Ashram Leprosy Village

Ashram Leprosy Village The Churches Together In Royton (CTIR) sponsor this project The coming together of the 9 Royton Churches has allowed us to dare to believe that we can lift the lives of the friends in this village out of the abject poverty and misery that we have found them to be in - many list 'begging' as their occupation. To the end of 2011 we have made a good start let's make sure that through 2012 we continue the good work according to the goodness and mercy that we ourselves have received form the Lord. Major thanks to all who have contributed to the work. A very brief history... Ashram 1905-1970 Jeremiah Philip, a UK missionary, arrived in Ashram in 1905. He set up a school and a hospital. Poor people came to him for free education and medical help. Jeremiah started a prayer fellowship and was described as 'the saviour to this entire village.' When Jeremiah left to return to England, Dr Ossgood arrived (also from England). Many people suffering from leprosy travelled from all over Orissa for treatment. They were now outcasts and could not return to thier home towns. So they stayed nearby Dr Ossgood's hosiptial. In time the people married and had families which spread out into 5 villages. In 1970 Dr Ossgood returned home to England. The schools closed and the medical help stopped. Ashram 2008 Family Aid Direct was invited to step in and provide much needed help for the Ashram leprosy villages. There are about 65 families in the village with many suffering from leprosy. In 2008 the village was hit by floods and many of the houses were destroyed and many of the folk are still living under canvas. Ashram 2010 Ashram 2011 Help given to date includes the construction of 2 new block built houses, a new tube well 120 foot deep, warm clothing for the winter period and funds for Christmas parties. Some goats have been provided for individual family support and at present we are embarking on a basic low cost house building program - 2 such houses are under construction.  House construction Bethesda Church has funded the clean up and redecoration of the village church hall that doubles as a community centre December 2011 Medical help Most excitingly St Aidans has given money that allows us to start some basic medical care for the many folk who have leprosy. We have now appointed a much needed and welcome doctor, Mr. Ratikanta. It looks like Mr Ratikanta has people queuing up for his medical help. Here you can see our doctor dressing and nursing hand wounds. Dressing and nursing work will continue till the wounds are cleansed and healed. House construction The next 2 photos show the construction of a new house Blanket Distribution The villagers are blessed to receive blankets to help them through the cold winter. It's hard to keep warm without winter clothes.