Update on India Projects

We have been so blessed by the wonderful response from people to our Christmas appeal to help us buy shoes for 200 leprosy affected people in the Dhamarpuri Leprosy colony.  We met our budget for the shoes and were able to distribute these at Christmas. But we then discovered that some of these precious people's feet had been so badly disfigured by the disease that they need much more complex boots and braces with special supports while a few will require medical intervention and should be put on a longer term programme of care with prosthetic limbs as an option to help them become stronger and more mobile. So we have extended our appeal and are believing God for ongoing funds to continue to bless this colony and help care for these people more long-term over the next few years.  So we are now in the second phase of this project.

With some additional funds we were also able to buy school bags and books for the children whose parents are affected by leprosy so that they could go to school rather than suffer the stigma of their parents and be outcasts with no hope of education and a normal life.  Again, we have made a start but would love to see these kids through their school years and have funds to continue to support them over the next 5-7 years rather than just this year. 

The micro loans schemes continue to be a huge success with several families taking up the opportunity to receive a low interest loan and begin to set up a small business.  This not only restores dignity to the leprosy affected people but also ensures that they start to support themselves through their own industry and enterprise. 

One example has been in supplying loans for goats to be bought for some leprosy affected people.  As we came back to visit the colony we we heard of how God had blessed the Christian families whose goats had all had twins!  We are amazed that when we do our small part in giving what we can, God adds His unique touch and favour!!  It costs around RS 5,000 (about $100 or £65) to buy a pair of goats.

We will be going back to India just before Christmas again this year so if you would like to contribute towards our ongoing projects please do get in touch with us for information on how to give.  As a charity in the UK and with non-profit status in the USA we can also advide you on how to ensure we recover the tax on your gift. 

Thank you for your interest and support!

To read more about our visit to India click here.