Reepham & Wensum Valley Team Churches - at the Heart of the Community

Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes

Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes, for  World Leprosy Day.

Behind the carved oak pulpit in the old church, I noticed a mark on the worn wall. At first glance, I thought it was just a random roughness, a shadow on the stone. Then I realised it was the outline of a cross. It must have hung there for years and, when taken down, it left the mark on the wall. As individual Christians we leave a mark. Most of us lead unremarkable lives. Actually, I’m not sure of that. When you get to know people you find few who are “ordinary”. No-one is exactly like another. Each is remarkable in individual experience. Each of us has something of value to give. But we lead unspectacular lives, rarely  producing headlines in the newspapers. Yet our presence in the world, our faithful performance of the little acts of daily living, makes it mark. There are times when we feel useless. We can’t stop the steamroller of world events without getting flattened. No-one listens to the thin sound of our protest. But “your living shall not be in vain”, as the song puts it. We make our mark and, however small it is, it’s our mark, and the world will never be quite the same again. God grant the mark we leave is the mark of the cross.                                                                      Eddie Askew, former Director of The Leprosy Mission.

Almighty Father, giver of life and health, look mercifully on those who suffer from leprosy. Stretch out your hand to touch and heal them as Jesus did during his earthly life. Grant wisdom and insight to those who are seeking the prevention and cure of the disease; give skill and    sympathy to those who minister to the patients; inspire your people with the task set before The Leprosy Mission, that it may never lack either the staff or the means to carry on its healing work. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen.