Christians Living with Leprosy
Leprosy has been feared and misunderstood for centuries. Even today, people affected by the disease often face deep social stigma in many parts of India. Many are rejected by their families and communities and forced to live in separate colonies.
Although modern medicine can treat the disease, the social consequences often remain. Those living in leprosy colonies frequently struggle with poverty, physical limitations, and isolation from the rest of society.
Through this ministry, Sanctuary Ministries helps support a group of Christians living in one of these colonies, providing food assistance and help with medical needs.
Life with Leprosy in India
A Christian woman living in a leprosy colony in southeast India.
Leprosy has long been feared in many cultures. For centuries it was believed to be a curse or punishment, and even today the disease carries a heavy social stigma.
People who develop leprosy are often rejected by their families and communities. Many are forced to live in government-run colonies, removed from normal society.
In India, those from the lower castes who develop leprosy are especially vulnerable and are often treated as outcasts, even within their inherited caste.
How Sanctuary Ministries Helps
A believer affected by leprosy in southeast India.
Through this ministry, Sanctuary Ministries helps provide food and practical assistance to Christians living in a leprosy colony. Support is provided on a regular basis to help meet the basic needs of individuals who often have limited opportunities to work.
This assistance includes rice, vegetables, clothing, and small financial support. These monthly gifts help provide stability for believers who might otherwise struggle to meet their daily needs.
Encouragement and Fellowship
Women gather during a ministry visit where food and assistance are distributed.
In addition to meeting practical needs, the ministry also provides encouragement and fellowship for believers who often live on the margins of society. Times of gathering allow them to worship together, receive encouragement, and be reminded that they are part of the body of Christ.
Men gather for encouragement and fellowship during a ministry meeting.
Personal Connection
Spending time with believers during one of our visits to India.
Although Sanctuary Ministries visits the community periodically, the support provided through this ministry continues on a regular basis throughout the year.
Through the faithful work of local believers, food and assistance are distributed monthly to help care for those living in the colony.
Support the Leprosy Ministry
Through your support, you can help provide food and practical assistance to Christians living in the leprosy colony.
Your gift helps meet basic needs while reminding these believers that they are not forgotten and that they are loved by God.
Even a small monthly gift can help provide food and support for believers living in the colony.
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International Sanctuary Ministries
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Abilene, TX 79604
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International Sanctuary Ministries
PO Box 2238
Abilene, TX 79604
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Sharing the Love of Christ Through Many Ministries
Through the ministries of Sanctuary Ministries, we work among some of the poorest people in southeast India, many of whom come from the lowest levels of the caste system. Each of our ministries meets practical needs while also opening opportunities to introduce people to the message of the Gospel and to the hope found only through Christ.