Monthly Prayer Focus

Today, leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) is shattering thousands of lives worldwide. Although leprosy is treatable, in some parts of the world, people who live with this disease are commonly shunned by society. For them, a leprosy diagnosis can be like a death sentence as they face utter rejection and isolation. But through your prayers, they can find acceptance and hope in Christ.

Through GFA’s leprosy ministry, Sisters of Compassion and other national missionaries are ministering to leprosy patients, restoring dignity to those whom others have rejected. Simple acts of love, such as cooking meals, making customized shoes, providing medication or cleaning wounds, demonstrate how God deeply cares about all His creation—a life-altering message for those who bear the scars of this devastating disease.

This month, please add GFA’s leprosy ministry to your prayer list and lift up those affected with leprosy.

Left unattended, leprosy ravages the body of its victim, eventually leading to disfigurement. Without treatment, leprosy cripples and even causes blindness. But with appropriate care and medication, this disease can be stopped in its tracks. With as little as one week of treatment, leprosy patients are no longer contagious, but the stigma that follows these precious people is much harder to eradicate. Beyond physical healing, many patients also need emotional healing from the trauma and rejection they have experienced, which can be more painful than the disease itself. God is using medical treatment, prayer and compassionate service to bring relief and even complete healing to leprosy patients, both physically and emotionally.

Pray for healing through both traditional medicine and divine intervention for leprosy patients and for them to find peace and healing in Christ. Pray they will be filled with hope as national missionaries accept and love them as their own family.

Those who have lost the use of their hands and feet have no way to provide for themselves, yet they are often abandoned by society. Other leprosy patients may have few physical limitations, but the stigma of the disease can hinder their likelihood of being hired. Many also have children to care for and may resort to begging to feed themselves and their children. One simple act of kindness—such as your kindness in taking the time to pray for these individuals—or a thoughtful word can make all the difference and give them fresh courage to continue their battle to survive.

Ask God to meet the needs of those impacted by leprosy and to guide GFA missionaries, staff and partners as they perform acts of kindness toward these precious friends in need.

Every year, approximately 200,000 new cases of leprosy are detected in 120 countries, including countries where GFA serves. Praise God for the work He is already doing in the dozens of communities of leprosy patients where GFA missionaries minister! In addition, GFA has recently identified 150 leprosy colonies with thousands of residents in need to which we plan to expand ministry in the near future.

Please pray for the residents in these communities where ministry will be starting, that their needs will be met and their hearts will be transformed as they experience Christ’s love, some for the first time. Pray that our leprosy ministry will continue to expand and God will raise up more workers to serve in this way.

National missionaries who minister among leprosy patients demonstrate Jesus’ love in many ways. In addition to cleaning and dressing wounds, these workers help those with disabilities by cooking meals, cleaning homes, assisting with bathing and through other practical acts of service. They also offer friendship, comfort and love to those so many others have cast aside.

Please pray these workers will have the physical endurance and emotional stability to continue offering strength and hope to people such as leprosy patients who are living in heartbreaking situations. Please pray for the Sisters of Compassion teams who will be establishing leprosy ministry in new communities that God will go before them, give them favor and prepare hearts to receive His love.

Understanding leprosy is key to relieving the plight of leprosy patients and eliminating the disease. Fear of catching leprosy often results in the ostracism of those diagnosed with leprosy, though it is not easily contracted. Because of the severity of this shunning, many people who worry they may have leprosy hide their condition, not knowing that if the disease is caught and treated early, it is curable.

Pray communities where leprosy is prevalent gain a greater awareness and understanding of this disease and the available treatment. Please also pray for a shift in mindset among communities and for increased compassion toward those diagnosed with leprosy.

  Print these prayer requests out for your convenience.