Right now, I’m sure that we are all waking each morning and remembering that the world is suddenly a very different place.

Everything we take for granted, such as family visits, going to work, watching sport and meeting friends for coffee has suddenly been taken away from us.

For all of us at The Leprosy Mission, now more than ever we feel called to look out not only for people and communities affected by leprosy, but also for you, our supporters.

The impact on the team

Thank you for being faithful to people affected by leprosy; relentless in your efforts to rescue the most vulnerable people from rejection and injustice. The Leprosy Mission has and always will be a family where people like you connect and help people affected by leprosy in the poorest parts of the world.

At our office in Peterborough, we made the decision last week that as many people should work from home as possible until it is safe to return.

Today, Monday 23 March, we have less than 20 per cent of our team in the office to manage work that is difficult to complete at home. This of course includes answering your telephone calls.

I hope you will understand the subsequent delays in thanking you for your generous help in giving and praying for people affected by leprosy. The people you are helping want you to know how grateful they are for the difference you make to their lives.

The people you help

You may already know that because people affected by leprosy already suffer with many underlying health conditions, they are in the high-risk category for COVID-19. This will mean that the virus brings new, life-threatening challenges to their doors. There has never been a more pressing time for your continued support.

The messages and prayers we have already received for you from overseas staff and people affected by leprosy have been very touching.

They care very much for you as valued members of one Leprosy Mission family. I’m hope you will be encouraged as I share some of these with you in the coming days.

Today you can click here to watch a special video message from Bunmi, who leads The Leprosy Mission Niger. He is a man of God, determined to see justice for people affected by leprosy in his country. But also, as you will hear, is passionate about his love for you and how you continue to respond to the needs in his country.

We are here for you

I want to finish by sharing some personal news. My parents are both in their eighties and visited their local doctor’s surgery last week. They were told that they must self-isolate and not see anyone until further notice, including close family.

I am now not able to visit my own Mum and many of you will be struggling with similar circumstances. I want you to know not just that you are in our prayers daily, but that The Leprosy Mission is a family, so if you would like to pick up the phone and talk to us about anything then we are here for you.

The scripture that has been on my mind for the last few days is really challenging in these difficult times, but I believe is important.

Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you, in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5 v 16-18

May God bless you richly in these difficult times,

Peter Waddup
National Director