Written by: FEBA Radio
Article source: Supplied
Did you know that the earliest evidence of leprosy dates to 2000 BC? Yet this disease continues to affect people today. According to The Leprosy Mission (www.leprosymission.org), there are about 200,000 new cases reported every year, but scientists estimate that millions more go undiagnosed.
Indonesia has the third-highest number of cases in the world, and even though the disease is easily treatable today, there is still a deep-rooted stigma surrounding those affected by it. In addition to physical suffering, patients and their families carry a heavy psychological burden as outcasts who must struggle to earn an income and move around freely in society.
Pastor Ruben, who has recovered from leprosy and now pastors the leprosy community church in Sitanala, Tangerang, told FEBA Indonesia, “It’s true that we are sick and poor, but we never beg for anything. We believe Jesus cares for us, and we feel God’s care through [FEBA Indonesia’s] Heartline FM.”
On 23 November, FEBA Indonesia visited the community and worked with the church to show a film about Jesus’ birth. Afterwards, one of the women expressed an interest in learning about Christ. The team gave her a radio so that she could start listening to FEBA’s evangelical programs, and will continue, together with the church, to stay in contact with her.
Another man, Hartono, found his faith reaffirmed by the film. He is a loyal FEBA listener and strives to be an instrument of Jesus’ grace, even though both his legs have been amputated and his hands are growing weaker.
He told the team, “Through radio broadcasts, especially spiritual ones, I feel the presence of Jesus accompanying me during my days, even though I have been isolated from the world. But I want to continue to share God’s love with this world.”
For more information about FEBA and its work, please visit www.febaradio.co.za.
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Date published: 15/12/2025
Feature image: Supplied
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