Mpls, MN (February 24, 2006 - GMS) Community Fitness Today, Inc. (CFT) along with Macedonia DHM AIDS Ministry leads the PRAYER and ACTION starting Sunday, March 5 thru Saturday, March 11, 2006 Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. Executive Director S. Marie Ghaham, CFT, appeals to clergy, the local church community organizations and leaders, "Please join us in the fight."

Now approaching its 17th year, The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is a week of HIV/AIDS education and awareness highlighting the important role churches play in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Each year, a growing number of Black congregations are supporting and caring for persons living with HIV/AIDS, developing AIDS prevention outreach programs, setting up HIV/AIDS ministries in the church and in the community, and establishing HIV testing facilities complete with staff and counselors knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.

“If I Can Help Somebody Musical” featuring National Recording artist, Grammy Award winning Ann Nesby, along with other soloists and choirs. There will be a FREE WILL offering. For individuals who may not be able to attend the kick-off musical you may make a tax-deductible donation to Community Fitness Today, Inc. All donations are used to continue service for individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Worship Service , Sunday, March 5, 2006, 11:00 AM, Guest Speaker Elder Linda Atlas, AIDS/HIV Activist & Educator, Macedonia Baptist Church, 3801 First Ave S, Mpls
Musical , 4-6 pm, Ann Nesby, Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3805 - 3rd Ave S., Mpls

The dire reality of the AIDS pandemic among Black people worldwide demands that our religious institutions lead the struggle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS calls upon Black faith communities worldwide to command accessible services and resources for people who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Contact:
S. Marie Graham
Executive Director
Community Fitness Today, Inc.
(612) 824-8610, (612) 824-8756 fax
Email: communityfitness@hotmail.com (612) 730-6890 (cell)

CFT mission is to improve the health status of minorities through educational, fitness, nutrition, and prevention programs. Our goal is to address underlying causes of health risks through culturally specific programs that will modify behaviors and educate people to make healthy lifestyle choices. Principles of history, heritage, and culture are used to inspire individuals and families to maximize their potential for wellness and personal growth.

About Balm In Gilead

The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is a national event sponsored by the Balm in Gilead, the only organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to empowering churches in the struggle against the devastation of HIV/AIDS in the Black. Community Fitness Today, Inc. and the Macedonia Baptist Church are Certified Partners to The Balm In Gilead for the State of Minnesota. For more information on the Balm In Gilead call 1-888-225- 6243 or visit their website at www.balmingilead .org.