What does it mean to stand up for justice?

We believe it means working and praying with people like you to end extreme poverty.

To challenge stigma and discrimination wherever we find it.

To speak up for the excluded and make sure their stories are heard.

To stand alongside people affected by leprosy and build futures full of hope. People like Pastor Elisha.

Pastor Elisha knows what it’s like to be disabled and feel isolated because of leprosy. His story has made him determined to fight for justice for people who have suffered like he has.

Elisha’s parents tragically died when he was just 7 years old. He and his sister went to live with his grandmother. Tragically, it wasn’t long before leprosy changed everything once more.

When Elisha started to get numb, discoloured patches of skin on his body, no one knew what this meant. There was no doctor in his village, so his grandmother took him to traditional healers, desperate for answers. But none of the treatments they tried worked. In fact, they were so painful that Elisha ran away to join a travelling circus.

Without the cure, leprosy was left to attack Elisha’s nerves and stole the feeling in his hands and feet. Struggling to walk, he was forced to leave the circus.

When he returned home, he was heartbroken to find out his grandmother had died. And there was even more pain to come. When his sister saw his disabilities, she disowned him. But God had a plan for Elisha, a plan to heal his pain and call him to help heal others.

Someone in the village told Elisha about a Leprosy Mission hospital where he could get the treatment he needed. His leprosy was cured, his wounds dressed, and his hope restored. And now, he had a clear purpose from the Lord too!

Giving a voice to the voiceless

Jesus called Elisha to stand, pray and act with people affected by leprosy. He settled in a leprosy colony in Andhra Pradesh, where he met his wife Jyothi and started a family.

Since then, Elisha has transformed thousands of lives. He shares the love of Jesus, and helps people affected by leprosy advocate for their rights with the local government. Through his dedication, communities now have decent housing, toilets, and electricity. Disability benefits and pensions have helped hundreds of families escape extreme poverty.

Now, Elisha is bringing his expertise to the neighbouring state of Odisha. He’s working to transform leprosy colonies that have been forgotten for decades. He’s also building up the next generation of leprosy advocates.

There’s a lot to do, and there are constant challenges. But Elisha has an unshakeable faith. And he won’t stop fighting for people affected by leprosy, no matter what.

Please pray for advocates like Pastor Elisha

• Ask that Jesus will strengthen Pastor Elisha as he serves Him and people affected by leprosy.
• Pray for the communities that Pastor Elisha is working in. Pray for an end to injustice, poverty, and discrimination, so that people affected by leprosy can thrive.
• Pray for leprosy advocates across the world as they stand up for their rights. Ask too that governments, policy makers, and community leaders will be inspired to act.