‘But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.’ Galatians 4: 4-5 (NLT )
This verse from Scripture reminds us that we are part of God’s family, adopted as His sons and daughters. Sadly, many people don’t have close relationships with their own families, and Christmas in particular can be a very difficult time.
Jewel knows the pain of being without a loving family. He is 15 years old and is staying at a Leprosy Mission hospital in Bangladesh. His first visit was four years ago, after a government hospital had diagnosed him with leprosy and referred him here. Though he was just 11 years old and lived over 250km away, Jewel had to travel to the hospital alone,
taking several buses and a rickshaw. He has a father, stepmother and three brothers, but none of them would come with him.
Struggling without adult support
Jewel had already lost the feeling in his hands and feet and was suffering from leprosy-related ulcers, which took a year to heal completely. He was given physiotherapy and taught how to soak and care for his leprosy-affected limbs to help prevent further ulceration and damage. Once he was better Jewel went home again, but with little support he could not cope with looking after his feet and hands on his own. Jewel soon had to make his own way back to the hospital with terrible injuries and ulcers to his desensitised feet.
The damage to Jewel’s body was so bad that the surgical team was left with no option but to perform amputations on both legs. During this heartbreaking time, none of his family has been to visit him. Jewel admits it causes him much pain that nobody has come to support him through these difficult days.
Looking ahead
Jewel is now back in hospital for the fourth time, this time to be fitted with prosthetic limbs. These will help him to regain his mobility and independence. Despite all his problems, Jewel is hoping to complete his education. He says, ‘I may not have my feet, but I have my hands so I can work’. Jewel remains hopeful for the future, even without the family support that would mean so much to him.
In many ways, the Leprosy Mission hospital staff have become his family. They have taken him in and shown him love and compassion. They have treated his wounds, fed him and cared for him without asking for anything in return. Without your help, this work could not continue – please, at this special time of year, will you be a brother or sister to someone like
Jewel? It doesn’t take a large gift – any amount you can give will have a big impact.
Wishing you every blessing for a peaceful Christmas.
Rupert Haydock
National Director
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