Noah (Age 68) shared with tears, "When you put the garland on us we felt a great acceptance because even our own kids have rejected us and won't provide anything for us. Because of Jesus' love, you are providing all our needs and treating us like your own parents. My only desire is that I want to stay here until I die."

Muthu (Age 70) shared, "My son and daughter have rejected me. I didn't even see them for 40 years. When I used to beg, people occasionally helped me. But never before did I feel this much overwhelming love and concern for me. So I would love to stay here until my death".

Saveriyar (Age 65), who is sleeping out on the porch, shared, "In the hospital they discharged me because I am coming to church. I didn't have a home so I didn't know where I can live. I thought I would have to go begging, but Jesus gave me a good place to stay here with comfort".

Ramaye (age 70) shared, "After the hospital discharged me I went to my son's house hoping he would have mercy on me. He was drinking alcohol and spoke very harsh words to me and threatened to beat me. He told me because of my disease you cannot live here because he cannot provide for me. He told me just go anywhere, you are not my mother. I will not even bury you when you die. I was so heartbroken, I had nowhere to go. One of the neighbors had mercy on me and allowed me to sleep where they keep their chickens. It was hard for me to sleep on the floor those two nights because bugs were crawling on me the whole night. When I came to church the following week I was so happy when you allowed me to stay here. Now I am in need of nothing. The food is so good here and since I came the Lord is healing me and giving me lots of peace. Just think, how special it would be for your family to sponsor a precious victim of leprosy such as Ramaye. Just imagine helping to rebuild the life of one that had been totally broken with every degree of suffering known to mankind. You can bring hope to them both physically and emotionally.

Missionary Kathy Smith standing with Ramaye after putting the garland around her neck and welcoming her to her new home and new family.

So far, a bathroom facility with two toilets and two shower units has been built for those living there. Also another room has been built onto the house. The land is being cultivated and prepared to plant food for those living there and extra food for our medical and food outreaches. Also these people will need lots of medical care. One woman with leprosy who has come has some serious health problems, so she has been getting hospital care for the past three weeks. This month, ICII will be sending some of our ministry workers to the famous leprosy hospital in Vellore, founded by Dr. Paul Brand, for basic medical training in leprosy care so that ICII can have more help to care for their medical needs. In the near future, after permissionis granted ICII will be constructing a concrete block building to house more leprosy residents. Please join us is prayer for the Lord to provide every need for our precious leprosy friends.