Official Magazine of Northern Ireland AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 www.tlm-ni.org FOLLOW US

 Nain’s New Home - page 12 Leprosy defeated, Lives transformed

INSIDE  News  How your support is changing lives  Your Prayers Matter  World Leprosy Day 2017  3 supporters tell us their stories  And much more Contents Dates For Director’s notebook 4 News A round up of all that’s been going on in TLMNI Your Diary Embracing Change over the last few months Christmas Fair and Over the past year trustees, staff and volunteers have been reflecting on the legacy of Coffee Morning The Leprosy Mission here in Northern Ireland and looking ahead to how we can continue 6 Your prayers matter in Seymour Street to follow the example of Jesus, reaching out to cure and care for those affected by Methodist Church, Why prayer support is so important to the 5 leprosy in an ever changing world. NOVEMBER Lisburn, 10am-12noon. Just like the Israelites in the Old Testament who remembered God’s faithfulness and Mission and information on resources to inform deliverance to their forefathers, we too draw inspiration and encouragement from those your prayers who have gone before us. Christmas Fair and People like Wellesley Bailey, our founder, and also those in more recent times who have Coffee Morning had a profound impact upon the work of TLM internationally and locally. They have 8 A moment in mission Groomsport selflessly demonstrated Jesus’ love and compassion to the poor, the lonely and the Three generations of supporters explain how 12 Presbyterian Church. outcast. They have built the foundations on which we stand. they got involved with TLMNI NOVEMBER 10.30am-12 noon. As we continue to raise our voices on behalf of people affected by leprosy we are so grateful for the legacy these men and women have left; we give thanks to God for each 11 Global focus on leprosy: Christmas at TLMNI. and every one of them. Could a new leprosy vaccine dramatically reduce Drop in to Lagan House As we look back, we must also look forward and ‘watch for the new thing that [God] new cases of the disease? anytime between 11am- is going to do’ (Isaiah 43: 19). Throughout scripture, God continually does new things 3.30pm for a cuppa and and calls His people to respond in new ways to differing situations. The world is a very 15 DECEMBER different place from 100 years ago and even in the past 10 years much has changed. 12 How your support changes lives a warm mince pie. Call We too must adapt and change so that the voice of those affected by leprosy is not in for 10 minutes or stay forgotten. An update from Nepal, the history behind our for an hour! We would Globally, our work has evolved. You can read on page 11 how advances in medical partnerhsip with GB, information on our World love to see you as we research have enabled a new vaccine to be trialled in . Our forefathers could only Leprosy Day campaign in 2017 and much more celebrate the Christmas have dreamed of such things! season. Please feel free Locally, recent changes in our governance structure as well as a strengthening of 15 Did you know? to bring friends and internal systems ensure that we remain fit for purpose, robust and strong as we face the The Leprosy Mission provides much more than family along with you. challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world. In the midst of all these changes, prayer remains at the heart of all we do. health care. Here we tell you how our vocational In this edition of training projects transform lives World Leprosy Day InTouch sign up to receive Prayer Fuelwe are (our calling quarterly people prayer to pray leaflet) with orus consider(see page starting 6). Why a notTLM service at Lisburn prayer support group with others in your church or neighbouring congregations? Cathedral, 3.30pm. As Wellesley Bailey said: ‘The Mission has been born and cradled in prayer. It has been Guest Speaker Linda brought up on prayer; it has been nourished in prayer; and prayer has been at the 29 JANUARY Todd (TLM bottom of its success since the first moments of its life’ National Director) Tea, Your prayers make a difference! What do you do with your Coffee and refreshments In Him will be served in the used stamps? church hall after the service. TLMNI can turn your old stamps into cash that enables us to help those affected by leprosy. Joanne Briggs In 2015, we raised over £6,000 through the Moneyboxes change lives. Small National Director sale of used stamps! Please don’t throw your change that makes a big difference. envelopes in the bin. Tear off the stamp and donate them to us. You could even get your local It’s easy and fun to put a Leprosy Mission church, school or businesses involved. Reusing them moneybox in your home, church, workplace makes a real difference to those in need. or local shop. You can help raise funds in small change to create big change for leprosy-affected people this year.

Contact Us National Director: Founded in 1874, The Leprosy Mission is an international The front page photo explained... The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland Joanne Briggs Christian development organisation working in over 30 countries. Contact Lagan House, 2a Queen’s Road, Church & School Engagement Officer: Our vision is a world where leprosy is defeated and lives are Nain and his two sons were the focus of our World Leprosy Joy at the office for more information Lisburn BT27 4TZ Peter Hilton transformed. Following Jesus Christ, we strive to break the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity and life Day campaign earlier this year. Nain lost his house and his Office & Finance Manager: on 028 9262 9500 or [email protected] Telephone: 028 92629500 in all its fullness. The Leprosy Mission Northern Ireland engages Joy Jamieson wife during the Nepal earthquake in 2015. Now, one year Email: [email protected] and educates people to help resource and support life-changing on, he proudly stands in front of his new house which your Website: www.tlm-ni.org Administrative Assistant: work in leprosy-affected countries. Facebook.com/tlmni Aude Deering support has helped to build. Thank you! NI Charity Number: NIC102620 Chairperson of Board of Trustees: InTouch is published twice a year by The Leprosy Mission (See page 12 for the full story) HMRC: XR1 1501 Mrs Fiona Davidson Northern Ireland. 2 3 News... News...

New International Bangor Missionary India repeals 1898 Lepers’ Act Director for TLMI Convention The Leprosy Mission International It was the 80th year of the unique recently welcomed Mr Brent Morgan Bangor Worldwide Missionary as its new chief executive. Mr Morgan Convention at the end of August. takes over from Mr Geoff Warne who The Leprosy Mission exhibited has served as International Director for throughout the week, and enjoyed 10 years. chatting to many people who have Mr Morgan has moved with his wife a passion for mission, and sharing Tracy from his home country of New with them about the work of TLM. Zealand, where he had been working as We had a number of enthusiastic Executive Director of TLM volunteers helping out during the for the last seven years, to take up this week. This is one of them below! Lisburn Fun Run new role in London. On 15 June, TLM was represented wonderfully at the annual Lisburn Fun “I’m really excited about taking the Run by staff, Board members and friends organisation forward,” says Mr Morgan, who together raised £1200 for TLM’s life- “and certainly feel that God has brought changing work. me to this place. I am really passionate about The Leprosy Mission achieving its The 3k run was completed by Joanne global vision of seeing leprosy defeated Briggs, Dylan Briggs (Joanne’s 13-year- and lives transformed, and in the old son), Peter Hilton, Aude Ingrand, process living and practising our values Tom Doran, Naomi Hawthorne, as a Christian organisation and bringing Cameron Moore and Jim Flemming. people closer to Jesus.” It was a great opportunity to not only At the annual Meeting of Members in raise funds but also raise awareness of London in September, attended by leprosy and the fact that it still exists Joanne Briggs and Fiona Davidson today. (TLMNI Board Chairperson), the International Board and country directors thanked Mr Warne for his Hollywood Blockbuster Portrays e are delighted to announce • raise awareness of leprosy, its dedication to The Leprosy Mission and that in May, the government treatment and curability through Leprosy Stigma W welcomed Mr Morgan into his new role. of India repealed the 1898 lepers’ campaigns; The re-make of biblical epic Ben Hur, released in the UK act – a move that has only been • provide access to education and “I am excited for the future of The in August, includes a visual reminder of the way leprosy- affected people have been stigmatised for centuries. In made possible through the hard employment; Leprosy Mission under Brent’s the film, Ben Hur’s mother and sister contract leprosy and leadership,” said Mr Warne who has work of TLM India and The Law • enable access to benefits; are ostracised. The film powerfully demonstrates Jesus’ Commission of India. • and give land rights returned to his home country of New compassion, forgiveness and redemption to all, including Zealand with his wife Karen. “I look The Lepers’ Act was introduced We need your help! In the last issue those with leprosy. forward to seeing what great things during British rule to segregate of InTouch magazine we invited you If you haven’t seen it yet we’d recommend getting hold of the Lord is going to do in TLM in the people affected by leprosy on to campaign against this injustice the DVD next year. coming times.” LM GiftsLM Gifts LMfor LifeGifts for LifeCatalogue_text:LM for Catalogue_text:LMLife Catalogue_text:LM Catalogue Catalogue Catalogue GiftsForLife GiftsForLife GiftsForLife 01/ 10/2015 01/10/2015 01/ 10/201518:06 18:06 Page 18:06 Page 1 Page 1 1 health grounds and made leprosy by signing TLM India’s United for Northern Ireland Northern Ireland a grounds for divorce – it has been Change petition which calls for the Northern Ireland used over the years to discriminate EDPAL Bill to be made law. Christmas Gift Ideas against leprosy-affected people and Last year you raised an amazing £9,000 through our Gifts for Life campaign, If you haven’t already done has led to great inequality. enabling the lives of thousands of people to be changed. In this issue of Transform a so, please sign the petition TransformTransformwith our a a InTouch you’ll find the latest Gifts for Life catalogue. You can choose anything life withwith our our But the repeal of this Act is only today to bring about an end to lifelife from farming tools, to goats to fruit trees - they make perfect Christmas giftsgifts for for life… life… the start. There are several other discrimination – visit gifts for life… presents. Throughout the magazine we’ve included suggestions with each laws that adversely affect leprosy- www.united4change.in feature on a Gift for Life that will impact the lives of the people you’re reading affected people. So The Law And please do pray for TLM India about. Make your Christmas shopping even more meaningful this year! Commission, in conjunction with LMLM GiftsGifts forfor LifeLife LMCatalogue_text:LMCatalogue_text:LM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM CatalogueCatalogue GiftsForLifeGiftsForLife Catalogue 01/01/ 10/201510/2015GiftsForLife 18:0618:06 01/ Page10/2015Page 55 18:07 Page 12 LM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM Catalogue GiftsForLife 01/10/2015 18:07 Page 13 staff who are working tirelessly TLM, has separately issued a report Gifts upGifts toover £30 £200 Gifts over £200 to advocate for the rights of Fruit treesDairy cow and calf Medicine Hydro-electric generatorBandagesProsthetic limb Water well A house A hospital bed for a year to the parliament in India, entitled Ref: 70067 lRef:£13 70091 l £230 Ref: 70052 lRef:£15 70086 l £350 Ref: 70054 lRef:£20 70090 l £375 Ref: 70088 l £800 Ref: 70061 l £900 Ref: 70062 l £3,500 A gift of fruit treesGiving yields a dairy fresh, cow and calf enablesDrugs to treat leprosy are provided ProtectProtect leprosy-causedleprosy-causedGive a prosthetic ulcersulcers andandlimb offering freedom Buy a well to provide Cover the costs of a hospital bed leprosy-affected people. Pray vitamin-packedvitamin-packeda leprosy-affected foodfood asas wellwell asas family to freefree ofof chargecharge butbut thisthis giftgift suppliessupplies injuriesinjuries fromfrom infectionandinfection independence byby providingproviding to someone who has a safe and clean water for one year, including staff salaries making farmlandgenerate more anfertile. income throughotherother essentialessential medicine.medicine. fresh,fresh, cleanclean bandages.bandages.lost their lower leg as a result of leprosy. supply to a leprosy- and medicines. Eliminating Discrimination Against IDEAL GIFT IDEAL GIFT the production and sale of milk. affected community. FROM FROM for their continued strength and CHURCH OR CHURCH OR COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Persons Affected by Leprosy IDEAL GIFT GROUPS GROUPS IDEAL GIFT FROM perseverance. FROM CHURCH OR CHURCH OR COMMUNITY (EDPAL), requesting the repeal COMMUNITY GROUPS GROUPS or amendment of these other Together we really can make sure laws. This report was submitted in that leprosy-affected people do not Taungpo Taungpo is a small village in the eastern Shan state of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The small hamlet of Mairo’s story 36 houses is surrounded by forested hills and was formed of leprosy-affected families driven out from their continue to face inequality, stigma original villages. The Leprosy Mission’s supporters were recently able to give a small hydro-electricity Mairo and her children were living in ultra-poor conditions in Niger. September 2015 and calls for the generator which, situated on a small stream at the bottom of a hill, provides lighting for the entire village – But thanks to the kindness of The Leprosy Mission’s supporters, this government to: and injustice. around 150 people. It means children can read and study at night. leprosy-affected family was given a safe and secure home. facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernireland email: [email protected] tel: 028 92 62 9500 www.tlm-ni.org 12facebook: www.tlmew.org.uk theleprosymissionnorthernireland tel: 01733 370505 email:email:email: email: [email protected] [email protected]@tlmew.org.uk [email protected] tel:tel: 0173301733028 92 370505370505 62 9500 www.tlmew.org.ukwww.tlmew.org.uk www.tlm-ni.org 55 facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernirelandemail: email: [email protected] [email protected] tel: 01733028 92 370505 62 9500 www.tlmew.org.uk www.tlm-ni.org 13 Brent with his wife Tracy at The Members’ Meeting in September. 4 5 “And pray in the Spirit on all Prayer Resources

occasions with all kinds of ASK - TLM’s Annual Prayer Guide Prayer Fuel: TLMNI’s quarterly prayer guide prayers and requests. With this Join with the thousands of This is a prayer guide focused mainly on the needs of TLM in mind, be alert and always supporters and staff around Northern Ireland and the projects and countries we support. keep on praying for all the Lord’s the world who use our It can be used alongside ASK to cover international and local people,” Ephesians 6:18 annual prayer guide each prayer needs. It also includes details of our latest events. day to pray for the work of You can download copies from our website: TLM. It has prayer points for of the week plus information www.tlm-ni.org on the countries we work in, These prayer resources can be used our projects individually, in churches or in small groups. and our staff. It They will inform and equip you as you pray, is an invaluable whether you have five minutes or an hour. We know resource for that, more than anything else, it’s prayer that changes lives. That’s why we so value your your own willingness to partner with us in prayer. Thank you. devotional To be added to our mailing list for any of the above resources or to request prayer times or for resources for your church or small group, contact us on 028 9262 9500 or email group prayer. [email protected]

Prayer saves family Pius Ogbu Sunday and hs family from armed ambush

One TLM family’s dramatic escape, Your Prayers Matter demonstrates how “The Mission has been born and cradled in prayer. It has been brought much our staff need up on prayer; it has been nourished on prayer; and prayer has been at the our prayers bottom of its success since the first moments of its life.” Earlier this year, Pius Ogbu Sunday, The Leprosy Mission’s founder, so important to us. Your prayers really do have an impact TLM Nigeria’s Operations Manager, Wellesley Bailey (1846-1937), so on the lives of our staff and the leprosy- Many of our staff work in countries was driving with his family from Abuja beautifully explained the importance of affected people we care for. Thank you. where there is unrest, risk of natural to the family home in Minna. prayer to the Mission in one of his last disasters, or risk to their personal safety If you would like to know more about His wife Doris was next to him. His speeches before retirement. (see story on following page). At these how you can pray for our work, see the children Eudora, 13, Joshua, nine, “I heard them shouting to unlock the “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”. A vital tool times, it gives them great confidence Prayer Resources box opposite. and Eliora, five, were on the back door. I felt shock, then fright and panic. Once at a safe distance, Pius checked to know that supporters and staff are seat listening to their dad talk about In my confused state I heard a voice Over 80 years later, prayer remains the on the children – they were traumatised praying. This was particularly true last his recent trip to a leprosy hospital in within say ‘keep moving’. most vital tool in enabling The Leprosy but unhurt. year during the Nepal earthquake another State. Mission to carry out its vision of leprosy “I knew it was a divine command and when Shovakhar Kandel, TLM Nepal “When we got to Minna, I stopped the defeated, lives transformed. “We had just started to pray and felt a new surge of boldness. I slammed country leader, said that his greatest car to check for damage; there was not talk about God,” explains Pius. “It’s my foot on the accelerator, launching Every TLM office, hospital and encouragement was knowing that they a scratch. We were all amazed. All we something we often do during the two- the vehicle forward.” vocational training centre around were not alone and that supporters could do was thank God for shielding and-a-half-hour drive.” the world starts the day with prayer. from around the world stood with them Pius drove through an opening between us with his divine power. It was a It has become part of the DNA of and prayed for them in their hour of They were about 70km from Minna, the cars ahead. In front of them he saw traumatic experience but as a family we the organisation, thanks largely to need. driving behind three other vehicles a man standing with his gun poised. also experienced a miracle that day. Wellesley Bailey who, right from the headed in the same direction, when “I asked my wife and children to get “Whenever I look back on that night I start, encouraged supporters to pray Spiritual transformation they heard gun shots. regularly for the work. And as people have prayed, some of down and I lowered myself to the have no doubt it was God’s protection “I noticed the vehicles in front had the people that we work with – those steering level, just low enough to see that saved us that day.” stopped and attempted to make a In His power affected by leprosy, or their families and drove straight ahead. The gunman quick turnaround,” says Pius, “Within Prayer demonstrates our dependence – have come to know Christ. They opened fire as I drove straight towards seconds men with machine guns and on God; only in His power can we do have received not only physical and him and he jumped out of the way. I PRAYER POINT: Pray for the safety of machetes were beside our car pulling our staff and for them to be aware of the work that he has called us to do. economic restoration but spiritual heard shots from the right hand side at the doors – it was an ambush! and behind. I could hear my wife saying God’s presence with them in every situation they And that is why your prayer support is transformation. face. 6 7 A MOMENT IN MISSION We asked three generations of TLM supporters “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe how they got involved with The Leprosy Mission. that you have received it, and it Here they share their stories will be yours,” Mark 11:24

“TLM holds a special place new cases, but cares for and supports Grace’s odd shoe challenge those who have been affected by the in my heart” disease for many years, those with Ashleigh Martin, 28, is a physical disabilities, and those with newly-qualified GP who lives the emotional scars of being excluded from their families because of the in Belfast but is originally from stigma of having leprosy. What’s more, Ballynahinch TLM trains and builds the capacity of Christmas these people to educate and care for tree festival at In 2010 I did my medical elective at Magheradroll Anandaban Leprosy Mission Hospital others. Their work is inspirational! Parish church in Nepal with my friend Rachel. Since Keeping in touch then, I have supported the work of The Getting involved Since coming home from Anandaban Leprosy Mission and Anandaban now There’s so much you can do to get I have kept in touch with some of the Early in 1956 I was accepted by the holds a special place in my heart. involved with TLMNI. Firstly, and most Life on the Mission Field staff via email and Facebook. This was Methodist Missionary Society and I stayed at Anandaban for six weeks. importantly, pray! Get up-to-date particularly important last year at the Joan McAlees a retired nurse, then went to Kingsmead the Training Days were spent shadowing the prayer requests from TLMNI’s website time of the earthquake as I heard pretty College in Sellyoak, Birmingham, doctors on their ward rounds and or Facebook page and sign up to is a member of Craigyhill quickly that all the staff and patients for one year. During that time, I was observing in surgical theatres. Part of receive the prayer diary. Methodist Church, Larne, where were well. They were able to send me designated to serve in the Madras the work of TLM in Anandaban has she was organist for 28 years. some specific prayer requests. I also If you’re reading this article, you Diocese of the Church of South India. been to train and equip local Nepali ‘follow’ TLM NI and TLM Nepal on probably already have access to the Joan has also served the church I travelled by ship to India in Christians to continue the work there. I Facebook and Twitter. InTouch magazine so why not share it in various other positions since Grace’s mum Miriam tells how September 1956 and three weeks later loved how natural it was for the staff to with a friend and get them involved Grace was inspired to help When I first came home from my she came to Larne in 1969 to arrived in Madras. After only a short start the day with a Bible reading and too (it’s also available on the website, those with leprosy elective I did a couple of talks in my take up her appointment as time at Language School I was sent to prayer, and also have a weekly Bible which is where I usually read it!). I also own church and in another local Sunday Vellore Medical College Hospital to do I have been a Trustee on the TLMNI Study. receive TLM’s shop catalogue every Matron of the Moyle Hospital. School about my trip. The Sunday a Nurse Tutor Course and to continue Board for several years and so my Leprosy is a treatable disease. It few months, which is really great for I was born in Belfast but at the age of School collects stamps for TLM, so they language studies. daughter Grace is quite used to saddens me that it still exists in the loved hearing about my experience. Christmas present ideas. You can buy 10 was evacuated to Ballynahinch with mummy going to meetings about world because with proper medication My own church (Magheradroll Parish, more traditional gifts but you can also my mother and young sister, following It was here that I first encountered the ‘helping people who have leprosy’. and education it could be eradicated. Ballynahinch) held a Christmas Tree buy a ‘Gift for Life’ (see page 5), which the Belfast Blitz. We attended the work of The Leprosy Mission when I is a financial gift to help buy something Methodist Church. It was there through visited the leprosy centre and colony I try to explain to her how leprosy Unfortunately, this is not the case in Festival in December 2015, which such as a goat or school books for an the Sunday School that I became at Karigiri. As the nurse there was in affects people and thought that the several parts of the world. raised funds for TLM with the work of individual or family supported by the interested in Overseas Missions. We great need of a few weeks’ leave I TLMNI video about ‘Putting the fun Anandaban particularly in mind in the Holistic treatment work of TLM. returned to Belfast in 1944. agreed to help out. I worked alongside back into feet’ would be something wake of the earthquake. I love how The Leprosy Mission not Dr Paul Brand, the world renowned she could connect with (watch the I personally support the work of TLM A few years later when I attended a only deals with diagnosing and treating leprosy surgeon, accompanying him video on ). by prayer and financially. I also take Worldwide Missionary Convention www.nopainnogaintlm.org on ward rounds, and learning about whatever opportunity I can to share meeting I felt God’s call. It came I was right! Grace really engaged with his pioneering treatment and surgery about their work with others. Even through the Hymn “It may not be on the message of the video and then for people with leprosy. though it has been six years since I the mountain top that the Lord will thought it would be fun to do an ‘odd was in Nepal, just a few months ago have need of me...” Initially, I couldn’t My time at Vellore and Karigiri put shoe challenge’. She asked her family the Mothers’ Union in my own church sing the words of the chorus: “I’ll go me in contact with so many wonderful for sponsorship and then wore two asked me to share about my time there where you want me to go dear Lord people. This experience and those different shoes for a whole day. as part of their Mission night. and I’ll be what you want me to be.” contacts helped me enormously when When her friends kindly pointed out I was challenged and then prayerfully a short time later I began work at that she had the wrong shoes on, Pray regularly I responded as we sang the last verse Nagari Hospital. Grace was able to tell them about If there was one thing I would and chorus. To this day, I clearly Nagari Hospital was part of the work children with leprosy whose feet were encourage people to do to support remember that night. and witness of the Church in that area, hurt because they had no shoes. She TLM it would be to pray regularly. I In May 1949 I started General Nurse it was small but very busy. A clinic raised £30, enough to provide three know this is something I struggle with. Training in the Belfast City Hospital, for leprosy-affected people was held pairs of shoes for leprosy-affected Set aside time each week or month to this was followed by Midwifery and weekly adjacent to, but outside, the children. The experience was a fun pray specifically for their work. It really then a course in Tropical Diseases in Outpatient Department. As Nursing way for her to understand something does make a difference! Ashleigh . On returning to Northern Superintendent I was able to change of what it means to have leprosy and outside Anandaban Ireland I gained experience in various its location and moved the clinic to raise awareness amongst her family For more ideas on how to pray for Hospital fields of nursing. inside; this helped to challenge stigma and friends. TLM NI, see page 7. 8 9 and to show acceptance for those with suffering from leprosy he said, “Before Since 2003 Joan has been the link leprosy. Jesus came no-one would come near person for The Leprosy Mission for the Global focus on leprosy or touch people like us.” Methodist Circuit in Larne. Through I referred many patients to Dr Paul Brand collection boxes and generous including one 16 year-old-girl whose Lakshmi, a woman newly diagnosed “Devote yourselves donations, she has collected over hands were already showing signs of with leprosy, had a severe reaction to to prayer, being £20,000 for the work of TLM. clawing. Dr Brand operated and when one of the leprosy drugs, and had to watchful and thankful,” she returned to her home she came to be hospitalised. Her husband, despite Grace, Ashleigh and Joan are Colossians 4:2 see me and with joy exclaimed, “Look still loving her, had made her leave ordinary people who have made New vaccine at my new hands!” their home. On learning that she was an extraordinary difference to the a patient in Nagari Hospital, he came We held a roadside clinic every lives of people affected by leprosy. one afternoon, climbed up, spied his could cut new Thursday. It was common practice to It’s so encouraging to know that no wife through a window, receiving care. give patients with foot ulcers a pack to matter who we are and whatever age I was supporting Lakshmi while nurse do their dressings at home. Instead, I we are, we can all do something to leprosy cases Yesamma was trying to get her to take insisted the patients had their dressings transform lives. some food. Later, he told me he was done by staff as well as receiving a pack in India by amazed that strangers should show her to take home with them. such love after he, her husband, had PRAYER POINT: Thank God for our Abbu Reddy, a man who attended the rejected her. As a result, he decided to volunteers and church secretaries as 60% clinic, asked me if I would buy something take her back again. they work so tirelessly to raise awareness of and funds for The Leprosy Mission. Pray that they for him the next time I was in Madras. will continue to see support increase and have Unfortunately, for health reasonsLM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM I Catalogue GiftsForLife 01/10/2015 18:06 Page 2 He had heard stories of Jesus touching opportunities to tell others about TLMNI. wasn’t able to return to India followingWhat are Gifts for Life? Choosing a gift and treating people with leprosy and Gifts for Life are an amazing way The catalogue contains a range of gifts suitable for a furlough in 1962. After several monthsof giving a gift to friend or family member’s birthday or Christmas present and some extra special gifts for special wanted a picture of Jesus. I was able a loved one which, occasions such as a wedding or special anniversary. in turn, makes There are also larger gifts that schools, churches or a lasting difference to someone community groups might want to fund communally. I joined the staff of the newly openedbattling with the effects of leprosyGIFTS FOR LIFE: to get a roll with pictures which showed and poverty. Leprosy is a unique disease because of the age-oldFor you Ulster Hospital where I worked stigma until which continues to shroud it in parts of the £10-20 world today. It is most common in places of poverty IDEAL GIFT IDEAL GIFT with dirty water and poor sanitation contributing to FROM IDEAL GIFT Jesus touching and healing people FOR FROM the weakening of the body, leaving it unable to fight couldCHURCH provide OR SPECIAL SCHOOLS & the disease. COMMUNITY OCCASIONS GROUPS SUNDAY I came to Larne in May 1969, to take SCHOOLS Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we are able to provide medical care and a new beginning bandagesto or with leprosy and other diseases. The thousands every year in the form of rehabilitation, All gifts are directly linked to education, vocational training, housing, fresh water the projects where they are up the position of Matron ofsupplies and the sanitation. In other words everything needed the most, meaning The Indian government has announced picture of people affected by leprosy. needed to reach out and restore broken lives.cleanevery bedding penny spent will benefit next week at the clinic Abbu Reddy a life blighted by leprosy.

Moyle Hospital. I was Director of and clothing to facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernireland email: [email protected] tel: 028 92 62 9500 www.tlm-ni.org that it is stepping up its efforts to Lack of awareness, insufficient access sat with the other patients and told Nursing in Larne, Carrickfergus, and a leprosy patient eradicate leprosy by trialling a vaccine to medical treatment and severe stigma them the story. As the group looked at Newtownabbey District when I retired who has to stay in hospital for treatment. that, if successful, could cut the number surrounding leprosy mean that millions the picture of Jesus touching the man in 1990. of new reported cases by 60 per cent more could be living with the disease Browne over three years in the targeted districts. but not receiving treatment. Laboratory The vaccine will be rolled out in five Despite these figures, India was in Delhi. “Unless we improve the living districts in the states of Bihar and declared by WHO to have eliminated conditions, health and hygiene of our News and photos from The Leprosy Gujarat, where there are high rates of leprosy in 2005, meaning that less than people, we cannot eradicate leprosy.” leprosy. In fact, India now has 60 per one in 10,000 people there is reported Ethical issues Mission Members’ Meeting 2016 cent of new leprosy cases worldwide to be affected by the disease. This Dr Sunil Anand, Director of The according to the World Health led to the fight against leprosy being Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI), In September, Joanne Briggs and Fiona Davidson (TLMNI’s chairperson) attended TLM’s annual Meeting of Organisation (WHO). neglected by governments for some years. Members in London along with TLM Country Leaders, staff, Board members from around the world. Please do said that TLMTI will “wait and watch continue to pray for all these amazing people, in particular for Brent Morgan who has recently taken on the role of First large-scale initiative The vaccination project is being for progress” on the project and that combined with a more active approach International Director (see page 4.) People affected by leprosy as well as they are particularly interested in how to the detection of new cases. Door-to- Geoff Warne Joanne their families and other people who the study will deal with the ethical door screenings in 50 leprosy ‘hotspots’ (outgoing Briggs with come into close contact with them on a issue of providing rifampicin to “close International JoAnne have already seen 20,000 people newly contacts”, such as colleagues, if the Director) Thompson regular basis will benefit from the new diagnosed. with his wife (TLM Trading) vaccine, making India the first country person affected by leprosy does not Karen being want friends or family to know they prayed for in the world to have a large-scale Experts urge caution by Malcolm leprosy vaccination initiative. have the disease because they fear Seath (TLMI Testing of the vaccine, which took being stigmatised. Board They will be given the vaccine in place in 2005, showed that it was Trustee) combination with a single dose of the effective for seven to eight years after At present, one thing is clear – the antibiotic rifampicin, which is already which a booster dose would need to be war against leprosy must be fought on being trialled in several countries to given. If the new project proves to be many fronts if this notoriously complex prevent leprosy in those who have successful, it is hoped that the vaccine disease is to be eradicated. been exposed to family members who will be used across the country for All together: Fiona attendees Davidson with already have the disease and shows mass immunisation of contacts of those PRAYER POINT: Pray for successful at this year’s (from left to promising results. affected by leprosy, but some leprosy trials of this vaccine, that it will help Members’ right) Pascal experts have urged caution, stating reduce the number of new cases in India. Meeting Machefer In 2015 India reported over 127,000 that from what is known about it so Pray too that it will help reduce stigma and (France), new cases of leprosy; globally there discrimination. Peter far, it is unlikely that it could eradicate LM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM Catalogue GiftsForLife 01/10/2015 18:06 Page 7 was a total of 210,758 new cases last Laubscher Gifts up to £50 leprosy. Goat Farming tools l £35 (South Eye surgery l £40 Ref: 70092 Ref: 70068 year. Ref: 70056 l £35 A gift of a goat provides a leprosy- Buy a leprosy-affected family the Give the priceless gift of sight with affected family with an income through tools needed to grow their own food surgery for leprosy-damaged eyes the production and sale of milk. Africa) and GIFTS FOR LIFE: and generate an income. “There are other issues we should preventing blindness. Moses Onoh Untreated cases You could help train (Nigeria). address before we think of eradication,” a community health Experts believe that these figures said Dr Uptal Sen Gupta, consultant at worker to detect represent just a fraction of the true The Leprosy Mission Trust India’s Stanley leprosy – a fading but very necessary 7 email: [email protected] tel: 01733 370505 www.tlmew.org.uk skill. Cost: £40 facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernireland email: [email protected] tel: 028 92 62 9500 www.tlm-ni.org 10 11 How your support makes a difference How your support makes a difference “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, Your support is faithful in prayer,” Romans 12:12 Supporter Stories 70 years strong Our partnership with the Girls’ Brigade is incredibly special and goes back nearly 70 changing lives in Nepal years. The relationship started in 1947 when the then ‘Mission to Lepers’ gave permission for The Girls’ Brigade to use their offices for GB headquarters in Dublin. Then, in November of that year, the Brigade Secretary proposed that each company should set aside a Christmas collection for the Mission to Lepers as an expression of appreciation. Later it was agreed that GB would support the mission annually. And that support continues to this day. Between 1994 to 2016 (latest records available), GBNI has given nearly £80,000 to The Leprosy Mission. Their support has built houses, supported hospitals, provided school scholarships to leprosy-affected children and so much more. We are so grateful for their support. Peter Hilton, Lyn In September, Peter Hilton, our church and school engagement officer, Campbell, GBNI was privileged to be the guest speaker at GBNI’s AGM to celebrate president (left), and nearly 70 years of partnership (see photo). We look forward to many Linda Buchanan, GBNI more years of partnership with GBNI. Chairperson (right). Lisburn Inner Wheel We are very grateful to Lisburn Inner Wheel and their contribution to the We have recently launched a new three-session work of TLM in rebuilding resource aimed at church children’s groups: and restoring lives in Nepal. Nain’s new home Joanne Briggs is pictured Shoes, feet and all things sweet. The lesson here with Valerie Christy Do you remember the story of Nain from our World But your generous gifts in response to our World Leprosy plan, split into sections for 4-7 year olds and (President), Jayne Johnston Leprosy Day campaign earlier this year? Day campaign, along with other donations received from ages 8 and up, focuses on how amazing our feet (Secretary) and Avril around the world, have helped to build a wonderful new are and how your youth group can help heal Suckling (Overseas officer). Nain suffered the loss of his wife and his home during the home for Nain and his sons and families like him. and protect feet damaged by leprosy. They have given over £600 earthquake in Nepal in April 2015. He was left traumatised in the last two years for our and with little support to bring up his two sons. Nain is “My life is changed now,” says Nain with a big smile on his And if you’re a teacher, or know any, we have work in Nepal. produced an engaging primary and post- physically disabled due to leprosy and his wife was his face. “I can live a dignified life. Me and my children feel secure now.” He thanked donors for showering his family primary school assembly plan that provides a rock; she had built up his confidence and given him all the thought-provoking introduction to leprosy. practical help he needed. Without her, he was concerned for with “kindness and love”. A generous gift These new resources are part of our No Pain No Rev. John Hay (right), one of our volunteer speakers, collects a his families’ future: “It’s impossible for me in this life to build Through your gifts many other families will have homes Gain campaign, which includes lesson plans, certificate and cheque from the Fisher Foundation for £1,700 another house for my family,” Nain said. rebuilt and be given a fresh start. Thank you! downloadable resources and a video; they have in May for TLM’s No Pain No Gain campaign, enabling us to been used this last year in schools and churches support more children through school. To find out more about the across Northern Ireland. Our video, Putting the amazing support the Fisher Foundation provides for charities and Fun back into Feet, explains in a fun and simple young people interested in mission overseas visit Your support funds new way how a good pair of shoes can change a www.fisher-foundation.com home for clinic leprosy-affected person’s life. In September, we were excited to hear You can download copies of these resources that TLM Nepal had officially opened a from www.nopainnogaintlm.org or if you would new building for Patan Clinic, a satellite like to book a speaker to talk about our work in clinic of Anadaban Hospital. The original your church group or building was damaged during the school, earthquake in 2015 and staff had been please working outdoors in difficult conditions contact the to keep this vital health centre open. office. It has only been possible to build this new home for Patan clinic thanks to your generosity. What’s more, the PRAYER POINT: Thank God for the support we have received over the years government has now agreed that the from organisations like the GBNI and individuals across Northern Ireland. Pray that our resources will be widely used in schools and churches and will raise awareness of clinic can operate five days a week and funds for TLM. (previously it was only allowed to LM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM Catalogue GiftsForLife 01/10/2015 18:07 Page 11 Gifts up to £200

A latrine block A donkey with cart Reconstructive surgery operate on a Wednesday). Ref: 70085 l £100 Ref: 70060 l £110 Ref: 70087 l £120 Give dignity and privacy to Giving a donkey and cart enables See Shantama’s story on page 14. communities and families a leprosy-affected family affected by leprosy. to farm and transport GIFTS FOR LIFE: Your church or community group their produce to market.

The opening of the new clinic could join together to buy a house, latrine block or IDEAL GIFT FOR SPECIAL PRAYER POINT: Please pray that the water well to improve the living conditions of whole OCCASIONS clinic will be effective in raising the profile families or communities. Cost: £100-£900

IDEAL GIFT of TLM in Nepal. Pray also for the staff as they FOR SPECIAL begin this new work. OCCASIONS facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernireland email: [email protected] tel: 028 92 62 9500 www.tlm-ni.org email: [email protected] tel: 01733 370505 www.tlmew.org.uk 11

12 13 How your support makes a difference Did you know… “For the eyes of the Lord are on the

e to peop righteous and his ears are attentive to car le s al uff ic er ed in m g their prayer,” Peter 3:12

n w r it World Leprosy Sunday 2017 e h Vocational Training d l o e p m r

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v s i

y Transform Purulia Hospital: Give modern G TLM provides so much more than healthcare – did you know that your support helps us medical care to people suffering with leprosy. TRANSFORM to provide skills training to hundreds of people? Read on to find out the impact your Purulia Hospital support has had on leprosy-affected people’s lives WORLD LEPROSY SUNDAY 2017 This year will you help us his dreams of setting up his transform Purulia Hospital? Binod own business and providing a comfortable life for his wife and We are encouraging churches to hold a Leprosy Sunday service anytime children. between January and April 2017. Sermon notes, Sunday School lesson plans, prayer points and other resources will be available online from In India, TLM runs six Vocational early December. Training Centres which provide government-recognised certified You and your church can transform the lives of people affected by leprosy courses in practical subjects such in India. We are so looking forward to seeing what we can achieve when as tailoring, mechanics and IT opportunities that they might otherwise we work together to build hope in the lives of the patients and staff in alongside general life skills coaching. have missed out on. Purulia. The courses, aimed at young people Small business loans World Leprosy Day service: from leprosy backgrounds, are designed 29 January 2017 - Lisburn Cathedral, 3.30pm in such a way to meet the specific While TLM only runs Vocational Training TLM India’s Purulia Hospital in West Bengal needs of people affected by leprosy Centres in India, in other countries that treats around 45,000 people every year, This year we are delighted to announce that Linda Todd, National who may have limited mobility. At the we work in we provide small business many of those have leprosy. But the hospital Director for TLM Scotland, will be our guest speaker. Linda is on the TLM end of each course, teachers provide loans, and training if needed, so that is in desperate need of new equipment Trust India Board and TLM Scotland has supported Purulia Hospital for “After the training I want to build my careers counselling and facilitate work people affected by leprosy can start up and new buildings to ensure that leprosy- many years. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served in the church hall own business so I can provide for my placements, helping them to transition their own business, for example a shop affected and general patients continue to after the service. Please do join us for an afternoon of worship, stories of family,” says Binod who is married with successfully into a paid job. or a fishing or tailoring enterprise. receive exceptional care. transformation and fellowship. two children. Extracurricular activities Kasech, a young woman in Ethiopia, received training from TLM in how to run He is receiving tailoring training at Many of the VTCs provide residential a business; she is now running a small TLM’s Vocational Training Centre (VTC) accommodation, and the students shop from her home selling household DO IT FOR YOUR CAUSE in Bankura, India. take part in shared mealtimes, make goods. Before she started this business, A Will to Give ROLL OF new friends and enjoy extracurricular Binod was diagnosed with leprosy she and her family regularly struggled activities such as netball or basketball. Did you know that over the past two years, some years ago, but by the time he to have enough money to buy food as HONOUR Most mornings the day starts with 30 per cent of our total income was from received treatment the disease had her husband works as a day labourer We feel incredibly honoured when devotions in the chapel – but students legacies? already begun to affect him physically; meaning income was very insecure. people choose to leave us a legacy gift – these from any faith background are welcome Legacies he has lost feeling in his hands and feet Now that Kasech is working they are gifts ensure that we can continue to provide to attend. and he has trouble walking. earning enough each week to provide life-changing programmes that transform the Miss Sheila Agnes Burleigh what they need as well as being able to lives of so many people affected by leprosy. Family encouragement Kasech Mr Alan Millar McKay save towards expanding the business. We are so grateful to these supporters and But Binod is a determined character their families for their commitment to and Make a Will Miss Eva Sandford and he religiously carries out prescribed Vocational Training has a huge effect passion for the work of The Leprosy Mission. Leave a gift to charity Mrs Jane (Jeannie) Harkness daily exercises on his hands. “When on a person’s life: on their ability to I got leprosy I lost all hope,” Binod provide for their family, on their self- But did you know that over 50 per cent of Make a difference Miss Evelyn Esther McCord explains. “But my parents encouraged confidence and on their status in people in the UK do not have a will? And only Will to Give: a group of 49 charities working with solicitors and Will writers to promote me so I started to run and keep moving society. It can help to reduce stigma as three per cent of people in Northern Ireland charitable gifts in Wills in Northern Ireland www.willtogive.org/for-professional-advisors/ constantly. That keeps me fit and the community sees that, despite their leave a gift to charity in their will – that’s A lasting gift to Northern Ireland Charities In Lieu of flowers Charity registration number: NIC102633 reasonably flexible. Still, I am no longer disabilities, they are able to work and quite surprising considering the generosity of Vocational training is an important Miss Maisie Poots as strong as previously.” contribute just like everyone else. people in Northern Ireland in making regular 53% of people in UK aspect of The Leprosy Mission’s work. charitable donations. Mr Angus Buchanan This has meant that his hands Caring holistically for leprosy-affected do not have a will* Pray for students still function well, in spite of their people often means building skills PRAYER POINT: To increase awareness of the life-changing nature Mrs Elizabeth Georgina Brennan currently studying at TLM’s VTCs in insensitivity, and he even managed that will enable them to secure paid India, that they will be motivated learners and of legacies, a group of charities, including TLMNI, have come together to form ‘Will to avoid needing hand reconstructive employment or start their own income- will find suitable employment on graduation. to Give’, and to promote gifts in wills to all charities, right here in Northern Ireland. surgery because the hand exercises he generating business. Many people who We sincerely thank God for LM Gifts for Life Catalogue_text:LM Catalogue GiftsForLife 01/10/2015 18:06 Page 7 You can visit their website www.willtogive.org for further information or to help find a was doing were so effective! have leprosy or who have parents with Gifts up to £50 these men and women who have GIFTS FOR LIFE: Eye surgery Farming tools Goat Ref: 70056 l £35 Ref: 70068 l £40 Ref: 70092 l £35 local solicitor to advise you. leprosy will have experienced stigma Give the priceless gift of sight with Buy a leprosy-affected family the A gift of a goat provides a leprosy- You can pay for surgery for leprosy-damaged eyes tools needed to grow their own food affected family with an income through made a lasting contribution to preventing blindness. and generate an income. the production and sale of milk. Pursuing dreams and discrimination; this may have Alternatively, if you would like more information about leaving a gift in your will TLM, and we remember their a student’s fees Binod was offered a place at Bankura prevented them from receiving a good for one month to The Leprosy Mission please contact Joanne at the office on 028 9262 9500 or families at this time. VTC and he is an enthusiastic and education or may have stopped them at a Vocational [email protected]. Training Centre. dedicated student. The training he finding a job. So vocational training *According to research undertaken by Will Aid (www.willaid.org.uk) Cost: £40 facebook: theleprosymissionnorthernireland email: [email protected] tel: 028 92 62 9500 www.tlm-ni.org email: [email protected] tel: 01733 370505 www.tlmew.org.uk 7 receives will enable him to pursue and support from TLM gives them

14 15 World Leprosy Sunday 2017: To learn more and find out how Will you help us you can get involved, email [email protected], transform Purulia call 028 9262 9500 or visit www.tlm-ni.org Hospital?

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