Week 49: 30 November – 6 December

Sri Lanka Prayer points Mon: Thank God for the good relationships Alliance Development Trust has built at the start of their Mobilising Communities project with the Government Anti-Leprosy Campaign and others in the Health Department. Tue: Pray for the leprosy-affected people currently being cared for in Sri Lanka; that they will be accepted by and integrated back into society and we will see leprosy healed in the land. Wed: Praise God for the increasing number of cases of leprosy being found and treated through the mobile clinics implemented by the government assistance from KKM.

About TLM’s work in Sri Lanka

The number of new cases of leprosy is on the rise in Sri Lanka, and in the north, due to the conflict disrupting leprosy services, many cases have not been diagnosed. TLM works through two partner organisations, Alliance Development Trust and Kaveri Kala Manram (KKM), implementing two projects. The Mobilising Communities for the Reduction of Leprosy Prevalence and Stigma project encourages churches across Sri Lanka to work to reduce leprosy prevalence and to support members of their communities already affected by leprosy. Church members are encouraged and equipped to reach out in love and practical care to people affected by leprosy, as well as to raise awareness of the disease and its treatment, with teams of volunteers mobilised from each local congregation linked to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka. The Increased Detection of Leprosy Cases and Rehabilitation of Leprosy Communities in Northern Sri Lanka project increases detection of leprosy in Northern Province through supporting and helping to build the capacity of government health services, working with communities and institutions to reduce stigma and providing community-based rehabilitation to 40 leprosy-affected communities in Mannar and Jaffna Districts such as livelihood development, safe water provision, self-care and empowerment. Top: Monokraja and Siri with their new boat engine. Below: Children’s education is part of KKM’s work.

Thu: As the church is mobilised, pray that they will truly be God’s hand extended in Sri Lanka; that as they create awareness they will have a heart of compassion and serve with the love of Christ. Fri: Thank God for the increased support to projects in Sri Lanka, which has a long history of engagement with TLM. Sat/Sun: Pray for God’s continued favour as TLM’s partners mobilise churches and align their work to the national campaign; that doors to leadership and networks will continue to open to be a blessing to the land.

Key Staff Alliance Development Trust Godfrey Yogarajah – CEO Praveen Gomez – Programmes Coordinator Kaveri Kala Manram Rev Joshua Sivanganam – Director Dr Preman Jeyaratnam – Chairman of the Board

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Week 50: 7–13 December

Ireland and Italy Prayer points Ireland Mon: TLM Ireland continues to explore how it might most strategically use its unique position, resources and relationships to strategically impact the global leprosy situation. Please pray for creativity of thought, wisdom and clarity. Tue: The Board and staff have identified that the corporate community has much to offer TLM Ireland as the economy emerges from the global financial crisis. They would appreciate prayer that real and lasting partnerships would be established.

About TLM Ireland

TLM Ireland works with leprosy-affected people as well as targeting a range of other diseases and developmental issues. The organisation aims to reduce poverty, stigma, oppression, marginalisation, prejudice and injustice. TLM Ireland partners with governments, local communities, international agencies and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

About TLM Italy

TLM Italy’s work has slowed in recent years due to the illness of the National Director, Katrina Malcolm. She is now working closely with Ken Gibson (TLM Ireland) who is supporting the Board to develop a plan for the future, and is alternating her time between Ireland and Italy.

Wed: Please pray for TLM Ireland’s interactions with high profile figures whom they are recruiting as advocates. May these interactions be rich, positive and effective in the service of people with leprosy. Italy Thu: Please pray for TLM Italy as they seek out regional volunteer representatives to carry the message about leprosy and TLM’s work, especially to new churches and new areas. Fri: The Board, under Chairman Rev Elia Landi, continues to seek out a strategy for the future. This is a real challenge as interest in TLM has declined in recent years. Please ask God to make his way clear to them. Sat: Continue, please, to pray for Katrina Malcolm, National Director of TLM Italy, who has had recurring health problems. Pray that God would touch her life and bring blessing, peace and healing.

Senior Staff Ireland Ken Gibson – CEO Italy Katrina Malcolm – National Director Above: Ken Gibson, CEO of TLM Ireland.

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Week 51: 14–20 December

Chad Prayer points Mon: Pray for good working relationships between TLM Chad and their partners in leprosy control and disability prevention; Disabled People’s Organisations; and churches. Tue: Pray that leprosy supervisors at all levels within the country will approach their work with zeal and dedication. Wed: Pray for a reduction in poverty among disabled people through the capacity building of DPOs.

About TLM Chad

TLM Chad is working in partnership with local partners in leprosy control and disability prevention, awareness creation about the rights of people living with disabilities and with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in the area of capacity building. Its main areas of intervention are: • The training of health staff in leprosy control and disability prevention • Supervision of health staff in the Guéra, Batha, the Salamat, te Ouaddai and Sila regions • Physiotherapy and eye care for the very poor • Provision of orthopaedic appliances and walking aids for people with walking problems • The training of Disabled People’s Organisations in good governance and administration, financial management and accounts and production techniques • Advocacy for the rights of people living with disabilities • Social care of the very poor

Thu: Chad is a country that has struggled with ongoing internal conflict for many years. Please pray for justice and peace across the nation and for those in power to make wise decisions for the good of their country. Fri: Pray that the rights of children affected by disability will be respected and that they and their parents will be supported in their communities. Sat/Sun: Pray for strength and courage for the TLM Chad team as they live and work in a challenging environment. Key events

2015

January – Participation in the national leprosy supervisors meeting in N’Djamena March–April – Training of health staff in leprosy control and disability prevention

The TLM Chad programme is working closely with its target population – leprosy-affected persons and individuals and groups (such as DPOs) living with disabilities – and encourages active participation of the target groups for the achievement of its objectives. The goal of the second phase of project GRACE (Guéra Rehabilitation and Community Involvement) starting in 2015 is: A community united to support the dignity of persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities. Top: Geeske Zijp and Bunmi Oluloto at the World Leprosy Day 2014 celebrations. Right: Members of a Disabled People’s Organisation in Mongo, Guéra region.

Senior Staff Bunmi Oluloto – TLM Country Leader Geeske Zijp – TLM Chad Programme Manager

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Week 52: 21–27 December

Bangladesh: Leprosy Control and Research ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.’ 1 Peter 2:9-10

Prayer points Mon: Pray for successful implementations of existing research projects in treatment, vaccines and community-based rehabilitation. Pray too for new research projects being developed, that they will be well-constructed, useful and receive favourable support. Tue: Pray for the local research committee in Bangladesh that works to ensure high quality research and that patient’s rights are upheld with regards to general ethical issues. Wed: Pray for new innovations by research that can help to stop leprosy infection and enable leprosy eradication.

About TLM Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, leprosy control and research are conducted alongside community-based rehabilitation activities to ensure that TLM’s projects address the needs of people affected by leprosy holistically. Leprosy control limits the spread and impact of the disease while research helps TLM to ensure that both medical and social areas of our work are well-informed and effective. TLM Bangladesh undertakes projects that include leprosy control and research in Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Gaibandha and Jaypurhat districts, Nilphamari, Dhaka and six districts in the Southern province. Leprosy control projects involve raising awareness of leprosy through advocacy activities; providing quality leprosy services; and integrating the care of leprosyaffected people with general healthcare provision.

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Top and above: The IDEAL vaccine research project in Nilphamari. © Tom Bradley

Thu: Pray for staff members in the Advocacy for Empowerment Project as they partner with many other local NGOs by providing orientation and developing existing health staff to strengthen their skills and capacity to identify the symptoms of leprosy patients. Fri: Pray for health, wellbeing and renewed enthusiasm for government workers in the National Leprosy Elimination Program, government health services and the Department of Social Services who partner with TLM in transforming the lives of people affected by leprosy and disability. Sat/Sun: Pray for the partner NGOs who support the TLM Bangladesh Advocacy for Empowerment Project. These organisations provide their existing health staff into different districts to identify new leprosy cases and refer them to government or TLM health services. Senior Staff Dr David Khan – Medical Coordinator Mr John Arpan Samaddar – Dhaka and Chittagong Program Leader Mr Surendra Nath Singh – Program Leader, GaibandhaJaypurhat Leprosy Care Project Dr Sanai Prue Tripura – Project Manager, Chittagong Leprosy Control Project Mr Parach Chakma – Project Manager, CHT Leprosy Control & Rehabilitation Project Mr Thomas Singha – Project Manager, Dhaka Leprosy Control Project Mrs Masuma Parvin – Project Manager, Advocacy for Empowerment Project Mr Khorshed Alam – Project Manager, Leprosy Field Research and Leprosy Control, Rural Health Program

Week 53: 28–31 December

India: Snehalayas Prayer points Mon: Praise God for excellent geriatric care being provided to the residents of Snehalayas. Pray for their good health. Tue: Pray that appropriate linkages may be established with the Social Welfare Department so that the government’s social security schemes can be extended to Snehalaya residents. Wed: Pray for efforts undertaken in reuniting residents with their families. Thu: Praise God for the various leisure time initiatives undertaken by the residents which keep them fruitfully occupied. Pray for enduring friendships and strong mutual support between the residents.

Care for the elderly

Snehalayas (care homes) are for elderly people affected by leprosy, usually with multiple disabilities, who have no families or caregivers. TLM India provides them shelter, medical care, food, clothing, and a safe and dignified life through five Snehalayas in Faizabad, Naini, Purulia, Bankura and Almora. TLM also works to unite these elderly people with their families.

Top: A Snehalaya resident writing. Below: The residents from Naini Snehalaya.

Key Staff Dr Jerry Joshua – Head of Health Programme Dr Famkima Darlong – Superintendent, TLMTI Hospital and Snehalaya, Purulia Dr Premal Das – Superintendent, TLMTI Hospital and Snehalaya, Naini Dr Timothy Maximus – Superintendent, TLMTI Hospital and Snehalaya, Faizabad Mr Anand Singh – Administrator, Leprosy Mission Snehalaya, Almora Mr Angshuman Biswas – Principal, TLMTI VEC and Snehalaya, Bankura

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FEATURE

A special dream A

nge Ma lives in a bamboo forest a long way outside of Yangon with her husband and their four year old daughter. She developed leprosy at the age of 10. Now her right eye won’t close properly, and she has sensation loss and clawing in both hands. Ange Ma has no education. For work she harvests the long thick grass used to make baskets and mats, and occasionally gets paid to do manual labour on a farm. She has also recently started a bamboo business with a loan from TLM, and has already paid back more than half of it. This has given her better financial security. ‘Now I have a regular income, and no longer need to borrow from people here at high interest rates.’ It also gives Ange Ma new opportunities for the future. ‘I want to make sure my daughter gets a good education,’ she says. TLM has also trained Ange Ma to do regular exercises to help her hands – she doesn’t always do them, but is encouraged by the Disability Resource Centre. This year TLM is planning to give her sewing training, which will improve her prospects further. Hopefully she will soon be able to realise her other special dream: ‘I also want to get my daughter earrings!’

Photos of Ange Ma © Tom Bradley

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