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World Vision Experience: AIDS
By Ange Sanchez
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| Photo by Deb Griffith | Most of us have heard of World Vision. They are known for their child sponsorship, and being a “boots on the ground” ministry in over 160 countries over six continents. In November 2007 during the Summit on AIDS and the Church, Saddleback hosted the World Vision AIDS Experience on campus. Over the course of the week, over 3,000 Saddleback attendees and community members walked through the exhibit and glimpsed into the life of a child in Africa.
When I first walked into the tent I received an iPod Nano to begin my experience; I put on the headset and entered the narrow African-decorated hallway. The beating of drums resounded in my ears, and I was directed by my narrator to enter and assume the identity of a child: the life of Kombo. Pictures draped the wooden walls, and Kombo’s voice with a music background played throughout the twenty minute tour. I was able to sit in a chair in Kombo’s grandmother’s diner, recline on his rickety bed, and learn about his fears of the “big disease.” After hearing about Kombo’s difficult childhood,
I walked anxiously into the clinic. As I waited to get my test results I glanced around the dingy room. One side of the room was marked “Reserve” with a big red plus sign next to it. I approached the clinic window, placed my palm on the red outline of a hand, and received my stamp. It was a large bright red plus sign. What did this mean? I traveled over to the “Reserve” area, and watched as others walked in and out of the clinic. Some sat by me after they received their test results, some exited right away. Some, maybe too afraid of their fate, didn’t even stay to receive their results. I walked out of the clinic a little shaken up, and saw the innocent face of Kombo, and the rest of his story. I learned here that Kombo was a real person, not a fictional character made up for the sake of the exhibit. As I walked into the prayer room, I saw dozens of beautiful photos posted all over the walls; some with stamped red plus signs, some with black negative signs. I looked at each individual face on the walls, and prayed for the unknown fate of their life in Africa. I wrote a prayer and placed it on the wall with hundreds of other heartfelt prayers already posted.
Kombo is still alive, he was tested positive for HIV/AIDS, and his story is real. Going through the World Vision AIDS: Experience triggered an emotional connection in me for this young boy. I will always be touched by the story of Kombo, and the image of his face has been burned in my mind. I may never know what his fate will be, but my experience has greatly increased my desire to take an active role in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention around the globe.
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