KP Yohannan:My Recent Visit. Cleaning Wounds, Giving Blankets, Praying

Since 2007, GFA-supported workers have been caring for leprosy patients through medical care, practical personal care and by giving them the opportunity to know that God loves them. This ministry is one of those that I am so happy we can be a part of. God’s heart is for the vulnerable and the forgotten, and these precious people certainly are one among them. By God’s grace, we are working in 44 leprosy colonies across Asia. Some of these colonies have up to 5,000 patients. I am amazed and so grateful we have a part in making their difficult lives better.
Not only do these patients have the physical difficulties that comes with this infectious disease, but they have the emotional difficulties that come along with it as well. Because of the stigma associated with this disease, it is not uncommon that those who have it are abandoned by family members and are left uncared for by anyone.
Although with appropriate medical care this disease can be treated and cease to be contagious, many do not know this and try to hide the fact that they have it for as long as they can out of fear of rejection. In many cases, the time spent hiding the disease shuts the window on treating the disease at all. , 
This year in recognition of World Leprosy Day (January 28), GFA-supported workers are holding special programs and times of ministry for the leprosy patients across the Indian subcontinent. Many awareness programs will be held educating people about the disease. Sisters of Compassion and GFA-workers will be going out to visit leprosy patients in some areas just to spend time with these precious people, pray for them and let them know that they are loved. At the special programs, the leprosy patients will receive various kinds of practical help. In some places, they’ll be holding a clinic for the leprosy patients or providing a meal. In other places they will be distributing various items such as a medicine, hygiene kits, food packets, clothing, sandals, blankets, umbrellas and notebooks for leprosy-affected children.
This last November, I visited a leprosy colony myself. I had the opportunity to help clean the wounds of leprosy patients, pray for them, and give them blankets for the upcoming winter season. Around 500 of our precious Sisters of Compassion daily serve these leprosy patients. They so faithfully follow Christ’s example to serve these who are the vulnerable and forgotten.
My Recent Leper Colony Visit - KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia



These sisters are an example of how God works. He wants us, in our physical bodies, with hands, legs, eyes and ears, to live as Christ lived. We are to engage our five senses as we follow Him and live out our spirituality. But what does that really mean?

Read more at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/kpyohannan/2018/01/recent-leper-colony-visit-cleaning-wounds-giving-blankets-praying/#B5UDpRD2LECkrHQd.99

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