Teens Aid Lepers

By Mission News Network

“By this shall all men know that
you are my disciples, if you have
love one to another.” John 13:35

hen 15-year-old Barrett Mills learned that children from a leprosy colony needed a new van, he knew he had to do something. 

"I'm only 15-years-old, but I have a huge passion to make a difference in other people's lives," he said. 

Barrett and three friends -- 13-year-old A.J. Bennett; 15-year-old Abigail Bennett; and 15-year-old Ben Zelent -- bicycled 400 miles from Holland, Michigan, to Mackinaw City, Michigan, from July 21 to July 26. They rode through Grand Haven, Muskegon, and along the north shore of Lake Michigan and successfully raised the $16,000 needed. 

The children from the leprosy colony live at a hostel sponsored by World Hope International, and it provides them with a loving home and transportation to school. Sponsorship dollars provide food, clothing, and school tuition for the kids, but not a new van. The hostel's rundown 1961 jeep could no longer provide safe or dependable transportation for the 4-kilometer trip through India's chaotic traffic. 

Without outside help, discrimination traps the children of lepers in poverty. 

 ~ ~ ~

 *      In today’s society, where teenagers often get the “bad rap”, I am still not surprised to see the love and compassion of Christ move teens to action for others.  Certainly the American society as a whole are self focused, entertainment focused, and much of our behavior and choice stem from pride and comfort.  However, when the Spirit of God speaks and our youth are in God’s presence, something amazing happens.   I have witnessed a growing passion in our youth toward service.   This is not a “star search” service, where the kids are doing good works to be seen, but rather a sincere interest in the physical and spiritual health and well being of others.

Christians are sometimes portrayed to be hate mongers and hypocrites.    I say, look around at the hearts of those self sacrificing souls who truly love God and others, seeking to serve and glorify Him in whatever way God lays on their hearts.

To this hand full of youth, I say thank you and well done.  “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” John 13:35   What a wonderful testimony of Christ who moves in the hearts of men.     ~ Jeanice