Press Release

Wingate, North Carolina - US Senator Jesse Helms (retired) has recorded a personal video entitled "Make a Difference" to deliver his message on the scope of the AIDS crisis in Africa.  His plea is that those who might be tempted to turn away from such a large challenge would remember how they would respond if such devastation were to visit their own community or family.

In the video Helms says, "Much attention has been paid to increasing government assistance to African nations, and I support that, but the best government program is no match for the impact God’s people can make if they understand the need and resolve to follow our Savior’s lead in going to the rescue of those who are perishing.  Each of us, all of our churches, must do something.  We dare not avert our eyes."

Before his retirement from the Senate, Helms announced that discussions with Rev. Franklin Graham and the musician Bono had convinced him that he had been wrong in opposing government aid to fight the spread of the AIDS.  The Senator also pledged that he would join the fight and do all he could to help.  He partnered with Senator Bill Frist (retired) to introduce and help sign into law the first major legislation to provide funding for this problem. The legislation provided more than $500 million in aid and encouraged U.S. pharmaceutical companies to make their medicines available to health care workers in Africa who had no means to secure these resources for their patients.

Helms committed to bring the AIDS fight to the attention of all who could help. In his memoir Here’s Where I Stand, the Senator describes his change of heart.  His hope is that the United States will not be just the wealthiest power among the nations, but the wisest in the use of its resources for the good of those in desperate need of our help.

The new video is available at no cost through the Jesse Helms Center.  It has been praised as both moving and inspiring, especially since Senator Helms’ personal dedication to this cause is so obvious as he speaks.

The video can be viewed in its entirety by clicking here.  Churches and non-profit organizations may order DVD’s for their use at no charge.