Reach 4 Life in America
We’ve all seen the statistics – 39 million infected, a death rate that equals a tsunami every month, 10 million orphans with the estimate that the number will go to 25 million this decade. Infection rates are climbing, not just in Africa but all over the globe.
Over it’s nearly 200 year history, International Bible Society specialized in developing products based on Scripture responding to particular needs. When our staff in South Africa asked God how to respond to the exploding pandemic in that country, God led them to develop Reach 4 Life, and HIV prevention program aimed at sealing off the next generation from the deadly virus. In 2004 we started the program, going into schools with partner ministries that will work with the kids throughout the school year. We distribute the Reach 4 Life book, get kids to participate in R4L groups, connect them to local churches and do surveys to measure the impact of the program.
After getting started in South Africa we considered the challenges here in the United States. HIV/AIDS is no longer a disease that hits only the gay or drug use communities. Authorities now report that over 11% of all new HIV transmission is through heterosexual contact. You know that your kids are at risk for getting STD’s. Now add HIV to that list. So International Bible Society has adapted Reach 4 Life for America. We revised the book and we’ve added a special curriculum.