The nationally touring, interactive "World Vision Experience: AIDS" exhibit will be at Friendswood United Methodist Church to raise awareness about the effects of the AIDS pandemic on children in developing countries. Friendswood UMC is hosting this to engage the community on this important issue through the exhibit. The free exhibit will be open to the public Fri, Jan 25 (8:30 am – 10:00 pm); Sat, Jan 26 (9:00 am – 9:00 pm); Sun, Jan 27 (8:00 am – 9:00 pm) and Mon, Jan 28 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm).

"World Vision is providing local residents of the Bay Area of Houston with an opportunity to see, hear and experience in a personal way the lives of children whose worlds have been devastated by AIDS," said Rev. Jon Thronsbury, Associate Pastor.

Visitors to the 2,340 square foot exhibit will walk though a replica of an African village while listening on headsets to a story of a child whose life has been affected by AIDS. The stories profiled in the exhibit are those of four real children touched by the work of World Vision, and are inspired by true events.

"Our congregation is excited to host the exhibit and invite the local community to come join us as we do our part to make a difference in the lives of those most affected by this disease – our children," says Rev. Thornsbury.

The exhibit is slated to reach 80 cities during 2007 and 2008. About 3,000 to 4,000 visitors are expected to tour the exhibit in each city during a typical five-day stay.

"World Vision, unfortunately, cannot take thousands of Americans to Africa to witness the tragedy of the AIDS pandemic personally," says Richard E. Stearns, president and CEO of World Vision, U.S. "So we've created this exhibit to enable people to 'step into Africa' and learn more about effects of the greatest humanitarian disaster of our time and how they can help. No one can do everything, but each of can to something to help turn the tide against AIDS."