The couple has been working at AIDSLink (a branch of OM that provides care and support to people living with HIV worldwide) in their home country since 2016. During this time, they have experienced how important it is for people to have a safe space where they are not discriminated against or judged for being HIV positive.

"I want to believe in Jesus"

Riya told the story of Dhriti*, a young widow she met when Dhriti was hospitalized for treatment for an infection and her HIV infection was diagnosed.

"A co-worker and I wondered what happened to Dhriti and we prayed for her as well. God is very tall and works wonderfully – two months ago, Dhriti researched on Facebook and found my picture there. Suddenly, she contacted me and said, 'Hello, sister, how are you? I am here. I'm alone.' She has many relatives, but only she knows about her HIV infection. She said she wanted to come to us because we know her condition. She came and stayed with us for eleven days."

During the visit, Riya and her family invited Dhriti to eat with them and participate in family activities. "Once Dhriti bought chicken and said it was for her, then we wouldn't have to share our food with her," Riya recalls. But Riya's two sons wanted to eat Dhriti's meal with her immediately. "They know no discrimination. She was very shocked and very happy at the same time. I invited her to my women's meeting and other gatherings, and they all liked her very much.

She said to me, 'Why do your boys and your parishioners all like me?' and I said, 'Because God loves and has said that we should love others, that's why they love you.' Later, when we were alone, she said: 'I want to believe in Jesus, how can I do that?' And I said, 'If you want to believe in Jesus, open your heart to him.'"

Before Dhriti returned home, she was baptized as a follower of Jesus – to the great joy of Riya and her family.

Finding Jesus through prayer

Pranav spends a lot of time simply talking to people, although he admits that he wasn't sure what to say at first. "I didn't know how to deal with people with HIV and AIDS. I was really afraid to preach the gospel to them. To have something to do with people who don't accept Jesus, who only listen to conversations about HIV and how not to transmit it."

He began sending Bible verses to people the team was in contact with, including Izna*, a woman who lost her husband to AIDS last year.

At the beginning of 2024, Izna's brother, who has an intellectual disability, threw a bucket and injured her mother. When Izna took her to the hospital, the doctor said she needed surgery immediately, but Izna didn't have enough money.

"I told her that we would continue to pray for her even if I couldn't send the money," Pranav says. "After a few days, I told Izna that her mother was conscious again and started eating. She called me and I said that I was praying for her. Then she suddenly said, 'When Christians come and explain more, we understand more.'"

"My friend, a church leader, lived nearby, so I sent him a message about Izna's situation. He went to her that same evening, and that same evening Izna, her younger sister and her mother accepted Jesus. This story has shown me that God is at work in this area!"

Pray for the work of AIDSLink and the staff who show God's love to those who experience discrimination and condemnation because of their illness. Pray that the people who visit the clinic will come to know Jesus as the reason for the love and care that is shown to them.