GFA World Media
Photos: A Life Different Than His Own
Balan was only around 7 years old but already thinking about suicide. He spent his days sitting alone in a corner of his parents’ home, a shawl wrapped around him to cover his body. After being diagnosed with leprosy, his mother, father, siblings and the rest of his community excommunicated him.
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This is Balan and his granddaughter, Nalika. He contracted leprosy when he was just around 7 years old and was excommunicated from his home village. He battled suicidal thoughts because of his loneliness, but today, he gets to watch his children and grandchildren live a much more joyful life than his own.
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Balan, Nalika and their family live in a village that many patients with leprosy call home. Many of these men and women were excommunicated from their home villages, like Balan was, after they contracted this bacterial infection. The stigma attached to leprosy is wounding in itself as many experience loneliness and rejection from the people they love.
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After seeing the situation of the children living in this village, GFA-supported workers established a Bridge of Hope center that would free these precious children from the stigma their parents and grandparents grew up with.
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Vivash (center in red shirt), the project coordinator, and the other Bridge of Hope staff care for each child in this center, despite their family backgrounds. They pray for each one and their needs and minister God’s love in practical ways, such as helping them excel in their studies, providing food and medical checkups, and counseling their families.
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At the center, children are given the tools they need to excel as teachers and staff invest in their education and ultimately, their futures. Even though some of these children at the center have family members living with leprosy, they are shown the same love and respect as other children.
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Just like in every Bridge of Hope center across Asia, Nalika and the other students are provided with a hot, nutritious meal to fill their bellies.
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Here, a student works on a coloring project to either send to her supporter or enter in a contest called Colors of Hope. Students enrolled in Bridge of Hope take part in regular activities to sharpen their gifts and talents.
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Putting on programs is a regular part of Bridge of Hope activities. Vivash and the Bridge of Hope staff make sure each child participates and feels equipped and special.
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The students at this Bridge of Hope center enjoy spending time with each other without worrying about facing rejection because of their family circumstances. Vivash and the staff make it a point to teach them how to love and embrace each other as brothers and sisters.
Photos: Loving with Eyes Wide Open
As the bus drove away, Ojas saw his mother running behind, crying. He was leaving home. His new faith had brought them both enough abuse from his father.
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Pastor Ojas, pictured with his family, continues to serve Jesus and love others with passion, despite the persecution he’s experienced.
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Pastor Ojas teaches his congregation during a worship service. Because his visual impairment prevents him from reading the Bible himself, he asks believers in his congregation to read Scripture aloud.
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People have been deeply impacted by seeing the love of Jesus in Pastor Ojas, and his congregation is growing. The believers gather for worship in the home of Manish (pictured in red), whose friendship with Pastor Ojas gave him a desire to walk with Christ.
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Pastor Ojas leads home prayer meetings in believers’ houses during the week. Some of these homes were constructed for people during GFA-supported relief efforts following Cyclone Phailin in 2014.
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Each day, Pastor Ojas spends time worshipping the Lord and praying for his family and ministry.
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The Lord has surrounded Pastor Ojas with supportive people. His wife, Sarthaka, faithfully takes care of the household—cooking, cleaning, and washing clothes and dishes. Although Pastor Ojas is unable to physically help her, he often sits nearby and talks and jokes with her.
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Pastor Ojas regularly meets with Pastor Mital, the leader of the pastors in his region, who encourages him and prays for him.
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Pastor Ojas’s daughter, Sahasra, helps her father in ministry, and his example has given her a desire to follow Jesus.
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Because Sahasra helps her father travel around town, Pastor Ojas is able to continue visiting believers and offering the hope of Jesus to people. Even though he ministers in an area often hostile toward Jesus and His love, Pastor Ojas’ Christlike love and humility have touched many hearts.
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Pastor Ojas’s devotion to the Lord and love for others have even impacted the lives of his parents. Now they both believe in Jesus.
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Ladies greet Pastor Ojas after a prayer meeting. The believers in Pastor Ojas’ congregation love and appreciate him.
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Although he’s faced many hardships in life, Pastor Ojas maintains a sense of humor. He and the believers in his congregation often laugh together.