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Leprosy Centre Changes Despair to Hope in Nepal
by Dr. Julie Lincoln, Nepal
23 January 2007
The International Nepal Fellowship Dang Project is giving hope to Nepalis affected by leprosy. Based in Ghorahi in Nepal’s remote midwest, the project is the only center providing these services in an area of 1.5 million people. The local Nepali staff is supported by SIM New Zealand worker Dr. Julie Lincoln. Together they are reaching out to those affected by leprosy to
The Despair of LeprosyLeprosy has caused untold misery for thousands of people in Nepal. Rejected by their families, cast out from their villages, and fearing they are under the curse of the gods, people affected by leprosy desperately need the hope of Jesus. At the Dang Leprosy Centre, they receive medical treatment, counselling, advocacy, self care training, and specialized footwear. They also hear about Christ's love. Life is hard in the remote mountainous districts. The limited infrastructure, political conflict, and food shortages result in 70% to 80% living below the poverty line. In the midst of these difficulties, our project offers a ray of hope for people like Sarita. Sarita's StoryShe came from a poor village. It was three days journey and a long walk down from the mountains. Each step was difficult for 36-year-old Sarita. Both her feet dragged on the ground. They were stumped and covered with big ulcers from the journey. Her hands were also stumps with no full fingers left.
Sarita had been diagnosed with leprosy at age 11. All her hopes for a normal life were destroyed—no one would marry a girl who had leprosy; no one would employ her; even her friends stayed away. Sarita had received treatment, but no one taught her how to care for her hands and feet to prevent disability. We treated her ulcers and referred her to a bigger hospital for operations for her feet. After surgery she still needed special moulded shoes and a stick to help her walk. A vocational assessment showed she was too disabled to earn her living. We provided her with shoes and a living allowance, but the rejection she had experienced made her terrified to leave the safety of the clinic for life in the community. Finding Hope in ChristBut Sarita heard the story of Jesus at the Leprosy Centre. She learned that He had compassion on people affected by leprosy and how He gave His life for her. She responded with joy and joined the local church. A church member offered her a place to live in their home. Though she cannot work, she prays and is known as a faithful intercessor. Sarita says, “I feel that my leprosy was one of God’s ways to lead me into His kingdom. Before I knew Jesus, I was very sad and miserable most of the time, but He has given me joy and I am so happy to know Him. Now I feel strongly that if I had not known Christ as my Saviour, I would have ended my life. God has given me the hope to live my future life. Praise the Lord He saved me at the right time and not too late. I am so grateful to God and to INF, and I would like others to know my story so they can see how good and faithful God has been to me.” Get InvolvedWould you like to give hope and compassion to other Nepalis affected by leprosy? Contact your SIM office to learn how you can help. Download the INF Dang Project brochure [202 KB] Story used with permission from International Nepal Fellowship, www.inf.org 
 
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