ASK 2017 Prayer Diary A Mother’s Story

isir Tamang is five years old and comes from Nuwakot district in Nepal. His S mother Laxmi works as a cleaner and his father Ghaman is a security guard. When Sisir was just three years of age, a few patches appeared on both his hands and legs. Unaware about leprosy, his parents thought Sisir had had an allergic reaction to dirty water. Eventually he was brought to TLM Nepal’s Anandaban Patan clinic, in the urban part of Lalitpur, where he was diagnosed with leprosy. Sisir’s mother Laxmi was shocked about the diagnosis. She discovered that Sisir’s father had also been diagnosed with leprosy but had been hiding his condition due to the stigma that still exists in Nepal regarding the disease. Laxmi was crushed. She was frightened for her son and also deeply sad that her husband did not trust her enough to confide in her. Laxmi worried continuously about her son and husband. What if the disease was contagious? What would society say about her family? So Anandaban Hospital’s counsellor Ruth spent some time with Laxmi educating her about leprosy and also providing counselling to handle the situation at home with her husband. Sisir is studying well in school and would like to be a doctor. He has already had a year of medicine for leprosy. Laxmi is glad that both her husband and son were diagnosed and treated early so there is less chance of disability. “My family has received treatment and is healthy. That is what matters. We will deal with society (stigma) if we have to.” Anandaban Hospital’s in house counsellor Ruth Shrestha counsels just over 1,000 patients at Anandaban as well as people in TLM Nepal’s satellite clinics per year. She counsels people affected by leprosy as well as other patients, their families and community members.

Front cover: Sisir Tamang with his mother Laxmi. Above: Sisir learning about leprosy. Welcome from the International Director

Dear praying friends and colleagues,

At the time of writing I am in the process of moving from New Zealand to London to take up the role of International Director of The Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship. While my overwhelming feeling is one of excitement, there is also the sadness of having to leave family and loved ones Brent Morgan (far left) with International Vice-chair Dr Nalini Abraham, behind. I am very thankful for the many International Chairman Mr Ken Martin, and former General Director good wishes my wife Tracy and I have Mr Geoff Warne. received and for those who have lifted us in prayer. Please continue to pray for us as we transition to the United Kingdom.

The Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship is now five years old. We have just completed a five year review of the Fellowship to consider how we are performing and what we need to be doing in the future. I am a huge believer in the Global Fellowship – I believe that collectively, as a Fellowship, we can have a much greater impact in Defeating Leprosy and Transforming Lives than we can as individual members. Furthermore, we can do so in a God-honouring way. Our challenge now is to consider the findings of this review and discern how the Global Fellowship can best be shaped for the future and to serve people affected by leprosy.

Reflecting on some of my recent travels to Member countries, I am inspired by the commitment and compassion of our staff and partners and some of the great work we do, both in serving people affected by leprosy and in engaging donors who support our work. As you read ASK, you will see many examples of these.

I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Geoff Warne. Geoff served The Leprosy Mission for 35 years in a variety of roles including the last 10 years as General Director. Geoff has compared leadership transition to a relay race – the baton is passed from one runner to another. Geoff has run the ‘good race’ – he has navigated The Leprosy Mission through a difficult transition to becoming a Global Fellowship of equal members, and done so with dedication, grace and humility. Thank you Geoff, we wish you and Karen God’s blessing as you transition back to New Zealand.

In closing I would like to thank you for your commitment to pray for the work and ministry of The Leprosy Mission - it is really appreciated.

In Christ,

Brent Morgan International Director The Leprosy Mission International

1 TLM International key personnel TLM’s Vision and Values ASK 2017 Contents International Chairman Mr Ken Martin International Director’s welcome 1 Belgium 59 TLM’s vision and values 2 Canada 50 International Vice-Chair Using the ASK 2017 Prayer Diary 4 Chad 16 Dr Nalini Abraham Supporter involvement 5 China 48 Treasurer Where leprosy is found today – world map 6 Democratic Republic of Congo 26 Mr Philip Putman Prayer Diary 10 Denmark 70 International Director Country office contact details 76 England and Wales 17, 68 Mr Brent Morgan Where TLM works – world map 78 Ethiopia 35 ASK 2017 Prayer Diary Finland 60 Published by The Leprosy Features France 22 Mission International Our vision More Than Feeding The Family 8 Germany 60 Founded in 1874 Leprosy Defeated, Lives Transformed I Feel Valuable As A Woman And A Human 23 Hungary 57 Production Editor Heather Warne Our mission Tricycle Entrepreneur 36 India – Awareness and Advocacy 20 Following Jesus Christ, The Leprosy Mission strives to break the Better To Earn 46 India – Community-Based Rehabilitation 43 Design chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity Mark Knight, MHM Grax Su Thinzar Mon Can Go To School 56 India – Countrywide 12 and life in all its fullness The Turning Point 67 India – Healthcare 32, 33 Printers Duncan Print Our values Keeping Afloat 74 India – Snehalayas 53 © The Leprosy Mission Because we follow Jesus Christ, we value No Longer Alone 80 India – Vocational Training Centres 65 International 2016 • Compassion Ireland 50 Photo (above) • Justice Devotions Italy 31 Supporters from New • Integrity Inspired Prayer 18 Mozambique 38 Zealand visiting staff and • Inclusion Consistent Prayer 29 Myanmar 15 patients at Anandaban Hospital, Nepal. • Humility Adventurous Prayer 41 Nepal 30, 58 Strategic focus Healing Prayer 51 Netherlands 66 Trusting Prayer 62 New Zealand 28 Leprosy Services Distressed Prayer 73 Niger 25 We strive to ensure timely access to quality services that result in Nigeria 21, 61 improved outcomes for leprosy-affected people. Prayer diary by theme Northern Ireland 37 Dignity and Empowerment Integral Mission 72 Papua New Guinea 34 We aim to see marginalised people realising their worth and New Countries, New Opportunities 40 Scotland 54 empowered to overcome challenges. Research 10 Singapore 64 Social Integration Speaking Out 63 Southern Africa 27 We work to influence change in attitudes so that communities no The Global Fellowship 55 South Korea 64 longer stigmatise or discriminate against people affected by leprosy The Leprosy Mission International 71 South Sudan 11 or disability. The Leprosy Mission Trading 42 Spain 31 Research and Learning World Leprosy Day 13 Sri Lanka 49 We seek to be a learning organisation that integrates new medical, Sudan 11 social and fundraising knowledge into our policies and practices and Prayer diary by country Sweden 52 shares it with others. Angola 19 Switzerland 24 Australia 47 Tanzania 19 Resource Mobilisation Bangladesh – Community-Based Rehabilitation 69 Thailand 45 We resolve to be an organisation well resourced in prayer, funds, partnerships and people, with all member countries implementing Bangladesh – Countrywide and Healthcare 14 Timor Leste 39 fundraising strategies for significant income growth. Bangladesh – Leprosy Control and Research 44 USA 50 2 3 The Leprosy Mission’s work is only possible because of the many committed and generous people around the world who pray for us and also those who Using the ASK 2017 Prayer Diary give of their time and resources. Here are some of the ways people got involved with TLM in 2016: If this is your first time using the ASK Prayer Diary, welcome and thank you for praying for our work! If you have used the diary in previous years, thank you for your continued prayer support. Below we have outlined some of the key pages of the ASK. Weekly prayer pages Each week of the year we have a different prayer focus, based on the countries where we or our partners work and some important themes in our mission. Prayer pages include information on the relevant activities and staff and specific points that need your prayer. Devotions Wellesley Bailey, founder of The Leprosy Mission, said that “The Mission has been born and cradled in prayer. It has been brought up on prayer; it has been nourished on prayer; and prayer has been at the bottom of its success since the first moments of its life.” This year we have included six short devotions about prayer. They are spread throughout the year, though you can use them whenever TLM was represented wonderfully at the 2016 On 28 January 2016, TLM Scotland’s local MSP you like. You may wish to reflect on the devotions alone or with family, or use them as part of a annual Lisburn Fun Run in Northern Ireland by (Member of the Scottish Parliament), Bruce discussion in a church, work or community group. We hope they will inspire you in your prayer life. staff, board members and volunteers who together Crawford, led a Members’ Business Debate in raised £1,200 for TLM’s life-changing work. The the Scottish Parliament on the subject of World Features 3km run was completed by Joanne Briggs (Country Leprosy Day. It was thrilling to hear speaker after Your prayers make a difference! Included in the ASK Prayer Diary are several stories about people Leader), Dylan Briggs (Joanne’s 13-year-old son), speaker support the need to tackle both the affected by the work you support prayerfully around the world. Peter Hilton, Aude Ingrand, Tom Doran, Naomi medical and social problems caused by leprosy. Hawthorne, Elaine Getty and Cameron Moore. It Each of the MSPs strongly condemned the stigma Maps was a great opportunity to not only raise funds but that is still attached to leprosy in many parts of There are two maps in the ASK 2017 Prayer Diary – one gives an indication of where leprosy is in also raise awareness of leprosy and the fact that it the world. Minister for Europe and International the world according to the World Health Organization’s latest available data, and the other shows still exists today. Development, Humza Yousaf MSP, highlighted where in the world The Leprosy Mission is present. TLM’s work in Bangladesh which has been supported by the Scottish Government and how the newly adopted UN Sustainable Development Other resources Goals bring a new focus on disability and neglected tropical diseases. TLM Scotland pray that Quarterly Prayer Guide this debate will heighten the profile of leprosy and The Leprosy Mission produces a quarterly prayer guide which can be used as enable them to reach new audiences with their an accompaniment to ASK. It provides up-to-date prayer points with the latest goal of defeating leprosy and transforming lives. information on our people, projects and events throughout the year. You can download a copy from our website at www.leprosymission.org The Bridge This new tool of daily devotions is like a ‘spiritual portrait gallery’, written by former and active TLM staff and friends. As expressed in its title, The Bridge A team of 20 young people from Stamford, aims to bind the TLM Fellowship spiritually together, accompanying the use Lincolnshire (UK) raised money to rebuild of ASK. Distributed monthly, by email, it can be used by supporters, staff, homes in Nepal through a specially set up café. family and friends. If you would like to receive The Bridge, email a request to Hundreds of poor families in Nepal had to move [email protected]. into temporary shelters when their homes were destroyed by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Twitter 2015. Moved by their stories, the Stamford Youth You can find us on Twitter, just follow @LeprosyMissInt Ministry organised a series of lunches and dinners over three days where guests were asked to make Facebook a donation. “We wanted to rebuild the home of at Connect with us on Facebook for updates from us and from around least one leprosy-affected family, but the support In TLM Netherlands’ magazine ‘Recover’, an the Leprosy Mission world. Find us at www.facebook.com/ we received was overwhelming,” said Rachael article was published about a Dutch woman who TheLeprosyMissionInternational McIntyre, director of children and youth ministry. knitted bandages for persons affected by leprosy. “People were very generous with their donations.” As a result, several knitting groups all over the Around £6,000 was raised! country spontaneously joined this activity! 4 5 Where Leprosy is Found Today For a map of the countries where TLM works see page 78

TLM is committed to providing long-term quality care and support in the name of Jesus Christ as long as there are people affected by leprosy who need it.

Greenland

Greenland

Iceland

Norway Canada Iceland Finland Russia Norway Sweden Estonia Finland Canada Denmark Latvia Lithuania Russia Netherlands Sweden Estonia Belarus Ireland UK Poland Latvia Czech Denmark Republic BelgiumLithuaniGermanya Ukraine Netherlands Slovakia BelaruFrances Austria Kazakhstan Ireland UK Poland Hungary Moldova Mongolia CzechSwitzerland Slovenia Romania Republic USA Germany Croatia U Belgium Ukraine zbekistan Slovakia Italy Bulgaria GeorgiKazakhstaa n France Austria Hungary MoldovBosniaa and Armenia Kyrgyzstan North Spain Herzegovina Tu Mongolia Switzerland SloveniPortugala Romania Greece rkmeni Turkey stan Korea USA Croatia Albania U Azerbaijan Tajikistan zbekistan Italy Bulgaria Georgia n Japan Cyprus Syria ta Bosnia and ArmeniTunisia a Kyrgyzstan s North Spain Herzegovina LebanonTu Portugal Greece rkmeni China South Morocco Turkey Jordan stan Iraq Iran Korea Albania Azerbaijan Tajikistan Nepal Bhutan Korea Mexico n Afghani Japan Cyprus Cuba Haiti Western Sahara Tunisia Syria sta Dominican Republic AlgeriaLebanon Libya Egypt Kuwait Pakistan China South Morocco Mauritania Jordan Iraq Iran Qatar Mexico Nepal Bhutan Korea Belize Afghani UAE India Cuba Haiti Puerto Burkina Faso Saudi Arabia Guatemala Jamaica Rico Western Sahara Dominican Republic Algeria Libya Kuwait Pakistan Honduras Panama Senegal Egypt Qatar Trinidad & TobagoMauritania Eritrea Laos Belize Mali Niger UAE Oman El Salvador Saudi Arabia India Thailand Guatemala Jamaica Puerto Guyana Burkina Faso Gambia Chad Sudan Yemen Bangladesh Nicaragua Rico Suriname Honduras Panama Senegal Guinea-Bissau Djibouti Laos Cambodia Costa Rica VenezuelTrinidada & Tobago French Guiana Mali Niger Eritrea Oman Myanmar Vietnam El Salvador Guyana Gambia Guinea Chad SudaNigerian ThailandMalaysia Philippines Nicaragua Colombia YeSouthmen Ethiopia Bangladesh Sri Lanka Suriname CAR Sudan Somalia CambodiaBrunei Guinea-Bissau Sierra-Leone Djibouti Singapore Costa Rica Venezuela Ecuador French Guiana MyanmaMaldivesr Vietnam Borneo Guinea Nigeria EG Kenya Malaysia Philippines Liberia South Uganda Papua New Colombia CARTogo Ethiopia Sri Lanka Brunei Sierra-Leone Sudan Somalia Guinea Ecuador Cote d’Ivoire Benin DR Congo MaldivesRwanda Singapore Burundi Borneo Peru Brazil Liberia EG Ghana Kenya Seychelles IndonesiaPapua New Togo Cameroon Uganda Tanzania Guinea Cote d’Ivoire Gabon Rwanda Benin DR Congo Comoros Timor Leste BoliviaBrazil Ghana Congo Burundi Seychelles Indonesia Peru Cameroon Angola Mozambique Solomon TanzaniaZambia Islands Samoa Gabon Malawi Pitcairn Islands Paraguay Comoros Timor Leste Bolivia Congo AngolaZimbabwe Mozambique Mauritius Solomon Fiji Zambia Islands Samoa Botswana Malawi Madagascar New Caledonia Pitcairn Islands Paraguay Australia Chile Zimbabwe Namibia Mauritius Swaziland Fiji Botswana Madagascar Uruguay South Lesotho New Caledonia Argentina Australia Chile Namibia Africa Swaziland Annual New Cases of Leprosy Uruguay South Lesotho Argentina Africa New Zealand 10,000+ New Zealand 1,000–9,999 100–999 1–99 No new cases detected No data available

SOURCE: WHO 2015 6 7 FEATURE

More Than Feeding The Family

brahim Mallamawa is 67 years old and lives self-help group in Amanawa leprosy community. Iin Amanawa, Nigeria, with his wife, children He was trained by TLM on modern irrigation and grandchildren. When he was 25, he and livestock farming. TLM also provided an noticed patches on his hands and showed his irrigation tube well for him. Ibrahim and his parents. They sought help for their son and a son Saidu started farming onions, tomatoes, family friend from their village near Amanawa peppers and vegetables with the aim to feed recognised it might be leprosy and advised the family, but the farm yielded enough for them to take him to the Amanawa leprosy them to also sell some and earn an income. referral hospital immediately. Because he was During harvest, Ibrahim made about ₦4000 treated early, Ibrahim suffers no disability. After ($20) weekly from his farm produce. With this treatment, he settled in the leprosy community income, he purchased livestock to generate near the hospital. additional income.

But life in Amanawa was not easy. Ibrahim Ibrahim no longer depends on the government depended on a small welfare package from welfare package but is now farming and the State Government, and without any livestock rearing fulltime. His family has food other source of income to sustain them, he to eat and his grandchildren are attending and his family lived from hand to mouth. The school. According to him “My life is transformed, Government stipend could provide a little I don’t depend on anybody, I work with my food, but it was never enough for the children’s hands and God is blessing the work to yield education or to build a sustainable livelihood. results which are evidenced for you to see. I was not able to train my children in school but my When he could no longer bear the pain of grandchildren will be educated. I appreciate TLM seeing his family suffer, Ibrahim joined the and am thankful for all the work they are doing.”

8 9 Week 1: 1–8 January Week 2: 9–15 January Research Sudan and South Sudan

Prayer Points ‘To the angel of the Church in Philadelphia Prayer Points write: These are the words of him who is Mon: A workshop on operational research holy and true, who holds the key of David. Sudan will be held from 6-10 February at ALERT What he opens no one can shut, and what Mon: Please pray for God to lead TLM Sudan medical facility and training centre, Ethiopia, he shuts no one can open.’ in finding the right person to fill the vital post to help train the next generation of field staff of Program Coordinator. The team are looking Revelation 3:7 (NIV) in research methods. Following the workshop, for a Christian, a challenge in Sudan – pray various ILEP members, including TLM, will act as for God’s provision and favour in the eyes of mentors. Please pray that this will produce good the Government to allow the process to pass results and an upsurge in high quality research without interference. About TLM’s Research in Africa. Tue: Please uplift John Kuku as he works There are many unanswered questions in the field of Tue: Thank the Lord for the valuable research closely with ophthalmologists to conduct eye leprosy, from the mechanism of transmission, to the carried out at Nilphamari and the DBLM care outreach in Khartoum. Pray too for Seela reasons why some people get severe nerve damage Hospital in northern Bangladesh. At present the Kajo Shalluka as she runs Aburoff Clinic. despite good treatment, to the best ways to reduce the political situation in the country is worrying; Wed: Pray for IDEA Sudan, an association of stigma of leprosy in a community. in addition, the remote situation makes it people affected by leprosy, as they undergo Because of the cost of research and the scarcity of unattractive to well-qualified staff. Please pray a change of leadership in May. Pray for God’s other resources needed (in particular, skilled staff and for dedicated leaders for this challenging but guidance and provision of dedicated new the appropriate patients and settings for a worthwhile worthwhile work. About TLM Sudan leaders who will forward the cause of people clinical study) it makes sense to collaborate with others Wed: Praise God for Drs Utpal Sengupta and The Leprosy Mission supports the leprosy control affected by leprosy in Sudan. to support the best projects. TLM has very good access Mallika Lavania, heading up the Stanley Browne programme of the Federal Ministry of Health in South Sudan to people with leprosy, through its various institutions, Lab in Delhi, and Dr Deanna Hagge, leading Sudan through the Department of Neglected Thu: Pray for peace, safety and security for TLM and this makes it a valued partner in many research the Mycobacterial Research Lab at Anandaban Tropical Diseases, providing national diagnostic skin South Sudan staff (Yousif, Mary and Wilson) projects. The leprosy programme at Nilphamari in in Nepal. Both TLM research laboratories have smears, and operating a national training centre for and people affected by leprosy around Juba. northern Bangladesh has provided evidence for the strong portfolios of current research and a the treatment and diagnosis of leprosy. Through Please pray for healing and reconciliation use of rifampicin, one of the ingredients of the multi- number of students in training. collaboration with the Episcopal Church of Sudan, drug therapy used to treat leprosy, as a preventative throughout South Sudan. Thu: Please pray for Dr Pim Kuipers who has TLM’s Aburoff Clinic provides eye care, wound care treatment for family, friends and other close contacts been a member of TLM’s International Research and reaction management for people affected Fri: Pray for the various partner organisations of people recently diagnosed with leprosy. Studies of Committee for some years and has recently by leprosy across the country. In 2017, TLM hopes and the church involved in the livelihood the new leprosy vaccine are also planned there over been appointed as the Project Coordinator for to develop a livelihood programme for people project in Luri Rokwe (former leprosy colony), the next few years. ILEP; this means he will retain links with TLM, affected by leprosy and other disabled people within that they will be committed and work together In partnership with several other members of the but have a wider remit relating to health service Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by leprosy in the area. International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations support by ILEP members. About TLM South Sudan (ILEP), TLM is part of the Leprosy Research Initiative Fri: A new leprosy vaccine has been developed In South Sudan, TLM is mainly involved in community Sat/Sun: Pray for TLM South Sudan team (LRI), through which funds for research are pooled, with funding coordinated by our sister development and providing psychosocial support to engage actively with Government in providing a much larger fund for high priority projects. organisation, American Leprosy Missions. in collaboration with the local church in Juba to Jonglei state and in Juba to keep leprosy and This means that TLM is part of a larger research Human trials are to be carried out over the next people affected by leprosy and other disability in neglected tropical diseases on the agenda. community and researchers within TLM have the few years. Please pray for success in reducing former leprosy colonies. With the German Leprosy Please pray for stability in Jonglei so that possibility of accessing more secure funding. This the transmission of leprosy through this and and Tuberculosis Relief Association, TLM is involved people affected by leprosy can be effectively has resulted in a more focused approach to the most related strategies. in supporting the South Sudanese Government’s served through the leprosy control project. important research questions in leprosy. Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the large number National Leprosy, Buruli and Tuberculosis programme of presentations made by TLM staff at the with technical skills and in maintaining leprosy Key Staff Key TLM Research Staff expertise within Government institutions. However International Leprosy Congress in Beijing Sudan Prof Warwick Britton – Chair of TLM’s International Research TLM’s work and its three staff in-country are affected in Sept 2016. Pray that links made at that Dr Yousif Deng Riak Deng – TLM Country Leader Committee meeting will bear fruit in lasting and productive by the chronic instability and threat of civil war in Ms Seela Kajo Shalluka – Aburoff Clinic Manager Dr Paul Saunderson – Honorary Director of Research for TLM collaborations in the coming years. the country. In 2017, TLM South Sudan hopes to Mr John Kuku – Khartoum State Leprosy Supervisor Dr Deanna Hagge – Head of the Mycobacterial Research bring associations of persons with disability in close Laboratory at Anandaban Hospital South Sudan collaboration with people affected by leprosy to Dr Annamma John – Head of the Research Domain, TLM India Dr Yousif Deng Riak Deng – TLM Country Leader Dr Utpal Sengupta – Head of Stanley Browne Research Top left: Ruby from the Mycobacterial Research Lab in Nepal with enable the latter to develop into a viable association. Dr Wilson Lado Santo – Operation Manager TLM ‘Unfinished Business’ research booklet. Laboratory, Delhi Top: TLM Country Leader Dr Yousif Deng Riak Deng with his wife Ms Mary Kamilo Wani – CBR Officer, Luri Rokwe projects Top right: Young Scientist Award winner Pankaj Gupta (left) with Dr Mallika Lavania – Scientist, Stanley Browne Research Awuoi. Laboratory, Delhi former TLMI General Director Geoff Warne at the International 10 Leprosy Congress 2016 11 Week 3: 16–22 January Week 4: 23–29 January India – Countrywide World Leprosy Day

Prayer Points

Mon: Pray for England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and any other TLM Members inviting churches to hold a Leprosy Sunday event. Pray that many churches will choose

Left: Participants (operations to recognise people affected by leprosy in team members and unit an event or service and that the materials heads) of TLM India’s Annual TLM has prepared will engage and inspire Leadership Consultation congregations to greater support. 2016, held in Pondicherry, from 8-12 February 2016. Tue: TLM Nigeria’s 2017 World Leprosy Day celebrations will be marked with events such as lectures, advocacy visits, a press conference About The Leprosy Mission Trust India Prayer Points The Leprosy Mission Trust India, headquartered and visits to communities of persons affected by leprosy; all these will be done in New Delhi, is the largest leprosy-focused non- Mon: TLM India has developed a three-year in collaboration with the Federal and State governmental organisation in India. TLM India works Country Strategy (2016-18). Pray for God’s governments, ILEP partners and volunteers. with people affected by leprosy and other neglected guidance in implementing the strategy Pray that these events will further strengthen tropical diseases, people with disabilities and other which calls for changing society’s mindset on marginalised groups. the fight against leprosy and its consequences. the issue of leprosy and attitudes to people TLM operates programmes in nine states of affected by the disease. Wed: In South Sudan, people affected by India, through 14 hospitals, 6 Vocational Training leprosy are working with the assistance of Tue: Pray for TLM to find ways to develop new Centres, 5 residential facilities (Snehalayas) for care their local disabled people’s organisation to partnerships with the Government at all levels of elderly people severely disabled by leprosy, a form their own association. Pray for good and with other like-minded organisations, to molecular biology research laboratory, advocacy partnership and collaboration as they organise eradicate leprosy in India. and communication functions, research and training and celebrate both World Leprosy Day and the functions and multiple community empowerment Wed: In India, every year more than 125,000 About World Leprosy Day International Day of Persons with Disabilities. people are newly diagnosed with leprosy. World Leprosy Day is observed globally each year projects. It conducts its programmes in collaboration Thu: Praise God for the growing number of Praise God and thank Him for helping The on the last Sunday in January, with the aim of with Central and State governments in India, the churches who participate in World Leprosy Leprosy Mission to work with people affected raising awareness and knowledge about leprosy, World Health Organization (WHO), the International Day. As we reach new congregations and by leprosy across nine states. Pray for God’s the fact that it can be cured and to change Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) and new denominations, may we effectively Community-Based Organisations. grace to continue the work more effectively. attitudes that stigmatise and marginalise people affected by the disease. communicate the unique ministry God has TLM India has developed a three-year country Thu: Pray for strategies and methods to called us to live out, creating the sense of Within TLM it is celebrated by a variety of activities strategy (2016-18) to achieve its Vision, ‘People increase the financial sustainability of the excitement that they too can make a difference appropriate within each country. In some places affected by leprosy living with dignity in a organisation through fundraising, project in the far corners of God’s world. development and internal revenue generation where leprosy is a health issue these may be about transformed, inclusive society that has overcome Fri: Pray for World Leprosy Day celebrations leprosy’. The Operations Team comprising the by TLM’s various project teams. public education and advocacy, and in others they may be about raising funds and praying for the in India. All TLM India’s projects and centres Executive Director, two Directors and eight Domain Fri: TLM conducts its programmes in India across the country will be celebrating the Heads lead the organisation in achieving this Vision. programmes that support people affected by the in collaboration with Central and State disease and its consequences. day. Pray for the Government, individuals Governments, WHO, ILEP, grassroots-level and organisations that come together for Key Staff In some countries where we work, TLM is taking organisations, and national and international the celebrations and that they will result in a flexible approach and inviting supporters Dr Sunil Anand – Executive Director development and research bodies. Please increased awareness about leprosy, leading to Dr Mary Verghese – Director of Operations to celebrate a Leprosy Sunday in the months pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in early diagnosis and decreased stigma. Dr P L N Raju – Director of Resource Mobilisation working together. surrounding World Leprosy Day. This will give Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Health Programmes more opportunity for leprosy to be promoted in Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the success of Cuppa Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and Sat/Sun: Pray for the organisational churches, schools and other communities. for a Cure, a World Leprosy Day initiative of TLM Empowerment leadership development programmes at TLM’s Australia. Cuppa for a Cure invites supporters Mrs Nikita Sarah – Head of Advocacy and Communication national and project levels in India. Pray that Top: Pam Lake, TLM Australia’s National Relationship Manager to host a morning or afternoon tea, talk about Dr Annamma John – Head of Research and Training those attending will develop their leadership (middle-right) with women of Maffra Uniting Church holding a ‘Cuppa leprosy and raise funds for people affected by for a Cure’ event. Mr Samuel V Thomas – Head of Finance and functional skills, which are crucial to leprosy, at some point during the year. In its Mr Melvin Moras – Head of Human Resources Below: Staff and students of TLM’s Bill Edgar Memorial Vocational achieving the objectives in their Country Training Centre in Bankura, India, in a rally organised by the centre first six months, 60 events were hosted around Dr Shyamala Anand – Head of Learning and Development Strategy 2016-18. on World Leprosy Day 2016 to raise public awareness about leprosy. Australia. Mr Benison Solomon – Head of Audit and Risk Management Residents of TLM’s Snehalaya (nursing home) in Bankura also took part. 12 13 Week 5: 30 January – 5 February Week 6: 6–12 February Bangladesh – Countrywide and Healthcare Myanmar

Prayer Points ‘This what the Lord says, he who made the Prayer Points earth, the Lord who formed it and established Mon: Bangladesh has experienced increased it – the Lord is his name: “Call to me and Mon: Give thanks for the peaceful transition from insecurity lately, with Christian organisations I will answer you and tell you great and Myanmar’s previous military backed government. particularly under threat. Pray for a stable unsearchable things you do not know.”’ It is vital now that all ethnic groups and the working environment with peace and safety for Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NIV) military set aside their differences and look to TLM’s staff in Bangladesh. common interests. Please pray for the future of Tue: TLM Bangladesh has an organisation Myanmar. review planned for this quarter. Pray it will Tue: Pray for TLM Myanmar to make successful help to strengthen the organisation and reveal applications for new sources of funding to ways we can improve our services for people continue its networks of disability resource affected by leprosy. centres, its disability advocacy works, and to Wed: Some of the places in Bangladesh where support its two strategic partners. TLM works are remote from major cities and Wed: In a tough labour market, TLM Myanmar About TLM Bangladesh towns. The lack of facilities presents difficulties About TLM Myanmar is working hard to improve staff retention, and staff retention can be a challenge. Pray for The Leprosy Mission has projects across TLM has been active in Myanmar since 1898, build leadership and management capacity, those staff, and pray that adequate funding Bangladesh and employs almost 600 staff. supporting the Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy and reduce individual workloads through an is available to implement a new salary and The country office is in Dhaka, the capital. It Hospital, and later the Christian Leprosy Mission organisational development plan. Please pray for benefit scheme in 2017. is responsible for overseeing the projects, for Eastern Shan State. Since 2005, TLM’s strategy has Naw Say Say Phaw who is coordinating the plan, networking with secular and Christian non- Thu: Pray for the staff organising surgery aimed to integrate leprosy rehabilitation into the and for the team to have enough time to carry it governmental organisations, and for building camps to be held in March and October. Pray mainstream disability movement. The vision is “A out effectively. relationships with government health staff. that those who receive surgery through these barrier-free Myanmar for persons affected by leprosy Thu: To maintain leprosy expertise in Myanmar, camps will faithfully keep up their post-surgery and other disabilities”. These barriers include delayed Projects include leprosy control, as part of TLM works with orthopaedic and hand surgeons physiotherapy and experience real benefits access to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; the Government program; community-based to increase interest in reconstructive surgery in from increased mobility. lack of physical access to private and public spaces; rehabilitation; advocacy that aims to influence their daily practice. A partnership with Hands and ignorance and discrimination preventing full attitudes about leprosy at Government and Fri: Pray for a successful outcome of the Across Borders brings visiting surgical teams to participation and acceptance in communities. community level; and a leprosy referral hospital new leprosy vaccine trial in Bangladesh Myanmar to provide training in reconstructive located in Nilphamari. A major aspect of the field in partnership with the EU and other TLM To address these needs, TLM Myanmar uses a surgery and hand therapy. Please pray for high work is the important leprosy research projects countries. Pray that there will be openness, community-based approach, strengthening people enthusiasm and that professionals who are which are of international significance. There is also understanding and trust between partners and affected by leprosy and disability to stand on their trained will continue to help people affected by a dedicated training centre at Nilphamari providing relationships will be strengthened through this own and speak up about issues related to their lives leprosy. leprosy and other training to government and non- initiative. and communities. Strategically located Disability Fri: TLM’s Early Childhood project helps young government organisation staff. Sat/Sun: Thank God for providing the Resource Centres (DRCs), focal points for rehabilitation children with developmental delays, malnutrition, activities for all kinds of disability, give TLM a presence Danish Bangladesh Leprosy Mission Hospital resources to construct the first stages of a new chronic illnesses, disabilities and atypical in all the regions with highest prevalence of leprosy, (DBLM) has been functioning in Nilphamari since hospital building at DBLM in 2016. Please pray behaviours. Coordination of Government and partnering with district leprosy inspectors to ensure 1977 and provides tertiary services for leprosy for ongoing funding to undertake the next other stakeholders is challenging. Please pray new cases are detected and treated in a timely complications. The quality care at DBLM Hospital stages and continue quality services for leprosy that all will keep this project as a priority. Pray also manner. is focused on leprosy patients but also includes complications. for the current pilot test and follow-up study. patients with general disabilities, prioritising The three strategic aims are: Sat/Sun: Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital children, women and the poor and sharing Senior Staff • Persons affected by leprosy and disability are (MCLH) is one of only two leprosy hospitals expertise with others. It is the only dependable healthy, educated, earn a living and know their in Myanmar. Pray that the hospital will secure specialised leprosy treatment centre in the country Mr Salomon Sumon Halder – TLM Country Leader rights; funding for the next five years. Only then can Mr James Taposh Adhikary – Administration and Finance and also provides reconstructive surgery and • Persons affected by leprosy and disability MCLH implement recommendations to improve assistive devices to patients. Coordinator its quality of services and as an organisation. Mr Jiptha Boiragee – Programme Support Coordinator are included as valued members of their TLM Bangladesh also provides services for Ms Sukla Sangma – Human Resources Manager communities and influence those living around tuberculosis patients in some districts, aiming them about leprosy and disability issues; Senior Staff DBLM Hospital to reduce the disease’s prevalence by 6% by this Dr Biliom Anisim Sangma – Residential Medical Officer • TLM Myanmar has a strong voice that positively Dr Zaw Moe Aung – TLM Country Leader year, in cooperation with the national tuberculosis Ms Talen Nawnkhar – Head of Programmes Mr Andrio Boiragi – Finance Manager influences change in regard to leprosy and programme. Ms Kalayar Tun – Finance Manager Mrs Smriti Samaddar – Nursing Officer disability issues in the public arena of Myanmar. Dr Myat Thida – Field Operations Manager Mrs Kalpona Kispotta – Manager, Training Centre Ms Naw Say Say Phaw – Human Resource/Office Manager 14 Top: Mr Salomon Sumon Halder, TLM Bangladesh Country Leader. Top: The whole TLM Myanmar team at their staff retreat. 15 Week 7: 13–19 February Week 8: 20–26 February Chad England and Wales – Part 1

Prayer Points ‘For you have been called to live in freedom, Prayer Points my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your Mon: Leprosy is still an issue in Chad. Recently freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Mon: Give thanks for TLM England and Wales’s the TLM team have found new patients Instead, use your freedom to serve one newly appointed trustees. Pray that they will with disabilities due to leprosy reactions, a another in love.’ quickly grasp the cause of TLM and serve consequence of late case detection. Please pray with passion to see leprosy defeated and lives Galatians 5:13 (NLT) for increased awareness, early case detection transformed. and appropriate treatment for patients in Chad. Tue: Give thanks for the programmes team’s Tue: As leprosy-affected persons join local high level of knowledge, experience and disabled people’s organisations (DPOs), pray for expertise. Pray it will never lack wisdom, good governance, solidarity, and that income insight and sensitivity when working with generating activities will be fairly divided implementing country teams and project among members. Pray for Zakaria Mahamat, beneficiaries. Pray the team can effectively TLM Chad’s DPO trainer, to remain enthusiastic support and empower those with leprosy and despite challenges as he encourages good disability. governance and helps DPOs to find ways to Wed: Please pray that the fundraising team in improve their living conditions. England and Wales will continue to be gifted Wed: The newly trained physiotherapist with passion and determination to express working at Mongo hospital since 2009 is About TLM England and Wales the needs of leprosy-affected people to trusts, About TLM Chad still having problems with his government TLM England and Wales’s role is primarily churches, and individual supporters. Pray that TLM Chad supports the National Leprosy Control integration (and therefore finding a sufficient fundraising, generating prayer support and working supporters will recognise the impact of their Programme of the Republic of Chad in both salary so as to look after his own family). Please with field partners to ensure TLM programmes giving in the lives of men, women, children and leprosy control and disability prevention through pray that the efforts of the Ministry of Social are effectively carried out. This includes providing whole families. supervision, training and follow-up of leprosy Affairs in this matter will bear fruit and that the support for project development; monitoring Thu: Give thanks for the supporter care team, supervisors and health staff in the Guéra as well issue will be resolved. projects; and building capacity. which is essential in supporting TLM England as its surrounding regions near the east of the Thu: Please pray for the leprosy supervisors TLM England and Wales is also involved in national and Wales’s fundraising campaigns. Pray country. An emphasis is laid upon early case who supervise and train local nurses in the and international advocacy activities which that it continues to know God’s guidance detection and treatment of complications like Guéra. Pray that they stay enthusiastic about encourage community empowerment, combat and inspiration to meet daily challenges and leprosy reaction, eye care and ulcer care. serving leprosy-affected persons well, helping stigma and challenge anti-leprosy legislation. The priorities and that supporters will feel valued Awareness is increased through the distribution them to find appropriate care and attention team is passionate about educating people to and encouraged through their interactions with of leaflets and pamphlets to authorities and with the aim to prevent disability and rejection. see leprosy for what it is; a mildly infectious and the team. populations and the celebration of World Leprosy Fri: Please pray for more input of the Ministry treatable disease as opposed to a label for life. Fri: Give thanks for the skills and dedication Day, during which the public is invited to present of Health into leprosy control and disability A partnership approach is key to the work of of the data analysis team, Pragna and Frank, itself as early as possible with skin patches to prevention through support to the National TLM England and Wales, which partners with 25 and pray for Pragna as she leads the review health workers. Leprosy Control Programme and its activities: organisations as well as with each of the individuals and implementation of a new Customer TLM Chad supports the creation and development case-detection, prevention of disabilities, and it serves across Asia and Africa by working to Relationship Management system. Pray for clear of disabled people’s organisations where leprosy- rehabilitation services. promote dignity and inclusion. thinking and that the steering committee will affected persons are invited to play an active role. Sat/Sun: Pray for safety and protection of make wise decisions for the future of TLM and The aim is to improve living conditions of disabled the Chadian population against violence and ultimately people affected by leprosy. persons through food security, income generating attacks by Boko Haram. Please pray for peace, Sat/Sun: Pray for good ongoing relationships activities and also to create a ‘home’ where people justice and reconciliation. with institutional donors and that projects with disabilities can share, support each other and Senior Team supported by these partners will be effective become active in local society. and timely. Pray for applications made this year Senior Staff TBA – TLM Country Leader for future funding, that they will be looked The aim in all of TLM’s activities in Chad is for Zoë Bunter – Head of Mission Development Bunmi Oluloto – TLM Country Leader on favourably and will go on to bless many active participation by local communities, Siân Arulanantham – Head of Programmes Co-ordination Geeske Zijp – TLM Chad Programme Manager thousands of lives. churches, Government and other partners in the Gary Dransfield – Office Manager areas where TLM carries out its work. Marc Djibrine Victor – TLM Administrator Zakaria Mahamat – TLM DPO Trainer

Top: Bunmi Oluloto, TLM Country Leader (left) and Geeske Zijp, TLM Abdel Dejlil Hassane – TLM Office Assistant/Driver Chad Programme Manager. Mathieu Kodnguargue – Regional Leprosy Control Officer Top: TLM England and Wales board and staff with TLM Below: A TLM-facilitated disabled people’s organisation, including Ahmat Abder Rahman – Physiotherapist International board and staff at Peterborough Cathedral. 16 persons affected by leprosy. 17 Devotion Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED Week 9: 27 February – 5 March

Inspired Prayer Angola and Tanzania Nothing We Cannot Pray For Prayer Points

Angola Mon: Pray for Moises Chitumba, Project Director of SOLE, as he works to advocate and develop Once a friend told me that she suddenly You could pray for God’s special revelation leprosy care, preserve the knowledge of leprosy felt a strong burden to pray for me and my to people like Goma who have no other and take up the challenge of local fundraising family. She asked if something out of the way to be reached by the gospel. My own activities. Pray too for the newly elected ordinary had occurred but we could not encouraging experience with prayer was President of ARPAL, Maria Ferreira, who has recall anything at the time. However, we when Khadka, a boy who worked for my About TLM’s work in Angola been affected by leprosy and aims to mobilise were sure that her prayer protected us from colleagues, had lost all the keys to the house TLM works with SOLE Angola, a local organisation people affected by the disease to fight for a danger; like when I was walking around the he was supposed to look after. It was raining which has taken the lead in leprosy services. Its just cause and become active citizens in their strategy focuses on: communities, following the example of Jesus. leprosy hospital in Jumla, Nepal. I had heard and it was dark when he came crying at my a co-worker gasp, and as I looked around door for help. Before starting the search I • Stopping leprosy transmission by early diagnosis, Tue: Pray for ARPAL’s awareness and case treatment, examination of all contacts for each to him I saw him staring down at my then suggested we should pray. After the prayer finding campaigns, for safety as teams travel new case of leprosy detected. to distant provinces and municipalities, and for 3-year-old daughter Hanna; she was standing I went inside to tell Elly we were going to • Preventing disability and working in self-care success in finding isolated people with leprosy straddled over a snake. With what seemed go looking for the keys and there they were, groups to increase self-esteem. and bringing them for treatment. Pray for the like superhuman speed I grabbed her and lying on the table. It made me realise there is community agents who are the link between • Breaking barriers to inclusion, working with brought her to safety before the snake could nothing that we cannot pray for. those on treatment and the health staff, for churches and the leprosy association ARPAL. strike. Or the time we realised a jackal was good communication. ARPAL is an association of people affected by leprosy waiting behind a rock to see if it could get Wed: Pray for increased awareness about seeking to end discrimination and provide equal rights close to my other daughter. In situations leprosy among health authorities in Angola. for access to identity, civil rights, education, health, Pray especially that the multi-drug therapy like these, we are sure we were protected work, and shelter. It engages in awareness campaigns, used to treat leprosy will be made available by a prayer somewhere in the world from a advocacy to local authorities, training community throughout the country and not only in grandparent, friend or mission worker. agents and promoting detection of new cases. provincial capitals. Direct mission work can also be About TLM’s work in Tanzania Tanzania In Tanzania TLM supports Hombolo Hospital and Thu: Pray for Hombolo Hospital staff and the accomplished through prayer, like in the life its outreach activities. The work includes: the Community Health Education Programme team of Goma, who received several dreams to identification, treatment and referral of villagers with (staff, volunteers and village chairmen). Pray go to Kathmandu to get treatment for her symptoms of leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV and sexually especially for the new assistant Medical Doctor; leprosy. She decided to walk to Kathmandu, transmitted diseases; screening of sick villagers who may God give him good heart for his work, taking her three months to arrive at the cannot travel to the hospital because of their illness/ strength and courage. Anandaban Leprosy Hospital where she infirmity; sensitisation within the villages and local Fri: Last year the team in Tanzania started heard the gospel and became Christian. She schools about these major diseases and how to avoid home-based self-care services for people could not read at the time, but carried a Bible them; and activities with ten self-helping groups affected by leprosy. Pray that these activities will Inpatients at Anandaban Hospital of people adjoining Hombolo Hospital, specifically back to her village. The only one who could have a big impact, making it easier for people promoting social security and independence. Hombolo to avoid disability, especially those elderly or read in the village was the police officer. He Hospital hopes to organise vocational and livelihood read out one chapter of the Bible every day vulnerable people who are less able to travel training for people affected by leprosy in 2017. from home. and many of the villagers came to listen and Sat/Sun: Pray for Hombolo Hospital’s new became Christian. Key Staff activities in livelihood training for people Angola affected by leprosy. Pray they will be well- Faustino Paulo Mandavela – General Secretary, SOLE Angola coordinated and attentive to the real needs, Dr Moises Chitumba – Project Director, SOLE Angola skills and hopes of those involved and enable Maria Ferreira – President of ARPAL Bert and Elly van der Waal greater independence and participation in Castelho Filipe – Coordinator of POID Project Country Director, TLM Bangladesh 2005–2009 Dr Jean-Pierre Bréchet – SOLE Angola Health consultant society. Interim Manager, TLM Papua New Guinea 2014–2015 Tanzania Niwagila Tigwela – Director Dr David Mwendamanka – Business Advisor Top left: Niwagila Tigwela, Director in Tanzania. 18 Top right: Leprosy education in schools in Angola. 19 Week 10: 6–12 March Week 11: 13–19 March India – Awareness and Advocacy Nigeria – Part 1

Prayer Points ‘For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth Prayer Points come knowledge and understanding. He Mon: Please pray for the national-level holds success in store for the upright, he is a Mon: Thank God for the successful first year mass media awareness campaign TLM India shield to those whose walk is blameless, for of TLM Nigeria’s fundraising plan, and the new is planning to conduct to increase public he guards the course of the just and protects churches and individual supporters recruited. awareness on leprosy and to change negative the way of his faithful ones.’ Pray that God will continue to favour and lead attitudes. the fundraising staff to the right prospective Proverbs 2:6-8 (NIV) Tue: The EDPAL (Eliminating Discrimination donors and the wisdom to harness available against Persons Affected by Leprosy) Bill opportunities. Also pray for innovative ideas 2015, to repeal discriminatory laws, is with for the development of new channels of the Government of India. The Bill has to go income and partnership. through several stages before it becomes an Tue: Most of the states where TLM Nigeria Act of Parliament. Pray for an early passage of works have faced continued security the Bill in the Parliament of India. challenges due to clashes between the Wed: TLM India is in the process of building nomadic Fulani herdsmen and farmers, and strengthening collectives of people leading to hundreds of deaths and total destruction of villages. Reprisal attacks are Awareness and Advocacy affected by leprosy and leprosy champions, so that they would work to raise awareness of frequent and innocent people have lost their The Leprosy Mission Trust India supports people leprosy. Pray for the success of this. lives in the process. Pray for God’s protection affected by leprosy to speak out on issues that are and safety for all TLM staff members as they important to them, defend and safeguard their Thu: Teams operating at state level in travel around the project communities to carry rights, and have their opinions considered when India are lobbying their respective state out their work. policymakers make decisions that affect their lives. governments to implement at least three recommendations of the Law Commission Wed: Pray for Dr Moses Onoh as he leads the Staff within the Advocacy and Communications About TLM Nigeria of India in its Report 256, ‘Eliminating TLM Nigeria team, that God will continue to domain engage with strategic partners at state TLM in Nigeria supports the National and States Discrimination Against Persons Affected by grant him courage and wisdom to make the and national levels to highlight issues of people Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, and Leprosy’. Pray for the success of this initiative. right decisions, and strengthen relationships affected by leprosy, and aim through appropriate ministers to over 40,000 leprosy-affected persons with partners and Government to advance the communication to target negative attitudes Fri: TLM’s Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) residing in various communities in Nigeria. programmes in Nigeria. and practices. To achieve TLM India’s vision of run follow-up sensitisation programmes for Approximately 3,000 – 4,000 new leprosy cases Thu: TLM Nigeria constructed and equipped ‘People affected by leprosy living with dignity in a the employers of their students to address are diagnosed each year in Nigeria, around an ultramodern theatre at the Chanchaga transformed, inclusive society that has overcome advocacy issues, like discrimination due to Leprosy Referral Hospital in Niger State, with leprosy’, TLM works to change mindsets so that leprosy and disability, and provide inclusive 10% of whom are children less than 14 years funding support from TLM England and Wales. society and government recognise leprosy as a public employment with fair labour conditions. Pray of age, indicating ongoing transmission in the Commitments were made by the Government health problem. TLM also works to create a favourable for widespread success of these programmes communities. In addition, more than 15% come to upgrade the hospital; post medical doctors policy environment so that the government makes and a positive difference in the workplace. with visible deformities at diagnosis, which to run it; and repair the access road. Pray legislation and policies favourable to people affected indicates late reporting. These two issues are of Sat/Sun: Pray for TLM India to forge that the Government carries through on its by leprosy, and ensures those responsible for carrying great concern. Without vital support from TLM committed media partnerships, and for those commitments. out those policies understand issues of leprosy so that media partners to take leprosy as a priority. Nigeria and its partners, many of these cases would they take positive action in matters concerning people be missed and people would endure prolonged Fri: TLM Nigeria staff conference and board affected by leprosy. TLM helps to form collectives of struggles with the consequences of the disease meeting usually takes place in April. Pray people affected by leprosy so that they can advocate including disability, poverty and social exclusion. that this year’s conference will make a for themselves and claim their rights and entitlements unique impact in the lives of staff, board and collectively. volunteers so that everyone will be inspired by Senior Staff God’s love and filled with renewed strength to Top: Women affected by leprosy from leprosy colonies in Delhi taking part in International Women’s Day (8 March) celebrations in Dr Moses Onoh – TLM Country Leader work effectively and efficiently. Delhi. By taking part in this programme, they got an opportunity to Mr Israel Kehinde Adio – Head of Finance and Administration Sat/Sun: The TLM Nigeria sponsored movie network with women from other rights-based organisations. Mr Terver Anyor – Funds Development Manager titled ‘Don’t Cry for Barbara’ is finally released Below: Round-table discussion on the Eliminating Discrimination for sale to the public. Pray that the movie raises against Persons Affected by Leprosy (EDPAL) Bill 2015, held at TLM Key Staff Mr Pius Ogbu Sunday – Operations Manager India’s Delhi office, where representatives of ILEP (International Ms Temitope Ayoola – Administrative Assistant awareness on the issues of leprosy, reduces Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) organisations in India Mrs Nikita Sarah – Head of Advocacy and Communication stigma and discrimination, and raises income. participated. The agenda was how to lobby to get the EDPAL Bill Mr Jacob Oommen – Team Leader, Communication passed in the Parliament of India. Top: TLM Nigeria Country Office staff and interns. 20 21 Week 12: 20–26 March FEATURE France “I Feel Valuable As A Woman ‘Your word is a lamp to Prayer Points guide my feet and And A Human” a light for my path.’ Mon: Pray for France, which has faced several Psalm 119:105 (NLT) mass killings in recent years. Presidential hen Pascoela dos Santos, from Dili, Timor elections are taking place this year. Pray WLeste, was two years old, she got a fever. that fear of terrorism does not divide the Her mother took her to the clinic where she French and lead them to an extremist vote, was given an injection – but from that time on, but a vote of wisdom to elect someone who Pascoela could no longer walk like her other will maintain peace in the country. May the friends. team in France be a light on the path of their compatriots. She learned to walk with a stick. She was Tue: Church visits involve a cost, but also smart, so her mother enrolled her at school, an opportunity to raise further funds for TLM’s work. They also affect the reputation but with no good disability access, difficulties of TLM in France, as stories of our work playing with friends, and very little support, are shared with congregations. The team she lost confidence and became very shy. About TLM France expect more church visits this year – pray for In recent months, TLM France (known in the country as God’s guidance in making the most of these One day Pascoela was introduced to an Mission Lèpre) has reorganised its work office with the opportunities and increasing support for Australian doctor volunteering in their village arrival of Hanta as half-time secretary. She lives only people affected by leprosy. clinic. Now, after some surgery, finally Pascoela 10 km from the TLM office allowing her to work there Wed: Let us thank God for Borat, a new can walk again! Though she cannot go long three days a week, handling many office tasks such as volunteer who has agreed to help TLM France distances, she is grateful that she can walk cheque processing, the relationship with donors, and to manage their website. Pray that more without the stick anymore. the donor database. volunteers will be led to step forward and The board consists of nine persons who live in help in communication and especially the Next, Pascoela worked as a nanny, learnt different parts of France and belong to different time-consuming task of putting together ‘En Christian denominations. It meets three times a year Action’ magazine. English and in her spare time trained in in person, and also has Skype meetings regularly. The Thu: TLM France is a small team of only three table tennis. She represented her country at board and staff work increasingly with collaborative people, two of whom are half-time. They multinational sporting events like the ASEAN software for sharing documents. Staff, board members work together well, praise God! Pray with Para Games, and joined Timor Leste’s National and volunteers visit churches to present the work them for the best possible organisation and Paralympic Committee, where she got to know of the Mission, and there are hopes for more such time-management at their office in Louvres, The Leprosy Mission. Happy to be involved invitations. TLM France also produces a regular to cope with all the necessary tasks. Pray in TLM’s disability work, she applied and was magazine, ‘En Action’, for which it has an editorial too that God gives strength to the board to appointed in 2016 to lead the Rights of People committee. continue their work. with Disability project. To improve its scope and efficiency, TLM France Fri: Networking with other likeminded receives very practical help through advisory services organisations is important: TLM France “I am grateful that now, with my job, I get to and free seminars from Webassoc, a community of attends various seminars and meetings with hundreds of internet-based experts working with other French and international Christian know many people and am invited to join organisations like TLM to provide volunteer assistance and humanitarian networks and missions. meetings where I feel valuable as a woman on fundraising and many other topics. Pray for them to further strengthen their and a human. I am able to speak up and partnerships. people listen to me, they no longer look Staff Team Sat/Sun: Please pray for openings with down at me. This is the happiest thing I have ever had in my life. I remember in past days Pascal Machefer – TLM Country Leader institutional funders to support certain TLM projects. The separation of church and state Séverine Bobèche – Finance when I did not accept myself as a person with in France make it very complicated to finance Hanta Andriamasivelo – Secretary disability, and asked my Mom why I should TLM’s projects through public funds. Pray have been born. I saw tears in her eyes, but also for the opportunity to find corporate now I know she must be proud of me and I Top: Country Leader Pascal Machefer. sponsorships. Below: The French board, with Lok and Dorothy Tapa, during don’t want to see her cry anymore. I want to their general assembly on 30 April 2016. get married one day.” 22 23 Week 13: 27 March – 2 April Week 14: 3–9 April Switzerland Niger

‘Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, Prayer Points ‘For I am the Lord your God who takes hold Prayer Points it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”’ of your right hand and says to you, Do not Matthew 14:27 (The Message) Mon: Give thanks to God for His faithfulness fear; I will help you.’ Mon: Cooperation on leprosy activities with and His guidance. Pray that He helps the team Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) the Government of Niger has been very in Switzerland to do good works, which God difficult, limiting the impact of TLM’s leprosy prepared in advance for them to do. control programme especially in regions Tue: Give thanks to God for the voluntary board where we do not have a presence. Please pray in Switzerland. Pray that they are motivated to for success in our efforts to work with the be involved besides their heavy schedules. national programme in finding new cases and controlling the spread of the disease. Wed: Pray that each board member can discern about his/her commitment with The Leprosy Tue: As the Islamist terrorists (Boko Haram) Mission Switzerland as they will be re-elected have been pushed back in Nigeria, there have for another 3 years. The election will take place been consistent attacks in the eastern part around April. of Niger. Many soldiers have lost their lives in the attempt to fight back and the country’s Thu: Give thanks to God for the committed About TLM Niger TLM Niger’s vision is to see people affected by security is constantly under threat. Please pray donors in Switzerland who faithfully bring their that the Lord will bring about peace and give support to people affected by leprosy. leprosy have a transformed life through access to sustainable leprosy and community services that the Government wisdom on how to tackle the Fri: Pray for the Swiss team as they implement enhance their full potential to actively participate insurgence of terrorists. their new strategy. They need wisdom and in society. Wed: Pray for good rain in 2017. Niger has inspiration for their different actions. TLM Niger has projects in six regions working to always suffered from poor rainfall and this leads Sat/Sun: Give thanks to God for the achieve this vision. Included are: to a poor harvest which keeps the majority of complementarity of the team and the families in poverty. About TLM Switzerland • Leprosy awareness education and training relationship they have despite the different Thu: Thank God for the success of the TLM Switzerland started in 1905 with a small group languages and the distance between them. and supervision of health workers in of ladies who began to support The Leprosy Mission collaboration with the Ministry of Health; livelihood project for families of people affected by leprosy in Maradi region; many through prayer and collecting donations. • Community development, such as micro Today TLM Switzerland runs two offices, one in the of the beneficiaries now have a good income credit, livelihoods (agriculture and business), from their business and can feed their family. French- and one in the German-speaking part of the provision of drinkable water, building latrines, country. Please pray for the success of the ongoing promoting hygiene, providing housing; micro-credit scheme designed to help various Their goals are to: • Support of the team and work at Danja cooperative groups to sustain the livelihood • Work in partnership with other Members of Leprosy Referral Hospital who provide ulcer activities. the TLM Fellowship and people affected by care and prevention of disability training, Fri: Pray that the Lord will help the team leprosy to implement projects in their strategic restoring hope, dignity and function; working in CSL Danja Hospital to continue countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Democratic • Community-based rehabilitation through to deliver quality holistic services to people Republic of Congo and Niger. self-help groups, mobility aids and self-care; affected by leprosy. As the current project • Raise the Swiss public awareness about leprosy • Support to IDEA, an association of people there ends and is evaluated, a new project will and themes related to it, such as poverty, affected by leprosy, through training in be developed for continued services in the exclusion and development, and to offer them advocacy, empowerment and creating hospital. Pray for the success of these activities. the opportunity to support people affected by community awareness; Sat/Sun: Please pray for people affected by leprosy or disabilities and their families. • Developing and building partnership with leprosy in Niger who have come to know Jesus church leaders and disability organisations. as their Lord and Saviour, that they will be Senior Team strong in their faith and be a good witness to others, especially as they relate with people Markus Freudiger – TLM Country Leader Senior Staff of other faiths in the national association of Top: TLM Switzerland Country Leader Markus Freudiger Anne-Claude Jonah – Representative in French Switzerland people affected by leprosy (IDEA). Some gave Bunmi Oluloto – TLM Country Leader accompanies the TLM Nepal team to bring a new wheelchair to Nadja Klarer – Fundraising and Communication their testimony during the 60th Anniversary of Dhurba Gautum. Abdul Yohanna – TLM Niger Programme Manager Esther Kuny – Finance CSL Danja Hospital of how they came to Christ Right: Awareness project in Switzerland: Dan Izzett (from Saratou Barage – TLM Niger Technical Advisor Zimbabwe) sharing his testimony during a prayer meeting, translated Christine Schneeberger – Administration when they received care in the hospital. Ichaya Garba – TLM Niger Office Administrator into French by Anne-Claude Jonah. Plans are in place for him to Jan Kuny – Chairman speak there again in Autumn. Top: The TLM Niger team. 24 25 Week 15: 10–16 April Week 16: 17–23 April Democratic Republic of Congo Southern Africa

‘Then those who were in the boat worshiped Prayer Points ‘Shout for joy to God, all the earth; Prayer Points him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”’ sing the glory of his name; Matthew 14:33 (NIV) Mon: Praise God for the involvement give to him glorious praise!’ Mon: Thank you for praying for the South African TLM is able to have in community-based Psalm 66:1-2 (ESV) mail service during 2016. The service improved, rehabilitation (CBR) in DR Congo. Thank God but delivery times are still very slow. The head for the successful CBR workshops, for TLM’s of the postal system is deeply committed to involvement in national training on CBR, and restoring the service and understands its impact the drafting of the national CBR strategy. on businesses and charities. Pray that he will Tue: Praise be to God as the second floor of receive full cooperation as he works to resolve the TLM Congo office in Kinshasa is about to deep-rooted problems. Thank the Lord that be completed thanks to donors within the TLM despite these disruptions, our supporters have Fellowship. remained profoundly loyal to TLM. Wed: Some projects are very difficult to reach Tue: Give thanks for the progress of the RampUp and travel can be risky. Pray for safety and programme in promoting the inclusion of security, that God will protect TLM Congo staff people with disabilities in the church. Pray for from accidents and diseases when travelling to Erna Möller as she leads the training programme supervise projects. About TLM Southern Africa with new material. Give thanks for the fruitful The Leprosy Mission Southern Africa was training sessions held in 2016 and for the team About TLM Congo Thu: Pray for staff recruitments, particularly established in 1949. It raises funds to finance leprosy that worked so hard to compile the training Size, geography, poverty and lawlessness combine that God will provide staff who are committed work in South Africa. The majority of new cases are material. to make the Democratic Republic of Congo a to Jesus Christ with the adequate skills found in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern very challenging country in which to work. TLM needed at TLM Congo. Medical advisors, Wed: TLM provides occasional assistance to Cape Provinces. TLM runs leprosy programmes in Congo has thought thoroughly and prayerfully physiotherapists, project managers are needed the health team in the north of Namibia, where kwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. Occasional about how TLM should best work in this country – pray for God’s provision. a number of older leprosy patients live. Pray and has identified three institutional priorities. assistance is provided for leprosy work in other parts that these patients, many of whom are severely Fri: TLM Congo has relocated its offices outside These priorities are critical focus areas that are of South Africa and Namibia. disabled, will be well cared for. Many of them are the office of the Provincial Coordination for emphasised in all TLM’s projects across DR Congo. The RampUp programme assists people with scattered over a wide area in difficult to reach Leprosy and Tuberculosis in all provinces where These priorities are mainly people and their disability to find a home in the church. disAbility villages. it operates. Praise God that the relocation went communities: ConneXion, led by Barbara Watt, focuses on smoothly. Thu: Give thanks for the many opportunities • Persons affected by leprosy and other reaching people with disabilities for Christ. disAbility that TLM had to teach health personnel about Sat/Sun: Pray for Ngueyi Ngueyi, a leprosy- neglected tropical diseases should have ConneXion established an office in Pietermaritzburg leprosy during 2016. Leprosy is often diagnosed affected man in Kasai province who has had access to an integrated quality service in each during 2016 and is already seeing the fruits of being at a late stage in South Africa – please pray that to have all his fingers and toes amputated, district; more visible to the public. the personnel that have been trained will remain making him totally dependent on others. vigilant. Pray for safe journeys for field workers • The way in which TLM works with Lucky Kunene and Goodman Qhosholo, who communities affected by leprosy and Key Staff cover vast distances each month (often on very related diseases should result in long-term poor roads), providing leprosy treatment and sustainable improvements in their lives; Louis Paluku Sabuni – TLM Country Leader training. • TLM Congo should be a sustainable and Christian Bulambo Bisimwa – Head of Finance and IT Advisor Fri: Give thanks for the supporters who wrote efficient organisation. Raphael Mulamba Mbuyamba – Project Development Officer Doris Mukelungu Ndombe – Logistics and Admin bequests to TLM in 2016. Pray for Otto Kingsley, We believe in a thoughtful approach that takes Didier Muhima – Project Manager and HR Advisor Regional Director, Western Cape, who visits seriously the suffering and hardship of Congolese many of these supporters. Pray that he will people affected by leprosy, other neglected Top: Part of the TLM continue to enjoy the Lord’s favour as he tropical diseases and disabilities. We believe Congo team, including promotes the bequest programme. There have their senior leadership, that any adequate response to their needs and Senior Staff been delays in paying a number of generous opportunities must be holistic and focused with staff from TLM International at the Peter Laubscher – TLM Country Leader bequests to the Mission – please pray for a geographically. TLM Congo country Theo de Villiers – Deputy Director speedy release of the funds. This is why our projects focus on the health review. Erna Möller – Programme Manager Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the many churches who district, rather than the entire province. Our Right: Construction of the second floor of have enthusiastically and generously supported approach is community empowerment and the TLM Congo office, the work of TLM for many decades. Pray that the strengthening local community health systems, as thanks to donors Top: Group photo at a disability awareness training, including team in South Africa will find a welcome at new opposed to a charity approach. within the Fellowship. TLM staff Erna Moller, Goodman Qhosholo and Lucky Kunene, churches during 2017. 26 with TLM Country Leader Peter Laubscher at front. 27 Week 17: 24–30 April Devotion Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED

New Zealand Consistent Prayer ‘Come to me, all of you who are tired from Prayer Points Listening to God carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28 (GNT) Mon: Over the course of this year TLM NZ staff I became a Christian in my teens, and was in silence, rejoicing in His Father’s presence. are conducting a range of fundraising activities taught to have a Quiet Time each day, but with the message that leprosy can be defeated soon realised that God is with us constantly, Some time ago I could not sleep, and starting and lives transformed. Pray they will inspire new committed donors. Praise God for New therefore we can speak to Him at any time meditating on the Lord and listening to Him, Zealanders who for many years have financially of day or night. The important thing is that and so began a deeper and richer relationship supported people affected by leprosy living in prayer needs to be consistent. with Him, revealing to me in a new way the some of the poorest regions of the world. wonder of His amazing love. Then God put Tue: Praise God for newly appointed board and In India and Bhutan I realised there were many intercession on my heart, which for me was committee members. Each brings a different things I could live without, but prayer was not a real discipline, refusing all the cares and aspect of expertise strengthening the overall one of them. James 4:8 says “draw near to God concerns that flood in and listening only to the governance of TLM’s work. Pray for oneness in and He will draw near to you”. I learnt there is Father. vision, direction and development for the board no true ministry without prayer. Those were and its three working committees; fundraising, exciting times when we saw God’s power at Now I belong to a couple of prayer groups, programmes and resources/audit. work in the lives of patients and staff, bringing and after a reading we spend time in silence Wed: Pray this year’s Youth Advocates can meet healing and wholeness. It was wonderful to see listening to God, and seeking to know what their commitment to fundraise for leprosy work in Nepal and will continue to lift the profile of the changes. is on His heart. Then He guides us in our time TLM NZ within their local communities and of intercession, and these are very precious Those days are in the past, and my prayer life times, especially as we see God answering our About TLM New Zealand churches. Remember also people affected by leprosy in Nepal who are still living in vulnerable has changed. Nothing diverted Jesus from His prayers, the ones He has put upon our hearts. TLM has been in New Zealand since 1912. About situations following the 2015 earthquake; pray 11,500 New Zealanders support the work of the life of prayer, and his priority was spending This usually happens over the course of a few they will receive the practical and spiritual Mission. time with His Father. Some of His prayers are weeks, so we rejoice together at the following support they require. TLM NZ raises income through mail campaigns, a recorded, for example John 17, otherwise we meeting. I am still very much a learner in this Thu: Pray for God’s wisdom and vision for bequest programme, face to face fundraising, Cure are not told whether he spent time speaking or and long to go deeper with Him. Gillian Whitley, TLM NZ Country Leader since One regular giving programme, and government August 2016, as she leads the team. Pray for grants. Their three strategic priorities (2014-18) are Gillian’s health, wellbeing and protection when engaging New Zealanders in ending leprosy and travelling to view TLM projects. transforming lives; resourcing and supporting field programmes to cure, care for and restore people Fri: Praise God for the programmes team, with leprosy; and actively partnering with TLM Jasleen Kler (Programmes Manager) and Tony Global Fellowship to end global leprosy. Wrightson and Andrew Harding (Programmes Consultants) as they work together on project TLM undertakes a range of activities in New Zealand concepts that will qualify TLM to receive including; funding for leprosy-affected people from the NZ • Youth Advocates scheme for university age Government. These projects are in Papua New young adults. Guinea, Bougainville and Bangladesh. • Running for Rights team in the annual Auckland Sat/Sun: TLM NZ relies heavily on bequests in Marathon. order to be able to meet its commitments to • Partnering with Christian and secular radio. projects in the field. Praise God for supporters • Working with ethnic communities from India, who donate to the Mission’s work with living Bangladesh, China and Nepal. From student to staff, by prayer. Bhutan. bequests. • Speaking to churches and other groups. • Prayer diaries sent to “Prayer and Praise” supporters throughout New Zealand. Senior Team Gillian Whitley – TLM Country Leader Mollie Clark worked with TLM for 8 years in Purulia, India, 18 years in Bhutan, and Martin Malkaney – Finance Manager 8 years in the International Office as Personnel Director. Top: TLM Country Leader Gillian Whitley (left) and Nutan, a Jane Walker – Fundraising Manager young woman who was the face of the ‘Cure One’ regular giving Jasleen Kler – Programmes Manager campaign. Anne Ratliff – Chair of the Board Below: TLM New Zealand’s 2016 Youth Advocates. 28 29 Week 18: 1–7 May Week 19: 8–14 May Nepal – Countrywide and Anandaban Hospital Spain and Italy

Prayer Points Prayer Points

Mon: Please pray for health, wisdom, strength Spain and guidance for Country Director Shovakhar Mon: TLM Spain works in a troubled economic Kandel and TLM Nepal board and staff as climate and, as volunteers, the committee they maintain good relationships with the members have many competing demands on Government, partners and other Members of their time. Please pray for them and their families About TLM Nepal TLM Global Fellowship with continuous sharing that they will experience God’s presence and The Leprosy Mission began its work in Nepal in 1957. and prayer. wisdom as they balance their daily lives and for TLM Nepal, now a local organisation with its own board, Tue: Anandaban Hospital sees up to 2,000 good health to do so. works in partnership with the Government to provide recurring reaction and ulcer patients Tue: Pray that God would raise up new specialist tertiary care and technical support for leprosy throughout the year. A fellowship takes place volunteers to help those currently seeking control programmes. It also undertakes internationally every Tuesday evening at the hospital where to raise interest and support in Spain for the recognised research into leprosy and implements staff and patients pray together, and, amongst work of TLM. Pray for renewed enthusiasm, community development programmes through its own people with similar issues, patients open up encouragement and blessing in the lives of these activities and strategic partnerships. and express their concerns, discuss day-to-day and that good connections can be developed In Nepal, leprosy is perceived in many village issues they face, and share advice. Please pray with those working in the projects in Nigeria. communities as a punishment for misdeeds in a former for the continuation of this fellowship that Wed: Please pray for a positive response as TLM life. This often leads to someone hiding the early signs provides emotional and spiritual support to Spain seek to find nurses and doctors willing to of leprosy, leaving them vulnerable to severe disability. patients at Anandaban. go to work in any project in Nigeria during their Leprosy work is often neglected within Government About TLM Spain Wed: Please pray for the reconstruction work holidays, normally in August each year. Pray that health services. People generally see many practitioners TLM Spain receives support from individual donors taking place at Anandaban Hospital and in the God will bless this initiative. before leprosy is finally diagnosed and treated. Any and churches and also raises funds through the sale field after the devastating 2015 earthquakes. Italy complications including loss of feeling, disability, ulcers, of various items such as books and t-shirts. They focus May the construction work not impede day to Thu: Praise God for his presence and strength leprosy reaction or the need for reconstructive surgery their revenue on TLM’s work in Nigeria, particularly in day hospital operations and the climate and through the recent challenges in TLM Italy. are usually referred to Anandaban Hospital. projects with an emphasis on prevention of disability political situation not affect its progress. and provision of medical supplies. Thank God for those who are working to About Anandaban Hospital Thu: Medical Director Dr Indra Napit and his regenerate and grow the visibility of TLM in Italy. This 110-bed hospital serves leprosy as well as general team of doctors and nurses maintain a very About TLM Italy Fri: Pray for the strengthening of relationships TLM Italy was founded in 1968 by a committee of patients. It provides technical training on leprosy to busy Operation Theatre, with more than 1,500 with current supporters and the development volunteers who worked hard to make the mission Government health staff, and outreach surgery and surgeries per year. Please give them strength of awareness of leprosy through social events. known in Italy. Many things have changed in recent medical camps at Government hospitals and clinics and bless their hands. May they be able to work Pray that this will produce new volunteers and years, and the team in Italy are now working to add across the country. The large outpatients’ clinic serves together with the hospital team to transform funds to support the work with those affected new staff to the committee to get new ideas, while the general community, as well as those affected more people’s lives. by leprosy. working with modern media, including the internet by leprosy, and a doctor is available 24 hours a day. Fri: Leprosy reactions are debilitating Sat/Sun: TLM Italy are supporting work in Anandaban also has a prosthetic limb centre, surgical and Facebook, to reach people more easily. They inflammatory episodes that can continue are also launching cultural projects and fundraising Bangladesh along with TLM Scotland. Please and physiotherapy departments, and the Mycobacterial damaging nerves for years, even after multi- pray for the teams of these three countries as Research Lab which is fully engaged in cutting edge events, with a view to get in contact with people living drug therapy treatment. Please pray for the in different Italian regions and gain their support. they work together to benefit the lives of those leprosy research. Anandaban also operates a clinic Anandaban research team and their scientific affected by leprosy. Pray for people affected located at the urban part of Lalitpur, in Kathmandu. collaborators as they focus on this issue and by leprosy in Bangladesh that their lives will walk alongside patients. Pray that we identify be enriched and they will know God’s love and Key Team Key Staff better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat blessing through the contributions of TLM. Mr Shovakhar Kandel – TLM Country Leader leprosy reactions so that fewer people develop Spain Mr Chiranjivi Sharma – Programmes Officer long term disfigurement and disability. Mr Jose Manuel Carballo – Chairman Ms Rakchhya Maharjan – Programmes Support Officer Mr Miguel Torralba – Vice-President Sat/Sun: TLM Nepal provides leprosy and Mr Sushil P Khatiwada – Finance Manager Ms Vivian Calderón – Executive Secretary Anandaban Hospital disability training at the Anandaban training Mr Jose Real – Accountant Dr Indra B Napit – Medical Director centre, as well as all five regions of Nepal. Mr Samuel Tirado – Communications Officer Dr Mahesh Shah – Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Pray for this training to give leprosy skills and Italy Top left: TLM Italy Board member Pietro Matino (left) together Leprologist awareness to Government health staff, medical Elia Landi – President with Gabriele, a new volunteer helping with communications in Dr Deanna Hagge – Head of Mycobacterial Research Lab students, private hospital doctors, nurses, Franco Ciuchi – Board Secretary North Italy. Mr Gopal Hari Pokhrel – Training Officer community workers, teachers and journalists. Pietro Matino – Board Member Top right: TLM Spain Communications Officer Samuel Tirado and Executive Secretary Vivian Calderón. 30 Top: TLM Nepal staff. 31 Week 20: 15–21 May India – Healthcare

Prayer Points

Mon: In its Country Strategy 2016-18, TLM Thu: Pray for committed medical staff to join India aims to both influence and support the the organisation to serve people affected Government in early detection of leprosy so by leprosy. Also, pray for the staff working in that many patients receive early treatment, the hospitals. Many of them are working in which will help them remain free from extremely difficult conditions. Pray for them disability. Please pray for the success of this and their families. initiative so that there will be improvement Fri: In line with the country strategy, all TLM in the quality and reach of the Government India units (hospitals, Vocational Training programmes. Centres and community development projects) Tue: Thank God for the quality leprosy care work together at state level in their respective being provided through TLM India’s hospitals states. Please pray for God’s wisdom to work to heal and restore fullness of life to leprosy with a common aim. patients. Sat/Sun: Many people affected by leprosy Wed: TLM supports the Government of India’s do not come for early treatment due to lack National Leprosy Eradication Programme at the of awareness about the disease. Please pray national level and in three states: Chhattisgarh, for God’s blessings on TLM’s efforts to raise Delhi and Maharashtra. This support is part awareness of the need for early diagnosis and of a national arrangement through ILEP (the treatment. International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations). Pray for successful working Healthcare together so that we can strengthen the The Leprosy Mission Trust India delivers its healthcare Government leprosy programme. programme through 14 hospitals spread across 9 states in India: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Hospitals and Key Staff

The 14 hospitals address all aspects of leprosy as a Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Health Programmes TLM Hospital, Vadathorasalur, Tamil Nadu medico-social disease. They provide not only specialised – Dr R Chinnaraju – Superintendent leprosy referral services, but also primary-level TLM Philadelphia Community Hospital, Salur, Andhra preventive healthcare through community outreach. Pradesh TLM Hospital, Dayapuram, Tamil Nadu Leprosy is a major cause of disability, and the hospitals – Mr Surjit Pal – Superintendent – Dr Suresh Verghese – Superintendent address the issue of disability through institution-based TLM Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar TLM Hospital, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh and community-based disability management. Apart – Dr U K Hembrom – Superintendent – Mr Vijay Prathap – Deputy Superintendent from these, the hospitals provide secondary-level healthcare in dermatology, ophthalmology, general TLM Bethesda Hospital, Champa, Chhattisgarh TLM Hospital, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology. – Dr Sandeep Kumar – Superintendent – Mr Vijay Prathap – Deputy Superintendent One of TLM India’s strategic priorities is early detection TLM Hospital, Chandkuri, Chhattisgarh TLM Hospital, Naini, Uttar Pradesh – Dr Manotosh Elkana – Superintendent – Dr Premal Das – Superintendent of leprosy and providing appropriate treatment in time, so that the patients remain free from disability, TLM Hospital, Shahdara, Delhi TLM Premananda Memorial Leprosy Hospital, Kolkata, and those who are already disabled are rehabilitated. – Mr Stephen Levi – Superintendent West Bengal To achieve this, TLM hospitals advocate and support – Dr Helen Roberts – Superintendent Kothara Community Hospital, Kothara, Maharashtra the government in active case detection and build – Dr Asha Massey – Superintendent TLM Purulia Leprosy Home and Hospital, Purulia, West its expertise in early detection of leprosy and its Bengal complications, and disability management. Also, TLM TLM Richardson Leprosy Hospital/CHANGED project, – Dr Famkima Darlong – Superintendent Top: People affected by leprosy after having undergone promotes models of a functioning referral system, and Miraj, Maharashtra cataract surgery at TLM Naini Hospital, Uttar Pradesh. build synergies with other programmes and movements – Mr Shirish Shegaonkar – In-charge/Senior Programme Below: A nurse attending to a leprosy patient at TLM addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases, Water, Manager Naini Hospital, Uttar Pradesh. Sanitation and Hygiene (‘WASH’) and disability. 32 33 32 Week 21: 22–28 May Week 22: 29 May – 4 June Papua New Guinea Ethiopia

‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; Prayer Points ‘Because the Lord your God is a God of Prayer Points his mercies never come to an end; they are new mercy, he will not take away his help from every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Mon: Pray that God will touch the lives of you or let destruction overtake you, or be Mon: Please pray for the people we serve Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) people affected by leprosy and disability being false to the agreement which he made by an in Ethiopia, that their lives will not only be supported by TLM with training in business oath with your fathers.’ transformed through medical, social and skills and mentoring to start their own income economic interventions but that they will meet Deuteronomy 4:31 (BBE) generation activities. Pray that God will guide Jesus. the staff and protect them as they travel to Tue: Pray for Ethiopia as a drought prone visit key villages. country and for those affected by drought, Tue: Pray for TLM PNG’s partnership project especially the most vulnerable people such with World Vision on gender-based violence. as children and the very disabled and elderly Pray that people affected by leprosy and peoplePrayer affected points by leprosy. disability who have experienced gender-based Wed: Pray for the new project implemented violence are given the support and confidence by Boru Meda Hospital and ENAPAL. Pray for to speak-up about these issues, and know the training of health centre staff and health where to find help and care in these situations. extension workers, that the new knowledge will Pray that God will enable TLM PNG staff to be put into practice at both the health centre About TLM Papua New Guinea display the values of the TLM Fellowship and community level. TLM Papua New Guinea (PNG) is in a process of during the implementation of the project. Thu: International organisations working transition. The team recently moved their head Wed: Pray that the PNG National Elections in in Ethiopia need to comply with strict office from Madang to the capital, Port Moresby, About TLM Ethiopia June/July will be run smoothly and peacefully. Government rules which include detailed so that it is better placed for carrying out leprosy TLM Ethiopia’s vision for the next five years is “People Pray also that God will raise up good leaders procedures for ongoing registration. Pray work. Their previous leprosy control project affected by leprosy and their communities are and that the population will decide wisely who for Tanny and Berihun as they work ‘in the ended in 2016, and a new five-year project has engaged in transforming their lives”. The small team to elect to run the country. detail’ to ensure that TLM complies with every begun, funded by the New Zealand Government in Ethiopia works closely with partners in order to Thu: Thank God for the successful sale of the requirement. and TLM New Zealand. This project hopes to help complement the work they do and use resources Madang property and provision of office space individuals, communities and households affected efficiently. Fri: Pray for good relationships between in Port Moresby. Pray for God’s protection on by leprosy and disability gain improved and TLM has been partnering with the Ethiopian National ENAPAL’s association members and the health the staff who move to Port Moresby from other sustainable incomes. Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL) centre staff as potential leprosy cases are provinces, and as they settle into working in referred to the health centre. Pray for positive Another project in partnership with World Vision and its local associations for many years. ENAPAL has the capital city. communication in both directions and that aims to educate local communities and their around 20,000 leprosy-affected and other disabled Fri: After 2018, NZ Government ceases funding confirmed cases can be followed up by leaders about gender-based violence. People people as members, enabling TLM Ethiopia to work for the Bougainville Healthy Communities association members in order to encourage affected by leprosy and disability are also affected with people affected by leprosy at community level Programme. Pray that God will open avenues new leprosy patients to adhere to treatment. by this problem. TLM PNG is ensuring that they in seven regions in Ethiopia. We also work with and financial resources for Bougainville’s are not left out, working with World Vision to the All African Leprosy Tuberculosis Rehabilitation Sat/Sun: Pray for TLM Ethiopia’s small team Department of Health to begin sustainably intentionally seek out and include people with and Research Training Centre (ALERT), a referral of staff, that they will work efficiently and funding operations from this year onwards. leprosy and disability in the project’s activities. hospital for leprosy complications and reconstructive that good relationships are maintained with Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the dedication of surgery and an international training and research partners and government as well as new In the autonomous region of Bougainville, TLM the trained village leaders and village health centre. Addis Ababa Leprosy Victims Rehabilitation partnerships developed. Pray too for wisdom works with the Ministry of Health, community volunteers in Bougainville and pray that God Association (ALVRA) runs a hostel accommodation for and insight for the team as they explore leaders and other rehabilitation agencies to blesses them to continue serving His people rural leprosy patients coming for specific treatment fundraising opportunities. implement the Bougainville Healthy Communities with love. Pray too for God’s wisdom, power at ALERT. A new project with Boru Meda Hospital and Programme (BHCP). This project improves and leading for Ruby Mirinka and Neil Toura as ENAPAL provides people affected by leprosy access to awareness and hygiene practices as part of a Senior Staff they manage the programme. good quality local leprosy and rehabilitation services. community-based and owned primary health Ms Tanny Hagens – Interim Country Representative system. Trained village leaders and village health Being a member of the Leprosy Expert Advisory Key Staff Mr Berihun Legesse – Finance and Admin Officer volunteers educate Bougainville’s population on Group, which is led by the Federal Ministry of Health, Heads of Partners disease prevention, health practices and their Natalie Smith – TLM Country Leader gives TLM Ethiopia an opportunity to also influence rights to health care. Jacqueline Pil – Project Manager and address leprosy matters at national level. Mr Tesfaye Tadesse – Managing Director of ENAPAL Afinini Tawi – Finance Manager Mr Shiferaw Mengiste – General Manager of ALVRA Top left: The PNG team: from left to right, Afinini, Afeke, BHCP Top: Distribution of blankets and corn for the severely disabled Mr Mezemir Kefema – CEO of ALERT Maggie, Kevin, Elma, Natalie, Jacque and Linda. Ruby Mirinka – Programme Director and elderly persons affected by leprosy in Shasemene. The person Mr Dawit Kidane Teku – CEO Boru Meda Hospital Top right: The staff of the Bougainville Healthy Communities Neil Toura – Operations Director to the right is ENAPAL’s Managing Director Tesfaye Tadesse. 34 Programme. 35 FEATURE Week 23: 5–11 June Tricycle Entrepreneur Northern Ireland ‘…let your light shine before men, that they Prayer Points may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Mon: Give thanks for God’s faithfulness Matthew 5:16 (BSB) throughout many changes in 2016. TLM Northern Ireland has sought to strengthen its governance and financial structures and its internal systems. As these changes take effect, pray for a seamless transition that would enable TLM to develop and increase impact at home and overseas. Tue: Give thanks for the service and commitmentPrayer points of the board of directors who govern TLM Northern Ireland. As some members retire, pray for new individuals to be raised up who can assist in key areas as TLM About TLM Northern Ireland moves forward. Pray for direction, wisdom and God’s leading in all decisions. TLM Northern Ireland engages and educates people to help resource and support the work in leprosy-affected Wed: TLM Northern Ireland plans to countries. Prayer is at the core of all their activities. significantly increase the funds it remits to TLM projects. Pray that existing sources of income The four priorities in their strategic plan, 2017-2020 are: are nourished and developed and for new 1. ENGAGE people from across Northern Ireland to sources to be opened up. Give thanks for the help defeat leprosy and transform lives; faithful support of donors over many years. n 2001, at the age of 13, Abul Kalam had government social services officer, he started 2. RESOURCE – significantly increase financial Thu: Give thanks for the volunteer speakers’ an accident and lost his right leg above the receiving a government disability allowance. I resources to support those affected by leprosy and team who share about TLM’s work in settings knee. His poor father sold everything to afford This allowance provided him extra support ensure maximum impact for every £1 donated; and locations throughout Northern Ireland. his treatment. Abul faced a terrible time, not for his family. Abul was also able to gradually 3. EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE – promote an accurate Pray for their safety as they travel and that they having the support he needed from his family, extend his business with further loans from understanding of leprosy. Increase access to equal would be greatly encouraged and blessed by friends and community. He did not want to the self-help group. He is now group cashier human rights for those affected by leprosy by giving of their time and talents in this way. be a burden and started a small business and secretary of the association of groups in tackling stigma and discrimination and promoting Fri: Give thanks for the support of nearly 300 repairing bicycles while he was still young. his sub-district. positive change in public policy and practice; church secretaries who faithfully pray and raise 4. ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE – Build an agile, funds and awareness on behalf of TLM. As some In 2009 Abul joined a self-help group Now Abul’s shop is full of different bicycle resilient organisation that can effectively deliver its church secretaries retire, pray that others will be facilitated by TLM Bangladesh. He also and tricycle tools and he is a well-known strategic objectives. raised up. Pray that relationships with churches would be strengthened and new contacts received a tricycle and a set of crutches to technician. He set up his own tricycle with The team engages with all ages from all over Northern developed. make it easier to get around, and six months a rechargeable battery and modified it like Ireland, and in particular with those from churches, of bicycle and van mechanic training. With the 3-wheel auto rickshaws that are seen schools and Christian faith organisations, calling them Sat/Sun: Pray for the staff team as they work into action. Staff and volunteers visit churches and to raise awareness and funds in Northern this training and a loan from the group, Abul throughout Bangladesh. This rechargeable associated groups and speak regularly at services and Ireland. Their efforts and hard work underpin expanded his business and improved his tricycle not only helps him be more mobile, events. As well as quarterly prayer points they also all that TLM is able to do. Give thanks for their income. But when he got married and started but he also receives orders for auto-tricycles produce a magazine twice a year. commitment and passion and pray for effective a family, what he was earning was not enough from other disabled persons. As a result, his teamwork, unity and protection over them. Pray to support his wife and children. workshop has gained popularity and his In 2017, TLM Northern Ireland will be seeking to raise also for Joanne Briggs, National Director, as she profile, prioritising and developing their relationships leads the team. earnings have increased significantly. with churches and schools, targeting new audiences As Abul can read and write Bengali he quickly and exploring new opportunities to raise funds and learned about the rights of disabled persons Abul says that TLM’s support enabled him to increase support. Staff Team: and the sorts of facilities that are available be an independent, self-reliant and accepted Joanne Briggs – TLM Country Leader for them. After speaking with the local person in the community. TLM Northern Ireland supports work in Ethiopia, India, Peter Hilton – Church & School Engagement Officer Nepal, Nigeria and Tanzania. Joy Jamieson – Office & Finance Manager Aude Ingrand – Administrative Assistant Top: Joanne Briggs, TLM Northern Ireland Country Leader, with Fiona Davidson – Board Chairperson 36 TLM Colleagues & Partners in Tanzania. 37 Week 24: 12–18 June Week 25: 19–25 June Mozambique Timor Leste

Prayer Points ‘But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my Prayer Points glory, the One who lifts my head high.’ Mon: Many people with active leprosy in Psalm 3:3 (NIV) Mon: Pray for the staff in the CBR SEHD project, Mozambique remain undiagnosed due to big for God-given wisdom to facilitate the self-help service delivery gaps. Pray that the Lord will groups and to do better networking with continue to raise up new workers with skills relevant organisations in Timor Leste. Pray the and commitment to take the fight forward and team will be able to develop good business reach the unreached. proposals for the sustainability of the self-help Tue: We are thankful for positive results from groups. the livelihoods project in Cabo Delgado. Please Tue: Pray for the BHCAL project activities pray that beneficiaries will be motivated to in collaboration with the Ministry of Health continue to implement the new agricultural toPrayer reach all points the people and communities practices and that savings groups will overflow affected by leprosy in its focus districts for with cash and entrepreneurship long after the early diagnosis and treatment. Pray that this programme moves to other areas. early intervention with prevent avoidable About TLM Timor Leste disability and enable people affected by Wed: We are enthusiastic to see a greater TLM Timor Leste’s vision is to see an improvement leprosy to continue in full participation in their involvement of the local church from small in the quality of life of people affected by leprosy or communities. villages affected by leprosy. Pray that this disabilities and their families. initiative will multiply, driven by God’s Spirit Wed: Pray for the new Rights for Persons with TLM projects in Timor Leste include: and a genuine willingness to serve. Disability project to continue the activities set • Community-Based Rehabilitation Social, Thu: The TLM Mozambique team has grown up by a previous project and support local Economic, Health, Development (CBR SEHD) a lot over the past year. Please pray for a spirit Disabled People’s Organisations to advocate for About TLM Mozambique project which aims to integrate people affected of unity in the team. A lot of internal capacity the rights of people with disability. The Leprosy Mission in Mozambique works in by leprosy back into the community. Currently needs to be built over the coming year, and Thu: Thank God that TLM Timor Leste have a close cooperation with the Government Health there are 24 self-help groups in six districts and the team hopes for learning opportunities and five year country strategy in place to guide their Department in support of the leprosy control the project will expand to over seven districts God’s inspiration to all. work. Pray that all staff are able to understand project in the province of Cabo Delgado. There in partnership with the Rights for Persons with and work together to achieve its goals. are also strong links with community partners Fri: Growing up in Mozambique has its unique Disability project. including community volunteers and self-care challenges, especially if you are also affected Fri: Pray for good networking between TLM • Better Community Health for Communities groups. ALEMO is an association of persons affected by leprosy. Children have very limited choices Timor Leste, Local Governments (Ministry of Affected by Leprosy (BHCAL) project, in by leprosy, supported by TLM Mozambique, that for education and work opportunities. Pray for Health and Ministry of Social Solidarity) and partnership with the Ministry of Health and works to improve the livelihoods of its members a new generation of youth able to break the churches. other clinical partners, aims to achieve leprosy through improved agriculture methods, training and chains of the past. elimination in high endemic districts and Sat/Sun: Pray for a peaceful election in Timor advocacy. Sat/Sun: In 2017, TLM hopes to launch an reduced leprosy-related disability. Currently the Leste in July and September this year. During 2017 TLM will continue to implement initiative to map leprosy in Mozambique along project focuses in three high endemic districts, a project aimed at improving livelihoods in 89 with many partners. Pray for God’s blessing which are Oecusse, Dili and Baucau, but also communities where we have self-care groups. In for the process and good ownership by the supervises and monitors the lower endemic each of these communities the project will teach local health authorities of the results and districts. sustainable agriculture methods and start savings subsequent steps to improve leprosy service • Oecusse Leprosy Elimination and Disability groups. delivery. Reduction project aims to reduce leprosy and In other work, about 200 children affected by related disability in Oecusse district through leprosy are included in the Iphiro Yohoolo education Senior Staff early diagnosis and treatment, encouraging project, which aims to keep them in school and Dr Arie de Kruijff – TLM Country Leader prevention of disability strategies and raising inspire them to break the cycle of poverty. Church Sr Belarmino Reich – ALEMO and Iphiro Yohoolo Project leprosy awareness in communities. community mobilisation also remains a priority and Manager • Rights for Persons with Disability project started TLM has started the slow process of training local Sr Hipolito Cocorea – Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Senior Staff in July 2016 and aims for people with disabilities pastors, sensitising them to their calling and role in Officer in Timor Leste to fully participate in society and Afliana (Nona) Lisnahan – TLM Country Leader Sr Jorge Armindo – Prevention of Disabilities/Leprosy Control the communities where God has placed them. Francisco da Costa – Project Coordinator Project Manager have equal access to rights and opportunities. Top: Dr Arie de Kruijff, TLM Country Leader, inspecting the patches Sra Nelta Jumamossi – Accountant Nelson da Silva – Project Coordinator on a boy’s skin, a possible symptom of leprosy. © Paul Salmon Sr Culaire Luis – Human Resources Manager Top: TLM Timor Leste staff in Oecusse - TLM Country Leader Pascoela dos Santos – Project Supervisor Below: A savings group in discussion. © Paul Salmon Afliana (Nona) Lisnahan at centre 38 39 Week 26: 26 June – 2 July Devotion Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED

New Countries, New Opportunities Adventurous Prayer ‘Commit your work to the Lord, and your Prayer Points God’s creative answers plans will be established.’ Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) Mon: TLM Sweden have made some initial to prayer enquiries as to the possibility of building a God’s creative answers to prayer TLM presence in Norway. Pray that in 2017 some good contacts will be made and the right people will come forward to be the basis of a “ pray and never new support programme there. give up” Tue: It’s been many years since TLM raised funds in Hong Kong and Korea, but mission Luke 18:1 interest in both countries suggests that there might be prospects for the future. Pray that Elderly patients and nursing staff working together God will prepare the hearts of people who in McKean Hospital therapy garden. could give us a starting point in each country. Wed: Dan and Babs Izzett have laboured faithfully for many years to encourage support Committing to pray is like setting out on stunned us with the words “His Majesty the In 1September 2016 the Members of the TLM for leprosy work through TLM in Zimbabwe. Fellowship looked at an analysis of the relative needs Thank God for them both, and for Dan’s an adventure. We never know what will King told me to come and see if I could help of the countries where TLM currently works and international reputation as a speaker and happen. We are bringing ourselves and you.” When we got over the shock we realised other countries where there are major leprosy needs. minister with personal experience of leprosy. our request into proximity with the light it wasn’t so surprising. After all, don’t we all The Members decided to look for opportunities to Thu: Indonesia has the third-highest case and will of almighty God. Will there be pray to the King of Kings? re-start the Mission’s work in Indonesia, which was numbers of leprosy in the world, and there are refining changes in me? In what I pray? suspended three years ago, and to keep a ‘watching needs in the country that TLM is well-equipped How will I begin to see more of the plans But other times we were surprised that God’s brief’ on the situation in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to meet. Pray for God’s favour, and also the and purposes of God? plan was to use us to answer the prayer. The and Madagascar. cooperation of authorities, as TLM looks for fact that we first had the prayer burden for a Another exciting development in 2016 was the the right way to engage there and the right partners to link up with. The variety of ways God answers prayer are group of unreached and antagonistic people appointment of Peter Walker, formerly country so creative we can almost fail to recognise meant that, when an unexpected door leader of TLM England and Wales, as Head of Fri: In 2016 Patricia Bento retired after many Fundraising Development, a new international role. years as TLM’s representative in Portugal. Pray them as God at work. I clearly remember one opened to have more contact with them, we He will explore the possibility of growing TLM in for Peter Walker as he looks at the possibility of that came by email from an unknown source, recognised the hand of God at work. Had the areas where we are not active in fundraising at the finding a new representative there and as he so unexpectedly generous that I nearly prayer concern not come first we could easily moment. Hong Kong, Korea, Norway and Portugal prayerfully sets priorities for where to put his deleted it as spam! have said “That is not our responsibility.” But have all been suggested as countries that could attention, where there is likely to be the best God gave us His heart for them first, then merit attention. return on the time invested. At a time when no local professionals would He was able to lead us into service amongst In both these situations, prayer is needed. Sat/Sun: Côte d’Ivoire, in West Africa, and the touch people with leprosy, many had been them. Sometimes this is to unblock the way, where island of Madagascar both have unmet needs praying with us for the expertise to help restrictions or obstacles have prevented TLM from in leprosy services. Pray for the leading of the elderly disabled leprosy patients who had What an awesome privilege it is to be invited engaging earlier. In other places, it is prayer for Holy Spirit as TLM stays alert to the possibilities no sense of feeling and were going blind. to pray to the King of Kings. And what an discernment, to know which way is the best. of becoming involved there, even in a small, initial way. One day an unexpected visitor appeared and adventure as we “pray and never give up” – introduced himself as an eye surgeon. He Luke 18:1.

Ezekiel Kondo is the Archbishop of the Episcopal church of Sudan and Bishop of HeatherKhartoum. and Trevor Smith were TLM staff in Thailand 1969-2009. They continue working there as volunteers under the Thai church at McKean Rehabilitation Center, Trevor as doctor and Heather as Deputy Director. Top: A woman affected by leprosy undergoing physiotherapy in Indonesia. 40 41 40 Week 27: 3–9 July Week 28: 10–16 July TLM Trading India – Community-Based Rehabilitation

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart Prayer Points Prayer Points and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, Mon: Give thanks that God blessed TLM Trading Mon: Please pray for an end to social and he will make your paths straight.’ with growth in product sales, donations and stigma and discrimination towards people Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Gifts for Life in 2015 and 2016. Give thanks for affected by leprosy in communities where the loyal and generous customers, and the new TLM is implementing its community-based customers who support TLM with their prayers rehabilitation programmes. and purchases. Pray that their loyalty will enable Tue: Pray for people affected by leprosy receiving TLM to increase support for people affected by livelihood opportunities through cooperatives, leprosy in 2017. self-help groups and other groups. Pray for God’s Tue: Give thanks for TLM Trading’s new website Sustainable Livelihoods and Empowerment abundant blessing so that they can experience and for Andrew and all the external partners The deep-rooted stigma attached to leprosy often real transformation in their quality of life. who facilitated its launch. Pray that God will leads to people being barred from community Wed: Pray for the support and cooperation of bless TLM with more customers and more sales, gatherings and prevented from accessing community local governments, community leaders and other donations, and Gifts for Life and customer resources – unable to participate fully in the day-to- stakeholders in areas where TLM India is working feedback via this new website. day life of the society in which they live. so that they can implement their programmes Wed: Please pray for all the leprosy-affected TLM India works to restore people affected by leprosy successfully. and disabled artisan groups who make the and other marginalised people to full participation in Thu: Pray for all the advocacy efforts of beautiful hand-crafted items sold by TLM society. It does this through local action along with organisations of people affected by leprosy and Trading. Pray that they will make the items to broader strategies to reform policies that impact disability. Pray that they become strong enough About TLM Trading the right quality, quantity and timing deadlines vulnerable people. Self-help groups are formed to to advocate for themselves, and break the cycle Inspired by the love of Jesus, TLM Trading strives required so that TLM can place more orders enable disadvantaged households to receive a better of poverty. to show love and compassion towards people with them going forward. income through improved livelihood opportunities. Fri: Thank God for the financial support affected by leprosy, and to empower them to Thu: Pray for TLM Trading’s CEO, Jo-Anne TLM also offers educational scholarships to children programme TLM is able to offer to students in attain life in all its fullness by providing resources Thomson, and also the board of directors, from leprosy backgrounds, guaranteeing them some of the communities where it works. Pray of money, awareness, new supporters and prayer chaired by Stephen Hammersley. Give thanks a brighter future. The adult literacy programme, that more children from leprosy backgrounds are for use by The Leprosy Mission charities. for the board who bring a diverse range of provided free to people affected by leprosy and able to make use of this facility and improve the TLM Trading, the trading arm of The Leprosy skills and gifts to the company and offer much people living with disabilities, reduces barriers and quality of their lives through education. Mission, is a mail order company selling a wide increases participation in community-level decision support to the staff. Pray for Phil Allum who Sat/Sun: Pray for all self-care groups started by range of gifts, greeting cards and books primarily making. Through self-care groups, people affected retired from the staff team after 13 years, that TLM India. Pray that people affected by leprosy to the Christian community. They produce three by leprosy encourage each other to keep up the God will bless him abundantly during this join the groups and protect themselves from main catalogues per year, as well as operating a necessary practices to prevent damage to insensitive phase of his life. disabilities. successful online shop which attracts thousands hands and feet. Fri: Give thanks for the small staff team who of customers each year via the internet. They also work very hard and with good grace to source sell a range of Gifts for Life – ‘virtual’ gift cards Projects and Key Staff all the products and ensure deadlines are met which customers can buy to give to friends or mark Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusive Holistic Development of Individuals with for the design and mailing of the catalogue. some special occasion and which directly benefit Empowerment Disabilities Project Please pray for a high level of accuracy and someone with leprosy. They include items such as CAD/CAM-Assisted Customised Footwear Project • Mr Suresh Dhondge – Programme Manager diligence so as to prevent problems after the school equipment, eye surgery or even a donkey • Mr Bino Berry – Coordinator of Disability Management Partnerships, Advocacy, Research & Training towards catalogue is printed. Give thanks to God for the and cart! Inclusion Project handful of faithful volunteers who assist TLM Comprehensive Health, Advocacy, Networking, Garnering Empowerment and Development Project • Mr G Manivannan – Programme Manager TLM Trading’s main aims are: Trading with their smaller mailings and other • Mr Shirish Shegaonkar – Senior Programme Manager Securing Opportunities towards Advancing Revenue • To help provide livelihoods for people projects during the year. Community Intervention Project Project affected by leprosy, through the products Sat/Sun: Give special thanks for all the • Ms M Phoeba – Programme Manager • Mr David Jaganathan – Programme Manager they sell. commercial partners TLM Trading works with, Civil Society Organisations for Resource Mobilisation, Self-help groups towards Holistic Community • To raise funds for TLM, through Gifts for Life for their skill, hard work and empathy with the Empowerment, Advocacy, Training and Employment Project Development Project and donations generously added to orders by cause of TLM. Pray that TLM Trading will show • Mr Harsha Gudasalamani; Mr Anish Joy; Mr James George; Mr • Mr Kismat Nanda – Programme Manager their customers. them a glimpse of the light of Jesus Christ. Ram K Robert; Mr Mathan Raj David – Programme Managers Women’s Empowerment through Advocacy, Livelihoods • To help raise awareness of TLM and its work Catch Them Young Project Training and Health Project • Mr Naushad Hasan – Programme Manager through inspiring books, cards and products. Senior Team • Mrs Nitha Philips – Programme Manager Jo-Anne Thomson – CEO Top: Women from marginalised communities in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, in an adult literacy class conducted by TLM India’s Top: TLM Trading staff and board team. Stephen Hammersley – Chairman WEALTH project. 42 Below: Hand-painted elephants painted by artisans in Kashmir. 43 Week 29: 17–23 July Week 30: 24–30 July Bangladesh – Leprosy Control and Research Thailand

Prayer Points ‘I will not leave you desolate: I will come Prayer Points to you.’ Mon: Pray for continued cooperation from John 14:18 (RSV) Mon: Amongst the thousands of displaced the Hill Tracts Regional Council so that we can people or poor migrants seeking jobs in continue reaching out to people affected by Thailand are folk needing leprosy treatment. leprosy in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Pray they will find appropriate help for healing. Tue: Pray that self-help groups facilitated Tue: The numbers of new leprosy cases has by TLM Bangladesh will have the skills, decreased in Thailand but so has leprosy confidence and opportunity to form a sub- awareness. New patients may go to many district federation who will work as TLM’s clinics before receiving correct diagnosis partner in continuing project activities. and treatment. Pray for leprosy training Wed: Because of budget cuts, TLM’s leprosy programmes to be effective. control project in Gaibandha-Jaypurhat region Wed: Pray for McKean, a Christian centre in has been reduced. Pray that the staff will north Thailand where many leprosy patients About TLM Bangladesh experience God’s strength to ensure quality and displaced people find a welcome, healing In Bangladesh, leprosy control and research service for people affected by leprosy. and hope. are conducted alongside community-based rehabilitation activities. This is to ensure that TLM’s Thu: effect:hope, formerly The Leprosy Mission Thu: In all its programmes and facilities McKean projects address more than just the physical needs Canada, provides financial and technical integrates people affected by leprosy, disability of people affected by leprosy. Leprosy control limits support for TLM’s work in Bangladesh. Pray and problems related to aging. Pray for good the spread and impact of the disease while research that effect:hope staff will be in good health relationships, and development of the new helps TLM to ensure that both medical and social and can be effective in raising funds and multi-tiered aged-care projects. areas of our work are well-informed and effective. impacting the lives of people affected by Fri: Pray for Thai and other Southeast Asian leprosy and other diseases that cause social medical students who receive leprosy training TLM Bangladesh undertakes projects that include exclusion and poverty. leprosy control and research in all the areas of the in McKean to remember and apply what they country in which it works. The aims of the leprosy Fri: A limited number of staff covers a huge learn, so patients will receive earlier diagnosis control programmes are to provide quality leprosy working area providing leprosy management and treatment. services; raise awareness; stop the transmission in Chittagong district, in the east of the Sat/Sun: McKean’s work includes palliative care of leprosy from person to person; and prevent country. They therefore have to travel and comprehensive end of life care for elderly disability. TLM Bangladesh also works to strengthen extensively to reach all those needing support. patients and relatives, from many nationalities, the Government’s health services, providing Pray for their safety and health. including many who have no idea about the expertise in leprosy, disability and neglected Sat/Sun: TLM Bangladesh is taking a new Christian hope. Pray for this key ministry and all diseases and support for prevention of disability approach in developing and improving About TLM’s work in Thailand involved. and1 management of complications from leprosy. leprosy services in the Government health McKean Rehabilitation Center, owned by the Thai church, has been TLM’s partner in Thailand for One of the main research projects aims to check system – an important step to integrating many years. Today McKean cares for and integrates whether information from blood tests can give leprosy into mainstream healthcare. Pray patients with leprosy and disabilities and age-related advance warning of leprosy. Another large-scale for the team as it builds not only the skills problems. McKean is recognised as the centre trial compares two different approaches to of government health staff, but also their providing leprosy expertise in north Thailand, and leprosy prevention, one involving a single dose motivation to provide quality services for also provides residential treatment and rehabilitation of rifampicin (one of the main curative drugs for leprosy-affected people. for marginalised or displaced disabled persons, along leprosy) and the other using an immunising dose with training in activities to promote sustainable of BCG as well (BCG is traditionally used worldwide Senior Staff livelihoods. McKean has also been pioneering the to prevent tuberculosis, but also has some effect McKean Senior Staff Mr John Arpon Samaddar – Chittagong and Dhaka Program development of multi-tiered aged care for the broad in preventing leprosy). TLM Bangladesh also hopes Leader spectrum of elderly folk in the region. Achara Chienvichai – Acting Director/Manager to gain funding to extend a current project which Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Rural Health Program Leader Heather Smith – TLM representative and Deputy Director measures whether being in a self-help group has Heads of projects Top: TLM representative Heather Smith (left) with Jay, a lady Rev Trairat Thongsamrit – Assistant Manager a sustained impact on the lives of people below Mr Keshob Chandra Roy – Gaibandha-Jaypurhat happy to be receiving treatment for reaction at McKean. Dr Ratana Pananich – Assistant Director the poverty line who are affected by leprosy or Mr Jeorge Biswas – Dhaka Middle: Learning to make salted eggs and banana chips Dr Trevor Smith – Medical Advisor/Doctor disability. Dr Sanai Prue Tripura – Chittagong during rehabilitation. Parati Chalermliamthong – Head of Nursing Mr Parach Chakma – Chittagong Hill Tracts Bottom: A vocational activity at McKean that involved Pongsawat Pootoonjai – Chaplain Mr Khorshed Alam – Rural Health Program Nilphamari Top: Practical training in leprosy care. patients learning to use scraps of cloth to make saleable items. 44 45 FEATURE Week 31: 31 July – 6 August Better To Earn Australia ‘You turned my wailing into dancing; Prayer Points you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy’ Mon: Pray for the board of TLM Australia as it Psalm 30:11 (NIV) guides the organisation into a difficult future, with ever shrinking government grants. Give thanks for the demonstrated experience, expertise, vision and cooperation of its members, past and present. Tue: Give thanks for the positive relationships that Australian supporters have with each other, their churches and community groups, and with the people and projects that they support. Together they faithfully pray, donate and volunteer their time to help others. Pray that these efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the world in the name of Jesus. Wed: Pray for “Cuppa for a Cure” events around About TLM Australia Australia. Pray that these events would raise Australian supporters faithfully give of their time, awareness about leprosy, connect interested prayers and donations to help people affected by people to supporters and support groups, and leprosy in six key leprosy and Neglected Tropical raise money for people affected by leprosy. Disease-affected countries. Thu: Give thanks for TLM Australia’s partnership with governments and local organisations The Leprosy Mission Australia’s primary role is to overseas. Pray that these relationships will LM Trading (page 42) works with artisans I have been here about 30 years now. I feel as if strengthen this community and connect supporters deepen and have multiplying effects which affected by leprosy and disability who I only really started my life after I moved to to their projects. To this end, 2016 saw some T benefit others as we work together. create unique products for sale in their Little Flower. I have a son and a daughter. My innovative changes, including a new website and catalogues and online shop. Little Flower daughter is already married and has three an enhanced retail experience. The National Prayer Fri: Staff of TLM Australia are always seeking new ways to share the needs of people affected Khadi Village Leprosy Rehabilitation Center is children of her own. My son is a school bus Weekend and “Cuppa for a Cure” events were by leprosy, develop resources and improve one of the groups that TLM has been working conductor, he earns but spends the money on launched. “Cuppa for a Cure” invited supporters to host a morning or afternoon tea at a place and existing services for Australian supporters. with for a number of years. Dukhani Musmat is himself. My husband used to work in the cattle time that suited them. Supporters responded Pray for inspiration, teamwork and energy. part of the workforce that spins silk, dyes the farm here in the colony but he died about five enthusiastically. In the first six months, they hosted Pray that their efforts would help the work that yarn and weaves it into scarves for export. She years ago and without much support from my 75 “Cuppa for a Cure” events raising funds and supporters are achieving around Australia. is also on the management committee of the son I must work to earn for myself. awareness for people affected by leprosy. Sat/Sun: This year, TLM Australia is launching unit representing the original members of the a new campaign called “Cure One” across Recognising the value of partnership, TLM Australia colony affected by leprosy. I learned how to do charkha1 winding and many media channels to reach out to potential remains committed to building and strengthening supporters. Pray that the needs of people always do that work. I supply the bobbins of its existing partnerships in Nepal, Timor Leste, affected by leprosy will move people and “I came to Sunderpur Hospital when I was silk yarn for the weavers who are making silk Nigeria, India, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. inspire generous giving. about 20 years old. My parents died when I scarves. The more orders we have the more I Together they’re focusing on promoting health, was a child and after I got leprosy my sister did can earn for myself. It is financially hard for me controlling Neglected Tropical Diseases, improving not take proper care of me so I decided to when there is not much work. But still I would the quality of life for people affected by leprosy, Senior Staff come here. Soon after I arrived they gave me rather be here with the other women and earn and strengthening the inclusion of people with Sheldon Rankin – Chief Executive Officer work here in the weaving unit. Baba was in something than sit at home and feel sorry for disabilities. This close partnership is providing a Mark Richardson – Finance and Administration Manager clearer understanding of the projects’ progress and charge then and he realised that I could not myself and worry about the future of my Bronwyn Taylor – Executive Assistant and Human Resources allowing more updates for supporters. stay unless I got married so he found me a wayward son.” Pam Lake – National Relationship Manager person and arranged my marriage. My Paul Andrews – Direct Mail Coordinator Amanda Cameron – Customer Services Coordinator husband did not have leprosy, he was happy Philip Hamilton – International Programs Manager to marry me even though I was already Supun Thejana – Merchandise Coordinator disabled. 1 A charkha is a traditional spinning wheel Top: Chief Executive Officer, Sheldon Rankin. 46 47 Week 32: 7–13 August Week 33: 14–20 August China Sri Lanka

Prayer Points Prayer Points

Mon: Please pray for the people affected by Mon: Pray that the 700+ trained church leaders leprosy in Diqing Prefecture where TLM is will be the salt and light as they reach out to working. Diqing is a very mountainous region, their communities in defeating leprosy. Pray at high altitude and with a harsh climate. that members of their congregations will People affected by leprosy face high levels of be motivated to champion leprosy, raising leprosy stigma and social exclusion. Please awareness about the disease and befriending pray for deep transformation of their lives. those affected. Tue: Please pray for Mr Yuan Yuhua, a HANDA Tue: Pray that the church will be able to work prosthesis technician who has been working together in harmony with the other religious with people affected by leprosy for 15 years. groups in creating leprosy awareness, and By 2015, he had helped more than 1,500 will work together to lobby for the repeal of About TLM in China people in 63 leprosy villages to stand up leprosy-related discriminatory legislation in Sri About 220,000 people are known to be affected again and live a different life. In 2017, he Lanka. by leprosy in China. 20,000 continue to live in 600 will produce 150 new prostheses for people About TLM’s work in Sri Lanka Wed: Pray for continued favour as partners former leprosy colonies, particularly in Southern affected by leprosy throughout China. Yuan The number of new cases of leprosy is on the rise work closely with the Ministry of Health, other China. Whilst as a nation China has rapidly is the only person affected by leprosy who in Sri Lanka, including among children, and there development organisations, universities, developed, people affected by leprosy have been has achieved a national approved prosthesis is a lack of awareness about the disease and how schools, prisons and businesses in defeating ‘left behind’ and continue to face poverty and lack technician certificate among 500 qualified it can be treated. TLM works through two partner leprosy. access to basic services. Lack of access to health care technicians in China. organisations: Alliance Development Trust (ADT) Thu: Pray for the KKM team as they raise services and good quality treatment has meant that Wed: Please pray for the children from and Kaveri Kala Manram (KKM), to defeat leprosy and awareness in schools, that students will 40% of people affected by leprosy in China have leprosy-affected families. Pray for their transform lives in Sri Lanka. champion the promotion of leprosy in their become disabled as result of leprosy. Stigma and education, their development and wellbeing communities and people will be diagnosed and discrimination also remain strong and the children of Alliance Development Trust – ADT in every aspect of their lives. treated early. people affected by leprosy are often excluded from Through ADT’s Mobilising Communities Project, Thu: Please pray for BCI in the context attending school. church members are encouraged and equipped to Fri: Pray for Hope Farm, that the farm continues of new laws and regulations that will be reach out in love and practical care to people affected to be profitable and is able to support ongoing implemented in China over the next year. TLM has been involved in China since 1981 and by leprosy. Teams of volunteers, mobilised from leprosy work. Pray for all the households that Pray for the period of transition from old works with our partner organisations, Bless China each local congregation, are also tasked with raising have planted kitchen gardens from seedlings to new laws with its added challenges and International (BCI) and HANDA, to reach people awareness about the disease and its treatment within from the farm; that they will lead to improved uncertainties. Please pray that BCI would be affected by leprosy in South China who face poverty, their communities. Churches are working with the nutrition for people affected by leprosy. stigma and exclusion. Our TLM funded project able to continue to provide help for those in interfaith forum to ensure leprosy awareness reaches Sat/Sun: Pray for KKM’s leprosy programme in Diqing Prefecture of Yunnan Province enables great need. all sections of the community, in close partnership as it is extended to Vavuniya District; that it children from leprosy backgrounds to access Fri: Please pray that HANDA’s capacity with other faith leaders and the Government Anti- successfully reaches out to new communities education, reduces stigma and discrimination, raises building training for local non-governmental Leprosy Campaign. and raises their awareness of leprosy. Pray awareness, provides leprosy treatment and builds organisations (NGOs) will be successful and for the children who have recently been the confidence of people affected by leprosy to improve the capability and development of Kaveri Kala Manram – KKM diagnosed. achieve life in all its fullness. NGOs in Guangdong Province. Throughout KKM’s project aims to increase detection of leprosy in the year, HANDA will provide capacity the Northern Province of Sri Lanka through building Key Staff building trainings to 39 local NGOs in subjects the capacity of Government health services. It is also Key Staff working with 40 leprosy-affected communities to Bless China International such as project management, organisation Alliance Development Trust reduce stigma and support livelihood development, Felicia Chang – Director for Operations governance and finance management to help Godfrey Yogarajah – CEO them optimise their systems. safe water provision, self-care and empowerment. Markus zum Felde – Site Director, Diqing Project Praveen Gomez – Head of Programmes, Health Its work includes Hope Farm which aims to generate Sat/Sun: Please pray for the local team of BCI John Anthony Williams – Programme Executive HANDA income to sustain KKM’s leprosy projects in the Dr Michael Chen – Secretary General and their overall work; the general medical Mahesh Perera – Programme Coordinator and rehabilitation work as well as their work longer term from sales of fish, poultry, livestock, Sally Qi – Project Supervisor Kaveri Kala Manram with people affected by leprosy, and for God’s papaya plants and coconut tree products. Rev Joshua Sivanganam – Director support and guidance in coordinating all the Top: Pastors working with the interfaith forum to promote leprosy Dr Preman Jeyaratnam – Chairman of the Board Top: HANDA has supported people affected by leprosy to learn bee different needs and activities. awareness. keeping and honey production and provided them with necessary Below: Fresh fish caught from the farm lake to be sold to local Dr Joy Sabanathan – TLM England and Wales Skilled Volunteer equipment. Here one of the project’s beekeepers is harvesting honey. businesses to support the leprosy work of Hope Farm. 48 49 Week 34: 21–27 August Devotion Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED

USA, Canada and Ireland Healing Prayer Prayer Points Not By Silver Nor Gold

Mon: Pray for God to open doors for American Leprosy Missions to forge and strengthen new ‘But Peter said, “I have no partnerships with funding organisations and silver and gold, but what for new donors who will become champions of their ministry. I do have I give to you. In Tue: May the Lord grant the American Leprosy the name of Jesus Christ of Missions team wisdom and guidance as they continue along their five-year plan to reduce Nazareth, rise up and walk!”’ the impact of neglected tropical diseases Staff in morning worship and prayer at Anandaban Acts 3:6 (ESV) Hospital, Nepal © Tom Bradley (including leprosy) and increase the number of In several of the countries where we work, The Leprosy people benefiting from their programmes. Mission is partnered by American Leprosy Missions, Wed: Pray for protection and travelling mercies based in the USA, effect:hope, based in Canada, and for American Leprosy Missions’ staff. The Leprosy Mission Ireland, who are independent Thu: Pray for the researchers that are funded Two years back, one midnight I had a We went together into a separate room and from the TLM Global Fellowship. by R2STOP, an initiative of effect:hope and vision fighting with a giant devil that I asked: What help do you need from me? About American Leprosy Missions TLM Ireland that seeks increase understanding spread darkness wherever he went. As Whispering at my ear he asked for a knife or Founded in 1906, American Leprosy Missions is the of the transmission of neglected tropical soon as I started praying to my God for some poison to kill himself. At the leading oldest and largest Christian organisation in the United diseases in order to improve strategies for their help, bright light came and covered me. of the Holy Spirit I laid my hand on him and States dedicated to curing and caring for people prevention. effect:hope are thankful that many God said: Be strong and courageous for prayed for him. It took about an hour of Canadians share this vision to prove how the affected by leprosy and related diseases. American tomorrow. prayer to drive out all devils from him. Finally Leprosy Missions has transformed the lives of more disease of leprosy is transmitted – praise God! he got complete healing. He said: I have now than four million people worldwide through medical Fri: Please pray for continued outreach to Next morning a boy came and told me that hope and peace. How did this come to me? I treatment and training, Christian outreach, prevention Canadians through World Leprosy Day follow- of disability, community development and research. up, television, and face-to-face engagement, his Dad was suffering devil possession. Many said: Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Prince of times he tried to kill himself, the boy or Peace and he is your crown of hope also. He About effect:hope internet and social media. Pray that the effect:hope, formerly The Leprosy Mission Canada, effect:hope team will be able to spark the other family members. I followed the boy to accepted Christ promptly and since that day is a Canadian Christian development organisation, imagination of Canadians and inspire them to his house. I saw that man sitting on a chair. God’s peace and hope is with him. focused on achieving lasting, positive change among reach the world’s forgotten in Jesus’ name with He smelled very bad, his face was badly people living with the causes and consequences hope and healing. wrinkled and his body was very skinny – he We in The Leprosy Mission also need to of neglected tropical diseases, such as leprosy, and Sat/Sun: In the busy Autumn season, please himself would seem like a devil. His parents understand that healing, inclusion and related conditions. Standing with supporters, staff, and pray for the staff of effect:hope, both for those had done their best for his treatment by dignity are not the work of silver and gold: partners on the ground, effect:hope responds to the who travel internationally for programmes investing money, wealth and properties the work can be done only in the name of need with medical and developmental strategies that and for those who keep things running at the (silver and gold) but they had failed. As soon Jesus of Nazareth. Where is our mission focus lead to long-term change for the people we serve. office in Canada. The final stretch of the year is as the man saw me he objected: Why did you today? It is in praising together, praying About TLM Ireland especially demanding – please pray for health and humour, and for the good stewardship of come here? I replied: To help you. He said: I together and working together for the TLM Ireland works with people affected by leprosy don’t want to live any more so what help can people affected by leprosy in the name of as well as targeting a range of other diseases and staff time and energy. developmental issues. The organisation aims to reduce you give me? Jesus of Nazareth. poverty, stigma, oppression, marginalisation, prejudice Senior Staff and injustice. TLM Ireland partners with governments, American Leprosy Missions local communities, international agencies and other Bill Simmons – President and CEO non-governmental organisations. Beverly Elmore – Senior Director of Finance James Oehrig – Vice President of Integral Mission Darren Schaupp – Vice President of Programs Ezekiel Kondo is the Archbishop of the Episcopal church of Sudan and Bishop of Khartoum. effect:hope Pastor Ashok Adhikari is chairman of the board of The Leprosy Mission Nepal Peter Derrick – CEO and a board member of The Leprosy Mission International. Top left: Bill Simmons, President and CEO of American Leprosy TLM Ireland Missions, visiting a programme in DR Congo. Ken Gibson – CEO Top right: Peter Derrick, CEO of effect:hope. 50 51 51 Week 35: 28 August – 3 September Week 36: 4–10 September Sweden India – Snehalayas

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for Prayer Points Prayer Points themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; Mon: Thank God for the board of TLM Sweden Mon: The deep-rooted social stigma attached defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ and for their willingness to lead the work. Pray to leprosy leads many families not to take back Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) for wisdom and courage. their elderly members, even when they are Tue: Pray for TLM Sweden’s fundraising cured of leprosy. TLM’s five Snehalayas take care activities to inspire new individual donors. of all the needs of 102 such abandoned people. Pray for increased support and funding from Please pray for the health and wellbeing of these churches and organisations. residents. Wed: Thank God for the fruitful cooperation Tue: Pray that the residents of the Snehalayas between TLM Sweden and the Swedish develop an intimate relationship with God. Pray Government through the Swedish Mission that they experience God’s everlasting love, Council. Pray for continued project funding even when their families have abandoned them. and support. Wed: Praise God for the dedicated staff that Thu: Pray for TLM Sweden’s support of TLM take care of the residents of the Snehalayas. Pray Finland and their newly started fundraising that through their life and service, they would activities in Norway. Pray that these be able to demonstrate Christian love and endeavours will bring new opportunities for compassion. funding to support people affected by leprosy. Thu: Pray for a change in the minds and attitudes of the family members of the About TLM Sweden Fri: Thank God for the work of TLM Snehalaya residents, so that they will welcome The Leprosy Mission has been active in Sweden ambassadors all over Sweden and for the them back to their families and care for them since the mid-1970s. An important part of TLM increased group of presenters. Pray for with love. Sweden’s work is to raise awareness of the needs of inspiration and open doors as they share people affected by leprosy and to stimulate interest about TLM’s work. Fri: Praise God and thank Him for all the donors in how lives and families can be changed through Sat/Sun: Pray for the staff team of TLM who support the work of TLM’s Snehalayas. Pray supporting TLM. Sweden for God’s guidance and help in their for more people to come forward to support the work. Through fundraising with individuals, organisations, work. Pray for the right priorities and openness churches and church groups, TLM Sweden works for new initiatives. Sat/Sun: The residents in TLM India’s Snehalayas to fulfil its vision. In a monthly magazine, reports are kept occupied doing work suited to their from TLM’s projects are spread all over the country age and disability. They do jobs, like gardening, making dressing sets or packing medicines. with stories of restored lives and families and how Care for the Elderly the work of TLM can change even a whole village. Please pray that these will help keep the The Leprosy Mission Trust India takes care of elderly residents from getting depressed. A number of ambassadors and presenters keep people severely disabled by leprosy in its five contact with people and churches in their areas, Snehalayas (Snehalaya is a Hindi word which means and information on leprosy and its consequences is ‘a house of love’) which are located in three states in Snehalayas and Key Staff given to Christian conferences and gatherings and India (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal). Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Health Programmes to schools and colleges. A newly decided country These people were rejected and abandoned by TLM Snehalaya, Almora, Uttarakhand strategy is now the foundation of TLM Sweden’s their families due to leprosy. There are presently 102 – Mr Anand Singh – Administrator activities. residents in these Snehalayas, many with crippling Through an initiative of TLM Sweden, fundraising deformity in their hands and feet. Many of them have TLM Hospital and Snehalaya, Naini, Uttar Pradesh activities have also restarted in the neighbouring been living in the Snehalayas for more than 30 years. – Dr Premal Das – Superintendent Norway. TLM Norway has been closed down for TLM provides them free residential care, medical TLM Hospital and Snehalaya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh some years but will be reactivated slowly. treatment, geriatric care, counselling, spiritual and Staff Team – Mr Vijay Prathap – Deputy Superintendent TLM Sweden supports work in India, Myanmar, DR social support, to live healthy lives, with dignity. Allan Ekstedt – TLM Country Leader TLM Bill Edgar Memorial Vocational Training Centre and Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Bangladesh. Snehalaya, Bankura, West Bengal Leif Agnestrand – Programme Coordinator Top: Residents of TLM’s Snehalaya in Almora, Uttarakhand. Silje Majholm (maternal leave) – Information and Fundraising Middle: Niyoti Mahato has spent more than 20 years in The – Mr Gabriel Pani – Principal Top: TLM Sweden Country Leader Allan Ekstedt speaking at a Leprosy Mission Snehalaya in Bankura. A prosthesis to replace the Elisabet Carleson – Information and Fundraising TLM Purulia Leprosy Home and Hospital, Purulia, West Bengal seminar in Nepal. leg that she had amputated years ago because of leprosy helps her Right: The staff of TLM Sweden, from left-right: Allan Ekstedt, Shelley Lado – Administration and Finance remain independent. – Dr Famkima Darlong – Superintendent Elisabet Carleson, Silje Majholm, Shelley Lado, Leif Agnestrand. Bottom: The garden at The Leprosy Mission Snehalaya in Bankura. 52 53 53 Week 37: 11–17 September Week 38: 18–24 September Scotland The Leprosy Mission Fellowship

Prayer Points ‘The Lord… himself will be there to teach you, Prayer Points and you will not have to search for him any Mon: Give thanks for the many churches across more. If you wander off the road to the right Mon: Brent Morgan, formerly country leader Scotland who join with TLM to defeat leprosy or the left, you will hear his voice behind you of TLM New Zealand, took up the role of and transform lives. Pray that God will bless saying “Here is the road. Follow it.”’ International Director (the chief executive them for their generosity and willingness to role in the TLM Fellowship) in August last Isaiah 30:20-21 (GNT) serve. Pray for more churches to join them year. As Brent completes his first year, pray this year by giving, acting and praying to help that the Spirit of God will fill him with the people affected by leprosy. wisdom and discernment he needs each day. Tue: Give thanks for everyone who gives to TLM Tue: The Leprosy Mission Fellowship took Scotland’s work, especially those who did so for on its current form in 2011. A year back, we the first time last year. Please pray that the team completed a thorough five-year review of will have clear direction for where and how they what is working well, and what needs to be can engage with new people who will want to changed and improved. Praise God for the About TLM Scotland give this year. strong inter-country relationships which the Based in Stirling, TLM Scotland works to raise Wed: Give thanks for everyone who gives their review showed to be such a vital part of the awareness of leprosy and its effects and to act time and talents to TLM Scotland. Pray that God Mission’s picture today. as a vehicle through which people, churches, will bless these volunteers and that they will be About The Leprosy Mission Global Wed: This month, TLM country leaders and schools, community groups and others from across encouraged to know the impact that they are Fellowship chairpersons from around the world are Scotland can find their role in defeating leprosy and having in so many lives. Pray for more people gathering for several days of meetings. Pray The Leprosy Mission Fellowship consists of TLM transforming lives. to volunteer to take action, especially as church that participants will return home renewed in organisations or offices in 30 countries that have representatives, community fundraisers and their enthusiasm for God’s mission through A small staff group, supported by a larger team of made mutual commitments to work together as volunteer speakers. The Leprosy Mission. volunteers, one global fellowship. The Fellowship was formed • raises funds through a wide variety of national Thu: We are blessed to have many people and in 2011, when these Member countries agreed and Thu: Wellesley Bailey, founder of The Leprosy and local activities from direct mail appeals churches who pray with us throughout the year. signed TLM’s Charter. The Charter commits us to: Mission, said that prayer was at the basis Pray that in addition to using ASK, more people of every good thing that TLM was able to and digital campaigns to coffee mornings and • Uphold our common purpose and identity sponsored events; would sign up to receive TLM Scotland’s prayer achieve. Give thanks today for people like • Contribute to the shared life of the Mission • encourages and enables relevant and timely emails and to use their prayer app to hear about you, around the world, who uphold the prayer; answered prayers and new prayer requests • Strengthen our global unity Mission’s work in prayer. Pray too that, as • visits churches and groups to directly appeal for regularly. • Be mutually accountable Jesus taught, our persistent prayer will open support; doors and opportunities that otherwise Fri: Give thanks that the technology available • Observe financial stewardship • uses every tool at its disposal to effectively today allows TLM around the world to share seemed impossible. promote the need for Scots to support people information, stories and requests for help One of the joys of fellowship is that we work Fri: The Mission’s work is restricted when affected by leprosy. freely and widely. Pray that we would be able together towards our shared vision of leprosy we do not have the income to reach out to defeated, lives transformed. The two halves of TLM Scotland is asking people to stand in the G.A.P. to make much more effective use of different more leprosy-affected people. Thank God for that vision are equally important. We want to see to uphold people affected by leprosy by Giving, digital communications opportunities to TLM’s faithful supporters in all countries, and leprosy defeated, brought to an end. That needs Acting or Praying to support the work of God raise awareness of leprosy, to advocate for especially for the increase in the number of persistence, quality work, and strong connections through TLM. people affected by leprosy, to help supporters supporters in African and Asian countries. understand the impact of their gifts, actions and with partners that have a similar commitment. And Pray that God will grant favour as we look TLM Scotland supports work in Angola, Bangladesh, prayers and to engage with new and potential we want to see lives transformed through the work for ways to increase financial support India, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria and South Sudan. supporters from across Scotland. we do. Not just the lives of people affected and everywhere. damaged by leprosy, but also the lives of our staff Senior Staff Sat/Sun: Pray that God will give each of TLM’s and supporters. Something changes in all of us Sat/Sun: Governing boards have a vital team in Scotland the time and the capacity this responsibility throughout the Mission. Linda Todd – TLM Country Leader when we work together on our God-given mission year to learn from their experiences, and those and seek to demonstrate the truth and love of Please pray today for board members in Stuart McAra – Communications Manager of others (both within TLM and elsewhere), to Jesus Christ in everything we do. your country and for the board of TLM Jamie McIntosh – Fundraising Manager become more effective at what they do in His International. Pray also for the steps being Tim Reed – Database Manager service. Pray too that God will draw us each taken towards local governance in Myanmar Mhairi Dawson – Support Services Administrator closer to Him and give us the strength that we and Bangladesh. need to follow His call on our lives. Top: Staff and board from the many countries of TLM Global Top left: Linda Todd, TLM Scotland Country Leader. Fellowship gathered together with TLM International staff for the Top right: TLM Scotland staff team. TLM Members’ Meetings 2016. 54 55 FEATURE Week 39: 25 September – 1 October Su Thinzar Mon Can Go To School Hungary ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold Prayer Points the cause of the poor and the oppressed.’ Psalm 82:3 (NIV) Mon: Give thanks for the faithfully serving volunteers in Hungary, some of whom have given decades of valuable daily contributions to the diverse functions of the Mission. Give thanks and pray for the skilled volunteers working as advisors in different areas, each one with a heart to share their expertise for the benefit of the Mission. Tue: Pray for the Chair, Andrea Bartha, and other members of the board, that God will lead them in wisdom and engaged understanding of the Mission as they make decisions that affect its future. Wed: Give thanks for the response of existing supporters to new initiatives such as the ‘icecream-appeal’ in summer holidays, launched About TLM Hungary this past year: asking parents and grandparents For more than 40 years, TLM Hungary has given to touch children’s hearts by a good goal, prayer support and raised funds for the work of teaching them to share. The Leprosy Mission around the world. Locally, the Thu: Thank God for the involvement of Márta team in Hungary share knowledge and information Riskó, not only in leadership within Hungary on the needs of leprosy-affected people, still but also in the wider TLM Fellowship. Give in significant numbers worldwide, to stimulate thanks especially for her passion for TLM’s Hungarian people to empathic and active help to spiritual ministry and her energies towards this just cause. producing ‘The Bridge’, a daily devotions his is the story of a five year old girl, Su and raise the issue, explaining about the rights The main base of continual support in Hungary booklet used around the TLM world (more TThinzar Mon, who has disability due to of persons with disability and the law that are Christian churches and individuals. Reaching information on page 4). cerebral palsy at birth. She lives in Kan Yin upholds those rights in Myanmar. The MP then out to the wider population, TLM Hungary has Fri: Give thanks for the warm and blessed village, in the Sagaing region of Myanmar. The talked to the teacher that had refused Su regular campaigns in different areas of the country, ongoing relationship between TLM Hungary village leader from the nearby area where TLM Thinzar Mon’s enrolment – the school inserting leaflets into local and regional magazines and their project partners in Diqing, China, are running a programme came to inform the concerned was in his native village. Only four and newspapers, or in door-to-door visits. Different for the spiritual bonds built through staff about the girl’s condition. The staff visited days after their meeting, the school accepted media appearances in Christian TV, radio and press correspondence and other links, and the Su Thinzar Mon’s house and talked with her the child and welcomed her warmly. are extremely good opportunities for raising and nurture they bring to fundraising activities. deepening interest. mother regarding her education. Sat/Sun: Pray for the success of activities and Nowadays, Su Thinzar Mon is attending school The team in Hungary are also invited to hold campaigns to reach out to new supporters performances in Christian schools, which they At first, her mother didn’t have the confidence happily together with her new friends, her and friends for the Mission, especially from the regard as sowing seeds for the future, as through to send her child to school. But with some classmates. She still goes to TLM’s Disability younger generations, in preparation for the the sensitivity of children and, indirectly, some of future. explanation and encouragement from the Resource Centre to take regular therapy their parents, we can help inspire a next generation staff, Su Thinzar Mon and her mother finally exercises and shares with other children with in charitable thinking and actions. went to school to enrol. But they were denied disability the new songs and poems that she In 2017, TLM Hungary is continuing support to the by the school teacher because of Su Thinzar has learnt from school. The staff at the centre Diqing project in Yunnan, China, and contributing Mon’s disability. are motivated and have more confidence to to the function of Indian hospitals in Shahdara and tackle the problems they face since they saw Kolkata. TLM staff looked for an opportunity to how their efforts combined with the Senior Team overcome this obstacle. Fortunately, they had a involvement of all the stakeholders can make chance to meet with the Regional Parliament such a difference to someone’s life. Márta Riskó – TLM Country Leader Top: Primary school children “testing” their hands along with a Andrea Bartha – Chair of the Board MP, along with the regional education officer, TLM presentation. 56 57 Week 40: 2–8 October Week 41: 9–15 October Nepal – Community-Based Rehabilitation Belgium

‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was Prayer Points ‘I can do all things through Christ who Prayer Points thirsty and you gave me something to drink, strengthens me.’ I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was Mon: TLM Nepal staff have to travel difficult Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) Mon: Let us pray and give thanks to God for the naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick terrains to conduct outreach camps and former members and leaders who served TLM and you took care of me, I was in prison and implement project activities dealing with Belgium so well and those who continue to do you visited me.’ treacherous climates, disasters and outbreaks so even in their advanced age. of disease. Please pray for their safety and give Matthew 25:35-36 (NET) Tue: Please pray that the strategy set out to them strength to rise above such difficulties thoroughly involve local churches in Belgium in to ultimately serve those in need throughout the work of TLM will work out well and lead to Nepal. long-standing relationships in support of people Tue: Nepal continues to face political turmoil. affected by leprosy. People are frustrated and angry at the false Wed: Let us pray that the Lord may touch the promises that never come to fruition. Please hearts of new committed Christian volunteers pray that people with foresight and care for the who could come to reinforce the small team of greater good of the people of Nepal come to volunteers and working groups of TLM Belgium. leadership positions. Thu: Please pray that the board of TLM Belgium Wed: Praise the Lord that TLM Nepal has will take useful and courageous decisions to formed a permanent partnership with CBM consolidate and revive TLM Belgium, and that Community-Based Rehabilitation About TLM Belgium (formerly Christian Blind Mission). Following these decisions will be fully endorsed by the People affected by leprosy and other disabilities 2017 is the ninth year in which TLM Belgium continues the earthquake, TLM implemented two general assembly of TLM Belgium. are encouraged to meet together on a regular projects in collaboration with CBM, and they to operate solely through the contributions of basis, discuss their issues and support each other. were eager to continue working with us. Please volunteers. In the next few years they hope and pray Fri: Pray that the Lord will bless the projects that These groups are provided with training on group pray that the Injury Management and Disability to grow through the highly committed support of TLM Belgium is supporting and so may bring management and income generation. Groups are Prevention project now being implemented new volunteers and the involvement of local churches hope, light and transformation in the lives of the also encouraged to undertake small projects with in 3 districts of Nepal with the support of CBM with a strong team spirit and a common sense of persons affected by leprosy. Thank God for the local communities, seeking to change attitudes and runs smoothly, reaching over 7,000 people. purpose. The team aim to reach new people, focusing TLM team in the DR Congo, and pray that their develop a normal level of participation in society. As on the Christian community in Belgium, through two- staff may experience God’s hand and leadership Thu: Please pray for TLM’s ongoing work with self-help groups increase in capacity, they are able to way communication channels such as phone calls or, in the field work they are performing in often IDEA Nepal, an organisation formed and led register as Cooperatives, enabling them to apply for even better, meeting and talking to the people they very difficult and challenging conditions. by people affected by leprosy. In 2014 the two Government funds and improving self-sustainability. want to reach with the message of TLM. organisations successfully lobbied to annul a Sat/Sun: Let us pray for those members of TLM Nepal is also involved in developing disaster marriage ban act against people affected by TLM Belgium who are weakened due to their resilient communities. Last year, over 3,000 health leprosy who hide their illness. Pray that we advanced age or due to their precarious state workers and volunteers from all over Nepal were will be successful with more fruitful lobbying of health. trained and equipped in disaster response. activities in 2017. The proportion of children diagnosed with leprosy Fri: Please pray that the 16 new Cooperatives in Nepal remains high as a result of continued formed through TLM’s programmes will be transmission through household and social contacts. sustainable and well-functioning. Through TLM seeks to reduce the leprosy incidence in high- them, may people affected by leprosy have a prevalence districts by providing a single dose of voice and be in the forefront as champions who the anti-leprosy drug rifampicin as a preventative can inspire others. treatment to the close contacts of people recently Sat/Sun: The Far Western Region of Nepal diagnosed with leprosy. is particularly difficult to work in due to lack of Government reach resulting in growth of Key Staff corrupt pockets of leaders. Women experience discrimination based on traditional and Mr Shovakhar Kandel – TLM Country Leader persistent beliefs. Please pray for TLM Nepal’s Mr Chiranjivi Sharma – Programmes Officer Senior Team efforts to form self-help groups, provide skills Top: Celebration of 40 years’ service of the late Rev Sam Simons Mr Paulin Songolea Bakalania – TLM Country Leader development trainings and seed money to and his wife Renée Simons-Hugaerts (second and third from right). Top: Nain Bahadur and his sons, recipients of earthquake relief improve the lives of 600 males and 600 females Also present are Louis Paluku Sabuni (TLM DR Congo) flanked by Mr Francis Van De Walle – Chair of the Board from TLM Nepal, in front of their new home with Chairman Ashok from vulnerable communities. Paulin Songolea Bakalania and his wife Irène Masika Katselewa, Mrs Renée Simons-Hugaerts – Treasurer Adhikari (left) and Country Leader Shovakhar Kandel (right). and Karen and Geoff Warne (TLM International). 58 59 Week 42: 16–22 October Week 43: 23–29 October Finland and Germany Nigeria – Part 2

Prayer Points ‘In this the love of God was manifested toward Prayer Points us, that God has sent His only begotten Son Finland into the world, that we might live through Him.’ Mon: The Nigerian economy is going through Mon: TLM Finland are focusing on 1 John 4:9 (NKJV) very difficult times and this has put great young adults and using new channels of pressure on the public and private sectors communication to attract new readers for their with serious impact on the populace. Pray magazine. Pray for good ideas to inspire young for a prosperous economy and stable work people to take an interest in the work of the environment as the country team need these Mission. to effectively follow on with TLM programmes in Nigeria. Tue: In 2016, the Finnish Government made large changes and decreased the foreign Tue: TLM Nigeria’s 2017 ‘’Friends of the Board” development aid offered to non-governmental fundraising dinner, slated for the last week in organisations. Pray for the team in Finland as November, will focus on raising support for they seek new ways to widen their support children’s education. Please pray that God will base to make up for this reduced funding. help the planning and that all invited guests will generously give financially and embrace Wed: Give thanks for TLM Finland’s new board the vision to partner towards improving members, who all have long experience in About TLM Finland the lives of persons affected by leprosy and this kind of work. Give thanks too for the long Support for TLM started in Finland in 1968 and disability. service of Rev Eija Kilpi, who retired after nearly the National Council was formed in 1981. TLM 30 years of service on the board and as vice Wed: New leprosy cases are still being Finland is operated solely through the generosity chair. detected each year in Nigeria. Pray for of volunteers, who work with individuals, churches, people who have been recently diagnosed church groups and other organisations to raise Germany with leprosy and are currently on treatment, funds to finance leprosy and disability prevention Thu: Pray for peace in Germany and that God will grant them speedy physical, work in DR Congo. They also seek to increase throughout Europe. Pray for the politicians, psychological and emotional healing. knowledge and interest in Finland about leprosy, that God would grant them wisdom to make Thu: Pray for TLM Nigeria board members how it affects people, and what can be done to help. the right decisions, and protect our land, our as they meet in November to take strategic TLM Finland produces four annual magazines families and our children. decisions, that God will grant them wisdom, in Finnish and Swedish; publishes articles and Fri: Praise God for the network of volunteers clarity of purpose and uncommon grace to stories about leprosy work in Christian and secular in TLM Germany who kindly offer of their make resolutions that will push the vision magazines; visits churches and church groups, time, ideas and skills. Give thanks especially About TLM Nigeria forward. schools and other groups interested to hear about for the new members and their activities and TLM Nigeria’s determination to continually make a Fri: The TLM Nigeria Annual Country Learning leprosy and our work; and appears on Christian and engagement and pray God will open the hearts difference that will transform lives, reduce stigma, review workshop is scheduled for November. local radio and TV stations. of more people to the needs of people affected establish sustainable livelihoods and eradicate This exercise provides learning opportunities by leprosy. About TLM Germany leprosy was tailored into the development of for staff, beneficiaries and partners as they Sat/Sun: Pray for special services held by TLM their renewed five year country strategy (2016 TLM Germany started as a local circle of friends review progress made against planned Germany in various churches, that they will – 2020). TLM’s projects in Nigeria focus on four around Dr and Mrs Riedel. They were pioneers in objectives. Pray for the success of this event. awaken interest in TLM’s work. major thematic areas: Health and management the fight against leprosy, working from 1951 to 1997 Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the increased number and prevention of disability; Empowerment for The Leprosy Mission. Their hope was to bring all of general paying clients who continue to and livelihood; Advocacy and communication; people God’s love and make His kingdom visible. patronise the TLM Nigeria Orthopaedic Learning and education. These were coined as the Workshop located in Chanchaga, Niger State. All members of TLM Germany’s executive HEAL campaign. Alongside the leprosy work, TLM Senior Team This is helping to sustain the provision of free committee are volunteers and are part of different Nigeria has a fundraising strategy and works with protective, assistive and other mobility aids parishes. They organise special fundraising events Finland churches, individual donors and companies to to leprosy-affected persons and vulnerable and are invited to various groups and communities Dr Aki Hietaharju – Chair of the Board raise funds for and awareness about TLM’s work in people with disabilities in Nigeria. Pray that in order to report on their projects. TLM Germany Ms Marja Aho – Vicechair Nigeria. God will grant innovative marketing ideas and supports projects in Niger, India and Chad. Ritva Pohti – Secretary/National Director Top: TLM Nigeria Country Leader Moses Onoh, with TLM Papua favour to the marketing team as they move Top: Ecumenical cantata worship in Calw-Stammheim, Germany, on Germany New Guinea Country Leader Natalie Smith at the TLM Members’ round the country to raise awareness about World Leprosy Day 2016. Dr Johannes Schäfer – Chair of the Board Meetings 2016. the services and products of the workshop to Below: National Director Ritva Pohti at TLM Finland’s stand at the Bettina Merz – Manageress Below: Ojochenemi started a seed and produce business thanks to key hospitals. popular annual ‘World comes to village’ festival. a TLM-facilitated self-help group. 60 61 Devotion Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED Week 44: 30 October – 5 November

Trusting Prayer Speaking Out Faith saves lives at sea Prayer Points

Mon: The Global Leprosy Strategy, endorsed by the World Health Organization and “When you pass through the organisations like TLM, calls on governments waters, I will be with you; to repeal legislation that discriminates against people affected by leprosy. Pray for all TLM and through the rivers, they countries in Asia and Africa as they work out shall not overflow you.” strategies to influence governments for change Bougainville Healthy Communities Programme, where – and praise God for the successes to date. Isaiah 43:2: Ruby now works © Bruce Millar Tue: The new position of Head of Advocacy and Communications was created at TLM People affected by leprosy often say that the International in late 2016. Pray for the new During the secessionist war on prepared to die with my people, if it was most damaging aspects of the disease are the Bougainville, I volunteered to run the God’s will. But I still believed God would lead appointee, who will work with TLM countries prejudice, stigmatisation and social exclusion everywhere to make sure that TLM is not only political blockade between Solomon us to safety. By 4pm a miracle happened. God they experience. To combat these obstacles, it is well-represented at events where we can Islands and Bougainville, transporting sent a bird, which flew over us from the east not enough to focus on delivering good quality exert influence, but also that we present clear, life-saving drugs to the suffering people of and disappeared in the west. It did not dawn health and community-based programmes. The consistent messages. Bougainville. on me that the bird had a message for me. Leprosy Mission needs to join hands with partners, and especially with leprosy-affected people Wed: ILEP (the International Federation of But half an hour later, a second bird flew from Anti-Leprosy Associations) has formed a global We always travelled at night. Saturday 17th themselves, to speak out against the myths and the same direction. By then, I knew God was misunderstandings that lead to exclusion. panel of people affected by leprosy, who are August 1996 was windy and dark and we from several different countries. Pray for this instructing us. I directed the skipper to start Locally and nationally the focus is on working could not see the stars to give us directions. the engine and travel east for 10 minutes. panel, who will be one of the ways in which with people who are experiencing exclusion, to TLM can ensure that its decisions and policies We would have arrived in Solomon around And sure enough, far in the east the blue land challenge and correct wrong attitudes. Often this 8:30 pm, but by midnight we hadn’t arrived. take into account the voice of leprosy-affected was sighted, and we shared tears of joy. involves ‘speaking truth to power’, influencing people. We were low in fuel and on Sunday morning people in authority to change rules, restrictions, the skipper confirmed we’d lost our way. We laws, customs or decisions that have these Thu: In the pages of ASK there are many I prayed again, thanking God for saving floated two whole days. People were afraid so destructive effects. The most successful advocacy accounts of TLM working to empower leprosy- us, but this time I told God to keep the affected people – often through involvement in I sang gospel songs throughout the night to is often by organisations of people affected by fuel supply until we reached the shores of self-help groups and associations – to speak for comfort them. leprosy themselves, so TLM works to give them the Solomon Islands. Indeed God preserved our skills and confidence to speak out. themselves. Praise God for the small successes that build confidence among the groups fuel which ran out five minutes away from Monday night, I prayed, “Father, tomorrow Globally TLM is a member of several networks and the TLM staff who support them, and exactly you will save us. I cannot allow these shore. We paddled with our hands to get relating to leprosy and disability. These are encourage people to aim higher. opportunities for TLM to strengthen the collective people to die out here.” That night, every there. Our great God sent two birds to give Fri: Authentic participation means finding us directions to where land was and saved us fight against leprosy and its consequences. They breath I took was prayers of faith, for our also provide a platform to make sure the voice of ways to listen to the voice of people affected rescue. Tuesday morning, all around us was from the great ocean. people affected by leprosy is heard and included by leprosy. Because they are often poor, a clear horizon with no land in sight. I was in global issues. Notable networks include ILEP uneducated and have a history of exclusion, confident we would be saved on Tuesday, but Isaiah 43:2: ‘When you pass through the (the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy this is not always straightforward. Pray that country leaders and their teams will listen how? Only God of the ocean knew, I believed. waters, I will be with you; and through the Associations), IDDC (the International Disability and Development Consortium) and NNN (a patiently, attentively and respectfully, and rivers, they shall not overflow you.’ Let’s where necessary change their approaches and By midday I was not afraid of where we believe in this promise as we labour together network of organisations that focus on neglected tropical diseases, which include leprosy). even their programmes. would land, as long as it was land. I was in His service. Sat/Sun: Pray for God-given courage and persistence for TLM staff who find Ezekiel Kondo is the Archbishop of the Episcopal church of Sudan and Bishop of themselves challenging entrenched, hostile RubyKhartoum. Mirinka is Programme Director of the Bougainville Healthy Communities and discriminatory attitudes to leprosy Programme supported by TLM New Zealand with funding from the New Top: Self-help group leaders, eight of whom are leprosy-affected, and disability by power-holders, including Zealand Government. meeting in Mitha Pukur hospital, Bangladesh, to discuss forming government and religious authorities and a Federation. “Lots of people have overcome stigma and got back confidence because of the self-help group empowerment,” the opinion-leaders. chairman says. © Tom Bradley 62 63 Week 45: 6–12 November Week 46: 13–19 November Singapore and South Korea India – Vocational Education

Prayer Points Prayer Points

Singapore Mon: Pray for the staff involved in the Mon: Thank God for the dedication of the admissions process, who travel to remote Singapore Leprosy Mission board. Pray that places to reach out to the poor and needy the directors will have wisdom, strength and students affected by leprosy to counsel them God’s guidance as they promote the work of for admission to VTCs. the Mission. Tue: Pray for the physio and occupational Tue: The chairman, Dr George Seow, sends assessment of students in order to out a regular newsletter as The Singapore appropriately modify training facilities for Leprosy Mission’s main way of informing young people with disabilities. donors and asking for funds. Pray that God Wed: Pray for the VTCs catering to community- will use the newsletter to speak to people’s based training. Pray that they will be successful hearts and that they will reach and exceed Vocational Education in reaching out to married women and young their income target. The Leprosy Mission Trust India has six Vocational girls and boys who are unable to undergo Wed: New donors are needed in Singapore. Training Centres (VTCs) spread across six states in institution-based training due to family Pray with the directors that new donors India: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, commitments and cultural barriers. will be found through personal contacts of Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Thu: VTCs have very limited financial support. the board and current donors, and through Young people affected by leprosy and other Pray for new donors, particularly in India, to extending their mailing list to new churches. disabilities are given vocational education to prepare come forward to support them. About The Singapore Leprosy Mission South Korea them for gainful employment. The job-oriented Fri: Pray for God’s presence with VTC alumni The Singapore Leprosy Mission (TSLM) is a support trades taught in the VTCs include both institution- Thu: TLM Korea Jesus Hospital cares for more groups across the country to strengthen and group (established in 2004) that raises financial based and community-based vocational trades, than 400 aged people affected by leprosy support themselves and students. support for TLM, encourages people to pray for such as diesel mechanics, printing, computers, two/ and disability and their families each year Sat/Sun: Pray for the partners like Quest the work and raises awareness in Singapore of three wheeler mechanics and electrics. Disability through out-clinics in leprosy villages around Alliance, Mahindra and Mahindra, Tata Motors, leprosy and The Leprosy Mission. They are currently assessment and individual tailor-made rehabilitation Daegu district. Pray they can develop good Force Motors, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited supporting Anandaban Hospital, Nepal from plans developed by TLM’s occupational therapists relationships with the villages enabling them (BHEL) and HDFC Bank who provide equipment, 2016-17, where major repairs are needed following motivate and enable the differently abled students to visit in the local church once per month. training, upgrade faculty, etc. Pray that many the 2015 earthquakes in addition to the ongoing of the VTCs to opt for careers which were formerly more partners come forward to support the leprosy work. Their target is to provide SGD $50K of Fri: Most people affected by leprosy in South only dreams. VTCs also provide placement assistance work of the VTCs. support, which may be renewed after review at the Korea are elderly. Pray that those cared for by and advocate for fair labour conditions and safe and end of the two year period. TLM Korea will have peace and security for appropriate working conditions for students when the rest of their days. they are placed. About TLM Korea Vocational Training Centres and Key Staff Sat/Sun: Pray for wisdom and health for Although there are very few new cases of leprosy Community-Based Vocational Training is another Chairman Mr Allun Cho. Pray for all TLM Korea Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and detected each year in South Korea, there are still major function of TLM’s sustainable livelihoods Empowerment board members and staff as they undertake many elderly people living with leprosy-related programme, enabling the VTCs to reach out to more TLM Platinum Vocational Training Centre, Vizianagaram, Andhra leprosy work in Jesus Hospital and nursing disabilities. Some continue to live in leprosy people. Individuals such as youths and married Pradesh home for the elderly. rehabilitation villages, isolated from mainstream women receive training and employment support – Mr Vijay Patta – Principal communities. TLM Korea runs the Jesus Hospital in in mushroom cultivation, silk thread weaving, TLM Chhattisgarh Vocational Training Centre, Champa, computers, mobile repairing and tailoring. This sort Chhattisgarh Daegu, which specialises in dermatology services – Mr Mahendra Rao – Principal and any cases of leprosy, and an adjacent 80-bed Key Team of training is unique as it promotes community- based solutions in linking skills training and TLM Vocational Training Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra nursing home for elderly people with disabilities Singapore – Mrs Shyla Francis – Principal sustainable livelihoods for the most vulnerable including those caused by leprosy. It also provides Rev Dr George Seow – Chairman TLM Regional Vocational Training Centre, Vadathorasalur, Tamil communities, especially those who cannot access other forms of support to elderly leprosy-affected Ms Lam Yan Yan – Recording Secretary Nadu people in the community and raises prayer support Canon Louis Tay – Committee established training centres. – Mr Tinson Thomas – Principal within South Korea for TLM’s work. Rev Milton Lazarus – Committee TLM Wellesley Bailey Vocational Training Centre, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh Top: Singapore board of directors, from left-right: Canon Louis Tay, South Korea – Mr Keshaba Thanapati – Vice Principal Dr George Seow, Ms Yan Lam Lam and Rev Milton Lazarus. Mr Jaewoong Choi – Programme Coordinator TLM Bill Edgar Memorial Vocational Training Centre, Bankura, Below: All the staff of TLM Korea, including Chairman Mr Allun Dr Mrs Nan Hee Kim – Medical Director West Bengal Top: Students of the motor mechanics trade of TLM VTC, Cho, visiting the grave of Miss Bennett, a much loved and revered Mr Allun Cho – Chairman – Mr Gabriel Pani – Principal long-time missionary nurse in South Korea. They regularly hold a Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. 64 memorial event twice a year. 65 Week 47: 20–26 November FEATURE Netherlands The Turning Point ‘For in Him we live and move and have our Prayer Points being.’ Acts 17:28 Mon: Thank God for the important contribution of volunteers who are working for TLM Netherlands. They are doing a wonderful job and are highly esteemed. Pray that they will be able to increase the number of volunteers in 2017. Tue: Pray for the wellbeing of all staff members, board members and volunteers of TLM Netherlands; for joy, wisdom and fulfilment in their tasks. Wed: The group of prayer supporters in the Netherlands, consisting of people from many denominations, increased in recent years from 200 to 300 supporters. Thank God for the increasing number of devoted supporters who pray for the work and people’s spiritual needs. Thu: Pray for ongoing contact with churches and Christian organisations in the Netherlands, that they will take an interest in the needs of people affected by leprosy and be inspired to partner with TLM. Fri: Give thanks for the many donors who angla, the eldest daughter in her family in Maharashtra, and completed a two-year give generously for the projects in the various MMaharashtra, India, was born with a secretarial course. Such was the love and care countries TLM Netherlands supports. Pray that bilateral cleft lip and palate. Her father, who she got in the VTC, she decided not to go home. About TLM Netherlands the team can reach more people and find new wanted a son as his first-born, tried to give her She joined a private firm, but wanted to go back The Leprosy Mission Netherlands (Leprazending donors. away to an orphanage, and only changed the to the VTC to work. “God heard my prayers; I Nederland) was founded in the 1980s to support Sat/Sun: Please pray for Dutch cross-cultural The Leprosy Mission International with funds, prayer plan due to her mother’s persistent pleading. returned to work as office assistant and girls’ workers in the field, Tanny Hagens and Geeske When Mangla was one year old, at her mother’s hostel warden in Nashik VTC”, says Mangla. and human resources. The office is in Apeldoorn Zijp. Pray that they can support the staff where and there are nine members of staff, eight board they are working, reassure and encourage insistence, she was given surgery to correct her “Nashik VTC was the turning point in my life. I members and eight volunteers. TLM Netherlands persons affected by leprosy and that they cleft lip. decided not to bow down before the challenges supports two Dutch cross-cultural workers: Geeske experience the presence of God. in life. I knew leprosy and other problems Zijp in Chad and Tanny Hagens, who has worked in As if her father’s hatred wasn’t enough, Mangla couldn’t stop me from making a career and Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia in recent was diagnosed with leprosy when she was in having a life I wanted.” years. Senior Staff 10th standard. “I cried a lot when I was told that I TLM Netherlands’s vision is to see leprosy and had leprosy. My mother asked me not to tell this Today, Mangla is a happy woman. She has rehabilitation services strengthened and to enable Mr Henno Couprie – TLM Country Leader to anyone. And my father hated me even more,” completed two university degrees and now transformational change in the lives of people Mr Cor van Leeuwen – Head of Communication and affected by leprosy in India, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Fundraising says Mangla. When, overwhelmed by what life works in the administrative department of TLM’s Myanmar and Chad. In order to make that possible, Ms Ingrid Peters – Administration had thrown at her, Mangla failed in her school Kothara Hospital. She’s married and has a TLM Netherlands seeks support from donors, Mr Wim Veenemans – Financial Administration exams, her father didn’t talk to her for six five-year-old daughter. “I knew God would give churches and funds and organises events to get Mr Nico Zwemstra – Head of Programme Coordination months. He wanted her to leave the house me the strength to face life bravely. He guided people involved with the vision and mission of TLM. Ms Heidi Hoogvliet – Fund and Programme Monitoring because her sisters’ marriage prospects would my every step and helped me to be successful. Officer Mr Gert Visscher – Relation Manager be affected because of Mangla’s leprosy. On seeing my success, my father had a change Top: Mr Henno Couprie, TLM Netherlands Country Leader, Mr Mark van den Berg – Communication and Fundraising of heart. God brought me honour in front of my meets a new donor. Officer Below left: The TLM Netherlands team. With a friend’s encouragement, Mangla joined father. Now I’m his pet! He wants to live with me,” Ms Henriët van der Maaten – Office Manager/Executive Below right: Ms Hannie Stehouwer, board member for TLM TLM’s Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Nashik, says Mangla, with a smile lighting up her face. Secretary Netherlands, meets a leprosy patient in Myanmar. 66 67 Week 48: 27 November – 3 December Week 49: 4–10 December England and Wales – Part 2 Bangladesh – Community-Based Rehabilitation and Advocacy ‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those Prayer Points Prayer Points who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’ Mon: Give thanks for the progress TLM Mon: Pray for the leaders of self-help groups Matthew 10:8 (NIV) England and Wales has made in year four and associations, that as they grow in capacity (2016) of its five year strategy. Pray that it will and become officially registered with the continue moving towards its target funding government, they will be able to continue their contribution of £5.5m by the end of 2017. Pray activities without further support from TLM. also that TLM will be open to God’s leading to Tue: Pray for courage and resourcefulness for stay relevant during change and open to new the ten Area Management Committee leaders opportunities. who will be responsible, independently of TLM, Tue: Pray for families benefitting from the to manage 117 groups in their communities. Iphiro Yohoolo project in Mozambique, Wed: Pray for seven ulcer care committees, who supported by many churches in the UK. take care of ulcer patients by themselves in all Pray for project staff to be kept healthy and the working area of TLM Bangladesh. strong, and that those families most in need of About TLM Bangladesh support will be identified and included. Give TLM Bangladesh focuses on a group approach Thu: Pray for women residing at the Hagar thanks for the life of each child who will receive in many of its community-based projects across Centre who have court cases in different areas, various communities. TLM-facilitated self-help that they will get positive results quickly and About TLM England and Wales an education through this project, and ask for a groups provide mutual support and improve health experience justice. TLM England and Wales’s executive office team future filled with hope and opportunity. and livelihood opportunities for people affected carries and imparts vision, reporting to the board Fri: The new phase of NuPIP, funded by Wed: Please pray for TLM England and Wales’s by leprosy, disability and poverty. Through these of trustees to ensure the effective governance of effect:hope (Canada), targets people who are regional team whose dedication ensures many groups TLM provides training, skills development, the charity. It is responsible for the recruitment of ultra-poor with debilitating leprosy disability or churches and congregations can understand access to micro credit for members and educational staff and looking after its policies and procedures. filariasis. Pray that the beneficiaries will be able the work of the Mission. Pray that churches opportunities for the children. At the core of the Mission is the essential activity will be inspired and continue to spread the to improve their social and economic status of prayer and engaging supporters to pray for Mission’s message that we must serve those Other projects include the North West Bangladesh through income generating activities and enjoy leprosy-affected people, staff and TLM’s work. who are less fortunate than us. Ultra Poverty Initiative Project (NuPIP), which works their rights in the community. to overcome extreme poverty among people with The programmes team works alongside Sat/Sun: Pray for TLM Bangladesh as they seek Thu: Give thanks for TLM’s many volunteers leprosy-related disabilities and to reduce food implementing countries in Africa and Asia to support from journalists to report on leprosy who give so freely of their time in its offices, insecurity and improve livelihoods. develop, deliver and monitor effective and as local/church speakers, prayer ambassadors issues, raising public awareness and drawing sustainable programmes. The team also secures and in various other roles and who in 2016 The Hagar Centre is a short term shelter for women the attention of policy makers. Mass awareness funding from institutional donors and provides provided thousands of hours of service. Their who are excluded from family or community for a of this neglected disease will contribute to early funding packages and feedback for supporting support in helping the work of the Mission is variety of reasons including leprosy and domestic diagnosis, treatment and referral, therefore churches. invaluable. violence. They are provided with shelter, food, reducing disability resulting from leprosy and treatment, legal aid and an environment where they social stigma. The fundraising team’s unique role brings together Fri: Give thanks for the interns (students who can heal and develop confidence to reintegrate to supporters and people affected by leprosy who freely give of their time) who are helping TLM their life and community. need their help, even though they may be oceans England and Wales with many projects, and for Senior Staff apart! It raises awareness of the needs of leprosy- The Advocacy for Empowerment Project aims to all that they have sown into the lives of people Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Programme Leader, Community affected people through publications, including affected by leprosy. Give thanks for their influence policies and practices of Government and other decision-makers. It is striving to ensure Programme the New Day newsletter, posters, films, leaflets for generosity and willingness to contribute to the Mr Noel Manna Dey – Finance Manager, Community that leprosy services are provided in previously churches and fundraising campaigns. In 2017 it cause of TLM and pray that they will be blessed Programme uncovered southern districts of Bangladesh. It also hopes more people will choose to give by direct by their time with the TLM family. Mr Dalwor Hossain (Delu) – Manager, CBR Partners initiates awareness building through the media. debit which will reduce administration costs and Sat/Sun: Pray for unity, strength and Mr Ambor Chisim – Manager, NuPIP and Hagar Centre help with forward planning. focus within the programmes team. Pray Chittagong People-led Development Project is a Mr Pranoy Rozario – Manager, Dinajpur Sustainable The supporter care team is an essential part of that internal relationships will be strong new concept for TLM Bangladesh. Rather than TLM Community Based Rehabilitation Project Mr Richard Mondal – Manager, Chittagong People-led the Mission’s culture in supporting its fundraising and blessed, and that relationships with providing a community development programme Development Project efforts. Engaging with TLM’s donors, staff and implementing countries and field staff will be for a disadvantaged group, this project aims for the Mrs Lovely Probhati Mrong – Manager, Dhaka CBR Project dedicated volunteers, it resources a range of mutually supportive and fruitful. people themselves to form local associations so that they will own and run their project. There are Mrs Masuma Parvin – Manager, Advocacy for Empowerment tasks from telephone and email management, Project processing financial gifts and updating donor multiple elements: disability care; raising awareness giving from each appeal. of people’s rights; improvement of social status; and economic and income development. Top: Meeting of an association of self-help groups. 68 Top: Vice-President Wendy Craig and board member Catherine Benbow at Dorney Lake legacy event. 69 Week 50: 11–17 December Week 51: 18–24 December Denmark The Leprosy Mission International

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and Prayer Points ‘He cared for them with a true heart and led Prayer Points peace as you trust in him, so that you may them with skilful hands.’ overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Mon: Give thanks for the more than 500 self- Psalm 78:72 (NLT) Mon: TLM International started 2017 with Spirit.’ help groups that have come to life in North- an expanded leadership team. Brent Morgan Romans 15:13 (NIV) West Bangladesh through the programme TLM succeeded Geoff Warne as International Denmark supports there. Pray for the groups as Director, and new Heads of Advocacy the project goes into its final phase that they and Communications and Fundraising will mature and become self-running within the Development were appointed. Praise God next three years. for these appointments, and pray that under Tue: Pray today for Klaus Leonhardt. Pray Brent’s leadership the new team will form a that his fundraising expertise and passion for strong and effective bond. reaching out to people affected by leprosy Tue: TLM International is striving to become in Bangladesh will result in an encouraging more than 50% externally focused. That increase in the number of regular supporters in means looking for and grasping new Denmark. opportunities for funding, global-level collaboration, and innovative service. Pray Wed: The Danish Government has reduced About TLM International development aid by 35% in 2016 – pray that that, with this mindset, the Mission will The Leprosy Mission International, led by Brent experience measurable growth in influence TLM Denmark will find other sources of income Morgan (International Director), is a 20-person or that the Government will change its policy. worldwide, increased partnerships, and more team, most of whom are based in Brentford in funding. Thu: The Leprosy Mission in Denmark has west London. TLM International is funded by the developed educational material that can be Members of the TLM Fellowship, who look to it Wed: It is also important for the International used online from their webpage. Pray that for leadership, coordination and support. Office to continue to meet the needs of the it will be used by many people in Denmark Member countries. Pray today for energy The International Office holds a unique global and enthusiasm especially in the daily tasks making them aware what a difference the work overview of the TLM Fellowship. Part of its in Bangladesh makes and making them aware of financial coordination, human resources mandate is inward-looking – the role of helping advice and programme support, and pray how important it is to have focus on the rights the worldwide organisation to function well. Of of people with disability. that Member countries will strive to build increasing importance is the outward-looking their own capacity in these areas. Fri: Give thanks for TLM Denmark’s loyal aspect. Two new appointments in late 2016 are supporters – more than 50% have been with expanding TLM International’s capacity for global Thu: The International Office’s budget is TLM for more than 20 years of praying and leadership in advocacy, external collaborations, funded by contributions from the Member giving! and new fundraising initiatives, including in new countries. There is a gap between the costs countries or areas. and the funds available. Please pray for Brent Sat/Sun: Pray for good communication and and his team as they set priorities, look for positive relationships between TLM Denmark Brent and his team are accountable to the ways to control costs, and find other sources and TLM Bangladesh as they strive together to International Board which consists of twelve of income. About TLM Denmark find funds for the work. people from eight countries in the global South and North. Leading the board are Ken Martin Fri: Pete Garratt has been leading a global TLM Denmark is a small entity. It is administered on taskforce to develop an innovative approach behalf of the board by the staff of the Leonhardt (chair, based in Australia), Nalini Abraham (vice chair, based in India) and Philip Putman to leprosy control that works through Fundraising company, owned by Klaus Leonhardt churches and communities. Please pray for who works as the national director for TLM (treasurer, based in England). The board meets face-to-face twice a year. innovative thinking: this new approach could Denmark on a part-time basis. TLM Denmark has Senior Team be a ‘game-changer’ in several countries. about 1,000 private donors and is in the fortunate Leadership Team Sat/Sun: Thank God that he continues to care position of receiving substantial funding from the Klaus Leonhardt – TLM Country Leader Jan Meyer – Chair of the Board for the needs of people that are stigmatised Danish Government for projects in Bangladesh. Brent Morgan – International Director Jannine Ebenso – Head of Quality Assurance and excluded as a result of leprosy. Pray TLM Denmark’s main focus is on fundraising Helen Eyers – Head of Human Resources that in responding to their needs, all offices primarily to support The Leprosy Mission in Pete Garratt – Head of Operations Support and countries of The Leprosy Mission will Bangladesh with whom they have a partnership Top: TLM Country Leader Klaus Leonhardt running to raise Gladstone Worthington – Head of Finance demonstrate a true and caring heart, and agreement. This is achieved through: a magazine funds for TLM. Peter Walker – Head of Fundraising Development skilful hands (Psalm 78:72). five times a year; sending four to six letters to Below: Klaus visiting a self-help group in North-West TBA – Head of Advocacy and Communications their donors; and running five to ten fundraising Bangladesh in 2016. “With my own eyes I can see how they projects with churches around Denmark each year. move out of desperation becoming respected citizens.” Top: Staff of TLM International Office at the TLM Members’ Meetings 2016 70 71 Week 52: 25–31 December DEVOTION Inspired CONSISTENT ADVENTUROUS HEALING TRUSTING DISTRESSED

Integral Mission Distressed Prayer Transformation involves body, mind and spirit. In Prayer Points Crying to God in faith all we do, through prayer and obedience to God, we want to proclaim and demonstrate the truth Christmas Day: Merry Christmas! when we know we’re and love of Jesus Christ. ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so in His will that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13 ‘Then they cried out to the Tue: In most countries where TLM has leprosy Lord in their trouble, programmes, Christians are a minority. Pray for our staff in these places that they will live and he brought them out of A self-care group in Niger, where Gaston works for the values of The Leprosy Mission and that, in their distress.’ Tearfund particular, they will strive to be like Jesus in their daily lives and their work. Psalm 107:28 (NIV) Wed: In an era of scaled-up programmes, Integral Mission means that all aspects of what we funding from Governments and secular As believers in Christ, we love working in Prove to me now that you are in this, lest I’m institutions, and the push for professionalism do in the name of Jesus Christ to minister to people God’s will. We can pray with more assurance taking this lack as the end of the road for me in affected by leprosy are integrated together. Our and technical expertise, there is a constant risk of ‘mission drift’. Pray that leaders, especially, when we know that God is in what we are regard to your calling over my life and that of approach is a holistic one; we concern ourselves with doing. This became true to me when I had to my family.” As I said amen, I felt like cold water the whole person, body, mind and spirit. We are not will be vigilant in protecting the heart of TLM just a medical or social or development agency, we in its calling to mission Jesus’ way – caring for make what I call a ‘made prayer’ in January was being poured over my head and running are not just fundraising or educating, we are not just the whole person. 1995. My wife and I had just received full down to my toes. pastors or evangelists, advocates or campaigners. Thu: Praise God for what He is doing in some conviction to go for our missions studies All of these aspects touch on the work of mission parts of the world where the church is weak in a neighbouring country and God had Only a minute later, I saw a university student to which we are called, and no aspect should be and under pressure. Pray that the presence miraculously provided the initial needs. from my village who led me where I could neglected. of TLM in such places will encourage God’s make a phone call to a couple who were The Kingdom of God is our vision, and the person people to take courage and persevere. But when we arrived, the immigration officers praying for us. The couple told me to wait and work of Jesus are our example and motivation. Fri: Pray for TLM’s supporters, donors, partners, refused us entry because the school had where I was as they prayed. A few minutes Spiritual ministry will therefore always be actively boards and staff, that they will gain an not followed the right approach in getting later, someone came to me with an envelope included in the life of the Mission everywhere. This understanding and appreciation of Integral our visas. We travelled back to our country’s containing the equivalent of $250 and said: “I implies opportunities for worship and devotions in Mission and commit to TLM’s approach. capital to reapply for entry. As I introduced was asked to give you this amount, go and use the daily life of the Mission, networking with local New Year’s Eve: churches, Christian communities and other mission our applications to the consulate, I was asked it and if it is not enough come back to my office organisations, training, mutual support and prayer, ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy to pay about $250, which I did not have (and which is just nearby”. I could not believe how and other characteristics of a community in the and dearly loved, clothe yourselves which at that time was big money for us). instantly God had responded. I was able to go Kingdom of God. with compassion, kindness, humility, back to the consulate that same day, and got We work in many different contexts and cultures, gentleness and patience. Bear with each I stepped out of the consulate office and the visas we needed. I was full of praise and felt and therefore our practice of Integral Mission will be other and forgive one another if any of prayed: “God, you own silver and gold, are you like God was right there for me and my family. expressed in different ways and to different degrees. you has a grievance against someone. telling me that $250 is too much for you to That reinforced our trust in God and prepared But we want integral mission to become part of the Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And provide instantly? How can I follow you if you us to face greater challenges in the future. DNA of The Leprosy Mission, everywhere. Wherever over all these virtues put on love, which can be stopped in your plan for us by $250? we work, we want to encourage our staff, partners binds them all together in perfect and programmes to be both faithful and innovative unity.’ as they promote and champion integral mission. We want to join in with what God is already doing and Colossians 3:12-14 Ezekiel Kondo is the Archbishop of the Episcopal church of Sudan and Bishop of blessing in the places where we work and to identify Pray that as we enter a new year we will seek GastonKhartoum. Slanwa, from Northern Cameroon, received Christ in his life in 1984 new partners and new opportunities where we can to follow Christ’s example in love for people and grew steadily in faith in the Fellowship of Christian Students. He has great make Integral Mission a reality. affected by leprosy and for each other. passion for integral mission and is presently serving with Tearfund as Country Representative for Niger. He also serves on TLM’s Project Ratification Group. Top: TLM staff from around the world worshipping together 72 73 FEATURE Keeping Afloat

was healthy as a fish: I was running a “I don’t mind that my wife can’t bear children,” “I restaurant and serving my guests Mahreb Adoum says. “I’m not happy with my omelettes and lamb kebabs,” Mahreb Adoum own handicap: how can you be satisfied with (49) smiles. “I learned to cook from a being blind? I am very pleased with The Sudanese chef, and earned more when it Leprosy Mission,” he smiles. “We are very tasted better. But suddenly I got red spots on happy when Geeske Zijp (TLM’s team leader my abdomen and back and my feet started to in Chad) visits us. And fortunately I’m cured get red. Twenty years ago, I started to feel from leprosy.” pains in my eyes and went to the capital N’Djamena (Chad) to get them cured, but it “I’m the eldest of four brothers, they live didn’t work.” approximately fifty kilometres away,” Mahreb continues. “Every single one of them has Mahreb Adoum is blind. He can’t see because children: one has nine children, the other of leprosy he caught 35 years ago. “Good seven and the third six. I see them once a medicine cured my feet,” Mahreb smiles, “but year. Sometimes I receive a little something unfortunately I can’t work as a chef anymore but I can’t count on it. My family doesn’t care because I can’t see.” about me. Luckily I have a pure heart and I’m not jealous.” ‘But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, Mahreb is married to Haoua Djibrine (40). They never had any children. “I have had Mahreb and Haoua received a horse and a the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be three operations to enable me to have cart from The Leprosy Mission to get water. blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you children but all were unsuccessful,” Haoua “We let our horse and cart and earn a part of explains. “Fortunately our six year old niece our living,” Manreb and Haoua say. “And when will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ Amama Amet Djibrine can live with us. She the millet stands tall, we earn money by Luke 14:13-14 helps us with the things we have to do. farming it. The Leprosy Mission helps us to Together we guard the mango tree in the keep afloat.” orchard and make sure it doesn’t get robbed.” 74 75 Country Contact Details

International Office DR Congo India New Zealand Scotland Sudan 80 Windmill Road The Leprosy Mission Congo The Leprosy Mission Trust India PO Box 96262 Suite 2, Earlsgate Lodge PO Box 15079 Brentford 283, Av. Kato, CNI Bhavan Balmoral Livilands Lane Amarat Middlesex TW8 0QH Commune de Lingwala, 16 Pandit Pant Marg Auckland 1342 Stirling FK8 2BG Khartoum UK Kinshasa New Delhi 110 001 Tel: +64 9 630 2818 Tel: +44 (0) 1786 449 266 Tel: +211 912 547 080 Tel: + 44 (0)20 8326 6767 B.P. 14.347 Kinshasa 1 Tel: +91 11 43533300 Email: enquiries@leprosymission. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: + 44 (0)20 8326 6777 Tel: +243 (0) 993 4445 84 Fax: +91 11 23710803 org.nz www.leprosymission.scot Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.leprosymission.org.nz Switzerland www.leprosymission.org www.tlmindia.org Singapore French speaking: England, Wales, Channel Niger Republic TSLM Ltd. Mission Évangélique Contre la Lèpre TLM Trading Ltd Islands and Isle of Man Indonesia TLM-Niger Office Tampines Central Post Office, Chemin de Réchoz 3 Goldhay Way The Leprosy Mission England [email protected] Kouara - Kano PO Box 181, 1027 Lonay Orton Goldhay and Wales Rue KK - 138 915207 Suisse Peterborough PE2 5GZ Goldhay Way Ireland BP844, Niamey Tel: +65 6 782 9656 Tel: +41 (0)21 801 50 81 UK Orton Goldhay www.leprosymission.ie Tel: +227 2035 1128 Email: [email protected] Fax: +41 (0)21 803 19 48 Tel: +44 (0) 1733 239252 Peterborough PE2 5GZ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1733 370505 Italy South Sudan www.missionlepre.ch www.tlmtrading.com Email: [email protected] Str. Pieve S. Sebastiano 1/f Nigeria The Leprosy Mission International www.leprosymission.org.uk 06134 Perugia Plot C83/C84 Fort-Royal Estate S Sudan German speaking: Australia Tel: +39 07537 42333 Lugbe Light Industrial Area, Evangelische Lepra-Mission PO Box 293 Ethiopia Email: [email protected] P.M.B. 494 Opposite Qatar National Bank Postfach 175 Box Hill VIC 3128 PO Box 30480 www.missionelebbra.org Area 10, Garki Juba CH-3360 Herzogenbuchsee Tel: +61 3 9890 0577 Addis Ababa F.C.T. Abuja Tel: +211 9564 38397 Switzerland Email: [email protected] Ethiopia Mozambique Tel: +234 (70) 6580 2807 Email: [email protected] Tel: +41 (0)62 961 83 84 www.leprosymission.org.au Tel: +251 116 183856 Email: [email protected] Fax: +41 (0)62 961 83 85 CP 138 Email: [email protected] www.leprosymission-nig.org Email: [email protected] Pemba Southern Africa Bangladesh www.lepramission.ch Finland Cabo Delgado Province PO Box 46002 The Leprosy Mission Tel: +258 (272) 21649 Northern Ireland Orange Grove 2119 Uotinmäentie 9 B 12 House # 483, Road # 32, Mohakhali Email: [email protected] Lagan House South Africa Timor Leste 00970 Helsinki New DOHS (1st & 3rd Floor) 2a Queens Road Tel: + 27 (11) 440 6323 PO Box 84 Tel: +358 04497 08615 Dhaka – 1206 Myanmar Lisburn Email: [email protected] Dili Tel: +88 (0) 2 882 6395 Email: [email protected] BT27 4TZ Tel: +670 331 0456 2/K, Pyithu Lane www.leprosymission.co.za Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 28 9262 9500 Email: [email protected] 7th Mile, Pyay Road, www.tlmbangladesh.org France Email: [email protected] Mayangone Township Spain 3 Square de Megève www.tlm-ni.org Yangon Misión Evang. Contra La Lepra USA 95380 Louvres Belgium Tel: +95 1 666851 Apartado De Correos, 51.332 www.leprosy.org Tel: +33 (0) 7 83 21 17 10 BP 20 Email: [email protected] E-CP 28080 Madrid Email: [email protected] Papua New Guinea B-1800 Vilvoorde Tel: +675 7175 1865 Tel: +34 695 022 330 www.missionlepre.org Zimbabwe Tel: +32 (9) 2280648 Nepal Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] TLM Nepal Country Office www.leprazending.be Germany Lepra-Mission e.V. PO Box 151 Republic of Korea Sweden Kathmandu 31 Durygongwon-ro 28-gil Lepramissionen – Sverige Canada Augustinerstr. 12/1 73728 Esslingen Tel: +977 98511 59710 Dalseo-gu Mastgatan 2D www.effecthope.org Tel: +49 (0) 1575 2590217 Email: [email protected] Taegu SE 692 71 Kumla Email: [email protected] www.tlmnepal.org Tel: +82 (53) 623 1001 Tel: +46 (19) 583790 Denmark www.lepramission.de Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Spedalskhedsmissionen Netherlands www.lepramissionen.org Vestergade 12, 2 Hungary Stichting Leprazending Nederland Postbox 13 TLM Hungary Postbus 902 6200 Aabenraa 1151 Budapest, Alag u 3, 7301 BD Apeldoorn Tel: +45 3529 4254 LEPRAMISSZIÓ Tel: +31 (0) 55 7 600 500 Email: [email protected] Tel: +36 30 638 4729 Email: [email protected] www.spedalsk.dk Email: [email protected] www.leprazending.nl www.lepramisszio.hu

76 77 The Leprosy Mission World

We are a global network active in around 45 countries across the world. We work hand-in-hand with governments and with local communities, with partner health organisations, WHO, local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local churches, Christian partners and many others to achieve our vision of: leprosy defeated, lives transformed.

CANADA

USA SOUTH CHINA KOREA NEPAL NIGER CHAD SUDAN

INDIA BANGLADESH MYANMAR/BURMA THAILAND ETHIOPIA SOUTH SUDAN SRI LANKA SINGAPORE PAPUA NEW NIGERIA DR CONGO GUINEA

INDONESIA TANZANIA ANGOLA TIMOR LESTE MOZAMBIQUE ZIMBABWE

AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA

NEW ZEALAND

Africa Asia Europe North America Oceania

Angola Nigeria Bangladesh Singapore Belgium Italy Canada Australia Chad South Africa China South Korea Denmark Netherlands USA New Zealand DR Congo South Sudan India Sri Lanka England and Wales Northern Ireland Papua New Guinea Ethiopia Sudan Indonesia Thailand Finland Portugal Mozambique Tanzania Myanmar Timor Leste France Scotland Niger Zimbabwe Nepal Germany Spain Hungary Sweden Members of The Leprosy Mission Fellowship are in bold text. In the remaining countries, closely connected partners either Ireland Switzerland share the same Leprosy Mission heritage or are implementing significant programmes with Leprosy Mission support. 78 79 FEATURE No Longer Alone

na Cacunhõ, 52 years old, grew up in a Angola, was running an awareness campaign Aremote village in Angola called Kalulu- in the district. The traditional leader was Kuvango. She married and had three children. surprised to hear that leprosy can be cured, But when Ana became sick, her husband and he invited the ARPAL team to see Ana. went away, so she decided to live close to her He brought together her family and the elder brother. community to hear the team explain that leprosy can be cured, that there is no fear One day Ana noticed some nodules on her of transmission once treatment has started face that did not go away. A year later, light and so Ana can remain in her family. As the coloured patches appeared on the skin on team explained self-care and how, kept up her face and, after another six months, on regularly, it could protect Ana from injury and her arms as well. For five years she did not further disability, the family came to embrace follow any treatment, and the patches grew. Ana and decided to support her in her self- So she tried different traditional remedies, care. The district nurse promised to visit Ana and even travelled to the next district where at least twice a month to encourage her. a traditional healer gave her some treatment, but the patches only grew further. After two Although Ana has a small field, she stopped years of this treatment and no improvement cultivating because of the damage to her she noticed her hands losing strength hands. Now with the benefits and protection and becoming numb. This developed into of self-care she will be able to grow her disability with claw hands (when the fingers own crops soon. Ana was so moved and bend inwards and cannot straighten), which encouraged. “I thank you all for coming made the village chief and community want to my village to bring me hope, care, and to expel Ana from the village. treatment,” she said. “I know I can be cured and am no longer afraid to live alone, you ARPAL, an association of people affected by have brought my family back to me!” leprosy that TLM works with through SOLE 80 Thank you for your prayers

‘Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.’ Psalm 47:1 Our Vision: Leprosy Defeated, Lives Transformed

The Leprosy Mission Prayer

Almighty Father, the giver of life and health, look mercifully on those who suffer from leprosy. Stretch out your hand to touch and heal them as Jesus did during his earthly life. Grant wisdom and insight to those who are seeking the prevention and cure of the disease. Give skill and sympathy to those who minister to the patients. Reunite the separated with their family and friends. And inspire your people with the task set before The Leprosy Mission, that it may never lack the staff or the means to carry on its healing work, in accordance with your will, and to the glory of your holy name. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen

www.leprosymission.org

A publication of The Leprosy Mission International