From Fear to Hope

My friend Dave Howlett requested that I write about someone I considered a hero for a project he is working on.  I felt it was appropriate to share it here. 

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I would like to honour Sister Siti Soltief and Robert Sihombing as heroes. 

Sister Siti is a nurse, and was among the first of the staff to encounter AIDS patients in the hospital where she worked.  Instead of reacting with fear, she and Robert chose to educate themselves about the disease. 

In Indonesia, there is still a lot of stigma around HIV/AIDS.  People often treat those with a positive diagnosis as if they are already dead.  Consequently, many people choose to not be diagnosed, to not seek treatment, and to not seek support from family and friends.  Many view themselves as having a death sentence and have little hope for their own lives.

At a time when others might abandon those with HIV to die, Siti and Robert became activists and advocates.  They started the Jayapura Support Group, where professional nurses would volunteer a range of services including counselling, but also offering a safe space where those with HIV/AIDS could gather and support each other.  It is open to people of all religions and ethnicities.  Siti comes from a Muslim background and Robert comes from a Christian background.

Siti and Robert work tirelessly and passionately for the cause they have taken on.  The most significant impact of their work is that they have restored dignity and hope to many of the people who come through the centre.  The motto for the centre is "From Fear to Hope".  With help from Mennonite Central Committee, some have received training and small business loans, so instead of being a burden on their families, they are important contributors.  To see how the work of Siti and Robert has impacted others, read "Eka"'s story:

<http://www.mennoweekly.org/2007/4/9/indonesia-mcc-helps-provide-refuge-stigma-aids/ >

I had the privilege of knowing Siti and Robert (and "Eka") and witnessing their work while I stayed in Abepura, Indonesia.

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REFLECTIONS:

1. What are some issues or people groups that many people in your community react to with fear?

2. What is one simple way you can contribute to changing fear into hope?

3. Who is a hero in your life?  What are some ways you can show this person that you appreciate them?  For some ideas, feel free to check out: <http://realhumanbeing.org/heroes/0005/>.