Peter Waddup, CEO - The Leprosy Mission Great Britain

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Micah 6:8 was the verse given to me when I became Chief Executive of The Leprosy Mission eight years ago. Its call to justice, mercy and humility inspires and shapes our work as a Christian mission each day. But over the last couple of weeks I have experienced Micah 6:8 in a new and powerful way. During my trip to the International Leprosy Conference in Indonesia I encountered the very personification of this verse.

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Lilibeth Evarestus, pictured, comes from Nigeria has been treated for leprosy. On the opening day of the International Leprosy Conference in Indonesia she spoke of the hope and fears of people affected by leprosy across the globe. In doing so she powerfully set the tone for the conference.

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The ILC is held every three years. It unites the 'leprosy world' in its shared goal to eliminate the ancient disease. More than that, it seeks to end the deep-rooted discrimination surrounding leprosy. It strives to bring healthier and more prosperous lives to millions of people. The ILC gathers together health professionals, researchers, policymakers and charities in one room. It's always an enlightening and encouraging time.

This year there was something even more precious to me, the privilege of attending the Global Forum. The forum was attended by 130 people and was held for three days prior to the conference. It was run by people affected by leprosy from 22 countries. In fact I was privileged to be one of the few people in the room who had not had leprosy. Yet during the three days I was made to feel so welcome.

Over those three days they spoke courageously about the discrimination they have endured. They talked of their challenges in accessing healthcare and the barriers to livelihoods. They spoke of their lack of voice in decision-making that shapes their lives. Amid all the pain what stood out most was their courage and resilience. Their shared hope of a better life for future generations.

It truly was a humbling, uplifting and eye-opening experience. I would like to thank the Sasakawa Health Foundation for making it possible. The cost of bringing people to Indonesia, covering accommodation and ensuring translation was no small task. But Sasakawa recognised that to create lasting changing it must be 'nothing about us, without us.'

On the opening day of the conference which followed the global forum, the voices of the forum were brought to the main stage by Lilibeth Evarestus of Purple Hope in Nigeria. In her powerful Nigerian accent, Lilibeth spoke not only on behalf of her own grassroots organisation but for others across the world. It was so inspiring to hear the hopes and fears of the forum which set the tone for the entire conference. The applause that followed was so thunderous that tears welled in my eyes.

It was only on the flight home that I fully grasped the significance of what I had witnessed and I thanked God for it. That people from remote communities, once hidden by shame, are now advocating on a global stage. Men and women once refused a seat on a bus because of their leprosy-affected hands are now boarding planes. Not only that but they are advocating to state and national governments. It is truly mind-blowing and shows just what can be achieved collectively.

There are tough days in this job where we can feel like we're not making the progress we would like to. But then God gives us scenes like Indonesia where His kingdom is breaking through. Micah 6:8 is not just a scripture to highlight - it is a life to be lived. Thank you for walking in justice, mercy and humility with people affected by leprosy every day. May God bless you as we continue to serve some of the world's most marginalised people in Jesus' name.