David is the Director of International Ministry here at Gospel Communications International. He has produced or directed seven evangelistic films used in countries like Nigeria, Romania, Philippines and Haiti.

As a ministry focused on presenting the Gospel worldwide using media, we are often asked why would we be involved in HIV/AIDS education? Why would an evangelism ministry be involved with such a huge social issue in Africa? I’m glad to answer.

We have been involved in media ministry in Africa for more than 35 years. AIDS has been in Africa even before it had the name AIDS. They used to call it “Slims Disease.” And no one knew what caused it. Since that time we have learned much more about this destructive virus and seen a rising death toll with thousands slipping into eternity without ever having the chance to hear the Gospel.

The media we produce for international ministry is based on the most critical needs of the region. In the Philippines it is drugs. In Eastern Europe, addiction. To be relevant in sub-Saharan Africa, we must address HIV/AIDS. A disproportionate percentage of those afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Africa are innocent women and children. And presenting the educational information with a Christian worldview and a clear message of forgiveness provides an introduction to the Gospel.

Over the past five years, I’ve directed two films as part of our Gospel Response to AIDS (GRAIDS). Seeing how this disease has affected every part of life in Africa made me come to realize what a barrier to evangelism that HIV/AIDS truly is. People are dying before the message of Christ can reach them. As a wise man once said “empty stomachs have no ears.” It is the same with HIV/AIDS. In order for us to be credible in the region we must show the people of Africa a Christ-like response to this disease.

I have watched an AIDS educator use Starting Over in a Nigerian classroom. This was the first film in our GRAIDS initiative. The film became a springboard for a discussion as part of an HIV/AIDS curriculum. In Ghana I saw film evangelists show the same film in an outdoor parking lot and was amazed as scores of people responded openly to the invitation to receive Christ.

It was an incredible opportunity for me to write and direct The Gift, but even more special was being able to shoot the film in my adopted village of Umuode Nigeria, where I was given the honor of becoming a chief in 2001. I will never forget how the entire village came together to support this project and made it their own. Producer Paul Nwulu and our dedicated crew of filmmakers and cast are making a wonderful educational tool that will motivate parents to access health resources to protect their unborn children.

I believe that this film will save lives. And just as importantly, the film’s powerful message of forgiveness will invite viewers to experience a spiritual rebirth.

“Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, looseliving immoralists, the defeated, the demoralizedwhoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ-but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”
The Message Bible — 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Why are we involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS? Because we must! Because HIV/AIDS is the most critical issue facing the church and people in Africa today. Because helping to keep people alive so that they have a chance to hear, understand and respond to the Gospel is vital.

And, because we have experienced first hand the power of media to change lives.

Please join us.

Villagers from Umode, Nigeria served as extras on the set of The Gift.