Rev. Samuel Bryan on spiritual refuge for those with AIDS

A Mission of Compassion

In August of 2005, I completed a CPE Residency at The HealthCare Chaplaincy in New York, with supervisor Rabbi Bonita E. Taylor. During that time, I served at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York with clinical site mentor Rev. Jon Overvold. The people I cared for included patients in the Infectious Diseases Unit who were suffering from the ravages of AIDS. As a result of my pastoral care work there, I was invited by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Easton, Connecticut, to travel to Africa to minister among the population affected by the AIDS epidemic.

Little did I know when I began my chaplain residency that it would lead to a mission of compassion in Kenya – a country halfway around the world. During the year, to enhance my skills, I researched pastoral care for people living with AIDS. One of the things that struck me was the emphasis on spirituality and religion among that population. One reason cited for the interest in spirituality is that people with this disease often have to deal with stigmas that victims of other diseases don’t encounter. If compassion from the world is withheld, it is only natural to seek it from another source. Many turn to spiritual resources to find comfort from their suffering.

Our mission included conducting workshops on AIDS education/awareness, and teaching church leaders spiritual care for persons with the disease. One of our goals was to make an impact on them and others who are involved in the massive task of ministering in the face of this continually spiraling epidemic. Unexpected blessings came through Dr. Bruce Hirsch, Department of Infectious Diseases, and other North Shore University Hospital staff in the form of donations of medicine, which are in short supply at clinics in Kenya. On my return, I was interviewed for the hospital newspaper, which has prompted further support for shipping medical supplies on a regular basis to that region.

Throughout our stay in Kenya, we were welcomed as we ministered in churches, hospitals, and schools. From the pulpit and in small groups, I challenged the church to show more compassion for AIDS victims who desire spiritual refuge. The church must care for those who are outcast by society, even as Jesus did in caring for the lepers of his day. One of the problems I discovered was the lack of open dialogue about the problem. So, we gave people a safe space to discuss the issues instead of sweeping them under the rug.

We also brought book bags, supplies and school uniforms for Kenyan children who have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. For many, it was the first time anyone had given them anything. It was a day they will not soon forget. It was touching to see their eyes light up, as many experienced the love of God through the hands of strangers from half a world away.

As we flew home from Kenya, we left with a sense of compassion in our hearts for the African community that has been ravaged by AIDS. We are truly blessed to live in a country where medical technology is available to care for those who suffer from the disease. It also reminds me that God’s word teaches: to whom much has been given, much is required. I am privileged to have had a small part in sharing His love.

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