How We’re Helping Leprosy Patients
GFA-supported leprosy ministry started as a small effort in 2007 to help a few people suffering with leprosy. Pastor Tarik Paul helped lead it at the beginning, and now “Reaching Friends Ministry” quickly became one of the largest GFA-supported ministries in that region.
“We thought we would name the ministry differently, where they won’t have to remember their sickness or feel the stigma of it. So while praying and discussing, we thought, ‘Let us call them “friends” because they have been created in the image of God, like us. It is only the sickness that keeps them different, but let us not make that a barrier. Let us accept them as friends.’” —Pastor Tarik Paul, who helped start Reaching Friends Ministry
God does not see people afflicted by leprosy as cursed. Instead, He loves them enough to send Jesus to die for them. National missionaries reflect that love to people affected with leprosy. They are taking time to meet their needs, hold their hands, pray for them and treat their wounds. GFA-supported workers care for leprosy patients through social and relief work, such as distributing food, providing medical aid, teaching health- and hygiene-awareness programs, and facilitating adult education and tutoring centers for children.
A Daily Meal
GFA-supported workers provide leprosy patients with hot, nourishing meals.
Medical Care
To prevent further infection, medical workers regularly clean wounds and provide medical care to leprosy patients.
Practical Help
Workers help with everyday tasks like washing dishes, doing laundry or trimming fingernails for those who are unable to do it themselves.
