GAPDay

No, I'm not talking about the store. This stands for "Global AIDS Prevention Day", and the idea was originated by a pastor from Uganda, Martin Ssempa (yes, that's with two S's).

How would someone honor GAPDay? The scheme is just getting off the ground, but it will resemble something like this: Throughout the month of October, people - particularly college students - will wear red-and-black ribbons (AIDS awareness colors), and try to bring the AIDS crisis to the awareness of as many people as possible.

There is a major difference between this rally and all the others however. Note the word "Prevention." How would we help prevent AIDS? No, not by administering drugs or condoms. Advocate ABSTINENCE. Yep, that's it! "Excuse me; in case you don't know, this month is Global AIDS Prevention month. Would you be interested in participating? Yes? Great - here's what you would do. Would you join me and thousands (maybe millions) of other [unmarried] young people in participating in a month of sexual abstinence?" You know why? Because abstinence WORKS!!! Fancy that.

Then, on the last day, we'll hold rallies and marches...Pastor Ssempa said it the best:

We (Christians and abstinence-promoters) suffer from an abstinence stigma. It's time to shake off that stigma. What would you call the opposite of Abstinence Stigma? Abstinence Pride!

Couldn't you just see this fly in the face of Gay-pride celebrations? I'm not gloating, or rejoicing over the opportunity to "get back" at anyone...it's just so exciting to see someone shouting out a rallying cry.

So, keep the month of October in mind. GAPDay. Abstinence Pride. "True Love Waits."

Oh, by the way. Uganda is the only country in which the AIDS percentage has actually dropped. From 30% in the 1980s to 6.5% a couple years ago. Why the change? Uganda is the only country to take the idea of abstinence seriously.

Just a little bee to stick in your bonnet...

It's time to reclaim our generation for purity!

~Chelsea