Diagnosed with leprosy, Megala’s dad was faced with a tough decision: to keep his child despite his inability to adequately provide for her or give her up so she could have a chance for a better life.

In India, leprosy is perceived as a curse and communities disown victims of the disease, leaving most, like Megala’s father, without work and sometimes even homeless. Megala’s mom works as a vegetable vendor to try to make ends meet, but the family lives on the brink of starvation every day, unable to afford basic necessities, let alone pay school tuition for Megala.

Thankfully, Megala’s parents discovered through the local pastor that India Gospel League had a children’s home close by. When Megala was just 4 years old, her parents made the difficult decision to release her to IGL’s care to give her the best opportunity they could.

Since living under IGL’s care, her life has changed dramatically. Megala no longer goes to bed hungry since three nutritious meals a day are standard in IGL’s homes. She is also attending school and receiving a quality education. Most importantly, she has learned about Jesus Christ and accepted him as her personal Savior! Overall, Megala has become a happy and healthy child.

Megala is so thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to live, be loved and have hope for her future under the roof of an IGL children’s home. She loves to read books and listen to music, and her favorite Bible character is Nathan the prophet. When she grows up, Megala dreams of becoming a doctor so that she can work among people affected with leprosy, like her father.

Megala’s favorite Bible verse:

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)