Living Room International

Ever since I heard the name “The Living Room” it has brought peaceful thoughts to mind. Like family, caring, hope and peace. Ever since my first trip back in 2008 I have been moved by the compassion and care shown by the staff as they cared for the sick, the dying mostly from HIV and AIDS.

On my first visit I had the opportunity to participate in home visits where we visited children suffering from malnutrition and one HIV positive man. He told me of how his family had left him to die because he was sick. Fortunately, he was found by one of our nurses doing home visits and was taken to the clinic for help.

Today a man came up to me and I knew him. As he smiled at me I said, “You are David” and he said yes with a big smile. He looked great and he thanked and praised God for his second chance. David continues to help educate his community and people about HIV and AIDS.

(David Tibet)

This ministry began with the passionate vision of one woman for the lost, the dying and forgotten with HIV, AIDS and those suffering from malnutrition. It was last year that God directed her to begin the ministry now called “The Living Room”.

(Juli McGowan)

Currently, they’re in a 6 bed facility with 6 patients. Breast cancer, Failure to Thrive, and Tuberculosis are some of the diagnoses being treated. This type of hospice palliative care is the only one within 50 miles making it very difficult for those who are sick and their families to take advantage of the services. Thus the reason for “The Living Room”.

This morning as we toured the sight of the new 26 bed facility I was in awe of how God was making a dream a reality. As Juli showed us around I was awed by her comment that there will always be the “27^th” patient.

I believe that God has placed me here, “…for such a time as this” to assist in this effort to help the people get the care they desperately need. I believe that we all can be change agents if we are willing to step out in faith. As the body of Christ we can all do our part but the only way we are going to be successful in God’s ministry is for us to move together. I hope that you will join me in the efforts to build God’s Kingdom through the Palliative Care and Nursing Ministry of “The Living Room”.

(Staff of the Living Room)

Experiencing God in Africa,

Fred Preston