Hope and Healing in a Leper Colony

One thing about being a new Christian, I can say that the countless cliches come pretty quick: "Let me pray about it," "God will use your worst to make you your best, " etc… Sure there is truth, but when you're thirsty for Christ, those words are not the instant gratification we may be seeking. But the reality is that they are true- just not necessarily in the places we may expect.

A few months ago, the reality set in that my marriage was over, despite my efforts. I was filled with guilt and shame that sent me far away from the world. I felt like I was an outcast amongst the happily married families. That same week, our India email relayed that we'd be working at a leper community. I was intrigued and happy to visit with other people who had been separated from the outside world. Leprosy is by no means the same as divorce, but the impact on one's heart is no less devastating. 

As the morning of Day 2 began, I sat in the van preparing myself for gloom, seriousness, and a darker shade of India. We drove for almost an hour and finally pulled into a small compound. The first person I saw was an elderly man missing his finders and toes- but as we pulled closer into the colony, he displayed another feature I hadn't expected: a smile. His face lit up and he waved, calling his family and friends. That joy didn't stop. The community came out to greet us in colorful, vibrant clothing,  and a warmth that could not be contained by a language barrier. The older women especially giggled like small children as we painted their nails and blew bubbles. As one lady approached, her sari carried in the wind and I thought of a rainbow- God's promise for hope and His love.

The leper community was the revelation that we're going to struggle and it's going to be dark, but there's always light and always hope in Him. His love and warmth cannot be contained even by the barriers of this world and our sins. 

I came to serve them and they served me a big dose of God's love.

This cliche we'll keep.

———

 

The following morning, I passed off the blog entry above to Connie, our leader, prior to our return to the leper colony. We spent more time in fellowship with the women and children. Sometimes it seemed necessary to sit quietly and take in this group of people with such a heart for community and love.

As the time drew near to say goodbye, our team gathered around our friends to pray for those women, a newborn, and their families. I held the hand of a young woman and prayed aloud over her- one of the very few times I've ever done such a thing. Once we finished, she turned and spoke Hindi to her mother in urgency. Her mother grabbed my hand, and led me off to pray for the father. As we left the building, I grabbed the hand of my teammate, Kelsey, and we were led through the steady rain into the home.

There, on a cot, lay the father who was the older man from the day before, who touched my heart with his smile. He lay with his eyes closed- partly from sleep, partly from pain. Kelsey prayed and then I knew it was my turn. I felt a surge of panic and before I could hesitate, God spoke for me. The words came out so easily for healing and relief, love, and for a relationship with Christ. After I said, "Amen,", the man turned and opened his eyes for a moment… and the Lord's peace embraced us. 

We walked back through the raindrops and I could not stop my eyes from tearing. God had placed that man on my heart and though their family asked us to pray for his healing, it was my own heart that felt bound up by the Lord.

 

http://donrock.myadventures.org/*Photo by Connie Rock.