Walking in Victory with your help

You may remember Nelson, your Community-Based Rehabilitation Project Coordinator in Timor Leste. He was going to visit Australia last year – but he didn’t make it! The day of his flight he was involved in a motorcycle accident and severely damaged his leg! This was distressing enough in itself, but for Nelson, the recovery had an extra degree of difficulty. He already wears a caliper on his other leg.

Nelson contracted polio when he was just two years old. It still affects him to this day. Its powerful impact has helped shape the remarkable work he has achieved and continues to achieve…

He says: “My condition drives me to help others.” When completing his schooling Nelson won a scholarship for training in the production of prosthetics and orthotics. He then worked with a Prosthetic
and Orthotic clinic for eight years, becoming Head of Department and Clinic Manager.

When the organisation was being handed over to the government, Nelson heard about the role with The Leprosy Mission Timor Leste. Through his work there, he now helps people who feel disempowered because of their disability to transform their lives.

“They tell me they feel useless. And at first they think I just use a cane. But when I show them my leg they are surprised. I have metal on my leg. It encourages them that there is hope for them too.”

Nelson’s leg has healed over the last year. He is now fully recovered from his accident and can go about his daily duties. He is grateful to God for “never leaving or forsaking” him. For always walking alongside him. And he is grateful for people like you and your faithful support.

Thanks to your support, Nelson should finally arrive in Australia in September 2018. He will be traveling around the country. So make sure you don’t miss an event near you! You can talk with Nelson about your Timor Leste projects and ask him all your questions in person.

Nelson says “Thank you for caring. Thank you for your prayers.” If you would like to provide regular financial support for Nelson or any team member of The Leprosy Mission Timor Leste, please call Georgie or Lisa on FREECALL 1800 LEPROSY (1800 537 767).