South African Church, Known as "The Church That Cares," Receives Courageous Leadership Award for its Ministry to AIDS Victims
"When God's people do God's work in God's way, wonderful things happen."
(South Barrington, Illinois)-Christian Newswire reports that the Willow Creek Association and World Vision have extended the Courageous Leadership Award to churches helping people affected by AIDS in the nations hardest hit by the disease.
The report states that Fish Hoek Baptist Church in Cape Town, South Africa-a predominately white South African fellowship known as "the church that cares"-was selected among nearly 100 entries, and will receive $120,000 for its efforts. According to the church's senior pastor, John V. Thomas, their church "demonstrates an uncompromising commitment to caring for all affected by AIDS and continually fights increasing HIV-AIDS compassion fatigue, or worse, indifference."
The two runners up were: West Angeles Church of God in Christ, in Los Angeles, and Rockland Community Church in Golden, Colorado. Each will receive $40,000. Twelve churches reportedly received honorable mention awards, including one each from Uganda and Swaziland.
"These churches are making their mark, applying resources at their disposal to the needs of the hurting, the diseased, and the poor," says Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.
Said Richard E. Stearns, president of the U.S. offices of World Vision: "These churches have invested its members' lives in diligently delivering care and compassion to those who need it most. They have shined a light for others to follow as we seek to help address the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time."
"When God's people do God's work in God's way, wonderful things happen," Thomas was quoted as saying after receiving the award.
