HIV Ministry

[Gregory Matthews]

As many of you know I spent 20 years as a Denver VA Chaplain, and also as a chaplain for other hospitals.   In part, due to my background, I was appointed to join a special group of area hospital people to work with HIV infected people.  So, as a chaplain to that group, I spent one day a week working with HIV infected people for 13-months.  Each week I shared a meal with such.

*  These included, men, women & children.

* Some were former Adventists.

* Some were present Adventists.

* Just about all of the adults acknowledged that they were homosexual.

* Some were celibate.

*  As they got to know me, they shared their journey with me.

*  I shared God's love for each of them in return.

* No, I did not tell them that homosexuality was part of 'God's plan for humans.  But, I could tell them of God's personal love for them.

 

How many reading this have ever sat next to a HIV infected person at a shared meal?

 

 

[Stan]

I have in person and online, we had some here,

[Gregory Matthews]

Hanseing, i think that you sent me a private message, which i was not able to fully read, and make a response.  So, I am letting you know that I am not ignoring you.  I am simply unable to fully respond.

[Gregory Matthews]

Hanseing and i are engaging in a private discussion of this subject.   He has been frank, as I have been.  I appreciate that.  As that conversation has been private, I intend to keep it private.  However, l will post here a comment as to my personal position:

 

" To clear the air as to exactly what my position is:

*  I have never advocated that practicing homosexuals be granted membership in the SDA Church.

*  I do advocate that celibate homosexuals be granted membership in the SDA Church.  

*  I do advocate that all sinners who attend our services in peace, be welcomed.  This includes homosexuals who are not celibate.

*  In addition, I do advocate that active steps be taken to protect congregational attendees when people convicted of certain criminal behavior desire to attend.  This is a different subject and is not normally going to apply to a homosexual."