One of the McAuleys' partners in mission in Malawi, Africa, is SOM. Peace Church provides support to the SOM mission activity independently of the McAuleys. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa is one of most important challenges facing that continent. According to a TIME magazine article 17 million Africans have died since the AIDS epidemic began in the late 1970, and 12 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. SOM assists the orphans, and the families with whom they stay, in meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs in order that they may live a productive life in their communities.