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Woman recovers from coma, begins spiritual mission
COLUMBUS DAILY ADVOCATE
Columbus, KS
03.07.01
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — When Mary Swinton came out of a month-long
diabetic coma four years ago, she wasn't content with just being awake.
She says she had a mission from God to spread the word about the dangers
of HIV and AIDS, especially among blacks.
While she was in a coma, she said God told her, "I'm going
to give you holy boldness to go among those people, those saints,
and tell it like it is." And she did, even though she was weakened
from HIV herself.
Her efforts will be bolstered by the Black Church Week of Prayer
for the Healing of AIDS, a national campaign that started with a
gospel concert at Wichita State University. It continues with a
prayer vigil, a youth prevention rally, an education program and
other events through March 12.
These events, HIV caregivers say, are desperately needed. Blacks,
who account for 6 percent of Kansas' population, account for 21
percent of the state's HIV and AIDS cases.
Black women account for 37 percent of HIV and AIDS cases among
all women, according to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.
Despite those numbers, Swinton said, most churches aren't ministering
to HIV patients or talking about the virus with their members.
"They're not on fire for this issue," she said.
Their reasons, she said: Some pastors don't view AIDS prevention
as a priority. Others see the syndrome as punishment for sin.
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