Have you ever thought of yourself as a Hero? No? Me either! But I was called one this week…
I’ll explain as we enjoy our cuppa’s together. So grab yours & get comfy.
I’m enjoying a different tea today, Wild Apple, Cinnamon & ginger, its very mild but comforting as only a mug of tea can be.
I also have a slice of my home baked gf Lemon & Coconut Loaf, so moist & delicious!
What are you having today my friend?
Where the story begins…
When I was a child I attended a school that promoted the love of God.
My teachers had all dedicated their lives to Him & were living what they believed was His calling for their lives.
They were indeed living examples to us children of His love & their dedication both fascinated & inspired me.
My favourite part of the school day was hearing stories from scripture in morning devotions. Although I was always saddened to hear the stories that an ancient disease had kept people isolated & apart from their families.
However, I was delighted when I heard the story of Jesus healing many who had this disease & they were able to rejoin their community again.
Then one day as I was sharing these stories with my maternal grandmother, she told me that my great Aunt had once had a call to serve God.
Going out to the Islands off Australia as a Nurse to care for those with this ancient disease knowing she would not return. I was absolutely shocked to hear that it still existed & was affecting people in modern times.
My grandmother also shared that my great Aunt had ultimately given her life in that calling, dying quite young there surrounded by the people she loved & had nursed on the Island.
The Call
During that period of childhood I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit upon my heart that one day I would serve God in a similar way, caring for those with this ancient disease that was still affecting people today.
But of course life has a habit of taking us on pathways far different to what we think as a child.
Adolescence, marriage & then motherhood seemed to come in quick succession.
But God’s plan for our lives will be accomplished in His way, His timing & for His purpose.
Then as a young Mama & wife, we were posted on attachment to a Military posting in Malaysia, where we found ourselves living across the road from a school for Missionary kids (MK). You can read all about this amazing time in Penang, Pearl of the Orient.
When I began voluntary work at the MK school, I was invited by one of the missionaries to visit her on the mission field in Thailand where she was living & working.
While visiting her there, she took me to an isolated community of those who had suffered from Leprosy which you can read about in the Leprosy community in Thailand.
That childhood passion
That visit would reignite that childhood passion to help those suffering from Leprosy.
On my return to Australia, I began the long road to become a Reconstructive Surgeon with the intention of working with the Leprosy Mission once qualified & experienced.
However, that wasn’t God’s long term plan for me.
Our family circumstances took a dramatic change & were not conducive to such a heavy study load as is required for Medicine & Surgery.
Although I had already completed my preMed course at the University by this time.
‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.’
Proverbs 19: 21 Ref
On seeking God’s guidance & direction I continued in a far lighter study load that I could do part time, while raising my daughters & eventually graduated as a registered/certified Clinical Counsellor here in Australia.
However, I never lost that passion for those suffering from leprosy, becoming a Leprosy Mission Educator here with the occasional short term mission trip abroad as family life allowed.
But seasons in life change & I eventually had to finish up the Educator position & continue in more of a support capacity.
Why was I called a Hero?
I received a certificate for my years of support to the Leprosy Mission this week, it stated that I was a hero, a hero of hope!
I’m assuming all their supporters received one in the mail, as I did, but none the less it was both humbling & thought provoking, as I’ve never thought of myself as a hero.
Rather, that I simply answered the call of the Holy Spirit to serve.
But reading the booklet that came with the certificate I realised that to those who are given the Multi Drug Therapy treatment, reconstructive surgery, vocational training & support with love & acceptance.
All who give their support to the Leprosy Mission in whatever capacity whether it’s frontline workers, medical staff, prayer warriors or financial supporters are heroes of hope to those suffering.
World Leprosy Day is this week, let us be aware that this ancient disease is still adversely affecting many, many people around the world in this modern age.
In fact 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year! Most of these people are still shunned & isolated by their communities out of fear & a misunderstanding of the disease.
Western countries are not exempt as the US, Britian, Canada, Australia & many countries in Europe still detect new cases of Leprosy in their populations every year.
Our continued support is greatly needed as this ancient disease is entirely curable today through Multi-Drug Therapy!
Will you be a Hero of Hope today my friend?
Here are some links;
Leprosy Mission International link HERE*
Leprosy Mission Australia link HERE*
Until next time dear friend,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or
In Prayer
© 2023 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo by Kevin Malik on Pexels.com
* Please note, I do not receive any type of remuneration whatsoever from the Leprosy Mission or any other parties.
It’s so wonderful that you’ve been so sensitive to God’s calling and timing in your life Jennifer. And yes, you ARE a hero – a hero that gives hope to people who may have previously had none. Blessings to you sweet friend!
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Thank you Terri, lovely having you drop by today ☺️
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I think it is wonderful to see how God was working in our lives when we take the time to look back. We certainly rely on trust and faith as we go through our lives without knowing what may be revealed as we contemplate our earlier paths.
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Yes, that’s very true Elizabeth. So lovely having you drop by today ☺️
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Thanks.
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Jennifer, how interesting! I have not known anyone called to work with lepers. Perhaps things didn’t work out the way you envisioned; yet you never know what the Lord has in store for you. Thank you for your service to the leper community. You ARE a hero!
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Thank you Jerralea. That’s true we don’t know what God has in store for us which is rather exciting to think about. ☺️
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Jennifer, you are a hero! You gave hope and love to those that society shunned and still shun today. Blessings, sweet friend♥️
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Thank you Pam. Those who suffer from Leprosy really do have a terribly hard time. Bless you too sweet friend ❤️
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A hero of hope, what an encouragement, Jennifer! I remember being surprised last year upon reading about leprosy being completely curable, yet so many still don’t know of its availability or lack access to it. Thank you for being a support to this valuable community.
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Thank you, yes so many people suffering from Leprosy are unaware that it is curable. The Leprosy Mission have been continually working to correct this ☺️
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Oh my, I was drawn into your story. I had no idea that leprosy was still a prevalent disease today. I was drawn to your Aunt’s story too. This is so informative friend.
Visiting today from IMM#9
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Thank you Paula. Yes, sadly it is still a major problem in so many countries around the world.
Lovely having you drop by today sweet friend.
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Jennifer, I love reading how God impacts young hearts and what happens next. Sometimes, those plans come to pass, but more often than not, paths take a few turns. But your heart for people dealing with leprosy is beautiful. God has definitely used you.
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I was so interested to read how God has directed your steps all these years, Jennifer. Like other commenters, I had no idea that leprosy was still so prevalent in the world today. Thank you for sharing this part of your story, and for your loving service in leprosy ministry.
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Thank you Lois. 😊
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This was doubly interesting to me, Jennifer. Not only did it give me food for thought about following one’s ‘calling’, but my Dad worked in a leprosy rehabilitation center in Hyderabad, India, after a long career in the Army.
I’m so glad to connect with you over this. You ARE a hero! ♥
Visiting you from the Grace & Truth link up over at Lisa’s.
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I love that your Dad worked in the Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad Corrine! Thank you for sharing that & lovely having you drop by today ☺️
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I love this story and message.
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
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Thank you Paula & it’s a pleasure to share ☺️
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I think we’ll be surprised in Heaven to find out the lives we have touched in a positive way. Thank you for being a hero to those who suffer from leprosy.
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Thank you Anita, I hadn’t thought of that before. Indeed it will be a wonderful time when we’re in eternity to get to know all there & their stories ☺️
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