KIT Blog

Nelson and the power of your prayer

Nelson is the project coordinator for the Community Based Rehabilitation project in Timor Leste. This is a project that you support. We recently caught up with Nelson to talk to him about your project, how he got there and what inspires him in his work. Nelson will be coming to Australia for the National Conference later this year. You can talk to Nelson about your project at various events in October.

“My condition drives me to help others.”
—Nelson da Silva

Nelson contracted polio when he was just three years old. It affects his leg to this day. Nelson’s dad accompanied him on his walk to school every day. A USA missionary sent him to Indonesia to receive an orthotic device. This would help support Nelson’s leg and improve his movement.

Polio has had a powerful impact on Nelson and the work he has been able to achieve. He says: “My condition drives me to help others.” By the end of his schooling, Nelson applied for a scholarship for training in the production of prosthetics and orthotics so he could help others like him. He then successfully applied to work with a Prosthetic and Orthotic clinic called Assert where he remained for the next eight years, becoming Head of Department and Clinic Manager.

When the organisation was being handed over to the government, Nelson heard about the Community Based Rehabilitation project coordinator role with The Leprosy Mission Timor Leste. Nelson has been able to transform people who feel disempowered because of their disability. “In some Self Help Groups they say we ‘cannot do something like you’. They feel useless. But when I show them my leg they are surprised. They think I just use a cane, but I have metal on my leg. It helps them know they can work too.

“Prayer is most powerful”
—Nelson da Silva

Nelson dreams that the Self Help Groups he supervises will become successful and independent—providing support and sustainable income to people affected by leprosy into the future. This can happen when the project’s goals are accomplished and the group no longer requires direct support from The Leprosy Mission. Nelson knows that this won’t be achieved by his team’s own doing or just your gifts. Nelson knows we’re reliant on God to supply the needs of people affected by leprosy. You can help Nelson and people affected by leprosy with your prayer. “We can have help” says Nelson, “Prayer gives us power. We’re not strong with our intelligence. Prayer is most powerful.

To commit to prayer over the National Prayer Weekend, or receive your free copies of the guidebook complete our contact form or call 1800 537 767.


The Leprosy Mission seeks to bring about transformation; breaking the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity, and life in all its fullness.

We are targeting a Triple Zero Leprosy strategy — Zero Leprosy Transmission, Zero Leprosy Disability, and Zero Leprosy Discrimination. We are working hard with our international project partners, and international government organisations, to make leprosy transmission a thing of the past by 2035.

If you feel moved to make an impact today, click here and your gift will be graciously accepted and used where it is most needed.