Mission Outreach at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Stamp Project for Leprosy Medical Relief
Background Information:
Leprosy (Hanson’s Disease) is a chronic skin disease caused by bacteria. The disease also affects the peripheral nerves and mucous membranes, like the eyes and respiratory tract. In this case, peripheral nerves would be also refers to the arms, legs, feet, or hands, which often become deformed and sometimes treatment involves amputation. The disease can also affect the inner lining of the nose.
We may think that leprosy has been eradicated because we have few cases of it in the United States, but this is not true. Leprosy is more common in parts of India, Asia, Africa, and Latin America (countries with tropical climates) than it is in the United States. Most cases in the United States occur among immigrants and refugees living in California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and New York City.
What St. Mark’s Is Doing?
St. Mark’s collects used postage stamps which are sent to The Leprosy Mission (TLM), a Christian charity that takes used postage stamps, sells them to a broker and uses the funds to support medical treatment for leprosy. (Finally, a use for all the used envelopes that come to us day in and day out!). Working in nearly 30 countries across Africa and Asia, TLM brings healing and hope to those affected by leprosy. TLM has a vision of a world without leprosy, a world in which both the causes and the consequences of leprosy have been completely eradicated.
Please cut your used envelope in half, leaving the half with the stamp intact. Stamps may be left in the box at the back of the church (the Narthex) or the Parish Office, identified as Leprosy Stamp Project.