KIT Blog

From depression to directing livelihood projects, Antonio says thank you for praying!

It was 18 years ago when Antonio was diagnosed and treated for leprosy. But treatment came too late to save him from permanent disability. He and his wife struggled to feed and educate their 7 children.

But God answered your prayers for Antonio! When The Leprosy Mission established a self help group in his area it gave Antonio the opportunity to plant a vegetable garden to provide fresh food for his family and sell the excess produce. The money Antonio is now earning enables him to pay the costs for his children’s schooling and provide for the whole family.

“The money has been very beneficial for me and my family and I am grateful for the help The Leprosy Mission has given me,” Antonio said.

Today, Antonio is the elected leader of his self-help group in Metinaro. He helps find other leprosy-affected people so they can receive early treatment and care.

“I am so grateful for the support from The Leprosy Mission and this self-help group. I am now motivated to stop leprosy from affecting people so they can enjoy their life without fear – like I did.”

Antonio is also helping to develop ways for his group members to generate livelihoods. He’s worked hard with them to raise funds to match the financial help received from people like you.

Now two aspiring small entrepreneurs are preparing to start a fishing business. Two more are buying a fridge to store fish and run a kiosk while others are growing vegetables to sell at the local market. These enterprises have given Antonio and his friends a new sense of purpose and independence. They’re showing their community that people with leprosy are not cursed and don’t have to be hidden away. God is doing amazing things in their lives!

Thank you again for your prayers and generous financial support. Please continue to pray for wisdom as Antonio leads his self-help group and for God’s provision through their livelihood activities.

If you would like to support others like Antonio in Timor Leste, please call 1800 LEPROSY (1800 537 767) or click here.


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.