(Rajahmundry) Imagine the sun is beating down on you as you are lying in the street, hoping that someone will give you a couple of rupees. Even though the shops and restaurants are a few feet away, you are not permitted to enter because of the sores on your legs and your missing fingers and toes. At the end of the day, you make your way back to the “home” that the government has provided, glad that it didn’t rain since the roof leaks. You realize that the sores on your legs have broken open and the bloody fluid inside has poured out, drawing the flies to it. Although your body is wracked with pain, you can’t feel the stubs on your feet or the nubs on your hands; it could be worse. For years you thought it would be better to end your life and let your family, who rejected you, have peace in knowing that you are gone, but one day a small group of pastors came and brought food and shared some exciting news with you. There is hope! There is a person who loves them so much that He was willing to die for them in order to be close to them. He, too, had been rejected by all, even his closest friends and more importantly, by His Father. At last there is someone who can identify with how you are feeling and this Jesus promises new life and hope in Him.
This may be hard to imagine, but this is the story of many afflicted with leprosy here in India. At the Emmanuel Leper Colony, these outcasts from society have been receiving love, acceptance, and food from the members of Emmanuel Church since 1971. By giving out of their own food supplies, Pastor Devadanam and his two co-pastor brothers, their families, and the church body are able to provide for half the food needed each month. Their newfound hope keeps many from turning to alcohol, drugs, or suicide.
Jesus, the Healer and Restorer, began to show up in a powerful way as our team shared the Good News with the colony. Pastor Bill and Pastor Mary Pat shared the love and life of Jesus with these precious people and fifteen believed the truth of Jesus Christ, inviting Him to take control of their lives. Boldly proclaiming the healing power of Jesus, Pastor Mary Pat prayed for God to move, rebuking the spirit behind the leprosy. During this powerful prayer for healing, the leader of the colony received back the vision in his right eye. Another woman’s severe back pain was healed. On a return visit, we were able to provide 660 pounds of rice and oranges to help with their physical need. When we arrived we found that one man, who had open sores on his legs, was healed of all his sores! Thank you Jesus for healing the leprosy on this man’s legs!
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