Greetings to the Black Church Family:

All of us at The Balm In Gilead are excited about hosting you in Tarrytown, New York at The Black Church HIV/AIDS Training Institute 2002, May 28-31, 2002.

Pastors, deacons, missionaries, church school educators, youth ministry leaders, church nurses and other auxiliary leaders of the Black church will come together to examine the impact of HIV/AIDS on communities throughout the African Diaspora and to reestablish the critical roles we play as members of faith-inspired institutions to ensure the survival of our people once again!

With conviction, open hearts and open minds, we will gather to share the progress Black churches have made in developing HIV prevention, testing and care programs. Most of all, we convene to share our knowledge of building churches where education, service and hope prevail in response to the AIDS pandemic in Black communities throughout the African Diaspora.

The Black Church HIV/AIDS Training Institute is exclusively designed for leaders of Black churches who strive to increase their knowledge about AIDS and strengthen their commitment to HIV education and supporting those infected with and affected by HIV.

The Balm In Gilead seeks to create an environment of knowledge, support, care, compassion and unconditional love to overcome the barriers of ignorance, stigma, homophobia, denial and hate - the explosive fuel for the fire of AIDS in our global village.

May the Holy Spirit embrace us as we come together to study to show ourselves approved unto God! May the knowledge and messages exchanged at The Black Church HIV/AIDS Training Institute echo throughout our communities to bring us closer to triumph!

As Always, I AM yours in the Consciousness of Abiding Faith!

Pernessa C. Seele
Chief Executive Officer /Founder