What is AMAR?
AMAR is a project initiated by “Asociación Ministerio Alto Refugio” (High Refuge Ministries), a nongovernmental organization in Paraguay, made up of members and volunteers who work with people living with HIV/AIDS. It is supported by Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC) in Paraguay and Canada.
How did this Ministry start?
This ministry, now known as “Alto Refugio”, started in May 1997 when one of our sisters in Christ, Alicia Zang, was hospitalized at the LACIMET Hospital where she was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Taking care of her day and night opened to us a new world of acute needs inside and outside the hospital. Our desire is to always share God’s love to all. Caring along side Alicia was a preparation for us to get to know in depth about diseases, treatments and emotional changes. Finally, in September 1998, we experienced the pain caused by the death of our dear sister, Alicia. All this was just the beginning of a work that continues to grow. We keep looking for ways to reach out a hand to people in need of a hope that passes all sicknesses; that is, a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
What are the needs Alto Refugio tries to meet?
The following are the needs of the people with HIV/AIDS:
- Financial: food, medicine, clothing, etc.
- Emotional: consultations, group support, spiritual counseling, educational talks, etc.
- Spiritual: praying for the people, sharing time and devotions, counseling, etc.
- Physically: dental assistance and other services that are related to their financial needs.
What are our future plans?
- Offer free dental help with local dentists
- Be the place where discriminated men and women find welcome
- Expand the building and offer 24 hour help
- Start group support meetings to the people infected with HIV in every city of Paraguay. Luque, Caaguazu and Campo 9 have groups already.
What tasks does Alto Refugio’s Committee have?
The Committee meets once a month to pay the workers, manage finances, discuss projects and approve them.
Who qualifies as employee for AMAR?
There are two kinds of employees:
- The employees who work at a certain time and area could be HIV+ or not. They work at the kitchen, cleaning, or as support people to the patients, etc.
- The employees who are supported by churches or pastors and are convicted Christians. They support and provide spiritual help, lead prayer groups, etc. Some are HIV+, others are not. We have counted about 10.000 people who have worked in AMAR or have supported it financially.
Why do we give educational talks/workshops?
We inform people about the sickness, to stop discrimination and to promote values, premarriage abstinence and marital faithfulness. We welcome invitations from schools, youth groups, and churches
