Helping Leprosy Patients ‘Stay Alive’

World Leprosy Day is commemorated each year on the last Sunday of January. The aim of the observance day is to raise awareness about leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) and its cure. For many Gospel for Asia-supported workers and pastors, the day is also an opportunity to show God’s love and care to people who are often marginalized by society.

Leprosy Colonies Honored with Medical Care

In one region, a GFA-supported medical center organized a medical treatment camp in honor of World Leprosy Day. Two doctors provided free check-ups, medicine and other medical attention to men, women and children living with leprosy and battling other illnesses. Throughout the day, the medical center provided treatment to 140 people, all at no cost to the patients.

In addition, several GFA-supported pastors and their local fellowships of believers observed World Leprosy Day by providing clothing items for six different groups of people living with leprosy. In total, they provided leprosy colony residents with 600 warm blankets, 100 night dresses and 600 lungis (a traditional Indian garment worn primarily by men resembling a tubular-shaped skirt).

This simple act of kindness made a significant impact on people struggling with leprosy. One woman explained how she never imagined God would rescue her from her misery, but He did.

“When there was no bed… hospital authorities released me from the hospital. I was not able to take care of my body because I lost all my fingers,” she described.

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Learn more about the GFA-supported leprosy ministry, or the Reaching Friends Ministry, reminding and helping leprosy patients that, despite the stigma of leprosy, they have dignity and are valued by God.