Yesterday the team ministered at a local leper colony and provided a Christmas meal for 378 people who live there.  (I am unable to post pictures because no cameras are allowed.)

For four years, AIM teams have visited this leper colony.  Often, they walk away frustrated because the people do not welcome them and grieved because of the hopelessness they see.  It is usually hard to bring Jesus to this place.  Amazingly, our visit turned out very differently.  We were blessed to reap some fruit from the years and years people have spent sowing.

Upon our arrival, people seemed eager to meet us.  Children swarmed us while adults smiled and bowed from a distance.  The children wanted candy, but the adults hoped for a hand to hold or a warm embrace.  Generally, people go to great lengths to avoid touiching lepers, but we quickly drew them close.  What a joy to embrace the untouched and unloved!

Many of us prayed with people.  I held one woman with watery eyes and mere nubbs where her fingers belonged.  As I prayed for her, I began to understand Jesus' heart for these people.  The world has rejected them, and they desperately need to know that Jesus loves them and wants to draw them close.

After spending some time visiting people, we switched gears and began to serve the meal.  A special thanks to those of you who supported this trip financially.  Your gifts made this meal possible.  Praise God for the favor we had with them! 

We even had the opportunity to gather about 40 adults together and present the gospel to them.  No team has ever had the opportunity to present to a large group before!  Afterwards, we also provided a blanket and a sweater for each family.  Again, your financial gifts made this possible.  Thank you!

Please continue to pray for the people of this community.  Pray that their eyes will open to the gosple and that they will find hope and life in Christ.