Visit to Romanian leper colony
In most countries, leprosy is a disease of the past, long forgotten by most. But in a hidden village in eastern Romania, the physical and social effects of leprosy linger on. |
New Mailing Address
B-dul Independentei Nr. 8
Bl. B1 Sc. 4 Ap. 76
Braila 810011
Romania | |
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Greetings!
Greetings from Braila, Romania. We are getting settled in to a new routine, new friends, and new opportunities, at least for a little while. Though we will only be in Braila for four months, we believe God has a great plan for this time. Please pray with us that God will maximize this opportunity for His glory. Our focus during this time is preparation for our upcoming move to India, as well as working with a Romanian couple as they develop their vision for ministry in Braila. Thanks for your continued prayer. |
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Visit to Romanian leper colony
 As we prepare to work among lepers in India, we thought we would take the opportunity to visit with some folks who know first hand about the disease. About one hour from Braila is the only remaining leper colony in Europe. Tichilesti is hidden away, far off the beaten path. It was a well kept secret during communism that the village even existed. It has been home to as many as 180 people, many which were children.Now only a handful of people live in this state-run hospital. Though none have active leprosy, the horrible effects of the disease remain. Missing fingers and toes, as well as blind eyes, make it easy to distinguish the victims of this disease. As we visited with these warm and friendly people, we heard stories of families being ripped apart as infected members were herded into cattle cars to be shipped away.
It was amazing to hear stories of many in this village marrying and having children who never contracted the disease. Though they were rejected by their nation, they found solace among each other. |
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 Ioana was moved to Tichilesti at the age of 11, along with her mother and two siblings, also infected with leprosy. Ioana married a resident of Tichilesti and had one child, a daughter. She is free of leprosy.
Now, the lepers in Tichilesti are well provided for by the government. This is not the situation, however, in India. Lepers, even those who love God and are our brothers and sisters in Christ, are often treated worse than animals. |
They live lives of isolation and desperation. Unable to find work due to their physical disabilities, as well as fear and superstition about their disease, most have been reduced to begging. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in India and around the world who live under the weight of this horrible situation. And pray that God will help us to help them.
Thank you for your constant love and support. Because of you, lives are being changed.
Leslie and Stephanie
Love Through Me | |
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