

I knew under the law and as a gospel minister, I could not warn Thandi’s friend. I tried to reason with her but she was convinced she was doing nothing wrong. He probably already has it, she argued. Plus, men are the ones who never want to use condoms, so shame on them. My heart was hurting. I could no longer be around Thandi and her friend. I felt I would eventually betray her confidence. So all I could do was intercede for both of them and ask God to help me with my raging emotions.

God is faithful! About six months later, Thandi contacted me and insisted on coming over. She told me she was tired of her lifestyle and wanted a change. She asked me to pray for her—to really, really pray. She got on her knees in my kitchen, wept and repented before the Lord. I prayed everything I knew, and then invited her to a revival that evening, at the church where I served. The pastor and the evangelist prayed for her again. She felt a release as she got up, off her knees.

Less than 48 hours later, as Thandi prepared to move out of her friend’s apartment, she received a telephone call from Durban. If she could be there within the week, she could interview for a well-paying government job, one she had applied for a year earlier. I helped Thandi return to Durban and the doors have been opening for her ever since.

Today Thandi is living like a true disciple of Christ. She is physically and spiritually healthy. Even after 15 years, she still does not need medication for the virus. She no longer is disturbed by deceased ancestors telling her what to do, demanding worship and sacrifices like she used to offer them. Previously, she had not been open and honest about that part of her life. I had no idea what she had been experiencing. Today, Thandi lives in the 3 bedroom house she had built. She has learned to drive and is buying a car. She is very active in her church and has been trained as a counselor to address spiritual and health matters. According to Thandi, ‘Now that I really know God and have the Holy Spirit living inside me, I’m able to live holy. And now I can help others. Thank you for all you have done for me.’

Many men and women in South Africa who consider themselves Christians are plagued by voices and other forms of spiritual oppression. Many pastors who lead so-called churches do not teach what the Bible says about consulting the dead, mediums, or sacrificing animals. The people really do perish from lack of knowledge. Help us equip leaders at the Baptist Convention College to lead the church and make true disciples. Your pledge could change someone’s life, just like Thandi’s.