The Leprosy Mission's Easter Appeal

Isaiah 1:17
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

The media seems so often to be full of bad news from Africa, of war or flood or famine. That's why I wanted to share with you this story of hope and opportunity, and I hope you'll understand why I'm asking for your help today to make sure there will be more joy to come in the future.

Juma is 13 and lives in Nicanda Village, Mozambique. His smile can brighten a room, but it hides a really sad childhood. Juma was diagnosed with leprosy when he was just eight years old. His mother passed away not long after that, and his father moved away to live with another woman leaving Juma on his own. He comes to visit every now and then, and Juma's grandmother lives nearby, but it's awful that such a young boy has to live alone and look after himself. Amazingly, Juma managed to build his own house out of sticks and mud. The termites are still living in the wood and when you enter the house, you can hear them clicking away inside the beams.

This all sounds like a terrible burden for someone so young. But Juma isn't fearful for the future at all. He says he feels fortunate that his leprosy was diagnosed so early, because it meant he could take the cure, multidrug therapy, before any disabilities could occur. When he grows up he would like to be a teacher so that he can teach other children the things that he has learnt. Juma could never afford school fees or materials on his own, but with The Leprosy Mission's help he is now attending school - his favourite subject is Portuguese.

The home Juma lives in, shabby though it may be, shows his will to succeed, to make a better life for himself. Juma doesn't want or need handouts - he is resourceful and determined. But he can't do it all on his own, and we can't be there for him, to encourage and care for him, without your support. Please consider a gift today.

Thank you.

Jean Jones
Head of Fundraising

PS. Children like Juma shouldn't have to bear the burden of leprosy alone - your gift today can help lift it from their shoulders.