The Great Leper

I wept and wept seeing Jesus’ heart as He healed the desperate people plagued by leprosy. Weeping because of the pain each person had endured from years of harsh rejection, bitter shame and intense suffering; crying 'happy tears' because they finally knew true love and their incredible dignity.

As I read the book, Second Touch by Thoene, I felt deeply that this is not only ‘a fictional novel’—this really is Jesus’ heart to heal from the inside and out, those afflicted with leprosy. As I wept, I realized more deeply than ever, that He has given me a piece of His heart for those who are suffering around the world with leprosy--and it's time to act on it concretely.

I then remembered my friend Carisianno in Pemba, Mozambique—his tender face so marred that it made him appear inhuman; his left ankle and foot so contorted he had to walk on the anterior part of his foot with a special shoe that was so worn and broken that it barely fit anymore. His swollen fingers—if that’s what they are still called—so contorted that they were useless. But his heart—his heart so amazingly golden, tender, full of feeling! Tears rolled from his blinded eyes when we parted for the final time.

Please pray with me and those that God will send to work with me in this leprosy ministry. I actually don’t know what the ministry will look like—but Jesus does. (Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you…” )

I leave for Yei, South Sudan in two days to work with YWAM and have no idea if that is where God will bloom this leprosy work. Please pray with me to listen attentively, and follow however He leads me, but I sense the Lord’s eagerness to be with his children with leprosy. He who was called, “the Great Leper” (Isaiah 53:3-5) has taken on yours and my leprosy—we all need God’s Touch.

May you open your hearts today in a greater way to God’s love and healing touch. He cares about every detail and concern in your life--more than you’ll ever know!

Thanks for your prayers and love,
Katie