WALNUT CREEK, CA (July 15, 2009) \u2013 Hillside Covenant Church structured its recent community retreat at Mission Springs so that participants would begin to have a better understanding of the plight of many \u201cout in the world.\u201d
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\nCampers showed up for breakfast on a Saturday morning to find not food, but cards telling them that they would receive only water or perhaps a few bites of oatmeal. Just a few people learned that they would get a full meal.<\/p>\n
![\"Kits\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/at\/LG\/atLGnks_nYPvVCpSp42MTg\/Hillside.jpg\")
The lesson was designed to educate campers on the prevalence of hunger and better understand what it means for one sixth of the world\u2019s population to try and survive on less than $1 a day, says Mae Cannon, Hillside\u2019s executive pastor.<\/p>\n
During a worship service following breakfast, families gathered to build AIDS kits that will be sent to Africa for caregivers to use. The kits include essential products such as a box of latex gloves, Vaseline, bandages, and other medical supplies to improve and prolong the lives of those living with AIDS while protecting caregivers and preventing the spread of infection.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe kits last for two to three months when the caregivers treat about 15 clients per week,\u201d Cannon says. In addition to the kits that were assembled at Mission Springs, the community who remained at Hillside prepared an additional 100 kits.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many people, the most meaningful part of the weekend experience was filling out cards to be included in the kits,\u201d Cannon says. The cards often included scripture passages, words of encouragement, and prayers for the caregivers.<\/p>\n
Angela Mason, a World Vision advocate for women and children, also spoke to the gathering, drawing on her experiences around the world. Mason shared with the group her experiences of being shot at, encountering child soldiers, and ministering to people in prisons, brothels, and sweatshops.<\/p>\n