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The Leprosy Mission ministers in the name of Jesus Christ to the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of individuals and communities disadvantaged by leprosy; working with them to uphold human dignity and eradicate leprosy. The Mission's vision is a world without leprosy and its goal is to eradicate the causes and consequences of leprosy.
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TLM Sunday for 2010 tbc
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TLM Prayer Partnership
A TLM Prayer Partnership has been formed with TLM Salur in India. Over a number of years now Knowle Parish Church, with the PCC's approval, has had a prayer link with TLM through the Birch's in Bangladesh, Sioned Roberts in Bangladesh/Nepal, Kothara Community Hospital and lately Faizabad Community Hospital. Drs Ajit and Pramila Barkataki moved from Faizabad to TLM Poladpur. The link has now come to a natural end in the same way as our link with Kothara. Both had extreme difficulties with opposition to new building projects but with prayer support were able to overcome them.
TLM Salur was started in 1906 and treats around 3,500 leprosy patients, 5,000 eye patients and 15,000 general patients each year. Patients are from the most vulnerable sections of the community, including women, children, the disabled, the poor and low caste. The hospital serves the local community as well as the neighbouring districts of Orissa.
Over the last century there have been many changes but under the leadership of Dr Narendra Rao plans are underway to overhaul the hospital keeping in view the present and increasing needs of the centre. A new eye ward, out patients department, a new consulting wing, laboratory, kitchen and laundry are all part of the plans to upgrade the hospital. This will lead to more staff being employed for a growing hospital.
Salur has moved from a leprosy only hospital offering physiotherapy, reconstructive surgery, health education activities, ulcer care, footwear and activities to reduce the stigma associated with disease and worked hard to reduce the numbers of patients with deformities and disabilities to a community hospital delivering integrated care. This includes malaria, diabetes, eye care, TB and research.
The hospital's Superintendent Dr Narendra Rao says he `is happy to learn of the available prayer support for our work. We appreciate the concern you have for our ministry here. We have seen God's hand in the work at Salur for more than 100 years now. Recent developments encourage us to go forward in our service to Him. (The hospital is right now under renovation). Please convey our gratitude to Knowle Parish Church for partnering with us in this ministry'.
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 Postal address
Philadelphia Leprosy Hospital
Salur
Vizianagaram
Andhra Pradesh 532 591
India
Email; tlmsalur@tlmindia.org
For more information please contact:
Barbara Gentle, TLM Representative
Tel. 01564 773568
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| TLM Weekend 2009 The Leprosy Mission (TLM) is motivated by the love Jesus demonstrated to those most marginalised by society. People affected by leprosy are often rejected and excluded because of the disease, and TLM is passionate about its work because it knows God has a deep and particular concern for them. Its work is founded on prayer and maintaining prayer support for its work is vital. Its work is also only possible because of the generous donations and fundraising of churches and individuals.
On the weekend of June 13th and 14th there will be a series of events at Knowle Parish Church focussed on the work of TLM which everyone is welcome to attend. There will be opportunity to hear more of what the Mission is doing, to pray and to contribute to two very worthy projects.
We are delighted to welcome the Birmingham Citadel Salvation Army Band to give a concert of varied music in church on Saturday 13th June at 7.30pm. The band is one of the largest and most well-known brass bands of The Salvation Army. Serving members are committed to spreading the Christian gospel through the medium of the brass band. As well as participating in Sunday worship, the band has a busy programme of concerts and festivals, but also reaches out to the elderly and ill by visiting homes and hospitals. Tickets are available at £7 each from David Gentle, 01564 773568. Proceeds from the concert will go towards a project to address the healthcare, education and social issues in an area of extreme poverty and need in placecountry-regionBangladesh where TLM and the Salvation Army work in partnership.
Our 2 main speakers at the services on Sunday 14th June are highly regarded and well known for their work for TLM. Dr. Sunil Anand, who will be speaking at 9.30am and 6.30pm, is Deputy Director of TLM India. He is married to Dr. Shyamala Anand, who some may recall visited Knowle Parish Church when there was a prayer partnership with Kothara Leprosy Hospital. Sunil attended Christian Medical College, Vellore in India and then specialised in dermatology. He has worked for TLM since 1983, became Superintendent of Kothara Leprosy Hospital in 1991 and took up his present post in 2007. He became a Christian over 30 years ago and enjoys leading Bible studies and devotions to a wide range of people.
Commissioner Dr. Paul du Plessis, a vice president of TLM International (TLMI), will be our speaker at the 11.15am service. Since his retirement as a Salvation Army officer in 2006 he has returned to clinical medicine as a palliative care physician at the Wisdom Hospice, Rochester. Twelve years as chief medical officer at the Salvation Army's Chikankata Hospital in Zambia were followed by ten years as international medical adviser. From 1990 - 2006 he served as Salvation Army leader in Central India, placeSouthern Africa and then South Asia. He concluded his Salvation Army service in a consultant role on world evangelisation. He is married to Margaret, a former medical social worker, who has served in parallel roles in fulfilment of their shared vocation to cross-cultural mission. Since his first contact with The Leprosy Mission during the 1970s Paul has served in a number of roles, including Field Representative for Zambia, International General Council, the Medical Reference Panel, The Advisory Group on Mission. He became one of The Leprosy Mission's International Vice-Presidents in 2008. He has been described in Salvation Army circles as a prophetic voice, articulate, a consequential thinker, an elder statesman, yet still with the gentle touch of the pastor.
Retiring collections at all services will go towards a project at TLM Salur who we have a prayer partnership with. The project will provide new mattresses, pillows, bedding, clothes and food for approximately 60 leprosy inpatients over a period of 12 months.
We look forward to seeing you at Knowle Parish Church over what will be a very exciting weekend!
Barbara Gentle
TLM representative
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