I Prayed Every Day for My 13-Year-Old Daughter - Now She’s Finally Here!

A New Beginning for Her and Her Community

In Timor Leste, there is a beautiful 13-year-old girl named Nila who has been given a new lease on life since being cured of leprosy.

You may remember Nila from a story we shared with you in March last year. When strange markings appeared on Nila’s face, her family feared the worst.

Fortunately, the Leprosy Mission team had just arrived in her community. Dr. Cela recognised the signs and confirmed that Nila had leprosy.

In that moment, Nila saw a future filled with deformity and disability, a fate that many people on her island had suffered.

“I felt ashamed to show myself,” she cried. “I could not go to school.”

Thanks to your support, Dr. Cela started Nila on Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT). Within 48 hours, Nila was no longer contagious, and within the year, she was completely cured.

Without intervention, Nila would never have been able to escape the trauma of leprosy’s long history in Timor-Leste.

Nila’s story highlights the vulnerability of children in Timor-Leste, and we cannot let leprosy return. We must protect them.

From Darkness to Light

Nila’s journey was filled with shame and sorrow. “My mind was blocked,” she recalls. “I lost my thoughts. I felt very sad and ashamed.” For a time, she didn’t want to leave the house. “I thought no one would want to be my friend,” Nila shared. “I just wanted to hide.”

But thanks to your support, Nila received not only the medical care she needed but also encouragement and prayers that helped lift her spirit. Messages from New Zealand reminded her that she was loved and valued.

A Thankful Heart

Her mother, Tatum, says, “I prayed every day for my daughter. I cannot express how thankful I am to the people in New Zealand for helping her. You’ve given her life back to her.”

Nila’s healing is a testimony to the power of kindness and faith. God has restored her health, and through your generosity, her hope for the future has been renewed.