World AIDS Day rememberances
Several members of the Local Lahash team of Portland attended the World AIDS day gathering at the Northwest Medical Teams headquarters. NWMT assembled about 3 dozen churches and faith based organizations from the Portland area for a time of contemplation and mobilization for the crisis of HIV/AIDS.

We heard from a great panel of speakers. They came from Portland, Congo, and Uganda. And they were all dedicated to raising awareness and fighting the swelling tide of AIDS head on.

It's sad, as we leave 2006, the churches and communities we are in still are not awake to the huge needs of the millions and millions around the world in desperate conditions due to AIDS. We heard speaker after speaker call out the church on its inaction to this "leprosy of our time."

And yet contemplating our weakness, we were also encouraged by the presence of so many concerned fellow Portlanders that were involved in some capacity in fighting AIDS. We were reminded again of the need to go in as learners, humble, gentle, and aware that we are so behind in fighting this war. And we were reminded of the strength of small organizations that can go in on a personal level and provide care and support in communities.

Lahash also provided the artwork for the room with our Black & White gallery.