I Am One Of Them

A short time ago I fell very ill and had to take some time off from my duties which included visiting those who where sick. During that time I read to take my mind off the illness and came upon an article about the island of Molokai.

Hardly anywhere in the world is there a lovelier spot than Molokai, the Pacific island is always bathed in sunshine, always fanned by soft and sweet airs. Yet this was once one of the world’s saddest places. A place where hope was abandoned. Where one’s suffering was intense, and loneliness was almost unbearable. For Molokai was the island to which lepers were sent to linger unloved until death brought release.

But the wretchedness of its exiles came to the ears of Joseph de Veuster, a Belgian born at Tremeloo near Louvain. Becoming a monk at eighteen, he took the now famous and honoured name of Father Damien. Of his own free will he turned his back on home and kindred, sailed for Molokai and became a father of the people.

He was one with them in their distresses. He loved those whom all men loathed. He served the outcasts day and night, ministered to their souls, and did what he could for their bodies. After some years his glorious act of sacrifice won world wide recognition, and a medical station was established so that Father Damien could give at least some treatment and ease pain a little.

The kind of life Father Damien lived would have been altogether impossible had he not loved, and loved passionately the people he cared for. There came a day which many regarded as tragic – the day when Father Damien accidentally overturned a kettle of boiling water. To his astonishment he discovered that although his arm was scalded it did not hurt. He told a medical missionary what had happened, and the missionary looked Father Damien steadily in the eyes but remained silent.

“Well?” asked the hero and saint of Molokai. “Am I a leper?” “You are,” was the reply. Many a man would have been stunned, but Father Damien smiled. “Ah,” said he, “now I am not only with them, I am one of them!”

Dear Brother Roy, It is truly a miracle....Mum has turned the corner....thank you for your prayers which I know helped in her recovery. On Wednesday she was unable to swallow any food....only tiny amounts of fluid....she was hardly talking to us....so she was put on IV saline on Thursday.....by evening there was an improvement and the next day she was able to eat again.....she was taken off the saline last night. Today she even took one small step out of bed with our help and has had a refreshing bath. I think the great plus is that she can control her body functions once more and this helps her to move more. Thank you for your prayers and I know that I have witnessed a miracle...

Bless you all, J. Sri Lanka.

Dear Brother Roy...When I read of the sad life you led as a youngster and how God has guided you and supported you ever since, you have given me great encouragement to never stop praying for P…. I must finish now for the moment, but I thank you Brother Roy for all your prayers. I look forward so much to your next letter. Thank you for your “Sunshine.”

 E.  England.

Dear Brother Roy...I can’t begin to thank you all at the Sanctuary for your prayers for my daughter. For a long time her confidence and self esteem has been at an all time low.  She has been on anti depressants but is now looking to come off them she is making decisions about her future. A few months ago I couldn’t even imagine this; I have been so worried about her.  Now it seems she has turned a corner.  This has all come about since writing to you and asking for the Lord’s help.

God Bless you and may you continue your good work. 

In my humble way I understood what Father Damien meant; I have now been diagnosed as having Diabetes and on receiving the diagnoses I actually thanked the Lord and said, “Now I am not only with them, I am one of them!”

Our Health is Our Real Wealth

Some of you may or not know but some time ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and was shown to be also overweight as well. By changing my diet, I have now lost over 48lbs (22kg) in weight and I’m feeling and looking a lot better for it. 

Dear Brother Roy

Everything you sent to me was so precious and stimulating. Solution to problems, healing quotations and what the bible says in regard to this reinforced my faith in our loving Father.

God Bless You – Ruby –USA