Knox, Stratford, hosted a photo exhibit in August and September to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Towards a World without AIDS: The Beauty and the Tragedy showcased the work of Carl Hiebert, who travelled to Malawi on behalf of Presbyterian World Service & Development. His pictures chronicle the lives of people living with the disease.
"Something has captured people's hearts and imaginations," said Terry Hastings, minister at Knox. "There's been a great response from the congregation. It emphasizes the fact that these people are our neighbours. They're not just 'over there'." Community members and tourists also dropped in to look at the photos.
Knox's clerk of session Lois Tutt was motivated to act when she saw a photo essay of Hiebert's work that appeared in February's Presbyterian Record. The exhibit was free, but donations to PWS&D's HIV/AIDS campaign were welcomed. The CD Christ our Hope, a collection of hymns sung by the choir at Armour Heights, Toronto, was played during the exhibit and was available for purchase. All proceeds went to the AIDS campaign.
Several congregations have already expressed an interest in hosting their own exhibit. The 36 framed 16″ x 20″ photos and seven PWS&D posters used at Knox are available. Contact PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 for more information. – AM
