Last month we were so proud to have Alyssa Hedding in India as a visiting sponsor. Alyssa's tender compassion with the leprosy affected patients helped foster experiences that we always seek to have when serving in the colonies. Her talents as a nurse were utilized often and were especially welcome when another volunteer became ill. It was a delight to watch the children light up when they saw her coming.
Our thanks to Alyssa for her willingness to share this entry from her blog, Imperfectly Rising.
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“The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for, and deserted by everybody.” – Mother Teresa
If there is one universal need, it is the need to feel loved. All of us are worthy of love; however not all of us feel loved.
In my opinion, humans need to be loved in three different ways: we need to be loved by others, by God, and lastly, by ourselves. Historically, victims of leprosy have been treated as “Untouchables”. Not only would this cause a person to feel deserted by his entire community, but possibly also by God Himself. And if you felt unloved by everyone – including God – how could you love yourself?
Throughout the last two weeks I have met so many amazing people who have spent their lives feeling unworthy of love. I have also witnessed the beautiful transformation that occurs when they begin to believe that they are, in fact, worthy of love.
The Bindu Art School has sparked that very transformation in many leprosy patients. Who would have ever thought to organize an art school in a leprosy colony? Werner Dornik did. He had a vision for these people to be able to express the talents that even they didn’t know they had. At his first class, almost no one showed up. It took a lot of time and coaching to help these leprosy-affected people realize they had something important to offer – that they themselves were capable of creating something beautiful. Now the art school is supported soley by the money earned from selling the participants’ artwork. Being able to sell their own artwork sparks a change in their perception of themselves. Heads are held higher, posture is straighter, eye contact is maintained.
A student at the art school proudly displaying his artwork
I believe each of us has something unique to offer the world; but until we truly believe we are worthy of love, we are limited in our ability to shine. If Mother Teresa is correct about the biggest disease we face today, then we should be able to treat it with one simple medicine: love.
Touching those once labeled “untouchable”…an incredibly humbling experience
Our National Director, Dr. Susan, was surprised by a visit yesterday from one of our leprosy patients who lives in the Villivaakam Leprosy Colony. Mr. E. Ganesen came to bring a heartfelt thank you note.
His colony was the hardest hit during the terrible Monsoon floods last year. His home was nearly completely destroyed. Due to the generosity of our sponsors enough money was donated to renovate his home, but we quickly ran into problems. The contractor demanded a major portion of the cost before starting the work. Once the workers came, however, and realized they were going to be working in a leprosy colony, they refused to do the job. The contractor refused to return the money.
Mr. Ganesen is a very enterprising person. He has already taken micro-loans to create a business. He is an excellent electrician. He’s currently repaying his fourth loan. Each loan has enabled him to make his business more sophisticated.
With the standstill on the reconstruction of his home, he was desperate to have a place for his family to live. He told us that the belief and trust Rising Star has showed him gave him the confidence of using his talents to help the situation out. He stepped up to the plate and began to do the reconstruction work himself. He ended up doing such a wonderful job that others are interested in him helping them. He’s now creating a new business—General Contractor!
His 11-year-old son, Adhityan had also had a tragedy this last year. His ear was torn off in an auto accident. Our medical program paid for reconstructive plastic surgery and he’s fine. Ganesen wants to start a youth group in his colony with the patronage of Rising Star Outreach. This man is a leader in the making!
These are the stories that help us realize that every penny we raise here in the States can make a significant difference in the lives of leprosy-affected people across the world seeking for the chance to raise their families in dignity. It also makes us realize how much we appreciate the never-tiring efforts of our leaders in India, and the tremendous generosity and trust of our donors in America. Thanks to each of you for your wonderful support! It is making a difference!!
*Update:Stay tuned for further information on how you can vote for your favorite business pitch from our students.
Today's post is written by Jared Nygren who is currently in India conducting business and entrepreneurship training for our students and in the leprosy colonies.
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Entrepreneurship surges through my veins. I started innovating early with curb side lemonade stands and door to door candy vending. Growing up I never wanted to be a doctor, fire fighter or an astronaut. I was confident I wanted to be an entrepreneur. As an eight year old, I even attempted writing a book on the 12 steps to become a successful entrepreneur. I was constantly nourished with business facts and principles by my father who is a practitioner and professor of entrepreneurship. I continued cultivating this passion - joining business clubs in middle school, high school, and college. I pitched and placed at business competitions in Idaho and Utah. I was nothing short of a business fanatic.
However, my passion grew to become something greater. At eleven years old I was reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. I came to a scripture in Jacob 2:19 "And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good--to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." An immediate energy filled my soul and invigorated my mind. I felt a pure sense of purpose and calling. This was confirmed again and again over the years especially during the months I lived in Albania, China, and the Middle East.
Nearly two years ago I was introduced to an organization known as Rising Star. I became completely enthralled with their mission to alleviate those suffering with leprosy. For years I had assumed that leprosy was a plague of the past. I only associated it with ancient biblical stories. I was disturbed to learn that thousands suffer from its crippling effects today.
Over the next two years the stars continued to align as my passion for entrepreneurship became an opportunity at Rising Star. In 2016 my father received a Fulbright scholarship to teach entrepreneurship at Amity University in New Delhi, India. I knew I would be going with him. After several lengthy conversations with Rising Star I was invited to teach entrepreneurship to teenage students from the leprosy colonies. I was ecstatic about the opportunity. Over the next several months I worked with several business professors including my father to develop a two week module to help students develop the mindset of entrepreneurship and basic business skills which included basic training on ideation, validation, presentation and business plan development.
I am writing this post after having taught one half of the module to 18 incredible students at Rising Star. The results and experience have far exceeded my expectations.
After the first two workshops I asked one of the students - what is entrepreneurship? The response - "using business to change the world " I couldn't help but smile.
This Friday, March 10th, will be the final pitch competition where students will each present their business ideas to a panel of five judges. We're also including an additional special judge - you! We will have a social media online poll where you can watch the student's pitches and vote for your favorite. The winning team will get 2000 rupees which is equivalent to about $30 dollars.
The future is bright for these students at Rising Star. What once was a future prone to poverty and leprosy is now a future prone to potential and hope. I see a light in their eyes - revealing a new generation of change makers. I'm grateful to have been a witness of this magnificent work.
In my opinion, humans need to be loved in three different ways: we need to be loved by others, by God, and lastly, by ourselves. Historically, victims of leprosy have been treated as “Untouchables”. Not only would this cause a person to feel deserted by his entire community, but possibly also by God Himself. And if you felt unloved by everyone – including God – how could you love yourself?
