{"id":2808,"date":"2012-06-04T16:03:20","date_gmt":"2012-06-04T21:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/cwr\/?p=2808"},"modified":"2012-06-04T16:03:20","modified_gmt":"2012-06-04T21:03:20","slug":"community-healing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blogs.covchurch.org\/cwr\/2012\/06\/community-healing\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Healing"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Leviticus 13<\/a>, we are told about the harsh ostracization suffered by Israelites found to have leprosy. They were to wear torn clothes and repeatedly cry out that they were unclean. They were to live outside the camp, alone.<\/p>\n

One of Jesus\u2019 earliest miracles was to restore a leper to full dignity<\/a>. We often focus on the physical healing part of this miracle but neglect the social and spiritual dimensions. By commanding the healed leper to go directly to the priest for ritual cleansing, Jesus was urging the leper to be reintegrated into his community.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, for many of the sick and diseased in the world today, ostracization is still a prevalent reality. For example, we know that for those affected with HIV\/AIDS in Thailand, they are often forced out of their villages. For survival they often band together in support communities.<\/p>\n

Covenant World Relief’s partner, the Sustainable Development Research Foundation (SDRF) has pursued innovative and entrepreneurial projects throughout Thailand. Most recently, SDRF\u2019s Center for HIV\/AIDS Affected Communities<\/a> has been gaining momentum. Through creation of fish farms, the center seeks to provide meaningful employment within these communities that have been stigmatized out of the mainstream of Thai society. Through economic reintegration into Thai society, these communities of HIV\/AIDS-affected individuals and their families are rediscovering their God-given dignity.<\/p>\n

We have received an encouraging update from SDRF on the progress of the Center for HIV\/AIDS Affected Communities.<\/p>\n

<\/em>“Abnormal rains and storms in south Thailand have impacted Ranote district over the past several months slowing down the CHAC Fish Farm (CFF) project time table.\u00a0 In spite of this the SDRF is making good progress clearing the land and laying out the systems which are essential parts of the CFF.<\/em><\/p>\n

SDRF staff are involved in training programs with the Songkhla and Ranote Fisheries Departments.\u00a0 They are focusing on white sea bass production which will be the focus of the CFF project.\u00a0 SDRF staff member, Mr. Ah, has spent the past 6 months studying at two fishery department institutions, one in Phuket and currently the SongkhlaFisheries Department and learning from them how to produce and grow-out white sea bass. Ah is currently interacting, also, with the Ranote Fisheries Department which is located about 4 kilometers from the new CFF site.\u00a0 He and leaders from the Center for HIV\/AIDS Affected Communities (CHAC) are developing the CFF plans for the project and are currently constructing water ways and diking systems that will be part of the CFF fish farm system.<\/p>\n