ASK 2018 - TLM Annual Prayer Guide by TheLeprosyMission

ASK

Our Vision: Leprosy Defeated, Lives Transformed

2018 PRAYER DIARY

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.

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

@LeprosyMissInt www.facebook.com/TheLeprosyMissionInternational

www.leprosymission.org A publication of The Leprosy Mission International

ASK 2018 PRAYER DIARY

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.

TLM’S VISION AND VALUES

Our vision

Leprosy defeated, lives transformed Our mission Following Jesus Christ, The Leprosy Mission strives to break the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity and life in all its fullness

Strategic focus Leprosy services We strive to ensure timely access to quality services that result in improved outcomes for leprosyaffected people.

Dignity and empowerment We aim to see marginalised people realising their worth and empowered to overcome challenges.

Social integration Our values Because we follow Jesus Christ, we value Compassion Justice Integrity Inclusion Humility

• • • • •

TLM International key personnel International Chairman Colin Osborne International Vice-Chair Anne Ratliff Treasurer Philip Putman International Director Brent Morgan

ASK 2018 Prayer Diary Published by The Leprosy Mission International Founded in 1874 Production Editor Heather Warne Design Mark Knight Printers KJB Print

We work to influence change in attitudes so that communities no longer stigmatise or discriminate against people affected by leprosy or disability.

Research and learning We seek to be a learning organisation that integrates new medical, social and fundraising knowledge into our policies and practices and shares it with others.

Resource Mobilisation We resolve to be an organisation well resourced in prayer, funds, partnerships and people, with all member countries implementing fundraising strategies for significant income growth.

Photo Ram Kumar can walk well with a new prosthesis from Anandaban Hospital, Nepal.

WHY WE PRAY

‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.’ 1 John 5:14 (NIV)

CONTENTS International Director’s welcome

Bangladesh – Leprosy Control and Research

TLM’s vision and values

Belgium 72

Why we pray

Canada 48

Where leprosy is found today – world map

Chad 55

Prayer Diary

Democratic Republic of Congo

Country office contact details

Denmark 43

Where TLM works – world map

England and Wales

12 21, 77

Ethiopia 42

“There is no one more sensible than myself that I was merely the instrument, that from the beginning to the present time the work has been the Lord’s, and that no human instrument can take to himself any credit in the matter.” Wellesley Bailey, Founder of The Leprosy Mission.

Trusting in the knowledge that God hears and answers prayer, holding to the belief that our work is the Lord’s, and realising that all our human efforts are in vain without God’s blessing and power, we share this ASK Prayer Guide to encourage believers everywhere to pray for the extension of God’s Kingdom through this work.

The Leprosy Mission also produces a quarterly prayer guide which can be used as an accompaniment to ASK. It provides up-to-date prayer points with the latest information on our people, projects and events throughout the year. You can download a copy from our website at www.leprosymission.org

Features

Finland 43

Jacob’s story

France 32

Fulti’s story

Germany 28

Thein’s story

Hungary 74

Mike’s story

India – Awareness and Advocacy

Rehena’s story

India – Community-Based Rehabilitation

Bartolomeo’s story

India – Countrywide

Sanjib’s story

India – Healthcare

Bishal’s story

India – Snehalayas

India – Vocational Training Centres

Devotions

Ireland 48

The Father of Glory

Italy 28

Whoever Lives in Love, Lives in God

Mozambique 26

The Lion of Judah

Myanmar 46

The Living God

Nepal

My Rock

Netherlands 56

Jesus, Wonderful Counsellor

New Zealand

16, 66 18

Niger 73 Prayer diary by theme

Nigeria

23, 70

Global Voice

Northern Ireland

Integral Mission

Papua New Guinea

Neglected Tropical Diseases

Scotland 69

People of TLM

Singapore 25

Research 59

Southern Africa

Speaking Out

South Korea

The Global Fellowship

South Sudan

The Leprosy Mission International

Spain 25

The Leprosy Mission Trading

Sri Lanka

World Leprosy Day

Sudan 20

Sweden 68 Prayer diary by country

Switzerland 14

Angola 64

Tanzania 64

Australia 44

Thailand 33

Bangladesh – Community-Based Rehabilitation 76

Timor Leste

Bangladesh – Countrywide and Healthcare

USA 48

WHERE LEPROSY IS FOUND TODAY

For a map of the countries where TLM works see page 86

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

ICELAND ED EN

GUATEMALA HONDURAS EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA COSTA RICA

HAITI JAMAICA GUATEMALA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PANAMA HONDURAS BELIZE EL SALVADOR PUERTO JAMAICA NICARAGUA RICO PANAMA COSTA RICA VENEZUELA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GUYANA COLOMBIA SURINAME ECUADOR FRENCH GUIANA

VENEZUELA

PUERTO RICO

WESTERN SAHARA MAURITANIA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GUYANA BURKINA FASO SURINAME SENEGAL FRENCH GUIANA GAMBIA GUINEA-BISSAU GUINEA

COLOMBIA

SIERRA-LEONE

ECUADOR

BRAZIL LIBERIA

PERU

COTE D’IVOIRE BRAZIL BOLIVIA

PERU SAMOA

SAMOA

PITCAIRN ISLANDS

PITCAIRN ISLANDS BOLIVIA

GHANA

PARAGUAY

CHILE ARGENTINA

URUGUAY

LIBYA IRAN

EGYPT

KUWAIT

EGYPT MALI

GAMBIA GUINEA-BISSAU NIGER GUINEA CHAD

QATAR

NIGER UAE SUDAN SAUDI ARABIA CHAD ERITREA NIGERIA

KYRGYZSTAN IRAQ IRAN TAJIKISTAN

SYRIA

KUWAIT QATAR BHUTAN NEPAL

SAUDI ARABIA ERITREA INDIA

KYRGYZSTAN

NORTH KOREA

TAJIKISTAN

JAPAN NORTH KOREA

GH AN I

ST AN

CYPRUS

HUNGARY IST TUNISIA TURALBANIA LEBANON KMENGREECEAN ISTA JORDAN

ALGERIA IRAQ

KIS

TA ARMENIA TURK MONGOLIA N MEN TURKEY ISTA N AZERBAIJAN

AZERBAIJAN

MONGOLIA UZ

NEPAL BHUTAN

IST AN

KAZAKHSTAN GEORGIA

CHINA JAPAN

SOUTH KOREA

PA K

ITA

SYRIA

GREECE LEBANON JORDAN

BURKINA FASO ALGERIA LIBYA SENEGAL

MALI

ROMANIA BULGARIA KAZAKHSTAN

GEORGIA

ARMENIA TURKEY CYPRUS

HUNGARY

MAURITANIA

CHINA

UAE

INDIA

SOUTH KOREA

LAOS

OMAN YEMEN

DJIBOUTI

LAOS

OMAN

THAILAND

BANGLADESH MYANMAR THAILAND SRI LANKA CAMBODIA

VIETNAM MALAYSIA

CAMBODIA

PHILIPPINES ETHIOPIABANGLADESH BRUNEI SOMALIA SIERRA-LEONE SINGAPORE VIETNAM MALDIVES MYANMAR BORNEO PHILIPPINES KENYA NIGERIALIBERIA MALAYSIA EG PAPUA NEW UGANDA SOUTH TOGO SRI LANKA ETHIOPIA BRUNEI SOMALIA CAR GUINEA COTE D’IVOIRE SUDAN RWANDA SINGAPORE DR CONGOMALDIVES BENIN BORNEO BURUNDI SEYCHELLES KENYA INDONESIA EG GHANA CAMEROON UGANDA PAPUA NEW TOGO GUINEA TANZANIA GABONRWANDA DR CONGO BENIN TIMOR LESTE COMOROS CONGO BURUNDI SEYCHELLES INDONESIA ANGOLA CAMEROON SOLOMON MOZAMBIQUE TANZANIA ZAMBIA ISLANDS GABON MALAWI TIMOR LESTE COMOROS CONGO ANGOLA ZIMBABWE MAURITIUS SOLOMON MOZAMBIQUE ZAMBIA ISLANDS MADAGASCAR MALAWI BOTSWANA NEW AUSTRALIA CALEDONIA NAMIBIA ZIMBABWE FIJI MAURITIUS SWAZILAND SUDAN

YEMEN DJIBOUTI CAR

SOUTH SUDAN

MADAGASCAR SOUTH AFRICA SWAZILAND

BOTSWANA NAMIBIA SOUTH AFRICA

URUGUAY

ROMANIA BULGARIA

WESTERN SAHARA ALBANIA TUNISIA

MOROCCO

BELIZE

CUBA

MOROCCO

PORTUGAL

HAITI DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

CUBA

SPAIN

PORTUGAL

CZECH REPUBLIC UKRAINE SLOVAKIA MOLDOVA

MEXICO

ITA

RUSSIA

POLAND BELARUS

PA K

USA

DENMARK

A RM

IRELAND BELGIUM LUXEMBOURG FRANCE AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND SLOVENIA CROATIA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

NETHERLANDS

ESTONIA UK

IST AN

IRELAND

LATVIA BELGIUM NETHERLANDS DENMARK LUXEMBOURG LITHUANIA FRANCE POLAND BELARUS AUSTRIA UK Y CZECH AN SWITZERLAND M REPUBLIC R SLOVENIA UKRAINE GE SLOVAKIA CROATIA MOLDOVA BOSNIA AND SPAIN HERZEGOVINA

RUSSIA ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA

IST AN

FINLAND

CANADA

USA

FINLAND

ICELAND NORWAY

MEXICO

NORWAY

CANADA

LESOTHO

AUSTRALIA

NEW CALEDONIA

LESOTHO NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND

Annual New Cases of Leprosy 10,000+ 6

1,000–9,999

100–999

1–99

No new cases detected

No data available

SOURCE: WHO 2016

FIJI

FEATURE

JACOB’S STORY From Social Outcast to Village Chief Jacob is 54 years old and Chief of a leprosy community in Niger State, Nigeria. He was born in a village in Sokoto State, the youngest of five children with four older sisters. His parents were farmers and he did not go to school but grew up helping on the farm. At age 15 Jacob noticed patches on his face but did not know what they were. He saw a traditional healer and was given herbs. These helped for a while but then the problem came back even worse than before. His parents told him he must have leprosy and Jacob was worried and became more withdrawn. He had been good at wrestling, often winning local championships, but when the other boys he wrestled with found out he had leprosy they abandoned him so he just stayed at home, only going out to help his parents on the farm. Even his own sisters (who were married) kept away from him.

In his twenties Jacob went to Ammanawa leprosy hospital in Sokoto and they referred him to Chanchaga which was the first hospital in Nigeria to offer the new multi-drug therapy (MDT) treatment. When he was 27 (around 1990) he came to Chanchaga and the health worker there received him warmly into the ward and treated him well. After so many years of loneliness and unhappiness, Jacob was very happy to be among others with similar signs and symptoms to him and in a place with staff who reassured him. Before taking MDT, he had been very weak, but taking MDT restored Jacob’s energy and strength. He’d had bad ulcers on his feet but in Chanchaga he joined a self-care group and learned to take care of his feet. After three months in the ward he was discharged and another discharged patient invited him to stay with him in Chanchaga leprosy community. Jacob met his wife, Fatima, in this community, started farming again and they had two children. The major challenges Jacob and his wife face are in accessing resources for their farm – seeds and fertiliser. Also, as they age they want to mechanise their farming more with tools like water pumps to reduce the hard labour. The other major challenge is the lack of opportunities for their children, especially after primary school. Jacob told us they used to face discrimination when selling their farm produce outside the community, but they have now overcome that problem through increased awareness.

Jacob became Chief by being nominated by the village Elders, who did so because he is a peaceful man and good at mediating conflicts, which makes him much respected. His aim as Chief is to work with others to ensure inclusion for socio-economic development so that all are able to benefit from government interventions. He also wants to see the youth become highly productive in their daily endeavours. The achievements the community has made through partnership with The Leprosy Mission are enormous. Jacob is very happy and appreciative – TLM has helped build the school, bring water and electricity, hospital support for quality services, advocacy training, leadership training, improved farming techniques and entrepreneurship, sanitation, latrines and boreholes. He expressed sincere thanks for all these. Now Jacob’s family visits him at Chanchaga and his mother, now deceased, was pleased that he had been treated and would have been proud of him becoming Chief. Sometimes he goes back to Sokoto – these days they don’t discriminate against him there; they are more sad for him about what happened, perhaps feeling ashamed of how they treated him all those years ago. Jacob’s name has been changed for his privacy.

People of The Leprosy Mission

1–7 JAN

INDIA

8–14 JAN

PRAYER POINTS MON: Although in some countries TLM staff are all or predominantly Christians, there are also many across The Leprosy Mission world that come from different religious backgrounds. Pray that through the love of their Christian colleagues and our Christian activities and ethos they would come to know the love of Jesus.

od’s blessing is foremost in the success or failure of our work. That is why we pray. As The Leprosy Mission’s founder Wellesley Bailey once said, prayer has been at the bottom of the Mission’s success since the first moments of its life. And, because God works through people, the people of The Leprosy Mission are at the crux of what we are able to do. Around The Leprosy Mission Fellowship, people of many different backgrounds and contexts are working with shared values towards a common purpose. Some donate money, or give their time as volunteers. Some work at the front lines within our health, education, community development and research programmes. Some are administrators, fundraisers or advisors. Some are speakers or advocates for the cause of leprosy. Some pray and share the work of the Mission with friends, family and church. Some have personal experience of leprosy or disability. All of them are vital to our ongoing work. When The Leprosy Mission’s people meet together, whether incountry or internationally, our diversity adds an immense richness to our conversations, our way of thinking, our prayer and worship together, and our decisions. As we begin a new year, please lift the Mission’s people up in prayer. Pray that we – from all corners of the world, in all the parts we play in The Leprosy Mission family – will be strengthened and inspired as we continue Christ’s good work of healing and restoration.

Top: Country Leaders in discussion at a TLM Global Fellowship meeting.

Tue: Thank God for all the volunteers past and present who have generously given of their time and skills to further the Mission’s work. Pray they would be abundantly blessed. Wed: Pray for the Christian staff working in countries where Christians are persecuted or oppressed or where open Christian activities are illegal. Pray for God’s protection, and for wisdom as they show God’s love through their actions and find safe opportunities to share their faith. Thu: Across TLM there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, that has less direct contact with people affected by leprosy and yet is crucial to our work. Give thanks for office staff in less visible roles and pray they would feel valued and know their impact on people’s lives. Fri: Give thanks for the dedication of tens of thousands of staff members since the Mission’s founding in 1874. Their contributions have brought us from providing relief to people affected by leprosy, to the holistic and life-changing support we are able to give today. Pray for current and future staff, especially decisionmakers, for the wisdom and inspired ideas that enable us to finish the work of eradicating leprosy and its consequences. Sat/Sun: Wellesley Bailey, our founder, said that prayer was at the basis of every good thing that TLM was able to achieve. Give thanks today for people like you, around the world, who uphold the Mission’s work in prayer. Pray too that, as Jesus taught, our persistent prayer will open doors and opportunities that otherwise seemed impossible.

TLM India staff and colleagues at their Annual Country Learning meetings 2016.

he Leprosy Mission Trust India, founded in 1874 and headquartered in New Delhi, is the largest leprosy-focused non-governmental organisation in India. It works with people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), people with disabilities, and marginalised communities. It has a diverse set of programmes – Healthcare, Sustainable Livelihood, Community Empowerment, Advocacy, and Research and Training – being implemented through 14 hospitals, 6 vocational training centres, 5 residential care homes (Snehalayas) for elderly persons affected by leprosy, and a molecular research lab, spread across nine states in India. Presently, there are around 900 staff working in various capacities in its institutions and projects. TLM India conducts its programmes in collaboration with people affected by leprosy and their communities, central and state governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) and civil society organisations. TLM India’s vision is to see ‘People affected by leprosy living with dignity in a transformed, inclusive society that has overcome leprosy’. The Operations Team comprising the Executive Director, one other Director and nine Domain Heads leads the organisation in achieving this vision. Key Staff

Dr Mary Verghese – Executive Director Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Healthcare Programme Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Empowerment Programme Mrs Nikita Sarah – Head of Advocacy and Communication Programme Mr Samuel V Thomas – Head of Finance Mr Melvin Moras – Head of Human Resources Mr Benison Solomon – Head of Audit and Risk Management

PRAYER POINTS Mon: TLM India’s three-year Country Strategy (2016-18) is in the final year of its implementation. Praise God for helping TLM India to work as per the strategy during the last two years. Pray for God’s guidance in implementing the strategy in this final year. Also, pray for God’s guidance in developing the next country strategy. Tue: Praise God for the partners who work with TLM India to eradicate the causes and consequences of leprosy. Pray for the strengthening of all collaborations and partnerships. Wed: Pray for God’s guidance and blessings on the strategies to improve the financial sustainability of the organisation through fundraising, project development and internal revenue generation. Thu: Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom for the Operations Team and the heads of TLM India’s various institutions and projects for leading the work of the Mission as per God’s will. Fri: Pray for God’s intervention in the lives of people affected by leprosy and disabilities. Pray for successful outcomes from TLM India’s work among them so that God’s name is glorified. Pray also that through TLM India’s work they will realise God’s love and care. Sat/Sun: Pray for the introduction of the EDPAL (Eliminating Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy) Bill 2015, for repealing laws discriminatory to people affected by leprosy, in the Parliament of India, and its speedy passage to become an Act. 11

Democratic Republic of Congo ‘Neglect not the gift that is in thee’ 1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV)

15–21 JAN

ize, geography, poverty and lawlessness combine to make the Democratic Republic of Congo a very challenging country in which to work. To combat and overcome these challenges, TLM Congo’s strategy is to actively target health districts and churches to maximise the power and impact of their actions on people affected by leprosy, disability and other neglected tropical diseases. The result in the first year of this strategy has been tremendous. There has been an increase in detection of new cases and trained community members and pastors have been able to detect potential new cases and direct them to health centres for diagnosis. These approaches are cementing the community-based rehabilitation model already applied throughout TLM Congo’s projects. Currently, the few dermatologists in DR Congo show little interest in leprosy and other NTDs. As the top leprosy centre of excellence in the country, TLM Congo plans to build expertise by training dermatologists who can take over the leprosy work in future. This year TLM Congo hopes to build a Guest House to raise funds, reduce expenditure and increase security for visitors and field staff.

22–28 JAN

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for the mobilisation of the churches in the city of Kinshasa, for a voluntary commitment to collaborate with TLM in fundraising and awareness campaigns in the fight against leprosy. Give thanks to God for pastors who are detecting new cases of leprosy.

Mon: Pray for TLM Global Fellowship Members using World Leprosy Day as an opportunity to engage with churches. Pray that many churches will choose to recognise people affected by leprosy in an event or service and that congregations will be inspired to greater support and involvement. Give thanks for the great generosity of donors who will give.

Tue: Pray for the mental health and inner wellbeing of people affected by leprosy and people with disabilities who are stigmatised. Pray that pastors and churches will have positive understanding and attitudes and will embrace and support people affected by leprosy.

WORLD LEPROSY DAY

Wed: Let us pray for the nation of DR Congo during their electoral period. Pray for those who are playing a role in this event: electoral commission, church ministers, politicians and the army. Pray for the Congolese people as they experience hardships in the declining economy. Thu: Pray that Zero Transmission of leprosy in the DR Congo can be achieved through partnership between TLM, the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, Action Damien and other stakeholders. Pray that comprehensive reflection will lead to innovative actions and breakthrough success. Fri: TLM Congo is working to build a Guest House in its plot, which could be a source of self-financing for small projects for people affected by leprosy and disability locally. Pray that this project will find the necessary funding for its implementation.

orld Leprosy Day is observed globally each year on the last Sunday in January, with the aim of raising awareness and knowledge about leprosy, the fact that it can be cured and to change attitudes that stigmatise and marginalise people affected by the disease. Within The Leprosy Mission World Leprosy Day is celebrated through a variety of activities appropriate within each country. In some places where leprosy is a health issue these may be about public education and advocacy, and in others they may be about raising funds and praying for the programmes that support people affected by the disease and its consequences. In some countries where we work, TLM is taking a flexible approach and inviting supporters to celebrate a Leprosy Sunday in the months surrounding World Leprosy Day. This will give more opportunity for leprosy to be promoted in churches, schools and other communities.

Sat/Sun: Pray for the safety of TLM Congo personnel, both at country and project level as they travel across DR Congo, that God will protect them against kidnapping and armed conflicts.

Tue: Pray for TLM Global Fellowship Members running World Leprosy Day events such as lectures, advocacy visits, press conferences and visits to communities of persons affected by leprosy. Pray that these events will further strengthen the fight against leprosy and its consequences. Wed: The International Federation of AntiLeprosy Associations (ILEP), of which The Leprosy Mission is a member, is focusing its World Leprosy Day activities on a goal of zero disabilities in girls and boys affected by leprosy. Pray that this message would be farreaching and would resonate with the public. Thu: Pray for all those using digital and social media to advocate for people affected by leprosy, that their messages would inspire and be picked up and shared to wider audience and raise visibility of the needs of people affected by leprosy and of the work of TLM. Fri: Pray for associations of people affected by leprosy and disability who are using World Leprosy Day as a platform to rally and lobby for their rights to be recognised. Pray that they would be heard and responded to, and that TLM would provide appropriate support where needed. Sat/Sun: Pray for partnerships with national and local governments, other NGO partners and communities, for relationships to be strengthened where we are working together on combined World Leprosy Day events and for smooth coordination and positive results.

Senior Staff

Louis Paluku Sabuni – TLM Country Leader Christian Bulambo Bisimwa – Head of Finance and IT Advisor Raphael Mulamba Mbuyamba – Project Development Officer Doris Mukelungu Ndombe – Logistics and Admin Didier Muhima – Project Manager and HR Advisor Top: Training health professionals in village health centres.

Top: A poster-making competition for persons affected by leprosy, organised by TLM Shahdara Hospital, Shahdara, New Delhi, as part of their World Leprosy Day celebrations.

Switzerland ‘Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.’ Psalm 84:5 (NIV)

29 JAN–4 FEB PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks to God for the involvement of three new and four existing members of the voluntary board and their faithful service. Pray that each person can bring his or her skills for the growing of TLM Switzerland to support people affected by leprosy. Tue: Give thanks to God for Dan and Babs Izzett, international speakers and advocates with personal experience of leprosy, who were in Switzerland in November 2017. Pray that the people they have met will consider supporting people affected by leprosy.

eople involved with The Leprosy Mission Switzerland have been showing love and support for leprosy-affected people for 113 years. A small team of five operates from two offices, one in the French- and one in the German-speaking part of the country. A dedicated board, partnering churches and institutions as well as many loyal donors are committed to the cause of the Mission. TLM Switzerland works in partnership with other Members of the Global Fellowship and with people affected by leprosy to implement projects in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Niger. Within the country TLM Switzerland raises awareness about leprosy and themes related to it, such as poverty, exclusion and development. It offers the opportunity to be involved in praying for and supporting people affected by leprosy or disabilities and their families.

Wed: Pray for the distribution of the book with Dan’s testimony in French and German. Pray that people can learn more about God and develop their relationship with Him. Thu: Give thanks to God for the five staff of TLM Switzerland. Pray that they stay motivated. Pray for an additional employee to increase fundraising from institutions and major donors. Fri: Give thanks for the many loyal donors in Switzerland. Pray that the team will find new and also younger supporters. Pray especially for the development of successful online marketing campaigns. Sat/Sun: In April, TLM Switzerland will host the TLM International Board Meeting. Pray for the planning and for delegates’ safe travel. Pray for fruitful meetings and the development of concrete steps to reach our vision of leprosy defeated and lives transformed.

Senior Staff Markus Freudiger – TLM Country Leader Anne-Claude Jonah – Representative in French Switzerland Nadja Klarer – Fundraising and Communication Esther Kuny – Finance Christine Schneeberger – Administration Jan Kuny – Chairman

Top: Nadja Klarer from TLM Switzerland visits a beneficiary in India. Opposite: TLM Switzerland Country Leader Markus Freudiger with a patient at Anandaban Hospital, Nepal.

Nepal – Part 1

5–11 FEB PRAYER POINTS

he Leprosy Mission began its work in Nepal in 1957 establishing Anandaban Hospital. TLM Nepal, now a local organisation with its own board, works in partnership with the Government to provide specialist tertiary care and technical support for national leprosy control programmes. It also carries out internationally recognised research into leprosy and implements disability-inclusive community development programmes through its own activities and strategic partnerships. TLM Nepal’s development interventions focus in the areas of health, capacity building, education, sustainable livelihoods, community development, advocacy and research working towards equity and inclusion of people affected by leprosy and disability in the development process. Anandaban Hospital and Clinic Anandaban Hospital is the centre of excellence for leprosy referral services in Nepal, providing holistic leprosy care and world class reconstructive surgeries. The hospital also serves the general public through its outpatient department and is renowned for its high quality orthopaedic and dermatology services. TLM Nepal has also been running an extended outreach, Anandaban Patan Clinic, in the urban part of Lalitpur district since 2012. Patients are referred to Anandaban Hospital for further specialist treatments from this clinic. Senior Staff Country Office Mr Shovakhar Kandel – TLM Country Leader Mr Chiranjivi Sharma – Programmes Coordinator Ms Rakchhya Maharjan – Programmes Support Officer Mr Sushil Khatiwada – Finance Manager Ms Geeta Gyawali – HR Officer Anandaban Hospital Dr Indra B Napit – Medical Director/Orthopedic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Mahesh Shah – Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Leprologist Dr Deanna Hagge – Director of Mycobacterial Research Lab Mr Gopal Hari Pokhrel – Training Officer

Mon: Please pray for God’s strength and guidance for Country Director Shovakhar Kandel and his team in their management of the country programme and close working with the Global Fellowship, ILEP members, Government of Nepal, disabled people’s organisations and other stakeholders. Tue: Please pray for Shovakhar, wife Laxmi and daughter Srijana as they grieve the death of Mamta, their youngest daughter and loving sister. May God provide comfort, consolation, good health and new hope in fulfilling His promises in their lives. “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” Nahum 1:7. Wed: Pray that TLM Nepal is able to continue its coordination and foster the partnership with the Government of Nepal, and transfer leprosy skills to more Government health personnel so that more people affected by leprosy can be reached. Thu: Pray for the safety and good health of the many volunteers and medical elective students who visit TLM Nepal. May the Lord give them ample opportunities to gain better understanding of leprosy, TLM’s work and the culture and situation of Nepal. Fri: A professional exchange programme between TLM Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal was approved in 2017. Over 3 years, 15 personnel will be exchanged for 7 months to a year between the 3 countries. Pray this exchange programme may achieve its objective of building capacity of TLM staff and increasing sharing and learning. Sat/Sun: Pray that the Lord bless all those supporters who have worked tirelessly in raising funds for the reconstruction of Anandaban Hospital buildings damaged in the 2015 earthquakes. Construction is underway. May the Lord protect and guide construction engineer Tek Sharma and all contractors in their work. Pray that the daily services provided at the hospital are not hindered.

Top: TLM Nepal staff and international colleagues at their Annual Country Learning meeting.

Bangladesh ‘Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.’ John 15:4 (NIV)

12–18 FEB PRAYER POINTS Mon: Bangladesh faces political instability as a country. Pray for a stable working environment for TLM Bangladesh to continue services for leprosy-affected people. Tue: TLM is seeking and preparing to elect a local board to govern the work in Bangladesh. Pray that this plan will progress well with a positive outcome. Wed: Pray for God’s strength and guidance for Mr Salomon Sumon Halder as he leads the team in Bangladesh. Pray for wisdom for all those in leadership roles as they navigate the various challenges of their work and locations.

he Leprosy Mission employs around 350 staff in projects across Bangladesh. The country office is in Dhaka, the capital. It is responsible for overseeing the projects, networking with secular and Christian NGOs, and building relationships with Government health staff. Projects include leprosy control, as part of the Government programme; community-based rehabilitation; advocacy that aims to influence attitudes about leprosy at Government and community level; and a leprosy referral hospital located at Nilphamari. A major aspect of the field work is the important leprosy research projects which are of international significance. There is also a dedicated training centre at Nilphamari providing leprosy and other training to government and NGO staff. Danish Bangladesh Leprosy Mission Hospital (DBLM) has been functioning in Nilphamari since 1977 and provides tertiary services for leprosy complications. It is the only dependable specialised leprosy treatment centre in the country and also provides reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation and assistive devices. The quality care at DBLM Hospital is focused on leprosy patients but also includes patients with general disabilities, prioritising children, women and the poor and sharing expertise with others. TLM Bangladesh also provides services for tuberculosis patients in some districts, aiming to reduce the disease’s prevalence in cooperation with the national tuberculosis programme. Top: TLM Country Leader Salomon Sumon Halder (left) with Dr Shafiqul Islam from the National Leprosy Elimination Program and special guest Dr Ranjit Kumar Barman, Civil Surgeon, at the inauguration of DBLM Hospital’s new out-patient department building.

Thu: Pray for surgery camps taking place at DBLM Hospital. Pray that the surgeons will be well prepared and God would guide their hands, and that those receiving surgery would faithfully complete the necessary pre-and post-surgery exercises to gain the maximum possible benefit from their operations. Fri: DBLM Hospital needs a new Program Leader, Nursing Officer, Assistive Device Technician and Medical Assistant. Please pray for the recruitment process, that the right people will be found for the roles and would settle in well and thrive in the TLM team. Sat/Sun: The new out-patient department at DBLM Hospital needs laboratory and diagnostic facilities which will require additional funding. The hospital budget is heavily dependent on local income – pray that their target is achieved and there will be sufficient funds for the needed facilities.

Senior Staff Country Office Mr Salomon Sumon Halder – TLM Country Leader Mr James Taposh Adhikary – Administration and Finance Coordinator Mr Jiptha Boiragee – Program Support Coordinator Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Community Program Leader Mr John Arpon Samaddar – Chittagong and Dhaka Program Leader DBLM Hospital Dr Jewel Benjamin Rozario – Residential Medical Officer Mr Andrio Boiragi – Finance Manager Dr Samsun Nahar – Medical Officer Dr Virginia Sukla Biswas – Medical Officer Mr Abu Al Helal – Project Manager, TB Control Project

DEVOTION

New Zealand ‘For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.’ Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

19–25 FEB PRAYER POINTS Mon: TLM NZ is planning for its new Strategic Plan 2019-2023. Pray for wisdom and a strong consensus as senior staff members and board members seek God’s will for the organisation in the next five years. Tue: Praise God and pray for Gillian Whitley, TLM NZ Country Leader, who has diligently and humbly worked for TLM NZ for eleven years. Pray for wisdom and discernment as she leads the rest of the team in supporting people affected by leprosy.

he Leprosy Mission has been in New Zealand since 1912. About 12,000 New Zealanders regularly support the work of the Mission. TLM NZ raises income through mail campaigns, a bequest programme, Cure One regular giving programme, and government grants. Their three strategic priorities (2014-18) are engaging New Zealanders in ending leprosy and transforming lives; resourcing and supporting field programmes to cure, care for and restore people with leprosy; and actively partnering with The Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship to end global leprosy. TLM NZ undertakes a range of activities in New Zealand including: Youth Advocate Scholarship Programme for university students. Running for Rights team in the Auckland Marathon. Partnering with Christian radio. Working with ethnic communities from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia. Speaking to churches and community groups. Prayer diaries sent to ‘Prayer and Praise’ supporters throughout New Zealand.

• • • • • •

Senior Staff Gillian Whitley – Country Leader Martin Malkaney – Finance Manager Sarita Divis – Fundraising Manager Jasleen Kler – Programmes Manager Anne Ratliff – Chair of the Board

Wed: Give thanks for TLM NZ’s positive partnership with implementing countries and partner organisations. Pray these relationships will strengthen and continue to bring hope and lasting change to people affected by leprosy around the world. Thu: Give thanks for TLM NZ’s many volunteers who give so freely of their time to assist with office administration tasks, and who speak at local churches and community groups about leprosy. They play a vital role in TLM NZ’s work and their support is invaluable. Fri: Over the course of this year, TLM NZ staff are conducting a range of fundraising activities with the message that leprosy can be defeated and lives transformed. Pray that these initiatives will be fruitful and inspire new committed donors. Praise God for New Zealanders who for many years have financially supported people affected by leprosy living in some of the poorest regions of the world. Sat/Sun: Each year a group of young people are chosen to become advocates for the vital work TLM does with leprosy-affected people. They then travel to Nepal and visit the Leprosy Mission hospital. Pray this year’s Youth Advocates can meet their fundraising commitment for leprosy work in Nepal. Remember also people affected by leprosy in Nepal who are still living in vulnerable situations following the 2015 earthquakes; pray they will receive the physical and spiritual support they require.

THE FATHER OF GLORY At Svalbard, a Norwegian island, a vault houses a secure seedbank. Storing seed is meant to ensure against the loss of seeds in the world in case of a global disaster. I was reminded of this ‘risk management’ measure when reading Revelation 4:11. “Thou art worthy, o Lord, to receive glory and honour and power”. At times I become gloomy when I look at the dark side of life. In my eyes there are a lot of reasons to feel low when reading news, when thinking about the slippery road our world community travels on. I do not spare myself, but mourn how I contribute to physical, social and spiritual decay. Yes, I do. Where are the glory, the honour, the wisdom, the riches we were supposed to live by? When I hear of wars, greed and poverty, I, as a father and grandfather, fear we are in a global disaster already. “Thou art worthy O Lord”. This is what I need to say to myself. In you, God, are glory and honour and power safely secured. They’re not gone, not lost forever and all who have been denied the enjoyment of God’s riches, be it because of themselves or because of what others inflict on them, should find consolation in this powerful message. It’s not gone. It lasts forever. I read again about that secured glory in Ephesians 1:17. Paul calls God the ‘Father of glory’. The Father, Paul says, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. Before he made the world, God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. These are a few lines from Paul’s letter to Ephesians, meant for me too and I can thank God, the Father of glory. The Father of glory be praised. It’s all safe and secure in Him and meant for me to enjoy his riches.

Top: Gillian meeting with a leprosy-affected patient at Muzaffarpur Hospital, India.

Photo © Tom Bradley

‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.’ Revelation 4:11 (KJV)

Piet Both has served TLM in various roles since 1991 until he retired in 2015 and is currently a member of their Project Ratification Group.

Sudan and South Sudan ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’’ Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

26 FEB–4 MAR

PRAYER POINTS Sudan Mon: Pray for a new programmes staff member, a person who shares our values, who will further develop the work in Sudan.

England and Wales – Part 1 The King will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40 (CEV)

Tue: Our relationship with the Government of Sudan has a big impact on the work we are able to do. Pray for an ever improving relationship and partnership to offer better services for people affected by leprosy in Khartoum state.

TLM Sudan The Leprosy Mission supports the leprosy control programme of the National Ministry of Health in Sudan through the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), providing national diagnostic skin smears and operating a national training centre for the treatment and diagnosis of leprosy. Through collaboration with the Episcopal Church of Sudan, TLM’s Aburoff Clinic provides eye care, wound care, footwear and reaction management for people affected by leprosy. In 2018, TLM hopes to develop an integrated NTD and dermatology care programme with the Ministry of Health and work with Disabled People’s Organisations to develop a joint awareness programme regarding leprosy and other NTDs. TLM South Sudan In South Sudan, TLM is mainly involved in community development and psychosocial support in collaboration with African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries, a local faith-based organisation. TLM provides trauma support, healing and counselling to people affected by leprosy and other disabilities and the local community members. TLM is also involved in supporting the South Sudanese Government’s National Leprosy, Buruli and Tuberculosis programme to maintain leprosy in the Government agenda. In 2018, TLM hopes to develop the capacity of the newly formed association of persons affected by leprosy in Juba, and hopes to develop a joint advocacy and awareness programme including four associations of persons with disabilities. South Sudan is still affected by widespread insecurity, which affects the safety of TLM staff. 20

Wed: Pray for John Kuku and Seela Kajo, TLM staff in Khartoum, for encouragement and focus as they serve people affected by leprosy in Aburoff Clinic. South Sudan Thu: Pray for peace, security and stability in South Sudan, including the safety of staff and project participants in Juba and beyond. Fri: Pray for the end-of-project evaluation process for the socio-economic development work in Luri Rokwe (a village where many people affected by leprosy live), which will takes place towards the end of September. Pray especially for safety and protection for Mary Kamilo, the project officer, and her involvement in the process. Pray too for Mary as she represents TLM South Sudan at the Community-Based Rehabilitation Africa Network in May. Sat/Sun: Pray for the team in South Sudan as they seek to develop a new project addressing leprosy and NTDs in Jonglei State. Pray for God to provide suitable partners.

Senior Staff Sudan Dr Yousif Deng Riak Deng – TLM Country Leader Ms Seela Kajo Shalluka – Aburoff Clinic Manager Mr John Kuku – Khartoum State Leprosy Supervisor South Sudan Dr Yousif Deng Riak Deng – TLM Country Leader Dr Wilson Lado Santo – Operation Manager Ms Mary Kamilo Wani – CBR Officer, Luri Rokwe projects

Top: The TLM South Sudan team.

LM England and Wales’s role is primarily fundraising, generating prayer support and working with field partners to ensure effective implementation of TLM programmes. This includes providing support for project development; monitoring projects; and capacity development. TLM England and Wales is also involved in national and international advocacy activities which encourage community empowerment, combat stigma and challenge anti-leprosy legislation. It is passionate about educating people to see leprosy for what it is; a mildly infectious and treatable disease as opposed to a label for life. A partnership approach is key to the work of TLM England and Wales, which partners with 23 organisations as well as with each of the individuals it serves across Asia and Africa by working to promote dignity and inclusion. The Executive Office carries and imparts vision, reporting to the Board of Trustees to ensure the effective governance of the charity. It is responsible for the recruitment of staff and looking after policies and procedures. At the core of the Mission is the essential activity of prayer and engaging supporters to pray for people affected by leprosy, staff, and TLM’s work. Senior Staff Peter Waddup – TLM Country Leader Zoë Bunter – Head of Mission Development Siân Arulanantham – Head of Programmes Co-ordination

5–11 MAR

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks for the appointment of Ralph Turner, elected Chair of the Board of Trustees, and for the wealth of experience he brings to the role. Pray for wisdom for him as he supports the National Director and the staff team to ensure good governance of the charity. Tue: Pray for safety for the Programmes Team as it visits projects in the 11 countries where TLM England and Wales works. Pray that the team will stay healthy, and will have wisdom and cultural sensitivity as it ensures that the donations from its generous supporters are having the greatest possible impact on the lives of people affected by leprosy. Wed: Praise God that TLM England and Wales is now an associate partner in World Mission with the Church of England. Pray that this will raise awareness of the needs of leprosy-affected people in many new churches and encourage new supporters to join the Mission to see leprosy defeated. Thu: Give thanks for the Supporter Care team, whose role is key in ensuring that the organisation functions well. Pray for God’s guidance and inspiration in meeting their daily challenges and for the smooth implementation of the new customer relationship management system which is key to their relationships with donors. Fri: Pray for the Data team as it moves forward with the new customer relationship management system. Pray for wisdom and insight to ensure the best outcomes for TLM. Pray that it will be implemented as planned, in the summer of this year. Sat/Sun: Pray for wisdom as TLM England and Wales moves forward with Stamps and Collectables which are dealt with at the Peterborough office. Pray for the Supporter Care team as it deals with enquiries from supporters and dealers and thanks donors. Give thanks for the volunteers who help with the sorting and trimming of stamps.

Top: Peter Waddup, TLM England and Wales Country Leader

India – Awareness and Advocacy ‘For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.’ Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

12–18 MAR

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for an early passage of the Private Members’ Bill, for repealing laws discriminatory to people affected by leprosy, by the Parliament of India.

Mon: Commit the TLM Nigeria strategic fundraising plan for 2018 to God. Pray that God will grant the fundraising team innovative ideas and access to the right prospective corporate sponsors, institutional funders, and individual donors; and the wisdom to harness available opportunities, for the development of new channels of income and partnership.

Wed: The Advocacy and Communication team is lobbying for implementation of the recommendations of the Law Commission of India for rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy. Pray for the success of this initiative. Thu: Pray for the Leprosy Champions being developed by TLM India in the states where it is working. Pray for God’s strength and guidance for the Champions, for them to take up their issues at all levels. Fri: Pray for TLM India’s media partners. Pray that they highlight the issues of people affected by leprosy at the national and state levels. Sat/Sun: Pray for the success of the national-level leprosy awareness campaign, and for partners to come forward to support the campaign. Pray too for the success of the community-level leprosy awareness campaign being held in different states of the country.

LM in Nigeria supports the National and States Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, and ministers to over 40,000 leprosy-affected persons residing in various communities in Nigeria. Nearly 3,000 new leprosy cases are diagnosed each year in Nigeria, around 6% of who are children less than 14 years of age, indicating ongoing transmission in the communities. In addition, more than 14% come with visible deformities at diagnosis, which indicates late reporting. These two issues are of great concern. Without vital support from TLM Nigeria and its partners, many of these cases would be missed and people would endure prolonged struggles with the consequences of the disease including disability, poverty and social exclusion.

KEY Staff

Top: Special screening of the documentary on leprosy, ‘The Unwanted’.

Tue: TLM Nigeria was nominated as one of five beneficiaries of the Green Worship for Change Initiative by Wale Adenuga geared towards impacting the lives of thousands of orphans and children with special needs in Nigeria through the proceeds of a live gospel worship recording. Pray that the proceeds will yield the desired result to fund the educational support project. Wed: Pray for persons affected by leprosy and their families that God will fill their lives with His peace, and grant to them courage to rise above the burden of stigma and discrimination to live meaningful lives. Thu: Pray that God will bless the volunteers in TLM Nigeria that they will be encouraged to know the impact that they are making in so many lives. Pray for more people to take action, especially as church representatives, community fundraisers and volunteer speakers. Fri: Thank God for Dr Sunday Udo, National Director, for his safe return from his two years leave of absence with TY Danjuma Foundation. Pray that God grants him wisdom as he continues to lead the TLM Nigeria team, and engage with partners and government to positively impact the lives of persons and communities affected by leprosy.

Senior Staff

Mrs Nikita Sarah – Head of Advocacy and Communication Mr Jacob Oommen – Team Leader, Communication

19–25 MAR

PRAYER POINTS

Tue: Pray for the success of the social media campaigns and their impact on all audiences. Pray for God’s guidance for those planning and implementing the campaigns, that their messages would stir hearts and minds and inspire people to action.

he Leprosy Mission Trust India’s Advocacy and Communication Domain supports people affected by leprosy to speak out on the issues that are important to them, defend and safeguard their rights, and have their voices heard when policymakers make decisions that affect their lives. TLM India works with well-placed partners nationwide to highlight issues that have a negative impact on the daily lives of people affected by leprosy. A key part of the country strategy is to change mindsets so that people recognise leprosy both as a public health problem and as an issue of human rights. This is done in three main ways: media messages targeting negative attitudes and practices; working to ensure that government legislation and policies will be favourable to people affected by leprosy; and making sure that the people responsible for carrying out those policies understand the realities of leprosy and the concerns of those affected by it.

Nigeria – Part 1

Dr Sunday Udo – TLM Country Leader Dr Moses Onoh – Medical Advisor Mr Israel Kehinde Adio – Head of Finance and Administration Mr Terver Anyor – Funds Development Manager Mr Pius Ogbu Sunday – Operations Manager

Sat/Sun: The TLM Nigeria sponsored movie “Don’t Cry for Barbara” was released for sale to the public. Pray that the movie continues to raise awareness on the issues of leprosy, reduce stigma and discrimination and increase local income from its sales.

Top: The TLM Nigeria Country Office Staff.

FEATURE

Spain and Singapore

FULTI’S STORY

PRAYER POINTS Spain Mon: Pray for the preparation of TLM Spain’s annual magazine and other resources, that they will be able to source photos and testimonies to inspire their donors with the life-changing impact of the work they support.

A long journey from cave to caretakers When her physical disability started to become quite visible, Fulti found herself in the absolute darkness of the cave. Around 80 years old, Fulti Shahi, from Humla District in Nepal, is yet another unfortunate woman who was abandoned by her family and community because of leprosy. Fulti’s husband died about eight years ago and her daughter eloped with a man from a nearby village and never visited her again. Her nephew took her to the health post in Simikot but the medication didn’t meet their expectations of her being fully healed. Her disabilities continued to worsen. She went to other hospitals in Dadeldhura, Dhangadi, Pokhara and Nepalgunj but none of them could stop her advancing disability. As a result, people around her started to avoid her presence. Soon she found herself living an isolated life in a cold cave. She had no choice other than begging for food and clothes from a nearby monastery and village to support herself. One after another unsuccessful attempt to heal her physical illness, and the isolated life in the cave, made Fulti weak both physically and mentally. “During my travel to Kathmandu I couldn’t hold my tears. It took a very long journey to reach here. What a fate!” she says. Upon questioning about her lonely life in the cave, she answered: “When I was alone and wanted to have someone by my side to share my feelings, there was no one for me. I used to cry a lot.” Once again she revisited those days and slowly closed her eyes to let her tears flow down her cheek. 24

With the help of staff at Central District Office, Simikot, police and a few journalists of Annapurna Post, she came to TLM’s Anandaban Hospital to find herself in a totally different atmosphere. Fulti says “When I found other female friends in the ward, I felt like sun was shining brightly inside my heart.” Now she is not alone. She found good caretakers and female acquaintances with similar experiences to make her realise that she is not the only one battling this illness. According to one of the hospital staff, she came to Anandaban on July 20th, 2017 and started her routine medication once again. Now she looks happy with a warm bed to sleep in and clean garments to wear.

26 MAR–1 APR

TLM Spain TLM Spain is operated by a small volunteer team that receives support from individual donors and churches. It produces an annual magazine, sharing stories and photos so that donors can feel close to the projects they’re supporting despite the distance. Since their recently updated website, they have seen a 25% increase in web donations. They focus their revenue on TLM’s work in Nigeria, particularly in projects with an emphasis on prevention of disability and provision of medical supplies.

Tue: Give thanks for the benefit that the newly updated website is having on the online donations received by TLM Spain. Pray for God’s blessing on Vivian, Samuel and Sebastián who have put it together.

TLM Singapore The Singapore Leprosy Mission (TSLM) is a support group (established in 2004) that raises financial support for TLM, encourages people to pray for the work and raises awareness in Singapore of leprosy and The Leprosy Mission. Their vision is ‘A world without leprosy’ and their mission statement is ‘Restoring Health, Rehabilitating Life, Restructuring Employability, Resourcing Support’. Recently they have been raising support for Anandaban Hospital, Nepal, where major repairs are needed following the 2015 earthquakes in addition to the ongoing leprosy work.

Singapore

Key Team Spain Mr Jose Manual Carballo – Chairman Mr Miguel Torralba – Vice-President Ms Vivian Calderón – Executive Secretary Singapore Rev Dr George Seow – Chairman Ms Lam Yan Yan – Recording Secretary Rev Milton Lazarus – Committee Member

Wed: Pray for God’s peace and provision for the small team as they juggle their work, church and family commitments. Pray that they will have sufficient income for their needs and that they and their families will be in good health, that they may be a blessing to many people. Thu: Thank God for the dedication of the Singapore Leprosy Mission board. Pray that the directors will have wisdom, strength and God’s guidance as they promote the work of the Mission. The chairman, Dr George Seow, sends out a regular newsletter to inform donors and ask for funds – pray that God will use the newsletter to speak to people’s hearts. Good Friday: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.’ Lamentations 3:22 (NIV). Give thanks for the powerful sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Singapore, new donors are needed. Pray with the directors that new donors will be found through personal contacts of the board and current donors, and through extending their mailing list to new churches. Easter Saturday/Sunday: ‘The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”’ Psalm 29:9 (NIV). The Living God has defeated death! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Top: The Singapore Leprosy Mission Board of Directors.

Mozambique

2–8 APR PRAYER POINTS Mon: Over the past couple of years, Mozambique has passed through a time of political instability. We are thankful that the situation is currently stable, but please pray that all the parties involved continue to talk to each other so that the country can remain peaceful.

he Leprosy Mission in Mozambique works in close cooperation with the Government Health Department in support of the Leprosy Control Project in the province of Cabo Delgado. There are also strong links with community partners including community volunteers and self-care groups. ALEMO is an association of people affected by leprosy, supported by TLM Mozambique, that works to improve the livelihoods of its members through improved agriculture methods, training and advocacy. In other work, more than 200 children affected by leprosy are included in the Iphiro Yohoolo education project, which aims to keep them in school and inspire them to break the cycle of poverty. During 2018 TLM Mozambique will conclude a project aimed at improving livelihoods in 89 communities where they have self-care groups. In each of these communities the project will teach sustainable agriculture methods and start savings groups. Church community mobilisation is increasingly a priority for the programmes in Mozambique and the team dreams to have the local church as a stable partner engaging with communities affected by leprosy and bringing hope and healing. SENIOR Staff Dr Arie de Kruijff – TLM Country Leader Sr Belarmino Reich – ALEMO and Iphiro Yohoolo Project Manager Sr Hipolito Cocorea – Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer Sr Jorge Armindo – Prevention of Disabilities/Leprosy Control Project Manager Sra Nelta Jumamossi – Accountant Sr Culaire Luis – Human Resources Manager Top: Teachers trained in women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

Tue: Community involvement and participation is a very important component of the leprosy programme in Mozambique, with more than half of all new cases being identified by our community partners. Pray that these important partnerships can grow and that the Government provincial leprosy supervisors can integrate this contribution effectively. Wed: The local church is present in many communities affected by leprosy. Through the UMOJA (‘unity’) project TLM Mozambique has been building links between the church and communities affected by leprosy and self-care groups. Pray that people in the local churches will take up this banner and serve as instruments of transformation in their communities. Thu: The Iphiro Yohoolo project works to integrate children affected by leprosy in schools and prevent school drop-out due to early marriages or stigma. Pray for new partners to help sustain and develop this project benefiting more than 200 children. Fri: A leprosy mapping project started in June 2017. As part of this project the health ministry will also integrate a new electronic neglected tropical disease information system. Pray that this will be successful and will translate to better management and planning of the leprosy programme, which until now has had chronic multi-drug therapy shortages across the country. Sat/Sun: One of TLM Mozambique’s challenges for 2018 is to reach villages that are further afield in the province of Cabo Delgado. Pray that the Leprosy Control Services (under the responsibility of Mr Armindo Jorge) will achieve this goal in good partnership with the provincial Health Department.

Joaquina Albino is a member of a self-care group in Chiure district. She learned to do conservation agriculture in this group and has put it into practice to produce this harvest. Joaquina is a widow and lives alone. Agriculture is the basis of her sustainability. With the new technique she saw an increase in her production yield compared to previous years. 27

Germany and Italy

9–15 APR

Northern Ireland

PRAYER POINTS

‘Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’

Germany

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Mon: TLM Germany faces major changes in spring, as its Board election seeks to engage new generations. Pray for young people who are interested in the work of The Leprosy Mission, and ideas and possibilities to lead TLM Germany into a good future.

TLM Germany TLM Germany started as a local circle of friends around Dr and Mrs Riedel. They were pioneers in the fight against leprosy, working from 1951 to 1997 for The Leprosy Mission. Their hope was to bring all people God’s love and make His kingdom visible. All members of TLM Germany’s executive committee are volunteers and are part of different parishes. They organise special fundraising events and are invited to various groups and communities in order to report on their projects. TLM Germany supports projects in Niger, India and Chad. TLM Italy TLM Italy was founded in 1968 by a committee of volunteers who worked hard to make the Mission known in Italy. Many things have changed in recent years, and the team in Italy are now working to add new staff to the committee to get new ideas, while working with modern media, including the internet, Facebook and a blog, to reach people more easily. They are also launching cultural projects and fundraising events, with a view to get in contact with people living in different Italian regions and gain their support. Unfortunately Italy currently faces a long-lasting economic crisis which is driving many young people to leave Italy.

Italy Thu: Pray for Pietro Matino, TLM Italy Board Secretary, as he speaks about the Mission in libraries and other public spaces. Pray that God would guide him and open doors to new opportunities. Fri: Give thanks for the churches collaborating with TLM Italy. Pray for the charity meetings they organise, that they would be innovative, well attended and successful in raising funds and awareness. Sat/Sun: Pray that TLM Italy can find new people to help them in their work, bringing skills, ideas, enthusiasm and a passion for the cause of people affected by leprosy.

KEY Staff Germany Dr Johannes Schäfer – Chair of the Board Bettina Merz – Country Leader

Top: Young people collect old Christmas trees to raise money for The Leprosy Mission Germany. Above: Members of the TLM Italy team at a meeting in Arezzo.

Italy Pietro Matino – Board Secretary Franco Ciuchi – President Elia Landi – Board Member

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks for the new database and website. Pray that these will be useful tools to engage with people in an inspiring and targeted way and help to bring about a notable increase in prayer support and giving. Tue: Give thanks for the growing partnerships between TLM Scotland, Trading, England and Wales and Northern Ireland. During 2018, new joint campaigns are being considered. Pray that the Lord would pour out his blessings, bringing unity, direction and increased impact from these initiatives.

Tue: Give thanks for the many faithful people in Germany who pray for our work and support us financially. Thank God too for the churches that carry our concerns in their worship services. Wed: Pray that God will strengthen the network of volunteers and supporters in Germany and their enthusiasm for the work of The Leprosy Mission. May He give the team the right words, creative ideas, helping hands and open ears and hearts that they can reliably contribute to the implementation of TLM’s projects and people will experience God’s love.

16–22 APR

LM Northern Ireland engages and educates people to help resource and support the work in leprosy affected countries. Prayer is at the core of all activities. The four priorities in their strategic plan, 20172020 are: 1. ENGAGE people from across Northern Ireland to help defeat leprosy and transform lives; 2. RESOURCE – significantly increase financial resources to support those affected by leprosy and ensure maximum impact for every £1 donated; 3. EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE – promote an accurate understanding of leprosy. Increase access to equal human rights for those affected by leprosy by tackling stigma and discrimination and promoting positive change in public policy and practice; 4. ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE – build an agile, resilient organisation that can effectively deliver its strategic objectives. The team engages with all ages over all Northern Ireland, especially churches and schools. Staff and volunteers speak regularly at church services and events. As well as a quarterly prayer update, they also produce a magazine twice a year. In 2018, TLM Northern Ireland will prioritise and develop donor relationships and explore new opportunities to raise funds and increase long term support. Collaboration will be key as they partner with TLM Scotland, TLM Trading and TLM England and Wales on joint campaigns, funding applications and fundraising support. Top: TLM Northern Ireland staff team.

Wed: Give thanks for the faithful service and Godly leadership of the board of TLM Northern Ireland. Pray for wisdom and God’s leading in all their decisions. As some board members step down, pray that God would raise up the right people to replace them. Thu: Give thanks for the faithful and generous giving of supporters in Northern Ireland over many years, both individuals and churches. Pray that God would lead and direct the TLM team to engage new supporters and develop further sources of income, as they seek to significantly grow the amount of money remitted to TLM projects. Fri: Give thanks for the support of nearly 300 church representatives who faithfully pray and raise funds and awareness on behalf of TLM. As some retire, pray that others will be raised. Pray also for safety and open doors for the volunteer speakers’ team as they speak at churches and different community groups. Sat/Sun: Pray for Joanne Briggs, National Director, and the staff team as they work to raise awareness and funds. Give thanks for their commitment and passion for the work of The Leprosy Mission. Pray for effective team work, unity and protection over them.

Staff TEAM Joanne Briggs – TLM Country Leader Hazel Coulter – Database Administrator Peter Hilton – Church & School Engagement Officer Joy Jamieson – Office & Finance Manager Aude Deering – Administrative Assistant (Maternity Leave) Fiona Davidson – Board Chairperson

DEVOTION

Southern Africa ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

23–29 APR PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for a smooth transition in TLM Southern Africa’s work as they bid farewell to Otto, Erna and Rika, and give thanks for their legacies of hard work, perseverance and love for God and His Kingdom. Tue: Pray for the growth of the RampUp programme and in particular that people with disabilities will take up leadership roles within RampUp. Wed: Give thanks that the South African postal service continues to improve, although delivery times and services in some areas are erratic. The team is sufficiently confident that the improvement is lasting to be investigating reinstating acquisition mailings. Please pray that their appeals will be met with a generous response.

he Leprosy Mission Southern Africa was established in 1949. It raises funds to finance leprosy work in South Africa. The majority of new cases are found in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces. TLM runs leprosy programmes in KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. Occasional assistance is provided for leprosy work in other parts of South Africa and Namibia. The RampUp programme assists people with disabilities to find a home in the church. During 2018, training material developed for churches in recent years will be made available to congregations to help them develop their own disability inclusion campaigns. Three of TLM Southern Africa’s stalwarts retire during 2018: Otto Kingsley, who joined the Mission in 1980 and has promoted the work of the Mission over the past twenty-three years across the Western and Eastern Cape as Regional Director; Erna Möller, who began as Social Worker at the former Westfort Leprosy Hospital in 1987 and since then has seen her role expand in numerous ways, especially developing and leading the Ramp Up programme; and Rika Colyn, who has served as the Mission’s book keeper at the Johannesburg office since 1991. Top: TLM Southern Africa Country Leader Peter Laubscher.

Thu: A number of bequests in favour of the Mission are taking a very long time to be processed. Pray that the funds will be speedily released. Fri: At the start of 2017, the Mission faced a huge and unexpected tax invoice from the South African Revenue Service. Thanks to the fervent prayers of many people near and far, this situation was reversed. Praise God! Pray that the Mission will enjoy an equitable relationship with SARS during 2018. Sat/Sun: Pray for Goodman Qhosholo (Eastern Cape) and Lucky Kunene (kwaZulu Natal). In their role as Leprosy Programme Coordinators, they travel vast distances to educate community members and health workers about the early signs of leprosy. They also attend to the needs of patients, run leprosy clinics and conduct contact screening of newly diagnosed leprosy patients. Lucky requests prayers for improved health during 2018.

Senior Staff Peter Laubscher – TLM Country Leader Theo de Villiers – Deputy Director Erna Möller – Programme Manager (until end of May)

WHOEVER LIVES IN LOVE, LIVES IN GOD In today’s world many mothers are worried whether their children are safe, have had a meal and are resting somewhere comfortable. Many more mothers must run to the prison, to the police, or to the hospital so that their son or daughter will know despite everything else that she is there. These women manifest God’s love on earth. Through their love their children will see God’s love. Regardless of their situation they faithfully carry out their duties as mothers to the end. In 1 John 4:16 we read ‘And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.’ In a material world many struggle with myriad wants and little desire for spiritual enrichment. Many strive for individualistic lifestyles and forget the glue of a spiritually rich community – love. An individualistic lifestyle has lost faith in this glue, and life is meaningless. We know where there is love, there is happiness. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 reminds us to ‘be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong’ and to ‘do everything in love.’ For after all, we know it is in love for His Father and our Father that Jesus humbled himself on the cross. We, many of us from the margins, have been called to serve and like the mothers who try to keep their children in faith, do so by loving. We are called to love those we serve.

Rosa Koian is a Communication for Development Specialist and has worked in various development sectors in Papua New Guinea. She recently joined TLM Papua New Guinea as project manager.

‘Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.’ Revelation 4:11 (KJV)

France ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.’ Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

30 APR–6 MAY PRAYER POINTS Mon: TLM France is grateful to have been able to engage a secretary and an accountant on subsidised contracts. Let’s pray that they can keep these contracts subsidised by the French State for Hanta and Carine for 2019.

Thailand and South Korea ‘so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God’ Colossians 1:10 (ESV)

Tue: Pray for savvy and committed volunteers to help TLM France to engage with supporters and share their message via social media. Wed: TLM France has a new website; let us pray for positive management of this tool, and for it to have an impact on increasing the awareness and engagement of the public who do not yet know The Leprosy Mission.

LM France (known in the country as Mission Lèpre) consists of a small team of staff governed by a local board. The team communicates with donors mainly through their regular magazine ‘En Action’ and their recently updated website. Staff, board members and volunteers also visit churches to present the work of the Mission. Over the past year TLM France has participated in several meetings with the Fédération de Missions Evangéliques Francophones (FMEF) and the Association au Service de l’Action Humanitaire (ASAH), two associations which bring together Christian Mission organisations. It is an excellent opportunity for the spiritual encouragement for all participants and a good way to stay informed. In 2018, TLM France is relying heavily on the promise of a church’s commitment to have a dozen people run for TLM during the popular “Race of Heroes” event, an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness. They are hoping to expand their volunteer team to help them revive and raise the profile of The Leprosy Mission among Christians and churches.

Thu: A church near Paris intends to mobilise their members for the next “Race of Heroes” event in June. Let us give thanks for this opportunity and pray for the ongoing partnership with this church and a new involvement in this field. Fri: A new project is in sight in Kivu (DR Congo); pray for enthusiasm around this new project for the DR Congo team, the French team and among other TLM countries supporting the project. Sat/Sun: TLM France’s board members are faithful, but they need help. Let us pray for more people to be inspired to action by the cause of people affected by leprosy and moved to join as volunteers.

KEY Staff

Top: Pascal Machefer, Country Leader of TLM France.

Pascal Machefer – TLM Country Leader Carine Fotso – Finance Hanta Andriamasivelo – Secretary

McKean Rehabilitation Center In Thailand, The Leprosy Mission has had a long relationship with McKean Rehabilitation Center, which is owned by the Thai church. Today McKean cares for and integrates patients with leprosy and disabilities and age-related problems. McKean is recognised as the centre providing leprosy expertise in north Thailand, and also provides residential treatment and rehabilitation for marginalised or displaced disabled persons, along with training in activities to promote sustainable livelihoods. McKean has also been pioneering the development of multi-tiered aged care for the broad spectrum of elderly folk in the region. TLM Korea Although there are very few new cases of leprosy detected each year in the Republic of Korea (South Korea), there are still many elderly people living with leprosy-related disabilities. Although the overall health and social welfare environment has improved greatly, there are still places where the public assistance system has yet to reach. TLM Korea runs the Jesus Hospital in Daegu, which specialises in dermatology services and any cases of leprosy, and an adjacent nursing home to protect and care for elderly people affected by leprosy, and other lowincome elderly and disabled people who are not benefiting from public assistance. It also provides other forms of support to elderly leprosy-affected people in the community and raises prayer support for TLM’s work. In July 2017, with the support of the Government, TLM Korea began the process of expanding their nursing home facilities. Top left: Heather Smith, Deputy Director of McKean Hospital, with former patients and students who are now colleagues on McKean staff, designing, making and teaching crafts. Top right: Care services at Jesus Hospital and Nursing Home.

7–13 MAY

PRAYER POINTS Thailand Mon: McKean seeks to develop as an exemplary Christian Senior Centre. Pray for God’s leading in all development plans, and that all the frequent interactions with a wide spectrum of visitors and trainees will bring positive results and demonstrate God’s love. One such development is a new training school for senior care givers, where many will have their first experience with the Christian message – pray for its impact in their lives. Tue: Pray that medical students will remember what they learn at McKean and be able to recognise leprosy when they see it, reducing the delay before new patients receive a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Wed: McKean facilitates accommodation, care and treatment opportunities for marginalised and disabled stateless patients. Pray they may be granted official permits, safe travel and timely access to all surgery or treatment they need. South Korea Thu: Pray for stability in the Republic of Korea and for its people as they manage the social and psychological impact of the ongoing threat from North Korea, in particular the threat of a nuclear bomb. Fri: Pray that the construction which began last year of a government-subsidised extension to TLM Korea’s nursing home will proceed safely and smoothly. Pray that the elderly leprosyaffected people using these facilities can live in peace and security for the rest of their days. Sat/Sun: Pray for wisdom and health for Chairman Mr Allun Cho and all TLM Korea board members and staff as they undertake leprosy work in Jesus Hospital and nursing home for the elderly. KEY Staff McKean Hospital Dr Oosanipon Sriminipant – Acting Director/Manager Heather Smith – Deputy Director Dr Trevor Smith – Leprosy Advisor/Doctor South Korea Mr Jaewoong Choi – Programme Coordinator Mr Allun Cho – Chairman

India – Healthcare

14–20 MAY PRAYER POINTS Mon: TLM India advocates for and supports the government in early detection of leprosy so that many patients receive early treatment, which will help them remain free from disability. Please pray for the success of this initiative. Tue: Pray for all the medical professionals and other staff working in TLM India’s hospitals and Snehalayas (care homes). Praise God for their commitment, and pray for God’s continued guidance. Wed: TLM supports the Government of India’s National Leprosy Eradication Programme, at the national and state levels in four states (Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh), through the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP). Pray for successful working together so that we can

he Leprosy Mission Trust India delivers its healthcare programme through 14 hospitals spread across nine states of India, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The hospitals address all aspects of leprosy as a medico-social disease. They provide not only specialised leprosy referral services, but also primary-level preventive healthcare through community outreach. Leprosy is a major cause of disability, and the hospitals address the issue of disability through institution-based and community-based disability management. They also provide secondary-level healthcare in other medical specialities, such as dermatology,

ophthalmology, general medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynaecology. One of TLM India’s strategic priorities is early detection of leprosy and providing correct treatment in time so that the patients do not suffer disability, and those who have disabilities are rehabilitated. To achieve this, TLM hospitals advocate and support the government in active case detection and build its expertise in early detection of leprosy and its complications, and disability management. Also, TLM India promotes models of a functioning referral system, and builds synergies with other programmes addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs); water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and disability.

strengthen the government’s leprosy eradication programme. Thu: Pray for God’s wisdom to core team members in all the states where TLM India is working, as they work towards a common goal. By all programmes working together, TLM India aims for the holistic development of people affected by leprosy. Fri: Pray for more individual, corporate and institutional donors to come forward to support TLM India’s healthcare programme. Sat/Sun: Pray for leprosy-affected people who are staying as in-patients in our hospitals, away from their families, homes and livelihoods, that they would find a ready welcome and loving care and would return to their lives refreshed and with a brighter future.

KEY Staff

Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Healthcare Programme TLM Philadelphia Community Hospital, Salur, Andhra Pradesh – Mr Surjit Pal – Superintendent TLM Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

TLM Hospital, Vadathorasalur, Tamil Nadu – Dr R Chinnaraju – Medical Superintendent TLM Hospital, Dayapuram, Tamil Nadu

– Dr U K Hembrom – Medical Superintendent

– Dr Suresh Herbert – Deputy Medical Superintendent

TLM Bethesda Leprosy Home and Hospital, Champa, Chhattisgarh – Dr Sandeep Kumar – Medical Superintendent

– Mr Vijay Prathap – Deputy Superintendent

TLM Hospital, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh TLM Hospital, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh

TLM Hospital, Chandkuri, Chhattisgarh – Dr Manotosh Elkana – Medical Superintendent

– Mr Bino Berry – Superintendent

TLM Hospital, Shahdara, Delhi – Mr Stephen Levi – Superintendent

– Dr Ruby Marshala – Deputy Medical Superintendent

TLM Hospital, Naini, Uttar Pradesh

TLM Kothara Community Hospital, Kothara, Maharashtra – Dr Asha Massey – Medical Superintendent

TLM Premananda Memorial Leprosy Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal – Dr Helen Roberts – Medical Superintendent

TLM Richardson Leprosy Hospital/CHANGED project, Miraj, Maharashtra – Mr Shirish Shegaonkar – In-charge/Senior Programme Manager

TLM Purulia Leprosy Home and Hospital, Purulia, West Bengal – Dr Famkima Darlong – Medical Superintendent

Top: Ward rounds at one of TLM India’s 14 hospitals.

TIMOR LESTE ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

LM Timor Leste’s vision is to see an improvement in the quality of life of people affected by leprosy or disabilities and their families. Having reached leprosy elimination (fewer than 1 case per 10,000 population) in 2011, during the past few years numbers have increased. TLM Timor Leste continues to advocate to the Ministry of Health that ‘elimination’ does not mean there is no leprosy in Timor Leste, that more work is needed to locate new cases for early treatment, and that every person affected by leprosy is of value as each one of us is God’s special work of art. The Better Community Health for Communities Affected by Leprosy (BHCAL) project, working with the Ministry of Health and other clinical partners, aims to achieve leprosy elimination and reduce leprosy-related disability in high endemic districts (Oecusse, Dili and Baucau) while also supervising and monitoring lower endemic districts. The Community-Based Rehabilitation Social, Economic, Health, Development (CBR SEHD) project aims to integrate people affected by leprosy back into the community through 24 self-help groups in six districts, with plans to expand. The Oecusse Leprosy Elimination and Disability Reduction (OLEDIR) project aims to reduce leprosy and related disability in Oecusse district through early diagnosis and treatment, encouraging prevention of disability strategies and raising leprosy awareness in communities. The Rights for Persons with Disability (RPD) project aims for people with disabilities to fully participate in society and have equal access to rights and opportunities. 36

21–27 MAY PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for leprosy to be fully integrated into the Ministry of Health’s services in the new Timor Leste government.

The Leprosy Mission International ‘And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ Micah 6:8 ESV

Tue: Pray for the leprosy training in case management and prevention of disability for 60 medical doctors from the health posts and community health centres in Dili, that it will run smoothly and the doctors would incorporate the training in their daily work.

Fri: Pray for TLM Timor Leste’s six disabled people’s organisation partners (relating to different types of disability) as they continue to advocate for the rights of people with disability in Timor Leste. Pray for wisdom, health and commitment in every difficult situation as they deal with politicians and government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Sat/Sun: Pray for TLM Timor Leste’s partners as they prepare their strategic plans, that they will involve people affected by leprosy in their activities and working plans.

he Leprosy Mission International, led by Brent Morgan (International Director), is a 20-person team, most of whom are based in Brentford in West London. TLM International is funded by the Members of the TLM Fellowship, who look to it for leadership, coordination and support. The International Office holds a unique global overview of the TLM Fellowship. Part of its mandate is inward-looking – the role of helping the worldwide organisation to function well. Of increasing importance is the outward-looking aspect. The International Office is expanding its profile and taking the lead in increasing the Global Fellowship’s impact through advocacy and fundraising initiatives including in new countries or areas. Brent and his team are accountable to the International Board which consists of twelve people from eight countries in the global South and North. Leading the board are Colin Osborne (chair, based in England), Anne Ratliff (vice chair, based in New Zealand) and Philip Putman (treasurer, based in England). The board meets face-to-face twice a year. KEY Staff

Senior Staff Afliana (Nona) Lisnahan – Country Leader Francisco da Costa – Project Coordinator (BHCAL & OLEDIR) Nelson da Silva – Project Coordinator (CBR SEHD) Joel Costa – Project Supervisor (RPD) Top: TLM Timor Leste team.

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Last year saw a number of changes in personnel at the International Office, with new roles in Human Resources, Advocacy and Fundraising support. Please pray for the impact these roles will have on the Global Fellowship. Tue: A key focus area for the International Office is the development of the Leadership Development Programme that will equip and encourage our leaders to thrive in their roles. The first group have started the year’s course in November 2017. Please pray for the God-given equipping of our leaders and the unleashing of their leadership potential.

Wed: Pray for the five CBR SEHD project staff, for wisdom and commitment to continue the good work supporting the economic development of the 24 self-help groups, through developing good business plans and strengthening self-help group members’ self-confidence and leadership capacity. Thu: Pray for CBR SEHD project activities in partnership with the Ministry for Social and Solidarity Timor Leste, for a smooth renewal process of their agreement.

28 MAY–3 JUN

Brent Morgan – International Director Pete Garratt – Head of Operations Support Jannine Ebenso – Head of Quality Assurance Gladstone Worthington – Head of Finance Peter Walker – Head of Fundraising Development Pradeep Bagival – Head of Advocacy

Wed: Last year, the International Office launched two major new Global Fellowship resources: Glasscubes, an online collaboration tool; and ResourceSpace, an online platform for sharing images and case studies. Pray for the International Office staff members implementing these platforms, for the global staff learning how to use them, and that they will meet the needs of the Fellowship. Thu: The International Office’s budget is funded by contributions from Member countries. There is a gap between the costs and the funds available. Please pray for Brent and his team as they set priorities, look for ways to control costs, and find other sources of income. Pray especially for the project to install signage on the roof of the International Office – a good potential source of income, but one that has experienced a lot of challenges. Fri: The International Office is looking at the values of the Global Fellowship and how these are outworked in our daily lives and work. Pray for a spirit of unity and encouragement for the staff as they seek to serve the Global Fellowship and those affected by leprosy. Sat/Sun: Thank God that he continues to care for the needs of people that are stigmatised and excluded as a result of leprosy. Pray that in responding to their needs, all offices and countries of The Leprosy Mission will demonstrate a true and caring heart, and skilful hands (Psalm 78:72).

Top: The Senior Leadership Team at the International Office.

FEATURE

THEIN’S STORY A Profitable Basket Business When Thein was 10 years old he lost sensation in his legs and hands and was referred to a doctor by a health inspector. He was given a one-year course of multidrug therapy (MDT). After three months he developed neuritis and couldn’t hold things or feed himself – he was bed-bound for two to three months and aching all over. Thein used to farm betel nuts and vegetables but was unable to do this for the last 10 years due to disability. He has clawed hands and feet. He also has sight loss unrelated to leprosy.

In the aftermath of cyclone Nargis, in 2008, Thein was put in contact with TLM Myanmar. At Mawlamyine Hospital his feet were treated and through TLM Myanmar’s projects he got checked once a month for ulcer care. He was given a Prevention of Impairment and Disability kit containing cream, gauze and other materials to help protect him from injuries leading to further disability. Now, with the help of a 100,000 Kyat microcredit loan from a project funded by the UK Government, Thein is able to make his livelihood as a basket weaver. He cuts bamboo strips for three days and then weaves baskets for three days. In a six day period he can produce 30-40 baskets, which he stockpiles before selling so he can get a good price. Before this loan he needed to take local loans and was always paying back interest. Now he can make straight profits of 68,000 Kyat per month. He spends his money on his child.

Thein is a beneficiary of the Integrated Rehabilitation and Improved Access project. As part of the project, fifteen disability resource centres and drop-in centres provide physical rehabilitation through physiotherapy to overcome disabilities, as well as counselling and emotional support. They support more than 100 rural communities. Over the last few years the project has helped more than 1,500 people affected by leprosy and their families, including about 150 leprosy patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery.

Thein’s name has been changed for his privacy.

Although he has no plans to expand the weaving business, Thein would like to develop agriculture on his own land, for example selling Betel nuts and growing vegetables for his own consumption.

Bangladesh

4–10 JUN PRAYER POINTS

After living many years with undiagnosed leprosy, Shanu was able to get the right diagnosis and treatment thanks to an Area Health Inspector trained in leprosy by TLM Bangladesh.

Leprosy Control and Research In Bangladesh, leprosy control and research are conducted alongside community-based rehabilitation activities. This is to ensure that TLM’s projects address more than just the physical needs of people affected by leprosy. The aims of the leprosy control programmes are to ensure quality leprosy services; raise awareness; stop the transmission of leprosy from person to person; and prevent disability. Patients with complications are referred to DBLM Hospital for further treatment. TLM Bangladesh also works to strengthen the Government’s health services and build capacity of health staff. A new research project aims to understand in more detail how people respond immunologically to the presence of M. leprae, the causative bacterium of leprosy. Through researching this as well as the transmission patterns of the bacterium we can obtain insight that helps pinpoint those at highest risk of developing leprosy. Another study seeks to demonstrate the impact (at five years) on individuals and communities taking part in self-help group based projects. It is hoped the results will encourage support for these sorts of community-based rehabilitation activities. KEY Staff Leprosy Control and Research Mr John Arpon Samaddar – Chittagong and Dhaka Program Leader Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Rural Health Program Leader Mr Jiptha Boiragee – Program Support Coordinator Project Managers Dr Jibok Chakma – Chittagong Mr Parach Chakma – Chittagong Hill Tracts Mr Khorshed Alam – Leprosy Field Research and Leprosy Control, Rural Health Program Mr Jeorge Biswas – ILSHSS – Dhaka and Gaibandha Dr Abu Sufian Chowdhury – Field Medical Officer Mr Sultan Md. Elias – CLMP

Mon: A new study funded by R2STOP (a research funding initiative) started in July 2017 in Nilphamari, seeking to identify transmission patterns of the leprosy bacterium as well as risk factors in how people infected respond to the disease. The field work for this study will be completed in December. Please pray for the recruitment and enrolment of participants affected by leprosy and their contacts and for their involvement in this study. Tue: Chittagong Leprosy Management Program (CLMP) will be running a new community research project on effective awareness. This is a completely new initiative for the staff of this project, who will need a lot of skills to implement the research. Pray for their capacity to learn these new skills and carry out the research effectively. Wed: The Integrated Leprosy Services through Health Systems Strengthening (ILSHSS) project seeks to strengthen the Government health systems in terms of leprosy care. There is still a gap in the skills of Government staff in disability management. Pray for the development of the next phase in the project (2019-2021) that it may address these issues. Thu: Pray that TLM Bangladesh will be able to successfully transfer leprosy skills to Government health staff that they will be capable and motivated to continue the services. Pray for continued positive collaboration with the Government. Fri: Chittagong Hill Tracts Leprosy Control and Rehabilitation Project faces a lot of challenges working with secular partner NGOs in implementing the project. Pray that staff can work wisely with the partners. Sat/Sun: A new study starting this year across multiple centres is testing the use of Methotrexate and Prednisolone in treatment of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (leprosy reaction) through a randomised doubleblind controlled trial. Pray that this study will yield crucial results that help move us forward in how to treat this debilitating condition.

Neglected Tropical Diseases ‘Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.’ Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)

11–17 JUN

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for wisdom and guidance for all those TLM members exploring opportunities to collaborate with others in tackling multiple neglected tropical diseases. Tue: Pray for safe travel and good networking opportunities for the TLM staff attending the annual Neglected Tropical Disease Non-Governmental Development Organisation Network (NNN) meetings.

he World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 1½ billion people in the world are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a group of 20 infections that cause chronic illness, pain and disability. Leprosy is one of the 20 diseases. Given the large numbers of people involved, significant progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals will require proper attention be given to combatting NTDs and supporting those affected by them. Leprosy is endemic in the geographical areas where many of the other NTDs are found. In addition, a number of the complications associated with leprosy are found in other NTDS, including wounds, eye problems, oedema (swelling of the hands and feet), reduced mobility, stigma and discrimination. TLM has been aware that persons affected by leprosy might have other conditions as well; indeed in many situations TLM has been prepared to tackle the symptoms, complications and consequences of other diseases, including NTDs, at the same time as addressing a patient’s leprosy. The intensive case management approach used in leprosy is also the approach used for Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and yaws. These present opportunities for joint interventions.

Wed: In DR Congo, TLM is implementing a new NTD project in the province of Kongo Central aimed at improving community awareness of leprosy, Buruli ulcer and yaws. The project also seeks to strengthen health centres’ ability to diagnose and treat those affected. Pray for a successful project and that persons affected by these diseases will know kindness, support, healing and freedom from discrimination. Thu: Pray for funding support from global institutional and foundation donors to tackle NTDs, and to ensure that such support includes leprosy. Fri: In Nigeria, TLM is working to reduce the barriers in Zamfara state that prevent people affected by leprosy and lymphatic filariasis, with related disabilities, from accessing treatment and care services. Ask for God’s blessing on the staff and encouragement to those affected by these diseases to persevere in their daily care regimes. Sat/Sun: Please join us in prayer for the total eradication of the Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm) disease which is down to its last few cases in South Sudan and Chad. If the last few cases can be contained we will see the world rid of its second disease after smallpox.

KEY Staff Pete Garratt – Global NTD focal point, International Office Shabina Sadiq – NTD and research officer, TLM England and Wales Top: Raising awareness in Nigeria of neglected tropical diseases and the treatment available.

Ethiopia ‘So thank God for his marvellous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.’ Psalm 107:8 (The Message)

18–24 JUN

Top: Ms Tanny Hagens (top centre) visiting a project in Ambo.

25 JUN–1 JUL

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for good communication and collaboration between ENAPAL, TLM and the different government departments at every level. Pray that we can work together towards zero transmission and improve the wellbeing of people affected by leprosy and disability.

Denmark

Tue: Pray that the Lord will touch the lives of persons affected by leprosy and disability who are training in business skills in order to start their own income generating activities, so that their efforts will be successful and sustainable.

n Ethiopia, The Leprosy Mission works mainly through partners. Long standing partnerships with the Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL) and Addis Ababa Leprosy Victims Rehabilitation Association (ALVRA) have been established and continue to be fruitful. We also work with the All African Leprosy Tuberculosis Rehabilitation and Research Training Centre (ALERT) and Boru Meda Hospital. An ongoing study in Kokosa, Ethiopia has shown that leprosy transmission is still high, with many new cases found, 21% of them children. TLM is working to strengthen and improve the knowledge of ENAPAL members so they can participate in case finding at community level. Awareness raising takes place in the wider community and health professionals are also trained so that together we can work towards zero transmission. A new physiotherapy department block is a great asset to the Boru Meda Hospital; and specific physio services are accessible closer to home for people affected by leprosy and other disabled persons. TLM Ethiopia also provides technical advice to an ENAPAL research project exploring familybased approaches to preventing and managing disabilities. TLM Ethiopia is a member of the Disability International NGO (DINGO) forum, which serves as a platform for information exchange and networking as well as joint resource mobilisation.

Denmark AND FINLAND

Wed: Pray for Berihun and Tanny as they face many challenges in meeting the requirements for international NGOs set by the Ethiopian government. Thu: Pray for protection and safety for ENAPAL and TLM staff during travels to the different projects. Fri: Pray for Ethiopia, where there is not enough rain in certain areas of the country. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the government to deal with this continuous problem. Thank the Lord for funds from organisations in the Netherlands to support persons affected by leprosy and their communities to overcome the difficult period of drought. Sat/Sun: Thank the Lord that the DINGO forum has been well received by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Pray that their aim to increase the “voice” of persons with disabilities through their combined efforts in raising awareness and promoting inclusion will be blessed and be fruitful.

Senior Staff Ms Tanny Hagens – Interim Country Representative Mr Berihun Legesse – Finance and Admin Officer Head of Partners Mr Tesfaye Tadesse – Managing Director of ENAPAL Mr Shiferaw Mengiste – General Manager of ALVRA Mr Mezemir Kefema – CEO of ALERT Mr Dawit Kidane Teku – CEO Boru Meda Hospital

Mon: This year TLM Denmark will have a partnership conference with its long-time partner The Leprosy Mission Bangladesh. Pray that their relationship will be strengthened through this and other meetings.

TLM Denmark TLM Denmark is a small entity, administered on behalf of the board by Danish Missions Council Development Department. The board members are also actively and cooperatively involved in contacting donors and working with partners, with Chairman Jørgen Andersen acting as National Director. TLM Denmark has about 1,000 private donors and is in the fortunate position of receiving substantial funding from the Danish Government for projects in Bangladesh. TLM Denmark’s main focus is on fundraising primarily to support The Leprosy Mission in Bangladesh with whom they have a partnership agreement. This is achieved through: a magazine four times a year; letters to donors; and running fundraising projects with churches around Denmark. TLM Finland Support for TLM started in Finland in 1968 and the National Council was formed in 1981. TLM Finland is operated solely through the generosity of volunteers, who work with individuals, churches, church groups and other organisations to raise prayer and funds to finance leprosy and disability prevention work in DR Congo. They also seek to increase knowledge and interest in Finland about leprosy, how it affects people, and what can be done to help. TLM Finland produces three to four annual magazines in Finnish and Swedish; publishes articles and stories about leprosy work in Christian and secular magazines; shares at churches, schools and other interested groups; and attends Christian and mission-related festivals and events. Top: Board member Filip Engsig-Karup speaks fluent Bangla – here translating Suren Singh from TLM Bangladesh from Bangla to Danish at a meeting in Denmark.

Tue: In 2017 Klaus Leonhardt, the National Director for TLM Denmark for the past 10 years, resigned, and the board chose to take a much more active role. Pray that they will be blessed to fulfil their role and equipped with the skills and energy to do so. Wed: Donor acquisition has been difficult and the average age of donors in Denmark is increasing. Pray that TLM Denmark will be successful in acquiring new and younger donors. Finland Thu: Give thanks for the people who give freely of their time, talents and resources to volunteer for TLM Finland in support of people affected by leprosy. Fri: Give thanks for the faithful supporters in Finland, some of whom have been offering prayers and donations towards the Mission’s work since the 1960s. Sat/Sun: Pray for God’s blessing on TLM Finland’s continued focus on interesting and inspiring young people to find their place in The Leprosy Mission community. Pray that the team can find fresh new ways to present the challenge of leprosy.

SENIOR TEAM Denmark Jørgen Andersen – Chair of the board Finland Rev Eija Kilpi – Chair of the Board Ms Marja Aho – Vice chair Ms Ritva Pohti – National Director/Secretary

DEVOTION

Australia ‘For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people’ Titus 2:11 (ESV)

he Leprosy Mission Australia began over a hundred years ago, when Wellesley and Alice Bailey inspired twenty Australians to form their own chapter. Although there have been many changes since then, the emphasis on prayer, fundraising for the service of others, sharing the needs of people affected by leprosy, and the inspiration of Jesus Christ and his healing compassion has remained the same. Today, supporters help serve people in six countries: Timor Leste, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Papua New Guinea and Thailand. They give generously of their time, prayers, finances, and by shopping to help people affected by leprosy, other neglected tropical diseases, poverty and disability. Last year saw the introduction of Cure One— an opportunity for Australian supporters to Cure, Care for and Restore one person affected by leprosy. Over this year, TLM Australia is looking to expand its online giving through crowdfunding, develop the selection of handicraft products in its shop, and grow World Leprosy Sunday to reach even more people around Australia.

Senior Staff Sheldon Rankin – Chief Executive Officer Geraldine Toh – Finance Manager Nerida Collard – Executive Assistant Pam Lake – Relationship Manager Paul Andrews – Marketing Manager Philip Hamilton – International Program Manager Supun Thejana – Merchandise Manager Top: Sheldon Rankin, CEO of TLM Australia.

2–8 JUL PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for safety as the International Programs staff travel to implementing partners to review projects, help build capacity, and collect resources for fundraising and communications; and for the National Engagement staff as they travel to different events around Australia, that they would be able to inform, inspire and encourage others to support people affected by leprosy. Tue: The National Prayer Weekend is held on the last weekend of August. It’s an annual opportunity for Australians to set aside time, together or by themselves, to pray for people affected by leprosy. Pray that it would inspire people in their walk with Jesus, and draw them into a deeper faith with God and God’s healing mission. Wed: Give thanks for the successful introduction and generous reception to Cure One last year, a sponsorship programme to Cure, Care for and Restore one person affected by leprosy over 12 months. Pray that Cure One would continue its successes into 2018, moving and inspiring people to give generously. Thu: TLM Australia has been increasing its range of products made by people affected by leprosy, disability and poverty, and introduced its own Cuppa for a Cure and Restored range, so that supporters can further help through their shopping. Please pray for the artisans and producers who are providing handicraft products to the shop, given the many strict deadlines, high demands, and the potentially disruptive weather and political conditions. Fri: Pray for TLM Australia’s board as they point the organisation forward with wisdom, experience and prayerful contemplation. Give thanks also for the board’s demonstrated expertise and vision. Sat/Sun: Pray for the many wonderful volunteers as they process and dispatch shop orders, organise events, share the mission with others, and send newsletters and other communications to supporters around Australia.

THE LION OF JUDAH The Jesus we know from His time on earth was humble. He was the Lamb of God who humbled himself, taking on the nature of a servant, even to death on the cross (Phil 2: 5-11). He described himself this way. “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt 11:29). This is the Jesus I know well from the gospels and seek to emulate. But this means I sometimes have trouble thinking of Jesus as the King who will return in power and glory, as the Lion of Judah as He is described in Revelation 5:5 “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll”. When I try to think of Jesus as a powerful King it really helps me to think of Aslan, the Great Lion in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. C. S. Lewis didn’t transfer Christ directly into Narnia but tried to imagine what Jesus (the same Jesus we know) would be like in this parallel land. He described Aslan as how Christ might have appeared in a fantasy world. I just love the character of Aslan. He is strong, powerful and gentle. He is the King of Narnia with many and varied followers (humans, talking animals and mythological creatures). He is not an absent or remote King but highly and benevolently involved in the lives of his subjects. He can give a lovely loving cuddle with his soft fur and beautiful mane and but he can also roar with power and fury at injustice. He is wise and firm, loving, compassionate, loyal and protective. He has authority. His roar is powerful. His word is truth. His commands are trustworthy. He teaches and corrects. He rescues. He sacrifices himself. He is a leader who inspires devotion. He empowers and trusts his followers, sometimes in his absence. Because, after all (and I love this), “He is not a tame lion, you know”. And that helps me to know Jesus better! Photo by Antonio Macias on Unsplash

‘Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Revelation 5:5

Susan Maiava, Board Member of TLM New Zealand and former International Board Member. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis © copyright CS Lewis Pte Ltd 1950

Myanmar ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?... then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.’ Isaiah 58:6-8 (NIV)

In 2016, 2,609 new cases of leprosy were identified in Myanmar, with a high disability rate indicating late detection. Low priority, lack of infrastructure and expertise, and stigma and misinformation in communities are all challenges which TLM Myanmar works with the national leprosy control programme to address, through integrating leprosy rehabilitation into the mainstream disability movement. TLM in Myanmar helps to ensure essential medical, surgical and rehabilitation services are available at two specialist hospitals in the country, through financing training for health professionals on leprosyrelated services. Strategically located Disability Resource Centres, focal points for rehabilitation activities for all kinds of disability, ensure that communities can access essential information on health, disability and human rights; physiotherapy; technical and leadership skills training; help for children with disabilities to go to school; and support and care through self-help groups. TLM Myanmar helps facilitate opportunities for different stakeholders to be involved in research studies, and, together with communities and partners, advocates for the legal rights of persons with disabilities. It also supports national efforts to ensure that children are given the best start in early childhood through timely interventions to address causes of delays in development. SENIOR Staff Dr Zaw Moe Aung – TLM Country Leader Mr Nyi Nyi Lwin – Head of Programmes Ms Kalayar Tun – Finance Manager Dr Myat Thida – Field Operations Manager Ms Naw Say Say Phaw – Human Resource/Office Manager

9–15 JUL PRAYER POINTS Mon: TLM Myanmar has begun a new project focused on inclusion in the agriculture sector, marketplaces, and micro-finance. Please pray that all project participants, especially those in positions of influence, have open hearts and open minds, and that people with disabilities and those affected by leprosy can be empowered to earn an income through these project activities. Tue: Please pray for the Civic Engagement Alliance team, who are working to make mainstream development projects more inclusive of women, youth, and people with disabilities. Pray that they would serve as a role model and inspiration for inclusion within other mainstream organisations. Wed: TLM and the Myanmar Federation of People with Disabilities have begun work on a two-year joint project, aimed at becoming a strong voice for people with disabilities in lobby and advocacy activities in Myanmar. Please pray that these efforts result in longlasting change during this crucial time in the country’s political journey. Thu: With the help and guidance of the International Office, TLM Myanmar is expanding the skills of its team. Please pray as they work to build their skills and knowledge so that they can best serve people affected by disability and leprosy. Fri: Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH), a partner of TLM Myanmar, is developing a 15-year business plan. Please pray for wisdom and God’s blessings on the development and implementation of their business plan, and that those affected by leprosy can continue to be blessed by this hospital. Sat/Sun: Please pray for the visitors from World Servants who will be generously volunteering their time and energy to support MCLH this August. Pray that God watches over them, and that they and those they are serving experience the love of Christ through their work.

Top: TLM Myanmar team and international colleagues at their Annual Country Learning meetings 2017.

Restoring function through physiotherapy exercises.

FEATURE

USA, Canada and Ireland ‘May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.’ Psalm 33:22

American Leprosy Missions American Leprosy Missions is the oldest and largest Christian organisation in the United States dedicated to curing and caring for people affected by leprosy and related diseases. It has transformed the lives of more than four million people worldwide through medical treatment, training, Christian outreach, prevention of disability, community development and research. effect:hope 2017 marked the 125th anniversary of effect:hope’s work. Their focus remains on people who live with the pain, impairment, disfigurement and stigma of diseases that impoverish and isolate. They focus on four objectives: to strengthen health care systems; to equip and empower people in remote communities; to advocate at all levels; and to conduct research into how these diseases are transmitted. TLM Ireland TLM Ireland has a new international fundraising initiative with a new name – The Mission to End Leprosy. They support strategic interventions to map, prevent and treat leprosy by partnering with affected communities, researchers, government agencies, NGOs, hospitals, funders, and entrepreneurs. In addition to leprosy, they work with other neglected infectious and parasitic diseases found in the same regions. TLM Ireland’s focus this year is on diversifying their funding streams. Senior Staff ALM Bill Simmons – President and CEO effect:hope Peter Derrick – CEO TLM Ireland Ken Gibson – CEO Left: Peter Derrick, CEO of effect:hope. Right: Bill Simmons, President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions.

16–22 JUL

PRAYER POINTS Mon: May the Lord grant American Leprosy Missions, effect:hope and TLM Ireland wisdom and guidance as they implement their strategic plans to reduce the impact of leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases, seeking always to be a blessing in the lives of those they serve. Tue: Pray for American Leprosy Missions as they seek and strengthen new partnerships with funding organisations and new donors who will become champions of their ministry. Wed: R2STOP – Research to STOP neglected tropical disease transmission – is an initiative of effect:hope and TLM Ireland to promote and fund research that will close existing knowledge gaps. Six R2STOP research projects began in 2017. Please pray for the scientists and teams working on these projects, that their research will result in important new knowledge about leprosy transmission. Thu: Pray for effect:hope’s Every Child Thrives Project, entering year three, that it will continue to successfully provide Vitamin A supplementation and de-worming medication to 1.8 million preschoolers in Cote D’Ivoire and Kenya and that the national health systems will be strengthened to continue to provide these medications routinely in future. Fri: Pray for new fundraising initiatives at TLM Ireland. Pray for wisdom as they engage with the business community in search of corporate funding; and for success in new resource and awareness raising venture ‘Bailey and Pim’, a Victorian style café in Dún Laoghaire based in an old leprosy hospital and named after Wellesley and Alice Bailey and the Pim sisters, founders of The Leprosy Mission. Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the skilled teams at American Leprosy Missions, effect:hope and TLM Ireland as they fulfill the critical role of serving in a hurting world; and for their supporters and partners – giving thanks for their compassion for people impoverished and stigmatised by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases.

MIKE’S STORY 78-year-old cyclist’s 1,500km adventure across the Australian outback Retired biomedical scientist and seasoned traveller Mike Patmore, 78, trained for an ambitious solo bike ride from Alice Springs to Darwin – 1,500 km across Australia’s Northern territory, to raise money for people affected by leprosy. Carrying his tent, sleeping bag, a six-litre water supply, some high protein food and sachets of energy salts, Mike, who lives in Streatham, South London, embarked on the challenge at the end of the Australian winter in mid-July 2017, to make the most of the cooler weather. He stayed in daily contact with his son who lives in Perth, Australia, throughout the ride. Mike is no stranger to adventure having cycled the Nullarbor Plain of Australia as well as climbing some of the iconic Tour de France mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees plus Mont Ventoux in Provence. “I can’t run the four-minute mile anymore but I’ll be cycling 50km a day for a month which is well within my capabilities,” Mike said at the time. “I wanted to do another longish ride while I still have it in my legs.” “The route was due north along the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs, passing through Tennants Creek after 500km and then Katherine another 800km further and then Darwin. In between these towns are roadhouses every 100 to 200km with more rest places and water points in between.

“So there will be plenty of opportunity to stop and recharge but on occasion I will wild camp in the bush. To wake up alone in the vast outback and be greeted by a flaming red sunrise is something worth experiencing I think.” The desperate needs of people affected by leprosy first came to Mike’s notice during his time working for Médicins Sans Frontières in Myanmar (formerly Burma) 10 years ago. He said: “People affected by leprosy are in a desperately poor state. Aside from the physical symptoms, stigma surrounding leprosy means they are often ostracised from their community when what they really need is support. The Leprosy Mission works in Myanmar and my cycle ride is raising money to support their amazing and life-changing work.” 49

India – Community-Based Rehabilitation

23–29 JUL PRAYER POINTS

Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Empowerment The age-old stigma associated with leprosy often leads to the social exclusion of people affected by the disease. They are ostracised, excluded from community gatherings and prevented from accessing community resources. These multiple deprivations result in people affected by leprosy not being able to participate fully in the economic, social and political life of the society in which they live. The Leprosy Mission Trust India works to restore people affected by leprosy and other marginalised people to full participation in society. It implements its community-based rehabilitation initiatives through the combined efforts of people affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, their families and communities,

and relevant government and non-government health, education, vocational, social and other services. TLM adopts a broad-spectrum approach, ranging from local interventions to strategies for policy reform. Self-help and other groups are formed for community empowerment. This helps many households to receive additional income through livelihood opportunities, and thus have an improved quality of life. TLM India also provides education scholarships for schooling, graduate, postgraduate and professional studies for children who have a background of leprosy. Its adult literacy programme provides opportunities to acquire functional literacy to people affected by leprosy/ disability. This helps in reducing barriers and increasing their participation in community-level decision making.

Mon: Please pray for the success of TLM India’s work to reduce leprosy-related social stigma and discrimination and promote the social inclusion of people affected by leprosy.

Thu: Pray for the students from families affected by leprosy who are receiving TLM India’s education scholarships. Pray for their wellbeing and bright future.

Tue: Pray for support of all stakeholders at the national, state and grass-root levels so that TLM India can implement its community-based rehabilitation initiatives effectively.

Fri: Pray for God’s strength and guidance for the members of community-based organisations being developed by TLM India, to stand for their rights.

Wed: Pray for the cooperatives, communitybased organisations and self-help groups being formed by TLM India. Pray for their successful management so that people affected by leprosy and members of other marginalised groups are benefitted.

Sat/Sun: Pray for more donors and strategic partners to come forward to support TLM India’s vocational training centres and community empowerment projects.

KEY Staff

Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Empowerment Programme Customised Footwear Project – Mr Shirish Shegaonkar – Senior Programme Manager Comprehensive Health, Advocacy, Networking, Garnering Empowerment and Development Project – Mr Shirish Shegaonkar – Senior Programme Manager Community Intervention Unit

– Ms M Phoebe – Programme Manager

Civil Society Organisations for Resource Mobilisation, Empowerment, Advocacy, Training and Employment Project – Mr Harsha Gudasalamani – Team Leader – Mr James George, Mr Ram K Robert, Mr Mathan Raj David – Programme Manager Catch Them Young Project

Inclusive Holistic Development of Individuals with Disabilities Project – Mr Suresh Dhondge – Programme Manager Partnerships, Advocacy, Research and Training towards Inclusion Project – Mr G Manivannan – Programme Manager Securing Opportunities towards Advancing Revenue Project

– Mr David Jaganathan – Programme Manager

Self-help groups towards Holistic Community Development Project – Mr Kismat Nanda – Programme Manager Women’s Empowerment through Advocacy, Livelihoods Training and Health Project – Mr Naushad Hasan – Programme Manager

– Mrs Nitha Philip – Programme Manager Top: Students supported through education scholarships.

TLM Trading ‘And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!’ Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

nspired by the love of Jesus, TLM Trading strives to show love and compassion towards people affected by leprosy , and to empower them to attain life in all its fullness by providing resources of money, awareness, new supporters and prayer for use by The Leprosy Mission charities. TLM Trading, the trading arm of The Leprosy Mission, is a mail order company selling a wide range of gifts, greeting cards and books primarily to the Christian community. They produce three main catalogues per year, as well as operating a successful online shop which attracts thousands of customers each year. They also sell a range of Gifts for Life – ‘virtual’ gift cards which customers can buy to give to friends or mark some special occasion and which directly benefit someone with leprosy. They include items such as school equipment, eye surgery or even a donkey and cart! TLM Trading’s main aims are:

help provide livelihoods for people affected by • Toleprosy, through the products they sell. raise funds for TLM, through Gifts for Life and • Todonations generously added to order by their customers.

help raise awareness of TLM and its work • Tothrough inspiring books, cards and products. • To help acquire new donors for TLM. Senior Team Jo-Anne Thomson – CEO Stephen Hammersley – Chair Top: Some of the Trading Team with three of their Sales Agents.

30 JUL–5 AUG PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks for all the work that has gone into the Autumn-Winter Gift Catalogue for 2018 which arrives with customers this week. Please pray that their loyal and generous supporters will have the time to browse through the catalogue and place orders, buy Gifts for Life and add donations to their orders. Pray that the new catalogue will be a huge success because every order can make a real difference to families affected by leprosy. Tue: Thank God for the Trading Partners who sell TLM products to small groups of friends and colleagues and often make generous donations to TLM. Please pray for the four sales agents: Mike, Mike, Tim and Paul who are selling TLM products into Christian Bookshops and Cathedrals across the UK with increasing success. Wed: Please pray that God will richly bless the artisan and rehabilitation groups who produce the beautiful handmade goods that feature in the catalogue. Pray that these products will sell really well so that TLM can place further orders, and therefore give leprosy-affected people livelihoods. Thu: Pray for the small staff team of seven, headed up by Jo-Anne Thomson. Pray for inspiration and creativity when designing new products and discernment when choosing products from other suppliers. Give thanks for the new customer services and warehouse teams, that they may be richly blessed whilst serving people affected by leprosy in their first Autumn/Winter season – the busiest of the year. Fri: Please pray for excellent sales for TLM Christmas cards this year. TLM Trading normally sells around 800,000 cards – each one features a story about a leprosy-affected family on the back, taking the good news about our work into thousands of homes. Sat/Sun: Praise God for the TLM Trading Board of Directors, chaired by Stephen Hammersley. They generously offer their time and expertise to help TLM Trading develop and grow.

Papua New Guinea ‘Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”’ Luke 18:27 (NIV)

6–12 AUG PRAYER POINTS Mon: Thank God for the progress being made by the Sustainable Livelihood Development Project. Pray for the people affected by leprosy and disability who are the project participants, as they learn to implement various livelihoods. Pray that they will be able to apply the business principles they have been learning about. Tue: Pray for the continued safety and security of the team as they move around Port Moresby and the communities. PNG is not the safest country to live in.

here are approximately 500 new cases of leprosy found each year in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and many others are disabled by the disease. The Leprosy Mission PNG’s role is to support the Government’s National Leprosy Elimination Project to ensure people affected by leprosy are detected and treated with available and accessible leprosy treatment. TLM PNG also has a 5-year Sustainable Livelihood Development project which is funded by the New Zealand Government. This project helps individuals, communities and households affected by leprosy and disability to develop and implement improved and sustainable incomes. It also implements a number of other smaller projects in partnership with the World Health Organization, Youth With a Mission Medical Ships Australia, US Aid, and a number of Disabled People’s Organisations. TLM PNG moved its head office from Madang to Port Moresby in 2017, so that it is more strategically placed for the implementation of leprosy work. TLM also works with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, community leaders and other rehabilitation agencies to implement the Bougainville Healthy Communities Programme (BHCP). This project improves awareness and hygiene practices as part of a community-based and owned primary health system. Trained village leaders and village health volunteers educate Bougainville’s population on disease prevention, health practices and their rights to healthcare. Top: Lily collecting bandages for leprosy.

Wed: Pray for the 52 community facilitators (volunteers – some affected by leprosy and disability) who are assisting the project by supporting the project participants as they implement their livelihoods. They are also helping to educate their communities about healthy lifestyles, good nutrition, clean environments, hygiene and sanitation. Thu: Thank God for Dorothy’s administration and logistics work and the finance management done by Mathias. Without these two essential roles supporting the project, daily activities will be a lot harder to get done. Fri: Pray for the World Health Organisation funded leprosy control project as it works with the government to trace the contacts of new leprosy cases, to ensure that any arising cases in these families are being detected early. Sat/Sun: This is the final year in which TLM is supporting BHCP, which will now be overseen by the Government and communities. Pray that the programme will continue to flourish and faithfully serve the health needs of the communities of Bougainville. Pray for God’s wisdom, power and leading for Ruby Mirinka and Neil Toura who manage the programme.

Senior Staff Natalie Smith – Country Leader Rosa Koian – Project Manager Mathias Manoa – Finance Manager BHCP Ruby Mirinka – Programme Director Neil Toura – Operations Director

Speaking Out

13–19 AUG PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks for the leprosy-affected people engaged in advocacy at a national or international level. Pray that the great value of their personal experience would be recognised as they share in public forums.

eople affected by leprosy often say that the most damaging aspects of the disease are the prejudice, stigmatisation and social exclusion they experience. To combat these obstacles, it is not enough to focus on delivering good quality health and socio-economic programmes. The Leprosy Mission needs to join hands with leprosy-affected people and associations to speak out against the myths and misunderstandings that lead to exclusion. Sometimes this involves ‘speaking truth to power’, influencing people in authority to change rules, restrictions, laws, customs or decisions that have these destructive effects. The most successful advocacy is often by organisations of people affected by leprosy themselves, so we have an increasing focus in our projects around the world on making sure people know their rights, are assured of their value in society and are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and appropriate platforms to speak on their own behalf. Through sharing their own stories, through advocating for the rights and entitlements that are important to them, communities and individuals affected by leprosy are changing not only their own situations and social status but the minds and hearts of those around them. Over the last five years, the number of people affected by leprosy that are tackling leprosy-related issues at the national or regional political level across the countries we work in has been growing, with 399 individuals known to us in 2016.

Top: A rally in Nepal held by TLM and IDEA Nepal for International Respect and Dignity Day.

Chad ‘And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?’ Luke 18:7 (NIV)

Tue: Pray for IDEA, the international association of persons affected by leprosy, that in countries both with and without a TLM presence they would continue to find the support they need and strengthen the voices and confidence of their members. Wed: ILEP (the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations) has an advisory panel of people affected by leprosy, who are from several different countries. Pray for this panel, who will be one of the ways in which TLM can ensure that its decisions and policies take into account the voice of leprosyaffected people. Thu: In the pages of ASK there are many accounts of TLM working to empower leprosy-affected people – often through involvement in self-help groups and associations – to speak for themselves. Praise God for the small successes that build confidence among the groups and the TLM staff who support them, and encourage people to aim higher. Fri: Authentic participation means finding ways to listen to the voice of people affected by leprosy. Because many are in poverty, with limited education and a history of exclusion, this is not always straightforward. Pray that country leaders and their teams will listen patiently, attentively and respectfully, and where necessary change their approaches and even their programmes. Sat/Sun: Pray for God-given courage and persistence for TLM staff who find themselves challenging entrenched, hostile and discriminatory attitudes to leprosy and disability by power-holders, including government and religious authorities and opinion-leaders.

20–26 AUG PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for peace and stability in a country that is often stricken by civil unrest and strikes. Pray for safety for the staff, patients and their families staying at or visiting the clinic, and children and staff at the local blind school. Tue: Pray for the courage and patience leprosy supervisors need to do their work: travelling around for training and supervision and managing leprosy reaction cases.

he Leprosy Mission Chad works in the Guéra region and its surrounding prefectures. While the numbers of new leprosy cases are coming down in the Guéra itself, in its neighbouring provinces the numbers seem to increase. TLM Chad supports the National Leprosy Control Programme through training, supervision, active case detection and reaction treatment for complicated cases. TLM Chad also seeks to reintegrate leprosyaffected persons within normal society through supporting the creation and development of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in which they can take an active role. It improves the living conditions of the members of these organisations through training in good governance and technical advice for projects: food security (grain banks); managing of water pumps; and income generation activities such as micro-credit. These DPOs also provide a ‘home’ where people can share, support each other and become active in local society. TLM Chad also advocates for school education for disabled children or children of disabled parents with the support of special protective Chadian laws.

Wed: Though there are positive steps towards training of health staff in Chad, medical practitioners are not always confident when it comes to diagnosing leprosy and leprosy reaction. Pray for early detection and correct treatment for patients. Thu: Pray for the development of good governance within the DPOs that TLM Chad is partnered with. Pray for the members stepping into leadership roles in these organisations, that they would be active and diligent. Fri: Pray for resilient good health for the TLM staff, especially for protection against malaria and typhoid fever which are very real risks. Sat/Sun: Pray for zeal for the students of the blind school that are taking their final baccalaureate exams this year. Give thanks for this school that teaches a full curriculum, enabling students to graduate with a good opportunity for a fulfilling occupation.

Senior Staff

Top: Geeske Zijp, Programme Manager (left) with Amdeve Hasabo and her son Oumar Saleh (6), who suffers from blood disease and is being treated in Mongo Hospital. © Jaco Klamer

Bunmi Oluloto – TLM Country Leader Geeske Zijp – TLM Chad Programme Manager Marc Djibrine Victor – TLM Administrator Zakaria Mahamat – TLM DPO Trainer Abdel Dejlil Hassane – TLM Office Assistant/Driver Mathieu Kodnguargue – Regional Leprosy Control Officer Ahmat Abder Rahman – Physiotherapist

DEVOTION

Netherlands ‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

27 AUG–2 SEP PRAYER POINTS Mon: Thank God that the number of praying supporters in the Netherlands has doubled in the last two years from 200 to more than 400 supporters. Tue: Pray for the wellbeing of the Dutch cross-cultural workers in the field: Tanny Hagens in Ethiopia and Geeske Zijp in Chad. Pray that they can support people affected by leprosy in many ways. Wed: Give thanks to God for the faithful and committed volunteers who assist TLM Netherlands, especially now the number of staff has decreased.

he Leprosy Mission Netherlands (Leprazending Nederland) was founded in the 1980s to support The Leprosy Mission International with funds, prayer and human resources. The office is in Apeldoorn and there are eight members of staff, seven board members and nine volunteers. TLM Netherlands supports two Dutch cross-cultural workers: Geeske Zijp in Chad and Tanny Hagens, who has worked in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia in recent years. TLM Netherlands’ vision is to see leprosy and rehabilitation services strengthened and to enable transformational change in the lives of people affected by leprosy in India, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Myanmar and Chad. In order to make that possible, TLM Netherlands seeks support from donors, churches and funds and organises events to get people involved with the vision and mission of TLM.

SENIOR Staff Mr Henno Couprie – TLM Country Leader Mr Cor van Leeuwen – Team Leader, Administration & Back Office Mr Nico Zwemstra – Team Leader, Project & Programmes Mr Mark van den Berg – Team Leader, Communication & Fundraising

Top: Mr Henno Couprie, TLM Netherlands Country Leader meeting a patient at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital, Myanmar

Thu: TLM Netherlands’ board needs a new chair by December 2018. Pray that a qualified and inspiring person for this position can be found. Fri: Praise God for the loyal support from many Dutch people. Pray that the efforts to inspire new donors will have effect. Please pray especially for new opportunities in cooperation with churches, media and organisations in order to increase awareness and support to people affected by leprosy. Sat/Sun: Pray for the staff, volunteers and board members of TLM Netherlands, for creativity, energy and the presence of God in their work.

THE LIVING GOD In the middle of the week, Wednesday, our lives are BUSY. We have deadlines to meet, time is precious... Yet my two friends and I just left it all behind and set off to a retreat centre about 45 minutes out of town, for a quiet day. We have agreed on this long ago, we didn’t want to quit now, although we felt overwhelmed by work. On my meditative walk around the lovely campus, I was attracted to the beautiful cross, took a picture and felt the invitation of God to sit there for a long while. The perfect climate of the day, the bright blue sky and the serene stillness around me calmed down my soul. Once more I could respond to the invitation of God: to sit with Him, talk to Him from my deepest soul, but more importantly, listen to his voice as it came through the surroundings, and the cross in front of me! I heard the prayer from my heart, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” And here was the living God around me in all the beauty. His Spirit helped me to say a little “personal creed”: You are the living God, my living God: Under all circumstances, in the ups and downs of daily life, in success and disappointment. In life and in death, every time I see new life being born in many different ways, yet also when I experience the final loss of those who are dear to me. In all relationships, with those that enrich my life, as well as those that drain me. In my work and service, when You enable me to be active in Kingdom work . . . yet even though I may lose my abilities to work, I will know that my identity is in You, regardless. And then finally Lord, I hear you saying “I am your living God”. So my life is in your hands, therefore I have life… eternal!

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:2 (NIV)

Erna Möller is a social worker with TLM South Africa. For the last three decades she has been blessed among people affected by leprosy and disability, often meeting the Living God with them.

Sri Lanka

LM works through two partners in Sri Lanka, Alliance Development Trust (ADT) and Kaveri Kala Manram (KKM). ADT is actively engaging with church leaders and the leaders of other faiths to raise awareness about leprosy. Working with Government, it is training faith leaders in leprosy and supporting them to raise community awareness about the disease and its treatment. Its work also includes supporting the Government to undertake a national leprosy awareness campaign, leprosy research and to change discriminatory legislation. Many of the staff of KKM are themselves affected by leprosy. They are involved in community awareness, detection of leprosy and assisting those affected by the disease. Working with over 40 leprosy-affected communities, they provide support for income generation, safe water, self-care and empowerment. In addition, KKM is in the process of forming Sri Lanka’s first association of people affected by leprosy.

KEY Staff Alliance Development Trust Godfrey Yogarajah – CEO Praveen Gomez – Head of Programmes, Health John Anthony Williams – Programme Executive Mahesh Perera – Programme Coordinator Kaveri Kala Manram Rev Joshua Sivanganam – Director Dr Preman Jeyaratnam – Chairman of the Board Dr Joy Sabanathan – TLM England and Wales Skilled Volunteer

Top: Speeches at the National Interfaith Conference on Leprosy.

3–9 SEP

RESEARCH

10–16 SEP

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for the Sri Lankan Government to intensify its commitment to defeating leprosy. Give thanks that the Government has begun to work with different organisations to develop a national campaign to raise awareness about leprosy and to break down stigma. Please pray for the success of this campaign, for wisdom for those involved and for funding to complete it.

Mon: Training workshops in Ethiopia in February 2017 and in Nepal in February 2018 have helped equip teams of researchers in Africa and Asia to design effective small-scale research projects. Please pray that these and future training sessions will boost the quality of leprosy research around the world.

Tue: Pray for the new leprosy-affected people’s organisation in Sri Lanka, that this small group, presently in the North, will be able to expand its membership across the country and unite to lobby for improved leprosy services and freedom from discrimination. Wed: There is still legislation in Sri Lanka that actively discriminates against people affected by leprosy. Pray for ADT as they work to repeal this legislation and protect the rights of people affected by leprosy. Thu: Churches have begun to understand that engaging with issues in their communities is something that Christ would do. Many have committed to help defeat leprosy and love those affected by it. Pray that these churches will continue to raise awareness and encourage their members to share the light of Christ through caring for those affected. Fri: Religious leaders have strong influence over their congregations. With this in mind, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic and Hindu leaders have been brought together, taught about leprosy and mobilised to work together to raise awareness of the disease among their congregations and communities. Pray that these faith groups will continue to work together effectively and that it will result in a greater knowledge about leprosy, so people can access treatment early, before they experience disability. Sat/Sun: Pray for KKM as they work with the Government to identify and treat people affected by leprosy through door-to-door campaigns and skin clinics. Pray that people will be diagnosed before they are disabled and those affected by leprosy reaction can access the treatment they need.

here are many unanswered questions in the field of leprosy, from the mechanism of transmission, to the reasons why some people get severe nerve damage despite good treatment, to the best ways to reduce the stigma of leprosy in a community. TLM is part of the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI), a research community through which funds are pooled, giving researchers within TLM the possibility of accessing greater and more secure funding for high priority projects. Although large and rather expensive research projects are often needed to tackle the major unanswered questions in medicine, many research projects cost very little yet can lead to important improvements in the care of patients. The key requirement is for staff to have an enquiring mind. For example, “How could we organise this particular service in a better or more efficient way?” TLM’s research covers a wide range of areas. Through projects using self-care groups to deliver leprosy treatment, through investigating how faith communities, traditional healers and others can assist in identifying and referring leprosy cases, we can help people receive timely, regular treatment and halt transmission of leprosy. Newly developed smartphone applications enable easy access to leprosy and disability knowledge and services. And by investigating the causes of stigma and the barriers to accessing rights such as disability pensions, we can find better ways to reduce discrimination. Key TLM Research Staff Prof Warwick Britton – Chair of TLM’s International Research Committee Dr Paul Saunderson – Honorary Director of Research for TLM Dr Deanna Hagge – Head of the Mycobacterial Research Laboratory at Anandaban Hospital Dr Utpal Sengupta – Head of Stanley Browne Research Laboratory, Delhi Dr Mallika Lavania – Scientist, Stanley Browne Research Laboratory, Delhi Top: Participants at the successful workshop on operational research in Addis Ababa in February 2017.

Tue: Continuing with the theme of training, both TLM research laboratories (the Mycobacterial Research Laboratory at Anandaban Hospital near Kathmandu, Nepal, and the Stanley Browne Laboratory at Shadhara Hospital in Delhi, India) recruit and supervise Masters and PhD students, some of whom have gone on to a career in leprosy research; please pray for these students as they pursue their studies, and give thanks for the work they do in the labs. Wed: TLM has agreed to search for a cross-cultural mission partner to work at Nilphamari, Bangladesh, as a research coordinator, because of the difficulty in finding a qualified local candidate. Please pray that the search will be fruitful and that the person selected will be a blessing to the whole TLM team in Bangladesh. Thu: One important way for research findings to be disseminated is through scientific journals: Leprosy Review is the only international journal dedicated entirely to leprosy research. Give thanks for the many papers written each year by TLM staff, and for the involvement of many in running the journal. Fri: TLM, along with a number of other leprosy organisations, is a member of the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI), which manages the aggregated research funding of all the members. This means better coordination and the opportunity to support larger projects. Pray for good use of the resources available. Sat/Sun: A number of people linked with TLM are members of the ILEP Technical Commission, which began a new 4-year term in 2017. Please pray for worthwhile discussions and helpful advice to the leprosy community. 59

FEATURE

REHENA’S STORY When Rehena’s husband died five years ago, she was not allowed to stay in his house. She and her three daughters had to return to her parents’ home. They had very little to live on. To provide two mouthfuls of food Rehena started to work as a maidservant. But it was not helping her feed her children, so she travelled to Dhaka, the capital, to seek better employment. Sadly, due to Rehena’s illiteracy, she was not able to perform well in Dhaka so she returned home and struggled to survive on a very meagre livelihood. Then four years ago, Rehena joined a selfhelp group formed by TLM Bangladesh for people living in poverty. She started saving money as much as she could – even though the amounts were tiny. In 2015 she came to know about an opportunity to train in literacy as an adult. She remembered her earlier attempts to find better work – if she had been better educated, she wouldn’t have failed in Dhaka and been forced to return to her parents’ house. So Rehena decided to join the adult literacy school near her group. She started learning letters, small words and small sentences. After 10 months she was able to read a paragraph, write names and addresses and do minor calculations.

Rehena became much happier after gaining literacy. Motivated by her self-help group, she started helping maintain the group’s registers. After a few months she was selected as a cashier of the same group. Rehena is now committed to sending her children to school for the education she waited so long for. She has admitted her second daughter to primary school and also coaches her at home. She is very proud to be able to teach her daughter.

Rehena is now committed to sending her children to school for the education she waited so long for. 61

The Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship ‘We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray for you’ Colossians 1:3 ESV

he Leprosy Mission Fellowship consists of TLM organisations or offices in 28 countries that have made mutual commitments to work together as one global fellowship. The Fellowship was formed in 2011, when these Member countries agreed and signed TLM’s Charter. The Charter commits each of us to: Uphold our common purpose and identity Contribute to the shared life of the Mission Strengthen our global unity Be mutually accountable Observe financial stewardship

• • • • •

One of the joys of fellowship is that we work together towards our shared vision of leprosy defeated, lives transformed. The two halves of that vision are equally important. We want to see leprosy defeated, brought to an end. That needs persistence, quality work, and strong connections with partners that have a similar commitment. And we want to see lives transformed through the work we do. Not just the lives of people affected and damaged by leprosy, but also the lives of our staff and supporters. Something changes in all of us when we work together on our God-given mission and seek to demonstrate the truth and love of Jesus Christ in everything we do.

Global Fellowship Board Colin Osborne – Chair Anne Ratliff – Vice-Chair Philip Putman – Treasurer Top: Attendees at the TLM Members Meeting 2017.

17–23 SEP

India – Vocational Education

24–30 SEP

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for Brent Morgan, International Director, as he leads the Global Fellowship in planning for a new five year strategy with the aim of defeating leprosy by 2035, in tune with the ‘Zero Disability’ aim common among global leprosy stakeholders.

Mon: Please pray for the students who are undergoing training in TLM India’s vocational training centres. Pray for God’s strength and guidance and that he will open the doors needed for them to gain proper livelihood opportunities.

Tue: The Global Fellowship is based on a covenant relationship with one another and before God. Praise God for the strong intercountry relationships and pray for grace and mercy for one another as we seek to work together in a loving and encouraging way.

Tue: Pray for God’s protection and blessing on the staff who travel to remote places to reach out to the poor and marginalised students affected by leprosy and counsel them for admission.

Wed: This month, TLM country leaders and chairpersons from around the world are gathering for several days of meetings. Pray for a spirit of unity as decisions are made and that those attending will be invigorated in their passion and commitment to serving people affected by leprosy. Thu: At the global Members’ Meetings this month, we will be presenting the Wellesley Bailey Awards. Created in 1999 to celebrate the life and work of Mr Wellesley Bailey, founder of The Leprosy Mission, these awards are a unique and prestigious honour. Each recipient has made extraordinary contributions to society through overcoming the social stigma and physical challenges of leprosy. Give thanks for the awardees and for their remarkable courage and achievements. Fri: The Mission’s work is restricted when we do not have the income to reach out to more leprosy-affected people. Thank God for our wonderful supporters around the world who faithfully and sacrificially give despite unstable economic conditions in many countries. Pray that God will grant favour as we seek new donors and institutional funding. Sat/Sun: Governing boards have a vital responsibility throughout the Mission. Pray that local and international board members will understand and embrace the purpose and values of the Global Fellowship and will strive for unity. Pray that the unity felt at global meetings will be passed on locally.

he Leprosy Mission Trust India has six vocational training centres (VTCs) spread across six states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Young boys and girls affected by leprosy or with disabilities are given vocational education and training to prepare them for gainful employment. The job-oriented trades taught in the VTCs include both institution-based and community-based vocational trades, such as diesel mechanics, printing, computers, two/three wheeler mechanics and electrics. Disability assessment and individual tailor-made rehabilitation plans developed by TLM’s occupational therapists motivate and enable the differently abled students of the VTCs to opt for careers which were formerly only dreams. VTCs also provide placement assistance and advocate for fair labour conditions and safe and suitable working conditions for the students when they are placed. Community-Based Vocational Training is another major function of TLM’s sustainable livelihoods programme, enabling the VTCs to reach out to more people. Individuals such as youths and married women receive training and employment support in skills such as mushroom cultivation, silk thread weaving, computers, mobile repairing and tailoring. This sort of training is unique as it promotes community-based solutions in linking skills training and sustainable livelihoods for the most vulnerable communities, especially those who cannot access established training centres.

Wed: Pray for the physio and occupational assessments of students in order to provide appropriately modified training facilities for young people with disabilities. Pray that with this service, these students will fully utilise the VTC facilities and thrive in their studies. Thu: Pray for the married women and young girls and boys undergoing community-based training. Give thanks for this opportunity to reach out to those unable to undergo institution-based training due to family commitments and cultural barriers. Fri: Pray for the follow-up sensitisation programme for employers to address advocacy issues, such as discrimination due to leprosy and disability, and provide inclusive employment with fair labour conditions. Sat/Sun: Pray for God’s presence with VTC alumni groups across the country to strengthen and support themselves and students. KEY Staff Mrs Tina Mendis – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Empowerment Programme TLM Platinum VTC, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh – Mr Vijay Patta – Principal TLM Chhattisgarh VTC, Champa, Chhattisgarh – Mr Mahendra Rao – Principal TLM VTC, Nashik, Maharashtra – Mrs Shyla Francis – Principal TLM Regional VTC, Vadathorasalur, Tamil Nadu – Mr Tinson Thomas – Principal TLM Wellesley Bailey VTC, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh – Mr Keshaba Thanapati – Vice Principal

Top: Students at a vocational training centre.

TLM Bill Edgar Memorial VTC, Bankura, West Bengal – Mr Gabriel Pani – Principal

DEVOTION

ANGOLA AND TANZANIA

1–7 OCT PRAYER POINTS Angola Mon: Pray for SOLE´s continued cooperation with health authorities in the newly elected government. Pray especially that multi-drug therapy will be made available throughout the country and not only in provincial capitals, and for leprosy control activities to be funded by the Ministry of Health.

Angola In Angola TLM works with SOLE Angola, a local NGO which has taken the lead in leprosy services which unfortunately are no longer a priority for the Government, despite high incidence pockets of leprosy and late diagnosis leading to disability. SOLE Angola’s 2017-2019 strategy focuses on: Stopping leprosy transmission by early diagnosis, treatment, examination of all contacts for each new case of leprosy, and awareness campaigns. Preventing disability and working in self-care groups to increase self-esteem. Breaking barriers to inclusion, working with local churches and the leprosy association ARPAL. ARPAL is an Angolan association of people affected by leprosy seeking to end discrimination and provide equal rights for access to identity, civil rights, education, health, work, and shelter. It engages in awareness campaigns, advocacy to provincial and municipal authorities, training community agents and promoting detection of new cases. Together we maintain loving care to people affected by leprosy, work to prevent disability, advocate for better leprosy services and support integration of people affected by leprosy and disability into communities and churches.

• • •

Tanzania In Tanzania, TLM works with Hombolo Hospital, supporting its Community Health Education Project (CHEP). The work includes: the identification, treatment and referral of villagers with symptoms of leprosy, tuberculosis, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases; sensitisation within the villages and local schools about these major diseases and how to avoid them; and activities with ten self-help groups of people adjoining Hombolo Hospital, specifically promoting social security and independence. The CHEP hopes to organise vocational and livelihood training for people affected by leprosy in 2018. Top: Visit by ARPAL to a person affected by leprosy and disability.

Tue: ARPAL activists visit one province and two municipalities each quarter to run awareness campaigns in schools and churches. Pray for safety as the teams travel long distances, and for success in finding isolated people with leprosy. Pray for the community agents who are the link between those on treatment and the health staff, for good communication. Wed: Pray for Moises Chitumba and Castelho Filipe as they lead the work, bringing hope and making real the love of Christ. Tanzania Thu: The CHEP has started facilitating village savings and loans (part of livelihood training) for people affected by leprosy. The purpose is to enable their independence. Please ask God to give the strength and willingness to fulfill the activities in a productive way. Fri: The CHEP and Hombolo Hospital are in the process of finding strong and responsible local partners to join their efforts in reduction and eradication of leprosy. Pray for God to lead them to responsible local NGOs. Sat/Sun: The CHEP has plans to establish activities in four new villages which seem to have a large number of leprosy cases. Pray that God will guide their efforts.

Senior Staff Angola Faustino Paulo Mandavela – General Secretary of SOLE Angola Dr Moises Chitumba – SOLE Angola Project Director Maria Ferreira – President of ARPAL, Leprosy Association Castelho Filipe – POID specialist and Coordinator of POID Project Tanzania Niwagila Tigwela – CHEP Director Colonel Daudi Tandila – Business Advisor

MY ROCK The Joy of the Lord is my strength. God cares for my life in detail: each single circulation of my blood and every single heartbeat. I face many challenges in life: sickness, sleeplessness, depression and the ongoing demands of life and work. Sometimes, when I focus on the pain of current circumstances, I fall and life becomes confusion. At other times I am overcome by God’s grace. Day by day I come to realise the main factor in successfully overcoming these challenges is fixing my eyes to Jesus and giving all fears and pains to Him. I stay in His presence and seek His face, and the Holy Spirit leads me through scriptures and worship songs which keep me going. God’s presence has no limit. You can block out other people, but you can never escape God. His presence heals me. His presence comforts me. His presence gives me a clear mind. His presence sanctifies me. His presence moves me where He wants me to be. His presence gives me joy which overflows to others and keeps me smiling in every circumstance. I am really thankful to God for all circumstances that He has allowed me in my life. I give all glory to Him alone. “Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you” (John 16:22). My desire is for more of God’s joy. I want to see Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on my life and on earth. My prayer for all is that the Holy Spirit leads us where He wants us to be. Let His will be done in our lives. His name be exalted on earth forever. Hallelujah! Amen.

‘I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:1-3 (NIV)

Ms Kalayar Tun is Finance Manager of TLM Myanmar

Nepal – Part 2 ‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.’ Isaiah 1:17

8–14 OCT PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray that TLM Nepal in partnership with CBM will be able to reach over 10,000 needy people through hospital services and outreach camps and train 600 people in injury and trauma management. Tue: 43 Cooperatives comprising people affected by leprosy, disability and those who are marginalised have been registered with the Government and are now able to access Government funds and training. Please pray that these groups are able to continue with group savings, advocacy and support for each other and will set a positive example in their communities.

Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Projects: TLM Nepal’s community projects work mainly on a self-help group model, where people affected by leprosy, other disabilities and from other marginalised groups are encouraged to meet together on a regular basis, discuss their issues and support each other. These groups are provided with training on group management, income generation, leadership, rights and more. As well as starting micro-enterprises groups are also encouraged to undertake small projects with local communities, seeking to change attitudes and develop a normal level of participation in society. TLM Nepal is also working in partnership with International Nepal Fellowship (INF) to support leprosy work in Green Pastures Hospital, Pokhara, and equipping INF and Government capacity in the West and Mid-west Region. Similarly, TLM works in partnership with Nepal Leprosy Fellowship in the Eastern region of Nepal to empower people affected by leprosy and disability. A livelihood development project is also running in the Far West region of Nepal. TLM Nepal’s earthquake recovery and rehabilitation work started in the year 2016. This project is primarily focused on reconstruction of houses and restoration of the livelihood of people affected by leprosy and disabilities who were also affected by the 2015 earthquakes.

Top: Fulti Shahi in the Asha female ward at Anandaban Hospital - read her story on page 24.

Wed: Some Cooperative members are running individual businesses while others are working together in group business. Please pray for the success of their ventures and that the Lord also guide project staff in helping the Cooperative members achieve their full potential. Thu: A TLM Nepal education project funded by TLM Australia supports 244 students (children with leprosy and children of parents affected by leprosy) with scholarships. This support is changing the lives of these children, reducing drop outs as well as stigma in the schools and communities. Please pray that the Lord will bless these children as they learn and grow. Fri: TLM Nepal is working with IDEA Nepal, an organisation of people affected by leprosy, to build their organisational capacity. In 2017, 23 IDEA members were trained in psychosocial care/peer counselling to provide emotional and psychological support to newly diagnosed individuals as well as other people in need. Please continue to pray for this endeavour to support the mental wellbeing of those who have been stigmatised because of leprosy and mental illness. Sat/Sun: Every year Nepal suffers from flooding and landslides which affect the lives of beneficiaries and staff and hinder projects. Ask that the Lord protect people in these disaster prone locations. Pray that projects are planned wisely to reduce and overcome the effects of such disasters.

Ram Kumar’s left leg was amputated due to severe ulcers. The prosthesis department at Anandaban Hospital measured his leg and made a prosthesis for him. He is now able to walk very well which makes him happy.

Sweden ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy’ Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

15–21 OCT

Scotland

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: Pray for inspiration, teamwork and energy for the staff team of TLM Sweden and for God’s guidance and help in their work. Pray for the right priorities and openness for new initiatives.

Mon: TLM Scotland made significant changes to its staff structure in 2016, with each team member taking on new responsibilities. Pray that the whole team will have adapted well to their new roles. Pray that TLM Scotland will be more effective at relating to its supporters and in raising support for people affected by leprosy in their partner countries.

Tue: Thank God for the fruitful and positive cooperation between TLM Sweden and the Swedish Government through the Swedish Mission Council. Pray for continued project funding and support. Wed: Thank God for the work of TLM ambassadors all over Sweden and for the increased group of presenters. Pray for inspiration and open doors as they share about TLM’s work.

he Leprosy Mission has been active in Sweden since the mid-1970s. An important part of TLM Sweden’s work is to raise awareness of the needs of people affected by leprosy and to stimulate interest in how lives and families can be changed through supporting TLM. Through fundraising with individuals, organisations, churches and church groups, TLM Sweden works to fulfil its vision. In a monthly magazine, reports from TLM’s projects are spread all over the country with stories of restored lives and families and how the work of TLM can change even a whole village. A number of ambassadors and presenters keep contact with people and churches in their areas, and information on leprosy and its consequences is given to Christian conferences and gatherings and to schools and colleges. An agreed country strategy 2015-2019 and fundraising strategy 2017-2018 are the foundation of the activities. Through an initiative of TLM Sweden, fundraising activities have also restarted in the neighbouring Norway. TLM Norway has been closed down for some years but will be reactivated slowly. TLM Sweden supports work in India, Myanmar, DR Congo, Nigeria and South Sudan.

Thu: Pray for increased support and funding from churches and organisations. Pray also for new churches to collaborate with TLM Sweden. Fri: Give thanks for the faithful support of donors over many years. Pray for new individual donors and for the success of activities and campaigns to reach out to new supporters. Sat/Sun: Thank God for the board of TLM Sweden and for their willingness to lead the work. Pray for wisdom and courage.

ased in Stirling, The Leprosy Mission Scotland works to raise awareness of leprosy and its effects and to act as a vehicle through which people, churches, schools, community groups and others from across Scotland can find their role in defeating leprosy and transforming lives. A small staff group, supported by a larger team of volunteers, raises funds through a wide variety of national and local activities from direct mail appeals and digital campaigns to coffee mornings and sponsored events; encourages and enables relevant and timely prayer; visits churches and groups to directly appeal for support; uses every tool at its disposal to effectively promote the need for Scots to support people affected by leprosy. TLM Scotland is asking people to stand in the G.A.P. to uphold people affected by leprosy by Giving, Acting or Praying to support the work of God through TLM. TLM Scotland supports work in Angola, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria and South Sudan.

• • • •

Senior Staff Senior Staff

Top: Allan Ekstedt with Josiane, a participant in a TLM project in Bukavu, DR Congo.

22–28 OCT

Allan Ekstedt – TLM Country Leader Leif Agnestrand – Programme Coordinator Silje Majholm (maternity leave) – Information and Fundraising Karl-Gustaf Mattson – Editor Shelley Lado – Administration and Finance

Linda Todd – Chief Executive Officer Stuart McAra – Head of Engagement Mhairi Dawson – Head of Supporter Care and Volunteer Development Tim Reed – Head of Insight Kevin Dillon – Head of Structured Giving

Tue: Give thanks for volunteer board members; speakers; church representatives; community fundraisers and office administration helpers in Scotland. Pray that God will bless them for all that they do. Pray too for new volunteers to step forward in key areas so that TLM Scotland can grow its reach and ability to raise support from across the country. Wed: Give thanks for the many donors who give generously to help people affected by leprosy through the various projects that TLM Scotland supports. Pray that the team will be able to reach more people, to find new donors and to inspire all supporters to give so that they can meet their ambitious targets for increasing project support this year and into the future. Thu: Pray that more people from across Scotland will join you in praying regularly for people affected by leprosy, and the work of The Leprosy Mission, using the ASK diary, TLM Scotland’s monthly prayer emails and prayer app. Fri: Give thanks for those churches which choose to support people affected by leprosy, and TLM, with their gifts and prayers. Pray for opportunities to engage with more churches to share details of what God is doing through TLM and that they will respond generously. Sat/Sun: TLM Scotland’s strategy through to 2020 has set ambitious targets for growth in all areas of its work. Pray for guidance and direction to achieve these goals that God has set before TLM Scotland.

Top: Linda Todd, TLM Scotland Chief Executive Officer.

Nigeria – Part 2 ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!’ Psalms 103:1 (NKJV)

LM Nigeria’s determination to continually make a difference that will transform lives, reduce stigma, establish sustainable livelihoods and eradicate leprosy was tailored into the development of their renewed five year country strategy (2016 – 2020). TLM’s projects in Nigeria focus on four major thematic areas: Health and management and prevention of disability; Empowerment and livelihood; Advocacy and communication; Learning and education. These were coined as the HEAL campaign. Alongside their leprosy work, TLM Nigeria has a fundraising strategy and works with churches, individual donors and companies to raise funds for and awareness about TLM’s work in Nigeria.

29 OCT–4 NOV PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for TLM Nigeria’s staff conference and board meeting, that this year’s conference will make a unique impact in the lives of staff, board and volunteers so that everyone will be inspired by God’s love and filled with renewed strength to work effectively and efficiently. Tue: TLM Nigeria’s 2018 “Friends of the Board” fundraising dinner, scheduled for the last week in November, will focus on raising support for children’s education. Please pray that God will help the planning and that all invited guests will give generously and embrace the vision to partner towards improving the lives of persons affected by leprosy and disability. Wed: Pray for the success of the TLM Nigeria Annual Country Learning review workshop in November. This exercise provides learning opportunities for staff, beneficiaries and partners as they review progress made against planned objectives. Thu: Pray for God’s protection and safety for all TLM staff members as they travel around the project communities to carry out their work. Fri: The Nigerian economy is still going through very difficult times and this has put great pressure on the public and private sectors with serious impact on the people. Pray for a prosperous economy and stable work environment as the country team need these to effectively follow-on with TLM programmes in Nigeria. Sat/Sun: Give thanks for the many churches that have enthusiastically and generously supported the work of TLM Nigeria for many years. Pray that more churches will embrace the vision of TLM and open their hearts and doors to join the fight against leprosy and its consequences.

Top: Women in the Dakwa leprosy community in Abuja receive start-up kits of sewing machines and materials following their tailoring training. Left: Adult educational support.

Belgium ‘Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than oneself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’ Philippians 2: 3-4 (NKJV)

5–11 NOV PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks to the Lord for the good ongoing cooperation between TLM DR Congo and its supporting TLM Global Fellowship countries, including TLM Belgium. Together, and with the guidance of the International Office, they are joining and focusing their efforts on what is not only necessary, but also feasible with the rather limited available financial and human means.

Niger ‘For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and we were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift (heaped) upon gift.’ John 1:16 (Amplified Bible)

his is the 10th year in which TLM Belgium continues to operate solely through the contributions of volunteers, following a reduction in funding by the Belgian government. In the next few years they hope and pray to grow through the highly committed support of new volunteers and the involvement of local churches with a strong team spirit and a common sense of purpose to serve people affected by leprosy. The team aims to reach new people, focusing on the Christian community in Belgium, through two-way communication channels such as phone calls or, even better, meeting and talking to the people they want to reach with the message of TLM.

Senior Team Mr Paulin Songolea Bakalania – TLM Country Leader Mr Francis Van De Walle – Chair of the Board Mrs Renée Simons-Hugaerts – Treasurer

Top: TLM Belgium Country Leader, Mr Paulin Songolea Bakalania (centre) with two representatives of an advocacy organisation for disabled persons in Kenya, after a special meeting organised by CBM at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

Thu: Let us praise and thank the Lord that He continues to provide TLM Belgium with support from several TLM Global Fellowship Member countries and the International Office. Give thanks for the way we are able to work together as part of the Body of Christ. Fri: Give thanks for new volunteers at TLM Belgium. Pray they may bring growth by reaching a new generation of faithful and lasting supporters through various channels of communication, including social media. Sat/Sun: Pray that the Lord may bless the projects that TLM Belgium is supporting and bring hope and light in the lives of the persons affected by leprosy, that their lives may be transformed and renewed. Thank God for the TLM team in the DR Congo, and pray that their staff may experience God’s hand and leadership in the field work they are performing in often very difficult and challenging conditions.

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for TLM Niger’s small team (Bunmi, Yohanna, Saratou, Ichaya and Daouda) for grace to cope with managing the projects across six regions and build sustainable partnerships with government and other NGOs in Niger. Tue: Two new multiyear projects commencing in Maradi region this year seek to address challenges faced in the National Leprosy Control Programme and community development. Please pray for the success of the projects.

Tue: Give thanks for the small team of volunteers operating TLM Belgium, for their dedication and passion for the cause of people affected by leprosy. Pray that God would bless, inspire, guide and strengthen them in their work. Wed: Please pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of church leaders and inspire church congregations with His Holy Spirit, so that they will find and send active and dedicated volunteers to reinforce the existing small team and bring a fresh dynamic to the working groups of TLM Belgium.

12–18 NOV

Wed: TLM Niger is working towards developing a local TLM board; pray that the right people will be identified to be part of it.

rought-prone Niger is among the poorest countries in the world. Life expectancy is low, infant mortality and maternal death are high. 80% of the population live on less than €2 per day; often worse for more vulnerable populations such as people affected by leprosy or disability. TLM Niger has been working in Maradi since 1956 in collaboration with SIM Niger to support CSL (Centre de Sante et de Leprologie) Danja Leprosy Hospital. Since 2011 their office has been based in Niamey, the capital, in order to better support the National Leprosy Control Programme through technical, strategic and operational contributions; and also enabling them to more easily expand into other regions, improving local leprosy services. In 2015 TLM Niger developed a strategic plan with the vision ‘People affected by leprosy have improved quality of life and feel part of the community through quality leprosy services and community-based rehabilitation’ and with the following priorities: Sustainable leprosy services Reducing stigma Enhancing livelihoods Establishing sustainable partnerships. Two new projects in Maradi region continue the work around CSL Danja Hospital, involving elements of leprosy control, community-based rehabilitation and inclusive development. TLM Niger also supports IDEA, an association of people affected by leprosy.

• • • •

Top: TLM Niger Country Leader Bunmi Oluloto (second from left) and TLM international board member Dr Shem Zagbayi (at centre) visit patients in the CSL Danja Hospital male ward.

Thu: CSL Danja Hospital, the only active leprosy referral centre in Niger, has been struggling to meet its financial obligations due to a fall in revenue. Please pray for the CSL leadership team to find a lasting solution as to how to generate income locally to sustain the hospital. Fri: TLM Niger is making efforts to sensitise the local church community leaders and groups about leprosy through an integral mission workshop; pray for the success of this initiative so that the church can be involved in caring for people affected by leprosy and act as agents of positive change to the community. Sat/Sun: Niger Republic frequently experiences security challenges due to terrorist attacks in neighbouring countries like Mali and Nigeria; food shortages due to climate change; and there are still many places in the country where Christ is least known and the gospel of the kingdom is yet to reach. Please pray for peace in the country, good rain leading to a good harvest and for the church to wake up to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nation.

Senior Staff Bunmi Oluloto – TLM Country Leader Abdul Yohanna – TLM Niger Programme Manager Saratou Barage – TLM Niger Technical Advisor Ichaya Garba – TLM Niger Office Administrator

FEATURE

Hungary ‘As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’ John 1:16 (Amplified Bible)

19–25 NOV PRAYER POINTS Mon: Give thanks for the faithfully serving volunteers, 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 (database, social media, finances, schools, legal, etc.), each one with a heart to share their expertise for the benefit of the Mission. Tue: Pray for warm relationships with project partners, that this personal and spiritual link will be even stronger and that besides achieving official tasks together, all will be strengthened in the sense of belonging to the same family of Christ.

or more than 40 years, TLM Hungary has given prayer support and raised funds for the work of The Leprosy Mission around the world. Locally, the team in Hungary share knowledge and information on the needs of leprosy-affected people, still in significant numbers worldwide, to stimulate Hungarian people to empathic and active help for this just cause. They also regard TLM’s ministry as God’s stretched out hands in reaching people for Jesus. The main base of continual support in Hungary are individuals and Christian churches. Reaching out to the wider population, TLM Hungary has regular campaigns in different areas of the country, inserting leaflets into local and regional magazines and newspapers, or in door-to-door visits. Different media appearances in Christian TV, radio and press are extremely good opportunities for raising and deepening interest. TLM Hungary is also invited to hold performances in Christian schools, which they regard as sowing seeds for the future, as through the sensitivity of children and, indirectly, some of their parents, the next generation can be inspired in charitable thinking and actions. In 2018, TLM Hungary is contributing to the work of TLM in India, Ethiopia and Sudan.

A journey to reach self-esteem and confidence

Thu: Pray for the chair of the board, 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.

Bartolomeo was still a child when he contracted leprosy. As his parents had divorced, no one was really there to pay attention to his health. So when he arrived at the health centre where The Leprosy Mission’s partner SOLE Angola is operating, he already had advanced disability. He had lost his fingers in both hands and suffered ophthalmia in his left eye – the eye did not fully close and was at risk from infections. He had also experienced discrimination at his school when they tried to stop him attending classes. They were scared he would infect other students.

Fri: Pray for wisdom for Marta Risko, the country leader, not only in leadership within Hungary but also in finding new messages and ways in which to offer and add locally to churches, groups and individuals from the rich values and specialities of TLM, and not just always “ask” for their financial support.

SOLE Angola helped him. In addition to treatment they organised a workshop about leprosy in his school. They met with the director and teachers to explain that Bartolomeo should continue his studies as there was no reason to fear.

Sat/Sun: Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare Hungarian people’s minds and hearts to accept the message and cause of TLM and people affected by leprosy and to lend their support.

Today at 22 years old Bartolomeo has completed his treatment and because he is very careful with self-care procedures he is free of leprosy complications and reaction. He has finished his secondary studies and has plenty of energy to try everything he can for his future. He managed to get a declaration letter from the Ministry of Social Affairs, for special attention for people with disability. With this document he is trying to pass the entrance test for university and get a job within the migration services at the same time. If he does not get any position, he says he will try again and again.

Wed: Give thanks for the response to existing and new initiatives such as the ‘icecream appeal’ in summer, ‘Put one more plate on your Christmas table!’, or appealing to shoemakers and orthopaedic enterprises to give (through donations) customised shoes for people affected by leprosy.

Senior Staff Top: TLM Hungary’s youngest volunteer at work. She is five years old and loves to help with the mailing campaigns.

BARTOLOMEO’S STORY

Marta Risko – TLM Country Leader

Bartolomeo has passed through a long journey to reach self-esteem and confidence in himself. He has learnt not to think and care about what other people are thinking or saying of him. He is following his dreams and objectives in life.

Bangladesh

26 NOV–2 DEC PRAYER POINTS

Community-Based Rehabilitation TLM Bangladesh facilitates self-help groups to provide mutual support and improve health and livelihood opportunities for people affected by leprosy, disability and poverty, especially women. Through these groups TLM provides training, skills development, access to micro credit for members and educational opportunities for the children. In other cases, an individual approach is needed. The North West Bangladesh Ultra Poverty Initiative Project (NUPIP) works to overcome extreme poverty among people with leprosy-related disabilities. The Hagar Centre is a short term shelter for women excluded from family or community for reasons including leprosy and domestic violence. They are provided with shelter, food, treatment, legal aid and an environment where they can heal and develop confidence to reintegrate into their life and community. Advocacy TLM aims to influence policies and practices of Government and other decision-makers, and develop positive attitudes among medical personnel, NGOs and communities regarding the rights of people affected by leprosy. It is striving to ensure that leprosy services are provided in previously uncovered southern districts of Bangladesh. Key Staff Community-Based Rehabilitation and Advocacy Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Community Program Leader Mr John Arpon Samaddar – Chittagong and Dhaka Program Leader Mr Jiptha Boiragee – Program Support Coordinator Project Managers Mr Dalwor Hossain (Delu) – CBR Partners Mr Ambor Chisim – NuPIP and Hagar Centre Mr Pranoy Rozario – Dinajpur Sustainable Community Based Rehabilitation Project Mr Richard Mondal – Chittagong People-led Development Project Mrs Kalpona Kispotta – TLM Nilphamari Training Centre Mrs Lovely Probhati Mrong – Dhaka CBR Project Mrs Masuma Parvin – Advocacy for Empowerment Project

Mon: NUPIP is working with people who are affected by disability due to leprosy and lymphatic filariasis and are living below the Ultra Poverty Line. Please pray for continued funding for this project so that it can support others who need similar help – some of the poorest and most marginalised people of Bangladesh.

England and Wales – Part 2 ‘Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.’ Amos 5:15 NIV

Thu: Pray that the self-help groups looking to form Federations to ensure support from central management will get government registration and achieve financial sustainability. Fri: Give thanks to God for the success so far of the Advocacy for Empowerment Project. Pray for wisdom and inspiration for TLM Bangladesh as they design and implement a new approach for the next stage of the project, that it will have a strong impact on people affected by leprosy having their rights respected. Sat/Sun: Pray for the efforts to mainstream leprosy and successfully integrate it into the Government Health Services. Pray that the partners will remain committed and the relationship will strengthen.

Top: The Hagar Centre helped Firoza be reconciled with her husband following a misunderstanding.

PRAYER POINTS Mon: Pray for wisdom for the Senior Management Team at TLM England and Wales, that it will be given all the gifts required to serve Jesus, serve people affected by leprosy, and to serve the Global Fellowship. Tue: Give thanks for the generosity of TLM England and Wales supporters to its fundraising campaigns in 2017. Thanks to them a new out-patients’ department is being built at Purulia Hospital in India and through the European Union funded CREATE project in India, 500 leprosy-affected people will become champions and help 10,000 people in their communities to access their rights and combat stigma and rejection.

Tue: Mrs Sabittri Rani Roy, a self-help group member from north-west Bangladesh, was voted as a finalist in the Inspirational Award category of the Women in Focus awards at the NTD (neglected tropical disease) Summit 2017. Thank the Lord for her and other women who have been affected by NTDs themselves and have made significant contributions in supporting others. Wed: All group leaders in the 156 self-help groups in the Gaibandha-Joypurhat project received training on leadership. Pray that this training will assist them as they seek to nurture their groups’ development. Pray for leaders of all self-help groups across TLM Bangladesh’s projects as they form new groups and sub-district associations and train to increase their capacity.

3–9 DEC

he Programmes Team works alongside implementing countries in Africa and Asia to develop, deliver and monitor effective and sustainable programmes. It secures funding from institutional donors and provides funding packages and feedback for supporting churches. Additionally, it engages with the UK media to raise awareness about leprosy and advocate with the UK parliament and international agencies to raise the profile of leprosy. The Fundraising Team is honoured to undertake the Kingdom-building work of speaking to supporters who give their time and money through donations by Direct Debit, responding to appeals, taking part in church fundraising activities, volunteering and even leaving a final gift in their Will – a lasting legacy of compassion. It thanks supporters and gives them news from the field, telling them about the differences their donations are making. The Supporter Care Team is the engine room of the Mission’s culture in supporting its fundraising efforts. Engaging with the Mission’s donors, staff and dedicated volunteers, it resources a range of tasks from telephone and email management, processing financial gifts and updating donor giving from each appeal as well as managing stamps and collectables. Top: Pat Smith, a long-time TLM England and Wales supporter who last year braved the world’s fastest zip line to raise funds for Purulia Hospital in India, with Lalita, a patient at Anandaban Leprosy Hospital, Nepal, in 2002.

Wed: Pray for TLM England and Wales’s advocacy work; that MPs and Peers will recognise the need for additional resources for leprosy to end transmission. Pray that the UK Government will agree to fund leprosy programmes and use its influence with other governments to ensure leprosy is a key component of health programmes in endemic countries. Thu: Praise God for the supporters partnering in the body of Christ to love our neighbours around the world. In 2017 two individuals took up physical challenges that people half their age would never contemplate. Both had seen first-hand the devastation and challenges faced by people living with leprosy, and were motivated to raise as much as possible to contribute to ending leprosy. Fri: TLM England and Wales has committed to fundraise for a new hospital building in Anandaban, Nepal to replace those damaged by the earthquake. Pray that the Lord will prompt people to respond generously and pray for blessings on all those who give sacrificially. Sat/Sun: Pray that TLM England and Wales can generate essential partnerships and funding to develop an early diagnostic test for leprosy. Pray for scientific breakthroughs and sharing of learning, and for support from the World Health Organization and national governments to turn the findings of early research into a test that will help end leprosy. 77

India – Snehalayas

he Leprosy Mission Trust India takes care of elderly people severely disabled by leprosy in its five Snehalayas (Snehalaya is a Hindi term which means, ‘a house of love’) spread across three states of India (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal). These people were rejected and abandoned by their families due to disabilities and the stigma associated with leprosy. The average age of Snehalaya residents is 75 years. Many of them have been living in the Snehalayas for over 40 years. Presently, there are 90 residents (49 men and 41 women) living in the Snehalayas. TLM provides them holistic care for their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

10–16 DEC

Global Voice

PRAYER POINTS

Mon: There is an age-old social stigma associated with leprosy, and because of this, many families do not accept elderly members of their families, even when they are cured of leprosy. TLM India’s five Snehalayas take care of all their needs. Please pray for their health and wellbeing.

Mon: The Global Leprosy Strategy, endorsed by the World Health Organization and organisations like TLM, calls on governments to repeal legislation that discriminates against people affected by leprosy. Pray for all TLM countries in Asia and Africa as they work out strategies to influence governments for change – and praise God for the successes to date.

Tue: Pray that the residents of the Snehalayas develop an intimate relationship with God. Pray that they experience God’s everlasting love, even when their families have abandoned them. Wed: Pray for attitudinal and behavioural change in the family members of the Snehalaya residents so that they will take them back to their families and care for them with love. Thu: Pray for all TLM staff who take care of the residents. Pray they will have compassion, time to listen, patience and wisdom to discern the residents’ emotional, spiritual and social needs. Fri: Pray for more donors to come forward to support the work of TLM Snehalayas, and form a strong partnership with TLM India for the work it is doing. Sat/Sun: Praise God for his great compassion and love to all his children. Thank Him that through the work of TLM there is opportunity to share this with others.

lobally TLM is part of a range of networks and partnerships relating to leprosy and related health fields and our Christian identity. Some of these partnerships are opportunities for us to strengthen the collective fight against leprosy and its consequences, whereas some are an opportunity for us to make sure the voice of people affected by leprosy is heard and included in global issues. Some of the networks TLM is involved with are: ILEP – The International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations. Its main emphasis is ensuring that shared key messages about leprosy are voiced in all possible forums, and boosting practical collaboration between the member associations. Micah – A global Christian community of organisations and individuals committed to integral mission. IDDC – The International Disability and Development Consortium. A wide range of organisations that, like TLM, want to make sure that development programmes are inclusive so that people with disabilities are able to fully engage in community life. Leprosy Research Initiative – TLM is one of the five organisations making major contributions each year to this joint fund to support leprosy research. NNN – A network of organisations like TLM that fund or implement programmes focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leprosy. It offers opportunities for new sources of funding and for joint programmes targeting several neglected diseases affecting people in a country or region. EU-Cord – A network of 22 Europe-based Christian organisations working towards the eradication of poverty. Together they share knowledge, seek funding (especially from the EU) and enable the voice of people living in poverty to be heard. TLM is also involved in lobbying with individual governments and multilateral bodies such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the European Union and the G7. There is a continuing focus on the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of targets agreed by UN Member States for 2016-2030.

• • • • •

KEY Staff Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Healthcare Programme TLM Snehalaya, Almora, Uttarakhand – Mr Anand Singh – Administrator TLM Hospital and Snehalaya, Naini, Uttar Pradesh – Dr Ruby Marshala – Deputy Medical Superintendent TLM Hospital and Snehalaya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh – Mr Bino Berry – Superintendent TLM Bill Edgar Memorial Vocational Training Centre and Snehalaya, Bankura, West Bengal – Mr Gabriel Pani – Principal Top: Residents of Naini Snehalaya when they met the disability officer to demand disability certificates.

17–23 DEC

TLM Purulia Leprosy Home and Hospital, Purulia, West Bengal – Dr Famkima Darlong – Medical Superintendent

•

Tue: Many of the networks we are part of are not Christian, though they include Christian organisations. Pray for TLM to maintain and uphold our values which are modelled on the example of Jesus Christ as we meet and collaborate with other workers in this area who do not follow Him. Wed: In 2017 a new TLM Global Fellowship Advocacy Network was formed and developed an advocacy strategy for the Mission. Pray that they will work together effectively in identifying and implementing important focuses for our collective advocacy efforts. Thu: Pray for the work of Pradeep Bagival, Head of Advocacy at TLM’s International Office, as he works with TLM countries everywhere to make sure that TLM is not only well-represented at events where we can exert influence, but also that we present clear, consistent messages. Fri: ILEP’s current key focus is the ‘Triple Zero Campaign’ – calling for Zero Transmission, Zero Disability and Zero Discrimination. Pray that these banners would provide a strong rallying point for effective combined advocacy. Sat/Sun: In 2017, The Leprosy Mission and likeminded organisations successfully lobbied for the United Nations to appoint an exclusive Special Rapporteur on elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families. Give thanks and pray for the positive impact of this role on the recognition of the rights of people affected by leprosy worldwide.

Top: The TLM delegation and special guests from partner associations of people affected by leprosy at the NNN meetings 2017.

DEVOTION

INTEGRAL MISSION

24–31 DEC PRAYER POINTS Christmas Eve: ‘Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.’ 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV). As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, pray that we would be overwhelmed and convicted by the might and glory of the King of Kings.

Transformation involves body, mind and spirit. In all we do, through prayer and obedience to God, we want to proclaim and demonstrate the truth and love of Jesus Christ.

ntegral Mission means that all aspects of what we do in the name of Jesus Christ to minister to people affected by leprosy are integrated together. Our approach is a holistic one; we concern ourselves with the whole person, body, mind and spirit. We are not just a medical or social or development agency, we are not just fundraising or educating, we are not just pastors or evangelists, advocates or campaigners. All of these aspects touch on the work of mission to which we are called, and no aspect should be neglected. The Kingdom of God is our vision, and the person and work of Jesus are our example and motivation. Spiritual ministry will therefore always be actively included in the life of the Mission everywhere. This implies opportunities for worship and devotions in the daily life of the Mission, networking with local churches, Christian communities and other mission organisations, training, mutual support and prayer, and other characteristics of a community in the Kingdom of God. We work in many different contexts and cultures, and therefore our practice of Integral Mission will be expressed in different ways and to different degrees. But we want integral mission to become part of the DNA of The Leprosy Mission, everywhere. Wherever we work, we want to encourage our staff, partners and programmes to be both faithful and innovative as they promote and champion integral mission. We want to join in with what God is already doing and blessing in the places where we work and to identify new partners and new opportunities where we can make Integral Mission a reality.

Top: Country Leaders from Hungary, Sweden and France on a day of international fellowship and spiritual ministry.

Christmas Day: Merry Christmas! ‘Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Romans 8:39 (NIV). Give thanks on this blessed day for our Lord’s unending love and grace. Boxing Day: Pray that we would have a strong sense of the value of our time spent worshipping and praying to God together – that we would not see it as a break from our work, but the essential core on which all the rest relies. Thu: Praise God for what He is doing in some parts of the world where the church is weak and under pressure. Pray that the presence of TLM in such places will encourage God’s people to take courage and persevere. Fri: In most countries where TLM has leprosy programmes, Christians are a minority. Pray for our staff in these places that they will live the values of The Leprosy Mission and that, in particular, they will strive to be like Jesus in their daily lives and their work. Sat/Sun: In an era of scaled-up programmes, funding from governments and secular institutions, and the push for professionalism and technical expertise, there is a constant risk of ‘mission drift’. Pray that leaders, especially, will be vigilant in protecting the heart of TLM in its calling to mission Jesus’ way – caring for the whole person. New Year’s Eve: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’ 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV). Pray that as we begin a new year, God’s Spirit would give us the power, love and selfdiscipline to work together in building His Kingdom.

JESUS, WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR I remember early in my counselling training being surprised that the single most influential contribution in a counselling relationship was ‘who I am’. My character and attitudes mattered in creating a trusting relationship, one that would enable someone to grow, heal or change. I needed to offer acceptance, valuing the person as made in the image of God and loved by Him. I needed to be authentic, my words and actions consistent, my listening genuine. I needed to be empathic, understanding the other person as if ‘in their skin’, their experience, context, thoughts and feelings. Over the years, I have realised with increasing understanding and wonder that Jesus was and is the perfect example of these very attitudes. Coming into our world to share our human life, Jesus walked ‘in our skin’ completely. He not only has all divine understanding of us (Psalm 139:1-2) but also empathises with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). His words and actions always aligned, he lived what he taught. He accepted and loved people (Romans 5:8), seeing beyond words or appearance into the heart and mind. His wisdom and insight brought hope, healing and transformation. Today he continues to love me, understanding me even when I don’t understand myself. He brings comfort and hope when I grieve, when I feel alone, when I am afraid, weak or ill, when I feel useless, when my confidence is low. He lifts me up with words from scripture, encouragement from others and messages just for me in the beautiful world he has created. In darker times he holds me and surprises with moments of joy. He teaches me to become more like him, more who he created me to be. What a Wonderful Counsellor. His love, mercy, grace, insight, understanding... beyond compare. Let’s draw near and allow Him to transform us.

‘A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, “Wonderful Counsellor,” “Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,” “Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (GNB)

Karen Warne has been involved with TLM in various volunteer roles around the world since 1981. She is trained as a teacher and counsellor.

FEATURE

SANJIB’S STORY Opening New Doors Sanjib comes from a very rural part of Purulia District in India. His family background is in carpentry but it is very hard to make a living as a carpenter in this area – when he was a young man there were over 100 carpenters in his village and the immediate surrounding area. Sanjib’s father had leprosy, and the doctor treating him told them about TLM’s Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Bankura and encouraged Sanjib to enrol. He chose welding because in some ways it is similar to carpentry but at the time there wasn’t a welding shop within 100km (he says) of his village.

He worked hard to complete the course and after graduation spent two years working at a welding shop in Bankura. Sanjib then moved back home to open his own shop. Business is good. He has trained four local young men who now work for him. They are all kept very busy. They do a wide variety of work including manufacturing gates and windows, some of which are very intricate and use materials and skills that he has taught himself how to do. The VTC staff were very impressed with how Sanjib is developing into areas they don’t teach.

Sanjib is now married with two children. His older son has a learning disability but with his business succeeding he is more than able to afford the care that he needs. Beyond his own family he is proud that he is also responsible for the families of his staff and has built a business that can support five families.

Sanjib says that without the VTC he’d probably still be doing carpentry, limited to odd jobs, working door to door – certainly not running a business with staff of his own. The VTC was invaluable to giving him a good future. He recognises that this training was made possible by The Leprosy Mission and those who support it and is grateful that such help is given and available. He would encourage the current and future students to study hard: “If you work hard you can achieve a better life with dignity and prospects”.

COUNTRY CONTACT DETAILS International Office

Denmark

Germany

Nepal

Papua New Guinea

Spain

80 Windmill Road Brentford Middlesex TW8 0QH UK Tel: + 44 (0)20 8326 6767 Fax: + 44 (0)20 8326 6777 Email: reception@leprosymission.org www.leprosymission.org

Spedalskhedsmissionen Peter Bangs Vej 5B 2000 Frederiksberg Tel: +45 3529 4254 Email: info@spedalsk.dk www.spedalsk.dk

Lepra-Mission e.V. Augustinerstr. 12/1 73728 Esslingen Tel: +49 (0) 1575 2590217 Email: lepramission@gmail.com www.lepramission.de

TLM Nepal Country Office PO Box 151 Kathmandu Tel: +977 1 5230019 Email: info@tlmnepal.org www.tlmnepal.org

Unit 4, Level 10, Pacific View Apartments, 2 Mile, PO Box 3041, Boroko 111, National Capital District Tel: +675 7377 9974 Email: tlmpng2016@gmail.com

Misión Evang. Contra La Lepra Apartado De Correos, 51332 E-CP 28080 Madrid Tel: +34 910 075 213 Email: mclalepra@gmail.com

DR Congo

Hungary

Netherlands

Republic of Korea

The Leprosy Mission Congo 283, Avenue Kato, Commune de Lingwala, Kinshasa B.P. 14.347 Kinshasa 1 Tel: +243 (0) 99 34 44 584 Email: sabunip@tlmcongo.org

TLM Hungary 1151 Budapest, Alag u 3, LEPRAMISSZIÓ Tel: +36 30 638 4729 Email: risko.marta1@gmail.com www.lepramisszio.hu

Stichting Leprazending Nederland Postbus 902 7301 BD Apeldoorn Tel: +31 (0) 55 7 600 500 Email: info@leprazending.nl www.leprazending.nl

31 Durygongwon-ro 28-gil Dalseo-gu Daegu (42670) Tel: +82 (53) 623 1001 Email: tlmkoreaayc@hotmail.com

India

New Zealand

Scotland

The Leprosy Mission Trust India CNI Bhavan 16 Pandit Pant Marg New Delhi 110 001 Tel: +91 11 43533300 Fax: +91 11 23710803 Email: info@leprosymission.in www.tlmindia.org

PO Box 96262 Balmoral Auckland 1342 Tel: +64 9 630 2818 Email: enquiries@leprosymission. org.nz www.leprosymission.org.nz

Suite 2, Earlsgate Lodge Livilands Lane Stirling FK8 2BG Tel: +44 (0) 1786 449 266 Email: contactus@tlmscotland.org.uk www.tlmscotland.org.uk

TLM Trading Ltd Goldhay Way Orton Goldhay Peterborough PE2 5GZ UK Tel: +44 (0) 1733 239252 Email: enquiries@tlmtrading.com www.tlmtrading.com

Australia PO Box 293 Box Hill VIC 3128 Tel: +61 3 9890 0577 Email: tlmaust@leprosymission. org.au www.leprosymission.org.au

Bangladesh The Leprosy Mission House # 483, Road # 32 New DOHS Mohakhali Dhaka – 1206 Tel: +88 (0) 2 9846395, 9882058, 9881620 Email: dco@tlmbangladesh.org www.tlmbangladesh.org

Belgium

Email: tlm.belgium@gmail.com www.tlmbelgium.org

Chad Mission Evangelique Contre la Lepre (MECL) BP 10, Mongo, Guéra, Republique du Tchad Tel: 00235 66480913 / 98187190 Email: geeske.zijp@gmail.com

England, Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man The Leprosy Mission England and Wales Goldhay Way Orton Goldhay Peterborough PE2 5GZ Tel: +44 (0) 1733 370505 Email: post@TLMEW.org.uk www.leprosymission.org.uk

Indonesia reception@leprosymission.org

Ethiopia PO Box 30480 Addis Ababa Tel: +251 113 698 235 Email: tannyh@tlmethiopia.org

Finland Uotinmäentie 9 B 12 00970 Helsinki Tel: +358 04497 08615 Email: pohti.ritva@gmail.com

France 3 Square de Megève 95380 Louvres Tel: +33 (0) 7 83 85 74 95 Email: contact@missionlepre.org www.missionlepre.org

Italy Str. Pieve S. Sebastiano 1/f 06134 Perugia Tel: +39 07537 42333 Email: info@missionelebbra.org www.missionelebbra.org

Mozambique CP 138 Pemba Cabo Delgado Province Tel: +258 82 300 2734 Email: ariedk@tlmmoz.org

Myanmar 2/K, Pyithu Lane 7th Mile, Pyay Road, Mayangone Township Yangon Tel: +95 1 666851 Email: zmaung@tlmmyanmar.org

Niger Republic TLM-Niger Office Kouara - Kano Rue KK - 138 BP844, Niamey Tel: +227 2035 1128 Email: bunmio@tlmniger.org

Nigeria C12/14 Fort Royal Homes Estate Lugbe, P.M.B. 494, Area 10, Garki, F.C.T. Abuja. Tel: +234 (81) 1791 8420 Email: office@tlmnigeria.org www.leprosymission-nig.org

Northern Ireland Lagan House 2a Queens Road Lisburn BT27 4TZ Tel: +44 (0) 28 9262 9500 Email: info@tlm-ni.org www.tlm-ni.org

Singapore TSLM Ltd. Tampines Central Post Office, PO Box 181, 915207 Tel: +65 96543752 Email: ksseow@yahoo.com

South Sudan The Leprosy Mission International S Sudan Light Industrial Area, Opposite Qatar National Bank Juba Tel: +211 9564 38397 Email: yousifd@tlmsudan.org

Southern Africa PO Box 46002 Orange Grove 2119 South Africa Tel: + 27 (11) 440 6323 Email: peter@tlm.co.za www.leprosymission.co.za

Sweden Lepramissionen – Sverige Mastgatan 2D SE 692 71 Kumla Tel: +46 (19) 583790 Email: info@lepramissionen.se www.lepramissionen.org

Sudan PO Box 15079 Amarat Khartoum Tel: +249 912547080 Email: yousifd@tlmsudan.org

Switzerland French speaking: Mission Évangélique contre la lèpre Route de Denges 38 1027 Lonay Tel: +41 (0)21 801 50 81 Email: info@missionlepre.ch www.missionlepre.ch German speaking: Evangelische Lepra-Mission Bernstrasse 15A Postfach 175 3360 Herzogenbuchsee Tel: +41 (0)62 961 83 84 Email: info@lepramission.ch www.lepramission.ch

Timor Leste PO Box 84 Dili Tel: +670 331 0456 Email: nona.tlmtl@gmail.com

The Leprosy Mission World We are a global network active in over 40 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 KOREA

CHINA NEPAL NIGER CHAD SUDAN

BANGLADESH

INDIA

MYANMAR THAILAND

ETHIOPIA SWEDEN

SOUTH SUDAN

FINLAND

NIGERIA

SRI LANKA

SCOTLAND

WALES

TANZANIA ANGOLA

ENGLAND

IRELAND

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

INDONESIA

DENMARK N. IRELAND

SINGAPORE

DR CONGO

TIMOR LESTE

MOZAMBIQUE NETHERLANDS

BELGIUM

GERMANY HUNGARY

AUSTRALIA

FRANCE

SOUTH AFRICA

SWITZERLAND

SPAIN

ITALY

NEW ZEALAND

Africa Angola Chad DR Congo Ethiopia Mozambique Niger

Asia Nigeria South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania

Bangladesh China India Indonesia Myanmar Nepal

Europe Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Thailand Timor Leste

Members of The Leprosy Mission Fellowship are in bold text. In the remaining countries, closely connected partners either share the same Leprosy Mission heritage or are implementing significant programmes with Leprosy Mission support.

Belgium Denmark England and Wales Finland France Germany Hungary

Ireland Italy Netherlands Northern Ireland Scotland Spain Sweden Switzerland

North America

Oceania

Canada USA

Australia New Zealand Papua New Guinea

ASK

Our Vision: Leprosy Defeated, Lives Transformed

2018 PRAYER DIARY

@LeprosyMissInt www.facebook.com/TheLeprosyMissionInternational

www.leprosymission.org A publication of The Leprosy Mission International

ASK 2018 PRAYER DIARY