In Bible times, lepers were considered outcasts and untouchables, forced to live outside towns and cities. When a leper approached Jesus, begging for healing, Jesus broke an unthinkable barrier by touching his diseased skin and saying, “Be cleansed” (Mark 1:40-42).
In South Asia today, people afflicted with leprosy understand what it means to be utterly rejected, abandoned, and feared. Healthy children whose family members suffer from leprosy are also shunned by society. Many never have the opportunity to go to school. Imagine for a moment if someone in your family were diagnosed with leprosy, and you would be banned from interacting with the people you love.
Recently, CAM staff members visited a leprosy colony in South Asia. Two thousand leprosy patients of all ages live there. Sahil,* in his upper fifties, is a leader in this leprosy colony. He was diagnosed with leprosy when he was only six years old! The flesh-eating disease affected his left foot, and now he no longer has toes. Walking is extremely painful and difficult. Sahil needs his wound cleaned, treated, and bandaged every three days, but many people consider leprosy patients outcasts and not worthy of medical supplies or staff.
With supporters’ funds, believers in South Asia can provide food, clothing, blankets, housing, latrines, and medical care for Sahil and people affected by leprosy—all in Jesus’ name. Sisters from the church embody the hands and feet of Jesus as they bandage wounds, bathe those who can’t bathe themselves, prepare food, pray with lepers, and show love and kindness to them in countless ways.
Many lepers are turning to Jesus and experiencing firsthand the powerful love of Christ. God bless you, supporters, for making it possible to share Jesus’ love with these dear suffering ones. They need to know that Jesus considers no one untouchable!
