Back in 1986, Dr. Allan Ronald, a researcher of Infectious Diseases at the
University of Manitoba, and his wife Myrna, were working in Nairobi, Kenya,
when the HIV/AIDS epidemic hit Africa with widespread proportions. What
they were seeing and hearing was so overwhelming, Myrna wondered if there
was anything she might do to really make a difference. She recalled words she
had heard years earlier about what to do when faced with situations which are
so great in their scope that they tend to render us powerless. It was the answer
to the question, "Who is my neighbour?"
"My neighbour is someone whose need I see, whose need I can meet."
Myrna says, "We cannot see all the needs in the world, and of the ones we do
see, we cannot meet them all, but what we are asked to do is meet the needs we
can."
The vision for this cookbook came out of a Conference "Embracing Opportunities:
Christians Responding to HIV/AIDS in Africa" held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on
November12-13th, 2004 where Dr. Allan and Myrna Ronald were keynote
speakers. Following the Conference, a multi-cultural group of interested Christian
Winnipeggers were inspired by the challenge to pay more than lip service and do
something very practical in responding to the plight of many African women and
children living in an era of HIV/AIDS crisis. Encouragement comes from the
inspirational scripture, Psalms 84:5-7
Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow
your steps. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a
place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains!
They will grow constantly in strength and each of them is invited to meet with
the Lord in Zion.
After the Ronald’s site visits to Kenya, Uganda and Zambia in January / February
2005, it was realized that we were being called to PARTNER, and to concentrate
on fundraising. The first partnership would be with Beacon of Hope, an initiative
of Nairobi Chapel in Kenya .
Beacon of Hope, started by one woman with a heart for women and children in
desperate situations, is providing skills for income-generating projects, spiritual
and physical food, health teaching and awareness, childcare, schooling and much
more in a huge slum area of Nairobi. They are in need of permanent, larger
premises and have paid a portion down on an eight-acre plot with some buildings.
This cookbook was compiled to raise funds to help eliminate the debt so they can
move in. There is need next for a medical clinic and to formalize their internship
program so other African church communities can come and learn ways to
effectively reach out to HIV/AIDS affected women and children.
By purchasing the cookbook, you will be helping to change for the better, the
lives of HIV/AIDS affected women and children, and for that we want to thank
you from them. It may seem like a little to you, but it does not take much to
radically affect lives, when funds are well directed and well used.
One hundred percent of all profits raised by this project go to partner programs
in Africa.
