6,000 reasons… each has a name, a face, and a story. Today, like every day, 6,000 children will lose a parent to AIDS. Today, like every day, we have 6,000 reasons to care. Today, like every day, we have 6,000 reasons to offer hope. – from the “6,000 Reasons” World AIDS Day 2008 group curriculum

I wanted to let you know about “6,000 Reasons,” a new World AIDS Day 2008 one-lesson group curriculum put out by ONE partner World Vision, in collaboration with Willow Creek Association and the Fuller Youth Institute.

Numbers can often bury the real story. For me, statistics can often becoming overwhelming. Despite the overwhelming numbers, we do have real ways to act in fighting a treatable and preventable disease like HIV/AIDS.

“6,000 Reasons” reminds us, however, that behind the numbers are real faces, names, and stories of the 6,000 kids who experience great loss each day because of HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with the Willow Creek Association and the Fuller Youth Institute, ONE partner World Vision has put together a FREE downloadable resource for congregations, families, small groups and others in time for World AIDS Day.

To check out “6,000 Reasons,” visit the sign up site at Willow Creek to view or download this valuable education, awareness and action resource. There you will find two videos, a leader’s guide with group activities and discussion questions, as well as action items that give your church group clear next steps for how to respond to the AIDS pandemic.

While World AIDS days is officially December 1 every year, congregations across the US will be lifting up World AIDS Day on Sunday, November 29. As ONE’s members respond this World AIDS Day, people of faith are reaching into their own traditions to not only reflect on the impact of AIDS but to respond in ways that can bring about focused change amidst the pandemic.

-Adam Phillips