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The pastors ‘were not trained to handle this’ – but
they are being now
TOGO — “I am very sad about the reaction of the Church to this crisis,” says Estelle Akouegnon, the Bible Society of Togo’s HIV/AIDS Coordinator. “Some pastors are very judgmental and although they say that they are helping people, in fact they push them away. If people cannot find acceptance in the Church, how will they find acceptance in their families?” Mrs Akouegnon, a lawyer by training, shows “immense capacity and
dedication to the work in hand,” according to the Rev Wolanyo Amegah,
the General Secretary of the Bible Society.
From seeing her in action presenting the Where Is the Good Samaritan Today? training program, it is obvious that she enjoys this work. She manages people well and directs the discussions in a way that makes people feel free to participate. Wrong assumptions “I love leading discussion sessions,” she says. “They give me the opportunity to address certain wrong assumptions and prejudices, to change mindsets and challenge listeners to think differently. I love this program because it is making a real difference in people’s lives.” Nevertheless, the position of HIV/AIDS Coordinator is a very challenging one. “I enjoy my work,” she says, “but sometimes I go home at night very sad because I do not have all the answers. “I realise that if we, as a Bible Society, really want to make
a difference we will need sustainable funding. It will not be good if
we only work for a short time and then have to stop from lack of funds.
It will be dangerous for our reputation and credibility.”
The church pastors, she says, are truly excited about the Society’s Where Is the Good Samaritan Today? training program. More than 130 have been trained so far and they have reacted very positively to it, she adds proudly. “Many have told me how helpful it is in making people aware of the issues and for starting discussions.” “The infection rate is increasing – we guess it is around 4.5 per cent annually – and many churches are faced with the dilemma of how to handle infected parishioners. The pastors were not trained to handle this, nor were members of their congregations. “But more and more people and organisations are asking me to come and speak and train others. It is a great opportunity to bring people a Bible-based message. “The reactions against people with HIV/AIDS are so strong that sufferers are fearful of disclosing their status. It is only through training that we will change these attitudes and mindsets,” she insists. “For me it is very frustrating to meet people when I don’t have anything except knowledge to offer. It hurts badly because there are so many needs out there. “I know that we can help to influence the Church with this program: it has a solid foundation because it is built on the Bible. We must continue to spread the message.” This report refers to project 87813. (WR 407/10 - 12.06) [1 photo] |
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