During my first week of
ministry in Thailand, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to serve in a
neighborhood that was classified as a “Leper Colony.” Leprosy is
something I had only read about in the bible and had little to no understanding
of…..so, through my experience with these people, I wanted to share with you
all a more detailed picture of what people with Leprosy are dealing with and
who they are.
Leprosy has affected humanity for over 4,000 years; it is a chronic, mildly
infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium,
affecting the peripheral nervous system, skin, and nasal mucosa and
variously characterized by ulcerations, tubercular nodules, and loss of
sensation that sometimes leads to traumatic amputation. Skin lesions are
the primary external sign. Left untreated, leprosy can be progressive, causing
permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Contrary to folklore,
leprosy does not cause body parts to fall off, although they can become numb
and diseased. As a result, the disease commonly deforms the hands & feet-
appearing to look as though there are no fingers or toes.
Leprosy stigma is a kind of social stigma, a strong feeling that a leprosy patient is
shameful and is not accepted normally in society.
Not only are these people
dealing with pain of disease in their bodies, the emotional drain of constant
doctors visits, and the fear of watching their physical body deteriorate before
their very own eyes- but there is a judgment that society has put on them.
This condemnation is birthed from fear and a lack of knowledge. People turn their heads away from them,
look down on them, and forget that they exist.
I want to introduce you to a
friend of ours who shows what it means to truly be content in any situation;
what it means to have faith; and how to receive and give the love of God. Lim
is a man who has dealt with the pain of disease and abandonment from society
for over 40 years. He is living proof of the following passage. You will see through his life that God’s burden is light and His yoke is easy not matter the challenges you come across…
Come to me, all you who are
weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn
from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28
May you be blessed by his
brief testimony….
