THRILLED: The Youth Advocates from left first back, Jo Burnett, Sam Illing (blue striped t-shirt) and Nathanael Lucas (Blue and black t-shirt). Front, second from left, Stefan van Woerden and Miriam Whitton (checkered shirt).

Leprosy Mission Advocates announced

A group of young people will get to experience the trip of a lifetime when they travel to Nepal early next year to see the Leprosy Mission’s work in action.

The successful Youth Advocate Scholarship recipients for 2012 who were announced recently by Leprosy Mission New Zealand will learn about the medical, social and psychological impacts of the disease, while in the Himalayan nation.

The scholarships are aimed at enabling young adults with a passion for mission to witness hospital and community project work in Nepal, learn about the causes and consequences of leprosy and raise awareness and funding for Leprosy Mission projects. Upon their return, the participants will be active Advocates in their own communities.

Applications were received from around the country and applicants were involved in raising awareness and funding for projects in leprosy-affected communities overseas.

The Auckland-based applicants were part of the Running 4 Rights team in the Auckland Marathon, while applicants outside of Auckland participated in the Taranaki Half Marathon, Rotorua Half Marathon, Devonport Classic and the Dunedin Half Marathon. Overall, they helped to fundraise over $13,000 for the Mission’s work around the world.

“We have been blessed with a very high standard of scholarship applicants who have already demonstrated their commitment to families affected by leprosy,” says Brent Morgan, Executive Director of Leprosy Mission New Zealand. “The decision-making process was very thorough and we are now pleased to announce our Youth Advocates for 2012.”

One of the successful Advocates, Hamilton’s Stefan van Woerden says as an active member in society he believes we have the ability to make a change in the world we live in.

“Part of the process for creating a better society is becoming aware of the issues other people face around the world,” says the first year engineering student at Massey University who has been a member of the Reformed Church of Hukinui all his life and attends their Albany church when in Auckland.

“It is easy for us to get caught up in the small groups that just affect us, so stepping out and seeing the world for what it is, we will be able to be more effective in bringing forth change.”

Miriam Whitton, from Hastings who is in her third year at AUT in Auckland and whose home church is the Village Baptist Church in Havelock North says she has been interested in developing countries since she started her physiotherapy degree.  “I don’t want to wait until I have graduated and worked for a few years before I can start making a difference. I want to help in whatever way I can now.”

Jo Burnett of Waimauku, Auckland who is in her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing in Auckland is a member of Riverhead Family Church and has taught Sunday school for the past four years. “The experience of travelling to Nepal, observing and getting involved in the work of the Leprosy Mission will be life changing. I know that it would challenge me, push me out of my comfort zone, and once again remind me of the important of trust in God. It would be a great opportunity to meet new people with similar passions, and broaden my world view,” says Miss Burnett.

Nathanael Lucas hails from Wellington and is currently in his second year of medical studies at Auckland University; Mr Lucas who attends LIFE Church, while in Auckland says his interest in developing countries stems from his Christian faith. “My interest in leprosy resulted from watching the movie Molokai, the story of Father Damien. As a doctor it is my dream to be able to help treat people with an open heart and an open mind”.

Victoria University student Carinnya Feaunati who is from New Plymouth says from a young age she was taught about leprosy through Bible stories at Sunday School.

Hamilton’s Sam Illing who is at Auckland University is looking forward to returning from Nepal with a greater appreciation for the gifts God has given him in New Zealand.  “I would like to see how Leprosy Mission functions and how I might be able to help...”

After their Nepal experience, the Leprosy Mission hopes the Youth Advocates will be able to raise awareness for leprosy-affected communities and families with “confidence and passion”.