leper lady's story

{Several years ago, while on one of my Romania mission trips, we visited and ministered in a leper village.  Through a translator, I learned the following story, which I have paraphrased to the best of my memory. 

May it bless and encourage you!}

She held out her hands to me.  All of her fingers were missing.  My eyes traveled from her battered hands to her face.  Her eyes caught my attention.  They were overflowing with light and hope.  I knew she had a story to tell and eagerly began conversing with her...

"I've lived here for over 50 years, young lady.  You see, when I got leprosy, there was not much they could do for me.  I began losing my fingers and toes and having other deformities.  I was a disgrace to my family and friends.  They didn't want me near them.  They shunned me.  And it broke my heart.  I couldn't stand the rejection, so I moved to these remote mountains.  Here I found fellow leper-sufferers.  We accepted and helped and loved each other.  We understood each other and the pain and agony we went through.  But still something was missing.

Then one day, a missionary came and eventually built a church here among us.  We were curious, so we began attending the services.  He shared the Gospel with us and it was as if a bright light came into my heart.  I put my trust in Jesus and gave my life to Him.  Finally, after all those years of hurt, rejection, and trials, I'd found true joy - in Jesus!

As the years went on, it became harder for me make it to the church building from my place.  There was a slight hill and my body couldn't walk it.  I was determined to keep learning more about my dear Savior, but the only way to get to church was to get down on my knees and crawl.  The rocks grated and pierced my knees and I bled, but I kept at it.  He was worth it, child, and He is worth it!  Through rain, shine, snow, and ice I crawled.  I don't recall how long I did this, but one day the Lord sent me a beautiful gift - a wheelchair!  It was with great joy that I was able arrive at my church - without bleeding.  Ever since then, I've been coming, hearing, learning, and following my Savior.

And you know, this disease has really been a blessing in disguise.  I'm thankful for it, actually.  That sounds ridiculous, but I am!  You see, it's been through my leprosy and deformed body that I came to know my Jesus.

And that makes it worth it all.  Don't you ever forget that, child.  He's always worth it."