BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LEPROSY MISSION (AUST) - 5
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During the year 1996 -97, The Leprosy Mission made some significant progress; but then, every year is a step FORWARD for TLM. . Rumours were spreading that, due to the statement by The World Health Organisation, that, by the turn of the century, "leprosy would no more exist as a public health problem", many people would lose their interest in the leprosy problem , funds would fall off and few would offer to serve on "the field". On the contrary, this year, TLM (Aust.) raised a record $2,097,000, 6% higher than the previous year and there was no shortage of volunteers for service at the coal-face. . The Australian Auxiliary of TLM continues to be one of the top three supporting National Councils of TLM International. This most successful year would never have been possible without the dynamic, dedicated leadership of the National Director, Stuart Brown.
Trevor and Heather Smith are now the Mission's longest serving international staff and their outstanding service has been recognised by the highest authority in Thailand - the King - and also Thai International Airways, through a article in its flight magazine. Trevor was personally awarded the prestigious "White Elephant" award from the King. who also complemented Trevor' staff. In his speech to leprosy workers on 2nd. June, 1997, His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, concluded:-
"Thus, I leave you with a dual mission and the understanding that your duty is not yet completed, and work must go on. If you are dedicated to your task, the people all over the country will be grateful to you and will appreciate your good action. Accordingly, may each of you be blessed with mental fortitude and good health, in order to be able to overcome any future obstacles or problems that my confront you. Thank you, once again for performing so well the duty that you have assigned to yourselves and may you succeed in all your duties. May you enjoy happiness, prosperity, good physical health and full mental strength".
It was not only Trevor Smith whose services evoked royal praises; on 15 October 1997, Dr. Cornelius Walter, the Mission's Director for South Asia, was invited to meet Queen Elizabeth 11 who was most impressed by the beautiful exhibits of weaving , done by the patients and shown to Her Majesty, when she visited the Brotherhood Vocational and Industries Training Centre in New Delhi. Betty Cunnington's work in Papua New Guinea also has drawn forth much appreciation from the national Authorities for the way she has prepared national health workers to carry on the Leprosy Control Programmes after expatriates have left the area. With her retirement drawing near, Betty will be able to leave behind a well-trained local staff. The same can be said of Philippa Rhodes. Both these ladies were able to meet many of the Australian churches and other support groups during the year. Margaret Mead, a Tasmanian nurse, also visiting Australia during the year, was able to tour various states, to relate some of her hair-raising experiences in the Congo and other parts of Africa where she has done so much to help bring leprosy under control and to where she was able to return, although she was wondering just how long she would be able to stay in that civil-war-torn region.
Jim and Robyn Nottingham, after much frustration and not a few delays, finally were able to settle in Kupung, Indonesia, working with Philippa Rhodes and Tanny Hagens. To the joy of the Mission staff in Nigeria, Natalie Smith, a new recruit, joined the staff as co-ordinator of the Prevention of Disability (POD) Program. Paul Roach, based at Anandaban, Nepal, continues his research. He and his wife , Marleen, are seconded to TLM by Interserve and Marleen assists the United Mission to Nepal in educational programmes. Martin and Judith Pogson, after completing their term in Indonesia, have returned to Australia to settle in Canberra. Martin continues his physiotherapy work and also serves as a part-time pastor. Doctors Des and Wendy Soares have returned to Australia from Anandaban, Nepal, in order that Des may upgrade his surgery qualifications.
Thanks to the possibility of the Mission being granted even more substantial financial aid from the Australian government's AusAID Overseas Projects, the Mission has considered it worthwhile enough to appoint a full-time Overseas Project Manager in the person of Glenda Cresswick, who has special expertise to pursue TLM's application for full accreditation.
The tragic death of Princess Diana of Wales, who was Patron of The Leprosy Mission's England / Wales Auxiliary, stimulated a greater awareness of the needs of leprosy sufferers and did much to help towards breaking down the unnecessary stigma associated with the disease. Thanks to the Christ-like interest she showed, by personally visiting a number of our leprosy centres and compassionately embracing the patients, much has been done to publicise the ministry of T.L.M. which is one of the beneficiaries of the financial legacy she has left to various caring organisations. Her passing is a great loss and she will ever be remembered for her very human, loving qualities. A fitting tribute to the Princess Diana was released in September 1997, by TLM, through its Director of Support and Development, Debra Chand, as follows :-
A TRIBUTE TO DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES - following the tragic news of her death through a car accident, 31st. August, 1997. - "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry." (Luke 7:31-32)
The lead-lined coffin passed by slowly, adorned beautifully but simply, with Royal Colours and family flowers, including a little white wreath addressed to "Mummy". Sweat poured down the faces of the pall-bearers as they struggled with the weight. Facing me, a young man wept. I recognised him as an AIDS patient who had recently talked on television about Diana's caring work for people with HIV / AIDS. Beside him, an elderly man dabbed tired, red-rimmed eyes with a large handkerchief. To my left, a woman with a motor-neurone disorder, clutched her order-of-service and strained to see what was going on. In front of me, a group of teenagers with various disabilities, sat quietly, drinking in the sombre mood. Behind and around were friends, family, medics, clergy, politicians, artists, actors, musicians, film directors, charity workers, children, business people, home-makers, patients, black, white, brown, blonde, auburn … people from 'all walks of life' who had met or been influenced by a Princess and had come to pay their respects. Poignantly, two Sisters of Mercy shared the occasion, doubly burdened with grief at the death of their own dear Mother Teresa, only the night before.
Silently, openly, tearfully, millions shared this time of sadness across the world, including many who had never met Diana or felt any interest in matters royal. This one woman had managed to break through the gloss of a world obsessed by image, success, materialism, to touch a basic human need - not for grand declarations or the showering of gifts, but a simple sharing of emotion, a person touch, a word of comfort.
When Diana first shook hands with a leprosy patient, the U.K. press carried banner headlines : 'Don't do it Di!' But she did. Likewise with AIDS, with physically and mentally disabled people, with children maimed by land-mines. …She was, perhaps, a genius in this respect, knowing instinctively how to reach out to others in pain - fuelled by her own personal struggles over many years.
As I sat in Westminster Abbey, in the splendour and solemnity of that occasion, I recalled a happier time when the Princess had visited The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Calcutta. One of the patients was a young girl, who had badly damaged feet through another condition which looked like advanced leprosy, and had suffered much stigma. Diana sat down on the bed beside her, chatted with her, touched her feet - ' a very Jesus thing to do' … The joy and smiles on the faces of the patients and staff, long after she had left, said it all.
I thought of the One whose feet brought Good News, who challenged hypocrisy, who understood the human condition more than anyone before or since. As Christ reached out to people in need, so he calls us today to follow in his footsteps, to be his hands and feet in a world of pain.
As we are challenged with the responsibility of bringing 'good governance', we are prepared to risk emotional involvement, to care, to change, to break into our fixed schedules for those whom we serve, as the Lord leads? And, before we can minister to others, is there really any room for God to break into our lives today?
"Lord, keep us from apathy. Help us to care, to take risk, to reach out to others in need, and never to forget the reason we are here. May we serve you with such compassion, faith, hope and love that people cannot fail to be drawn to your Love.
DEBRA CHAND
Director of Support and Development'
THE LEPROSY MISSION INTERNATIONAL
September 1997
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During the year, a work team of 20 young people and leaders visited Salur, A.P., India, to gain a "hands-on experience" in building maintenance projects. Dr. Ian Scott, the T.L.M. (Australia)'s State Director for Queensland, accompanied the young people, who gained a greater appreciation of the needs of the patients and the joy the staff gain in serving. Following is an extract of a report on:-
"TEEN MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL WORK TEAM TO SALUR - 23-12-1997 to 17-1-1998
BACKGROUND:- The project began with a discussion in Brisbane in March 1996, between Dr. Cornelius Walter, TLM Director for South Asia, and Mr. Bob Sutherland, a long-time TLM supporter and TEEN MISSIONS group leader. The decision to proceed with a work trip to a TLM project in India was made by Teen Mission's Australian Director, Mr. Peter Salisbury, and the location was decided by Mr. Jeyakumkar Daniel, (Assist. Director Finance, South Asia).
The final composition of the team was four leaders and sixteen team members, 10 female and 6 males, 8 from Queensland, 6 from N.S.W., and 2 from New Zealand. Both male leaders were from N.Z., and, of the two female leaders, one was from Queensland and one from NSW. Mike Farley from N.Z., was the senior leader. The average age of the 16 team members was 17, the youngest 14 and the oldest 21.
The cost for each participant was approx. $2,800. This included transport costs ($1760) plus accommodation in India, at a week-long "boot-camp", prior to departure and during a five-day debriefing session on their return. Included in the cost was an allowance to assist with the purchase of materials and tools used on the project. - (to be continued)
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