Ribbon cutting

It was the only day we got a reprieve from the tropical rain. It was a beautiful night for this celebration. The Tamarista, Leper Center, had two four-plex buildings completed. We were there that night for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the completion of these leper houses.

The children danced a traditional dance and we enjoyed a nice dinner. I shared the story of Mephibosheth who was a lame boy who was a relative to Jonathan. King David sent his servant to find him and then brought him to his home. Mephibosheth was a throw-away and when he met King David he called himself a “dog”. This was the very word that Hendrik, the leper living in the Tamarista, was called when he was cast out of his village. I love that about the Lord—He is for the least and lowest. He shows mercy to them. Mephibosheth was given a place at the table of King David. He was accepted and given honor. This seemed so fitting for this dedication.

Lyle Gresehover represented his “home group” who had given funds to build one of these homes. Dale and Shirley Shelley stood for First Presbyterian Church in Fairbanks who also gave funds to build this site. They cut the ribbon and we rejoiced that those who suffer the effects of leprosy can find a place where they are accepted and treated.

The remaining units will be filled soon. The team knows were there are lepers who want to come.