Extending the love of God to
people affected with leprosy
What is Leprosy? Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium leprae
( a rod shaped bacillus which affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper
respiratory tract, hands, legs and eyes). Though science has a cure and
can restrict the spread of this disease, people in India generally
acknowledge the supernatural in all aspects of life, and sickness is often
linked with bad deeds done by a person. Illness, poverty or misfortune is
considered a part of their fate, because it is believed to be predestined.
Even those who have some level of education may not be aware about
causes of sickness and health seeking behavior. Because of these
factors, the disease is still prevalent in India.
The Affected: The body of the affected person starts withering away, more
particularly visible in the hands, legs and eyes, thus rendering
the affected human being unfit for normal life. The affected
person lives in isolation, rejected by family and society. In
most countries, especially in India, they tend to migrate to
one of the available nearby leprosy colonies. An in-depth
research and study done by the Times of India and several
similar institutions concerned with the welfare of lepers has
identified that India has the highest number of cases in the world.
It is reported that there are over 1,000 leprosy colonies
in different parts of this country, majority of them being in the
State of Tamilnadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Their Hope:
God’s Word is the only source of consolation and comfort
to them. They spend time in praying, meditating on God’s
Word and deriving their day to day strength from Him.
Our Response:
The Lord Jesus by touching and healing the lepers demonstrated that we too have to care for people who are suffering, neglected and stigmatized. Christian medical doctors and pastors from churches partner with Bible Society to
provide the needed Scriptures, counseling and medical help. They sacrifice their time and talent to bring joy and blessing to these who are marginalized by the society.
Scripture titles distributed: - Discover the Good News, - Assurance of God’s Help, -True Friend, - Holy Bible,- Audio Digital Bible.
