Mega Pastor's Mission to Eradicate AIDS Garners Recognition
DALLAS, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, roughly 40,000 people in the United States are infected with HIV. In an effort to stop the spread of the disease, Bishop T. D. Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas, has initiated HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness programs. For his continuous commitment to HIV/AIDS eradication, the Black AIDS Institute recently paid tribute to Bishop Jakes, presenting him with the Heroes in the Struggle award during its 7th annual Heroes in the Struggle gala reception held Feb. 7 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
"I accept this award at a moment when nearly 200,000 African Americans are living with AIDS. I accept this honor on behalf of the myriad of governmental, civic, healthcare, faith-based and community organizations that work feverously to change the course of HIV/AIDS," said Dr. Nicole McCann- Cross, director of counseling services at The Potter's House, who accepted the award on behalf of Bishop Jakes.
Jakes joined the fight against HIV/AIDS in the mid-1990s, when The
Potter's House formed an official HIV/AIDS outreach program. Through its
Balm Ministry, which functions under the church's counseling center, the
national and international program targets the faith community, women and
minorities by sharing the latest HIV/AIDS statistics and providing free
screening and educational seminars to congregants and community members.
Since its inception, the ministry has provided food, clothing, prayer,
counseling, testing and community agency referrals to those affected by
HIV/AIDS. Last year, Jakes also co-chaired the First National Conclave on
HIV/AIDS Policy for Black Clergy, hosted by the National Black Leadership
Commission on AIDS, which calls for legislature to support and enact the
National HIV/AIDS Elimination Act. The Potter's House recently partnered
with World Vision to present a virtual exhibit of African ch
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