Windhoek, Namibia - “The solution to AIDS is relational,” says AIM missionary Mick Rineer, who ministers in Namibia, where more than 20 percent of the population is HIV positive.

“What is being discovered is that AIDS is a relational problem. It is contracted through a physical relationship. Family relationships are often strained due to unfaithfulness of partners in relationships. The village relationships are pushed to the breaking point as an increasing number of people become sick and demand the care of extended family till they die.”

 “The Namibian Government has done a decent job in educating people about AIDS,” says Mick, “but that education has not changed lifestyles. We continue to have over 70 percent of our kids born out of wedlock and the HIV infection rate continues to climb.”

Challenged by these realities, Mick and others are exploring a relational approach to addressing AIDS. “We are thinking through an emerging vision for Namibia that would involve two teams of four to six teachers for a period of  two to three years. These two teams would each be in a town where they, through relationships with students and teachers, would mentor in life skills while teaching in schools in the community.”

 “Information is not enough. We believe it has to be accompanied with a mentoring relationship. Obviously this includes a relationship with Jesus.”

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