Ministry is not always about Bible study, prayer and fellowship. More often than not, true ministry in Jesus' name takes place as we reach out to the "least of these" in society - the poor, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned. From day one, Gay Christian Outreach has sought out avenues to join in the fight against HIV and AIDS and, in doing so, open up a new way in which we can change lives. It is our belief that victory over this disease will come through three things:

1. Education and public awareness to explain what the disease is, who can get it and how and what steps can be taken to prevent it
   
2. Better and less expensive treatment options to help those who are HIV+ to live long, healthy lives
   
3. Well funded research working towards a vaccine and cure

Below, you'll find a message from Kevin as well as information about how you can donate to this fund and make a difference in the battle against HIV and AIDS.

A message from Kevin Abner, Rick Harrison Memorial Fund Coordinator January 13, 2005 Who was Rick Harrison? Rick was an ordinary man with an extraordinary heart and compassion for others. Rick's life was not an easy one, nor one that was perfect. He chose the wrong roads in life and he made mistakes; some were major mistakes. Rick, at one point, was heavy into drugs and alcohol but managed, with help from God and his family, to turn his entire life around and use it to glorify God. So if Rick was just an ordinary person, and a person who had a "not so good" background, they why do we have a fund set up in his name? That is a good question. There are several reasons there has been a fund set up in Rick's name. Although Rick was not perfect, he did try to help others any way he could. Rick was a very generous person and would give his last dollar to someone if it meant they would have a hot meal or a place to sleep. Rick was also an extreme encouragement to many GCO members. Rick also lived with HIV. Rick contracted the virus from his first partner shortly after he was released from the Air Force in the early 80's. Rick was very interested in research to help find a cure for HIV & AIDS. This memorial is not about Rick: it is about the advancement to find a cure for this disease. This has plagued us far too long and it cannot be stopped yet. It is perceived to have been found mainly in the gay population, so it tends to be seen as a "gay disease". People are ignorant and need to be educated on what this disease is and how it can and cannot be spread. This may be set up in Rick's name, but at the same time, this will go to help many, many people in and around the area. I have chosen the University of Kentucky Bluegrass Care Clinic because Rick was a patient here. He was in the Ryan White program at the UK BCC. I have been in contact with the people who help run it, and not only have their budgets been cut, but they rely on mostly donations because the Ryan White program is nationwide and has only so much to give to each clinic. I would love to encourage everyone to go out and look in your local areas and see about donating. Report back here and tell us the area and the hospital. My hope is to have a list of states and cities and the hospitals or clinics for this so people can donate in their own area. This is just not a "Kentucky thing" or an "Ohio thing", it is a humanity thing. I am sorry it has taken the death of a loved one to bring us to this point, but I think that with time and persistence, we can actually see science come to a point to where they can get this under control. We may not see the cure, but at least we can get it under control. It is all about education. Please, if you have any questions, feel free to email me. In Christ Kevin