A Word from AMG President, Paul Jenks
AMG President/CEO Paul Jenks shares news and information each month about AMG's various ministries

May 2012

Dear Ministry Partner,

In Matthew 25, as Christ spoke about His judgment of mankind at His return, He identified His followers’ love and concern for Him with their love and concern for those among them unable to help themselves: “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me…. Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” (Matt. 25:35-36, 40).

Perhaps nowhere on earth are the “least of them” more numerous than India, a land of extremes of wealth and poverty; its repressive caste system keeps the poor and disadvantaged in their situation; its dominant     religion of Hinduism fights the expansion of the Church, often brutally persecuting those who turn from   darkness to the light of Christ.

In this nation where darkness seems to hold such a grip, AMG India-International is shining the light of the Gospel precisely through ministry to those whom society treats most poorly. In addition to church planting, newspaper evangelism and childcare, AMG is dedicated to sacrificially serving the leprosy victims of India.

I’ve visited the clinics and care centers personally on several occasions and have always been deeply touched and emotionally and spiritually affected by the plight of the leprosy patients. What a thrill to hear their testimonies of love and faithfulness to their Lord and Savior, without any apparent bitterness. Some say that if it weren’t for leprosy they wouldn’t have known the grace of Jesus Christ.

AMG reaches out to leprosy patients at all stages of the disease. National workers in mobile medical units go to villages throughout India to identify those who are in the early stages of the disease so treatment can begin before any permanent physical damage is done.

AMG’s Valley of Love community provides leprosy sufferers a place to live and work. Not only that, it is a place where they are accepted and loved. Here they learn skills which enable them to provide for their families and become productive members of society again.

Food is distributed on a regular basis to leprosy victims who live with their families. Many times the deformities resulting from this disease leave people unable to work and earn a living. The food AMG provides enables them to meet the needs of their families.

AMG India’s national director recently shared how AMG is helping leprosy patients there:

Nearly 1,200 leprosy patients, from different villages in East Godavari District, are receiving monthly rations through the ministry of AMG.

These leprosy patients along with their children are able to live in human dignity because of AMG assistance, and are blessed because they are cared for physically and get the chance to hear the Gospel from AMG National Workers. Many of them have committed their lives to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Similarly, we have nearly 250 inpatients in the AMG Leprosy Rehabilitation Center, in     Valley of Love in Visakhapatnam District. These are also tasting the love of our Lord Jesus in their lives.

With help and assistance for their rehabilitation, they are able to maintain small jobs which they can do, even with the deformities the disease causes. This gives them human dignity, self confidence and satisfaction. They are no longer beggars, but are working for their livelihood. And now they live in peace and with hope for a brighter future for their children.

One of the more pronounced deformities associated with leprosy is severe cataracts which often result in blindness. AMG India operates the Kadyum Eye Hospital to compassionately restore sight through comprehensive visual care.

People from nearby villages come to the hospital for free treatment. Patients are treated for all manner of vision problems, and medicines and glasses are made available at no cost if needed.

Each month, Kadyum Eye Hospital conducts about 150 cataract surgeries and lens implantations. As a result of these surgeries, patients regain their lost sight, which enables them to return to normal life and work with confidence.

Through each of these outreaches, AMG’s ultimate goal is to lead the leprosy patient and his or her family to Jesus Christ. That is why we care for the “least of them” in Jesus’ name.

Each of these compassionate outreaches requires significant funding to continue. Would you please partner with AMG to keep touching the lives of leprosy sufferers in India? Your gifts directly translate to a healing touch from Christians willing to put aside social stigmas to extend Christ’s love to those no one else loves.

Yours in Christ's service,

 Paul E. Jenks, President & CEO