Sharing the Burden: Janet Ssebuyira and Teopista Nakazzi

But the darkness makes it nearly impossible to see. Sometimes Teopista (pictured above) will put paraffin in a jar, light it, and use it as a candle. It's dangerous and easily extinguished by the wind. When that happens, Teopista is left fumbling in the dark.

Janet and Teopista are two of the thousands of volunteer caregivers in Africa trained by World Vision in simple first aid. They wash and tend to bed sores, bathe sick patients, and comfort the dying.

Sarah, 35, paralyzed by AIDS, says that the best thing Janet does is pray. "She tells me that it is always good, even in sad situations, to lean on God," she says.

But the caregivers are desperately short of basic supplies to continue their work and protect themselves from infection.

That's why both women were delighted when they received a World Vision Caregiver Kit put together by church groups in the United States. The kit includes necessities such as soap, washcloths, rubber gloves, cotton balls, and — to Teopista's great delight — a flashlight.

Teopista says it's common for families to have no light. Sometimes caregivers will resort to setting ablaze the grass in front of a dying person's home to provide illumination. Now she has the tools she needs to care for those in their darkest hours.