Mother’s powerful testimony at HIV/AIDS fundraising event

Florence Nalibwe lost hope when she was diagnosed as HIV-positive when pregnant for the first time. After receiving counselling, reading the Bible and being prayed for, she became more hopeful and gave birth to Evance who is now 14 years old and HIV-negative. Blantyre, Malawi. Photo: BS Malawi (MAI03DJ-1)

BLANTYRE, Malawi — A woman who was told in 1988 that she was HIV-positive gave a powerful testimony at a fundraising event for the Bible Society of Malawi in October. The function, a variety show at a hall in Blantyre, had a strong line-up including music from well-known Gospel artists, drama, recitals of poetry and displays of work by children.

The highlight of the four-hour event, however, was undoubtedly when Florence Nalibwe took the stage. Now in her early 40s, Mrs Nalibwe was diagnosed as HIV-positive when pregnant for the first time.

“When I was told, my heart was broken and I was filled with bitterness, hopelessness and helplessness,” she told the audience. “I did not see any reason for living and I made up my mind to do away with my life.”

Hope beginning to return

After receiving counselling, reading the Bible and being prayed for, however, she found hope beginning to return.

“My first prayer was that the unborn child should not contract HIV,” she said. “And the Lord is faithful!” Mrs Nalibwe gave birth to a son, Evance, who was pronounced HIV-negative and is now 14 years old.

Her own problems continue, of course.

“God’s word is what has sustained me,” she declared. “I have lived with the virus for 14 years now. I am really living in hope. I am convinced that I will live long. Of course, I do become sick once in a while, just like any of you. I am not ashamed to publicly declare my status and I would like churches to give me an opportunity so that I can come and testify to them.”

“Everyone was amazed at her confidence,” said Kamwana Muyaya, the Bible Society’s Marketing Manager. “Her face beamed with joy. She spoke with vigorous hand gestures to emphasise her points and indicated that she believed wholeheartedly what she testified.”

The variety show was the first of a series planned by the Bible Society to help raise money to extend the use of the AIDS Portion Living in Hope, which is already being widely used in many African countries.

Quoting official statistics, Mr Muyaya said that 250 Malawians in the 15-49 age bracket contract the HIV virus every day, and that in 1999 some 866,000 adults and children were living with HIV, 60 per cent of whom were young women.

“We feel that behavioural change is the solution to the pandemic and yet it has been difficult to achieve,” he said. “It is only God’s Word that can meaningfully change the hearts of people and consequently bring about behavioural change.”