Africa 2007 Blog

2005 African AIDS Statistics

Mission To Africa

There were some concerns expressed about the "Choose To Wait" program we will be teaching in Africa. I wrote this letter in response. The concern was that this was an abstinence only program and that condoms "are much more effective".

<good friend>,

I would have a lot of trouble teaching an abstinence only class. "Choose To Wait" is a course developed by Africans for Africans. I looked for an online version but couldn't find it. I have a 62 page booklet which you are more than welcome to read. It does talk about condoms and how to use them.

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From Page 5 (Bright colors with fun cartoons)
The Facts. (Bright Red)
Using a condom consistently means to use one every time you have sex. Using a condom correctly means to follow the instructions carefully. People do not always use condoms correctly especially when they have been drinking. To use a condom correctly, you must follow the a list of important instructions.

Don't poke a hole in the condom when opening or using it.
Don't use oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline) that can cause the condom to break.
Make sure there is enough space at the tip to collect the semen or it can break.
Put on the condom before any genital contact occurs. The man must withdraw from the woman while the penis is still erect or the condom can easily slip off. He must hold the condom in place during withdrawal or it can slip off.

It is easy for people to make mistakes when they use condoms because of the desire for sex is so strong that once you start it is hard to stop. People easily forget the instructions in the "heat" of the moment.
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This course teaches about STDs and pregnency. It teaches about the effects of drugs/alcohol and sex. It teaches the differences between sex and love. It teaches that abstinence is the only 100% protection. It teaches the dangers of pornography and sex addiction. It teaches the value of marriage and family. It teaches how God views sex inside and outside a marriage. It teaches that sex is precious and valuable and not to be taken lightly. It teaches everything that one needs to know to make an informed decision about sex.

We are teaching 5th through 7th graders. 10-12 year olds. I will teach kids that sex is not to be taken lightly and that they should wait until they are married. That if they do have sex before they are married that they absolutely must use a condom and use a condom everytime they have sex. I will teach them that their life is important and should be cherished by protecting themselves from early pregnancy and deadly disease. I will teach that abstinence is the only guaranteed protection because that is the absolute truth. That when they are married, sex outside the marriage destroys the marriage.

I need all the support I can get in this endeavor. I would be happy to stop by and let you read the booklet I have on the choose to wait program and you can make a fully informed decision. I might even be able to get you your own copy although I know we have limited supply here as they come from Africa. I had my own reservations when I first heard about the program, but I can now tell you without any reservation that this is a program that is right on target. Even after reading the materials, you may still be in disagreement. I will accept that and it will never be an issue between you and I. I have the highest regard for you as a person and your opinion even if we disagree.

Besides the Choose To Wait program, we will also be working with the kids at The Ark. All are orphaned due to AIDS. We will also be tending to those with full blown AIDS in the local community through a care and compassion program. I have serious doubts that I can make any difference in a situation in Africa where 1.2 million children are orphaned by aids every month, but I can no longer stand by and watch. I have to go and try.

With deepest respect,
Wood