Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

Love & Action Midwest, Inc. began as a result of Nancy and Sven Cederberg losing one of their sons to AIDS. Their son Kent placed his faith in Christ at a very early age and from early childhood felt called of God to be a missionary. After contracting AIDS at the age of 24, he then wanted to start a Christian AIDS ministry but the Lord called him home before this could happen. However, Kent did begin a Christian AIDS ministry as God is continuing Kent's missionary pilgrimage in many ways through Love & Action Midwest which Nancy and Sven founded. They are directors of this organization, knowing that this would be their son's desire.

Love & Action Midwest, Inc. is a tax exempt, not for profit corporation, serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area, designed exclusively for charitable, benevolent, educational and religious purposes, under the direction of a "Board of Directors". This includes the education and training of local churches and individual volunteers to provide spiritual, emotional and physical support for men, women and children who are HIV positive or have AIDS. It is also their purpose to bring to those with AIDS, the love and hope of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship with I-Em This is accomplished through Committees throughout the greater Chicago land area, headed up by coordinators who are responsible for their volunteers. All coordinators and volunteers must adhere and live according to L&A's statement of faith, since this is a Christian based ministry. It is up to the coordinators, along with their volunteers to determine the best way to serve PWAs and their families in their locations and how to reach out to them with God's "love" through their "actions". Some of this is done through support groups, visitation, Bible studies, parties, dinners, retreats, gifts, etc.. Several committees find great ministry opportunities by regularly visiting AIDS wards in nursing homes where they are able to establish very personal relationships with the residents. Education to churches is done through seminars and speaking at various functions. Nancy and Sven tell their story by "Putting a Face on AIDS" prayerfully educating the church that Christians, such as their son Kent, can contract this disease and that they must be prepared to respond as Jesus would to those in their church affected by AIDS, as well as those outside the walls of their building in their community who desire spiritual, emotional and physical help.

Kent's story was published in The Moody Magazine of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL and reprints of this article are still being distributed in great quantities which are readily available. Nancy and Sven have also shared Kent's story in schools, businesses etc. to personalize this disease which has a profound affect in the populations reactions when it becomes personal. They have also been on radio, local TV stations including the PBS MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour, promoting a Christian response through their son's testimony.

Coordinators and volunteers also have opportunities to educate by speaking at various functions. Prayer is the power behind this ministry because there is power in prayer. It is financially supported solely through donations and contributions of individuals, organizations and churches. Love & Action Midwest is a "Partner Ministry" of Willow Creek Community Church of Barrington, IL., as well as a "Branch Ministry" of The Moody Church of Chicago, IL. L&A cannot promise physical healing to those with AIDS, but can promise spiritual healing for eternity through a personal faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

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