Thanks for helping Raj

Transcription

1 KEEPING IN TOUCH Ellingworth Parade, Box Hill VIC 3128 tlmaust@leprosymission.org.au Thanks for helping Raj R A J IS A SINGLE DAD from the historic city of Bhaktapur in Nepal. His wife left him for someone else when his son was just five years old. His son is now in year 11. He s proud of how well his son is doing in school. Raj paints to earn an income and support his son. Pictured above is Raj with one of his paintings a thank you card. When Raj was nine years old when he lost his left arm. He accidentally touched a powerline. Raj's arm became necrotic because of the electrical burns and his arm had to be amputated at the shoulder. When Raj was just 14-years-old, he lost sensation in his right hand and his fingers started to claw. He also lost the feeling in his feet. His uncle took him to Bhaktapur hospital where he was diagnosed with leprosy. Hospital staff referred to him to Anandaban hospital for treatment of the ulcers on his foot. At this time, Raj s parents passed away from an unknown disease. Raj was terrified when he found out he had leprosy. It was widely believed that leprosy was a curse and Raj felt that he was cursed. Raj felt that he was no longer a part of normal society. But at Anandaban Raj found out that he was not alone. Staff assured him that many other people are also affected by leprosy, that it s not a curse and that it can be cured. He was shown love and care, and connected to a community. At the Self Care Unit, Raj learnt to care for his wounds. In a community of people affected by leprosy, overseen by Kashi, Raj learned to cook safely and protect his hands from injury. Raj has been staying at the Self Care Unit for two weeks and is expected to stay for three more. This is his second visit. Previously, Raj had surgery on his left eye to restore power to his eyelid, now Raj is able to shut his eye. Many, many thanks to you for your support. I am so grateful. Whenever I come back here to the hospital I have hope for my ulcers to be cured. There are many others like me who also greatly benefit from your support."

2 Sa-rah's Art with Heart SA-R AH IS AN ARTIST living in eastern Adelaide. She has a passion for making a difference with her art. 100% of her profits are given to people affected by leprosy. You can see and purchase her products on her Facebook (facebook. com/serenityartwork). Andrew from The Leprosy Mission Australia recently spoke with her about her inspiration, process and art: When did you first start painting? My Mum was an art teacher so when I was younger I used to do a little bit of drawing and painting. I never had proper lessons. But it was always something that I had wanted to do. In the beginning of 2015, I decided to go along to classes. I had just moved back into Adelaide, from the country, and I was thinking about things that I wanted to do. And then I saw an advertisement in the local supermarket for art classes. The great thing was that the teacher really listened to the ideas that I had and helped me find a way to express them. I had different things that I wanted to present in my painting, and this teacher was really good at helping me with the techniques to do that. From those classes I understood how much you can communicate through painting it doesn t matter what language you speak; there is a message in the work. I teach English-as-a-Second-Language, so I m always using visuals to explain the meaning of words. As well as raising money, I m hoping they ll be a real encouragement to the people that do receive them." What are you trying to communicate? I like the idea that the cards portray a Christian message, but I m really not trying to be pushy about it. I like the idea of people being drawn into the artwork and if they want they can dig deeper into the story behind it. Usually I come up with the idea for the art first and then pair it with a title and scripture reference. Sometimes it takes a while before I come up with the right verse to go with the art. For example, the last one I did [see above], I had the idea with the girl with the dove in a field of sunflowers. I was listening to someone talk about Christ setting you free in Galatians 1. I thought that it was interesting and really ties well into this painting. So I titled it 'Be

3 Free'. Being an English teacher, I love giving a verb an imperative to each card. It s like a command to Be free. Another card I have is 'Be Still'. That one is obviously about being still and knowing that God is God. As well as raising money, I m hoping they ll be a real encouragement to the people that do receive them. Art crosses a lot of barriers. It s exciting to think that it doesn t matter what language you speak you can still get a message from it. I m inspired that Jesus had a real heart for people affected by leprosy." How many paintings have you completed? At the moment I have done eight paintings. It s been a nice few years to get into the artwork. After I had done a few paintings I considered the idea of selling them as cards, and how that could be a way to raise money for charity... It s nice that you can use something that you enjoy doing to bless another ministry. One of my paintings is also printed on those postcards you can pick up in cafés. They could be anywhere in Australia, but that s another way to get the message out there. Why did you want to support people affected by leprosy? Ever since I was a child, I knew about The Leprosy Mission. Back in the days of collecting tins that sat next to the phone. I was in Papua New Guinea for a year when I was in high school. My whole family went across. My parents were short-term assistants to Bible translators my Dad was helping out with radios. It really helped me see outside my own country and culture, and appreciate the needs in developing countries. But I feel that out of any disadvantaged group, people affected by leprosy are definitely one of the most disadvantaged. I m inspired that Jesus had a real heart for people affected by leprosy. So I ve always been keen to do whatever I can to support The Leprosy Mission. It s just crazy to think that we still have leprosy today, given how easy it is to cure. You can view and purchase Sa-rah's card online at facebook.com/serenityartwork

4 Kashi is retiring this year SOME OF YOU will be familiar with Kashi. He's the self-care facilitator at Anandaban and has an incredible story. Kashi has had leprosy since he was about 7. He spent most of his youth traveling to and from Anandaban hospital receiving help treating foot wounds and ulcers. Because of his poor background he came from he had to go out and work in the fields, which increased his problems with wounds and ulcers. But things got worse when other villagers in his community decided they no longer wanted him around. They told his sister they were going to send him to a leprosarium. In the two following visits to Anandaban he told the doctor this, and eventually pleaded the doctor to let him stay and do some sort of work there. The doctor couldn't just give him a job, but said he would enquire with The Leprosy Mission. Kashi returned home and continued working as a cattle herder. During his time out in the field, Kashi used to bring a bible with him. Coming across the words: Ask and it will be given to you. Knock and it shall be opened to you", Kashi fervently prayed for a job. Kashi would return to Anandaban, and after volunteering for a time, earned the admiration of the doctor and was offered a contract for 6 months. After that, he was offered a permanent position. That was the happiest moment of Kashi's life. He said "I will never have another moment like this in my life. Kashi eventually became in charge of the self-care unit. The most important thing is I asked God and He gave me this job and I m thankful for it. I trust Him completely. He's adamant that self-care is one of the most important aspects of controlling disability caused by leprosy. Not everyone understands some of the patients think that taking medicine is enough to cure leprosy. They will have recurring problems if they do not take care of their insensitive parts. Kashi is an example himself that self-care works he hasn't had a wound in 23 years. Kashi lives quite happily at Anandaban with his wife and three daughters. He's a shining example of the good that can emerge from the right support. He will be retiring from his work this year, after many years of excellent service. He will be greatly missed by everyone. You can visit the Self Care Unit by participating in the Trek to Defeat Leprosy. Visit trek17.leprosymission.org.au for more details. Trek Annapurna and have a life-transforming experience for you and people affected by leprosy. Find out more at trek17.leprosymission.org.au

5 Regional Round-up April Easter Convention in Mount Tamborine On the April volunteers from The Leprosy Mission Australia will be attending the Easter Convention at the Mount Tamborine Conference Centre, North Tamborine, QLD. The convention is a wonderful opportunity to hear from Colin Martin who will be introducing people to the needs of people affected by leprosy. Keynote speakers include Stuart and Jill Briscoe who have authored more than eighty books between them and are well-regarded Bible teachers and ministers. Attendees at the event will be able to give Protective Shoes as Gifts of Love to people affected by leprosy. For more information about the event visit: mtcc.org.au Welcome Amy! We give a warm welcome to Amy who has joined The Leprosy Mission Australia staff in the Customer Services Department. Amy has a background in admin and studied Public Health and Health Promotion. She said she's looking forward to meeting supporters around Australia. You'll get to meet Amy when you call the office. Inspired by Jesus' miracle, children give Gifts of Love Last year the children of St Augustine's Anglican Church in NSW decided to give a Gift of Love to people affected by leprosy. They were inspired to learn about leprosy and help after hearing the story of the 10 people affected by leprosy in Luke 17: They set the ambitious target of $350 raiding their money boxes, praying and giving thanks each week as their collection grew. They reached an incredible amount of $515 within eight weeks! With this money they purchased a generous assortment of Gifts of Love. Thank you St Augustine's Anglican Church Sunday School! Your gift will make a massive difference in the lives of people affected by leprosy. A big thank you to the Corryong Support Group The Corryong Support Group has closed this year after many years of faithful giving and support to people affected by leprosy through Devonshire Teas. The group would host an annual street stall to share the needs of people affected by leprosy with community members. A special thank you to Molly Ferguson who was a powerful organiser of the group and recently retired. Thank you Corryong Support Group for your love and support to people affected by leprosy. April Prayer points Saturday, 1 April TIMOR LESTE Pray for people with disabilities as they advocate for inclusive policies, like equal rights to education. Pray that their voice might persuade the Timor Leste government on these matters. Sunday, 2 April TIMOR LESTE Pray for Pascoela dos Santos Pereira, the head of the Rights for People with Disability project, as she partners with other people with disability. Monday, 3 April AUSTRALIA Give thanks for the two new Customer Services staff members, Amy and Tim, who started last month. Pray that they would feel supported and enthused in their new roles. Tuesday, 4 April AUSTRALIA Give thanks that Cure One, the new sponsorship program, has been well received by supporters and will continue to cure, care for and restore the lives of people affected by leprosy. Wednesday, 5 April AUSTRALIA Pray for the right people to join the Trek 2 Defeat Leprosy adventure in Nepal later this year. Thursday, 6 April AUSTRALIA Give thanks for those who left a gift in their will, ensuring that people affected by leprosy are helped for many years to come. Friday, 7 April GLOBAL Today is World Health Day and the theme this year is "Depression". Depression is common among people affected by leprosy and can be treated with counselling. Pray for strength and hope for people experiencing depression as a result of leprosy.

6 Saturday, 8 April NEPAL Pray for Kashi (KIT back story) as he administers the Self- Care Unit project training people affected by leprosy to prevent further impairment and as he prepares to retire this year. Sunday, 9 April NEPAL Pray for Raj from Nepal (KIT cover story) as he paints to earn an income and support his son. Monday, 10 April NEPAL Pray for perseverance in people affected by leprosy who are self-caring to prevent further impairments caused by leprosy. Tuesday, 11 April AUSTRALIA Pray for the Human Resources and Governance committee meeting being held today as they work to improve people management and respond to new regulatory requirements. Wednesday, 12 April AUSTRALIA Give thanks for innovative fundraising ideas, like Sa-rah's paintings, that help raise money for people affected by leprosy and share their needs with new audiences. Thursday, 13 April AUSTRALIA Pray for the Investment Committee meeting being held today, that they are given the wisdom to manage the investments that ultimately benefit people affected by leprosy. Friday, 14 April THAILAND Pray for the elderly residents living at the aged-care facility at McKean Rehabilitation Centre. Pray that many might draw nearer to God through the loving witness of Christian staff and residents. Saturday, 15 April GLOBAL Today is Father Damien Day, a day to reflect on the humble and hard work of Father Damien. Give thanks for field workers, past and present like Father Damien, for their service and support to people affected by leprosy. Sunday, 16 April GLOBAL Today is Easter Sunday! Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Meditation from John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Lord Jesus, we are so grateful for Your sacrifice, so thankful for the gift of life Your work on the cross offers us. We ask You to help us to live in honour of this gift may we never take it for granted. Amen. Monday, 17 April INDIA Pray for The Leprosy Mission Trust India as they seek new ways to raise funds within India and help sustain their programs. Tuesday, 18 April AUSTRALIA Pray for the Finance Audit and Risk committee meeting being held today, that they would have the clarity and wisdom to mitigate risks and order finances. Wednesday, 19 April NEPAL Pray for the ongoing building of the new orthopaedic surgery ward at Anandaban Hospital. People still require treatments following the earthquakes in April Thursday, 20 April PAPUA NEW GUINEA Give thanks that The Leprosy Mission Papua New Guinea is a respected grassroots voice that can raise awareness to the healthcare needs of the community. Friday, 21 April GLOBAL Pray for researchers who are trying to learn more about leprosy bacteria. Pray that their findings might improve our ability to manage the disease, and ultimately defeat it! Saturday, 22 April AUSTRALIA Prayer makes this mission happen! Give thanks for the many Prayer Partners who continue to support people affected by leprosy through their faithful prayers. Sunday, 23 April INDIA Pray for the two Disability Information Centres that were established through the PARTI project. They help people with disabilities get advice about their rights and the services available to them. Monday, 24 April GLOBAL Pray for James Montgomery and Andrew Sithling as they develop a proposal for phase 2 of the Reclaim EDR project. Tuesday, 25 April TIMOR LESTE Give thanks for the finance and administration staff in Timor Leste as they work to bless people affected by leprosy. Wednesday, 26 April AUSTRALIA Pray for the success of Cuppa for a Cure events so far this year. Pray that the events will bring the needs of people affected by leprosy to new people. Thursday, 27 April PAPUA NEW GUINEA Pray for a strong working relationship with Papua New Guinea's National Department of Health for improved strategies, mutual support and communication. Friday, 28 April PAPUA NEW GUINEA Pray for the improved distribution of Multi-Drug Therapy, so that people affected by leprosy in remote regions can complete treatment. Saturday, 29 April AUSTRALIA Give thanks for the many volunteers who help raise awareness and funds for people affected by leprosy. Sunday, 30 April THAILAND Pray for people who have received assistive devices from staff at the McKean Rehabilitation Centre. Pray that it would empower them with physical independence and help them reintegrate into their communities.