This has nothing to do with Factnet or HH but just something that we all might have in common: a love for souls...

Emilia

In my mind is yet a vivid picture. I still remember the first time that I walked into Emilia's room. Just a small little lady with no legs or fingers. After a few introductory words, she looked me in the eyes and said: "Missionary, are you afraid of us lepers?" Looking at her small helpless frame, suddenly I realized that all fear was gone "No, Emilia, I am not afraid." She said, "Then come sit on my bed and talk to me." For sixty years, she had been a leper! It was yet during her life time that lepers were caught like wild animals and put away in walled cities that were like prisons. No one was even allowed to leave.
Slowly she told the story that soon we would hear from so many, the frightening experience of discovering that you are a leper. The shame, the agony, the pain, the fear that lepers know so much about. We became good friends. Every Thursday, I read the Bible to her, and since light is stronger than darkness, I soon noticed her soul's awakening. Plans were being made for our first service at a church at the colony. Sister Sonia, Sister Olga and I were so excited. We had cleaned the church building that had been loaned to us. Emilia asked: "Is it true you all are having a baptismal service Sunday?" "Yes," we replied at the same time. With a twinkle in her eyes she asked: "Would you consider baptizing a poor limbless leper like me?"
She had heard the music of His call. Emilia was baptized and it has made a difference in her life. Even though she has since then gone blind, she still has a smile, because her life has been changed.