Emilie is from Tawa Baptist Church in Wellington and was one of the Leprosy Mission New Zealand Youth Advocates who travelled to Nepal in 2020.
Hi, I’m Emilie!
Over the past years, young adults from my church (Tawa Baptist), Nathanael, Harriet, Katherine, Bernie, Peter, Sam, Charlotte, Hannah, Elissa, and I have applied and have been selected by the Leprosy Mission for their Youth Advocate Scholarship Programme.
I was one of the Leprosy Mission’s Youth Advocates in 2020. I was very grateful to receive this scholarship. As one of the Youth Advocates, I had the opportunity to travel to Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a life-changing experience for me!
We got to immerse ourselves in the local culture and share life stories with people affected by leprosy in the Leprosy Mission Anandaban Hospital and out in the community. We also watched a reconstructive hand surgery in the operation theatre and went on a 2-day trek at the Kathmandu Valley!
I was so inspired by the resilience of those affected by leprosy and humbled by the heart of the hospital staff who dedicated their lives to serving people affected by leprosy.
This incredible opportunity is here again!
The Leprosy Mission New Zealand is seeking youth and young adults (18-24 years old) to apply for their next year’s Youth Advocate Scholarship to Nepal in 2025.
This scholarship provides an opportunity to connect young people to the vision, mission and values of “mission”. It’s an exhilarating journey of faith, adventure, and transformation. Each year, the Leprosy Mission welcome a new cohort of vibrant young people eager to immerse themselves in the heart of their mission. As they journey with us to the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, our eyes are opened to the wonders of God’s creation and the beauty of serving others selflessly. We get to witness first-hand the miracles wrought by the mission, touching the lives of those in need with love, compassion and hope.
But the blessing doesn’t end here. Inspired by what we’ve seen and experienced, we return home from the mission trip with a burning desire to make a difference. Our dedication knows no bounds as we rally together, pooling our talents, giftings, resources, and hearts to fundraise as a group for a cause. With unwavering determination, we embark on a mission to spread the message of hope and healing for people affected by leprosy. We have the opportunity together as a Youth Advocate group to journey together, fuelled by faith, united in purpose, and guided by the hand of God. With each step, we draw closer to a shared vision—a world transformed by love, where every person is cherished, every heart is healed, and every life is filled with the wonder of His grace.
The criteria that the Leprosy Mission are looking for in Youth Advocate candidates are young people who have a passion for overseas missions and want to experience the work of the Leprosy Mission, learn about the causes and consequences of leprosy, share time with people affected by leprosy and raise awareness and funding for Leprosy Mission projects.
These valiant young people must have hearts ablaze for overseas missions and be driven by a fervent desire to witness the transformative work of the Leprosy Mission. Armed with knowledge and fuelled by compassion for people affected by leprosy, you will embark on a noble mission to raise awareness and funding for Leprosy Mission projects. Take a leap of faith and make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by leprosy!
Your flight (air tickets) to Nepal, meals, accommodation, transport in Nepal and travel insurance are covered by the Youth Advocate Scholarship. Your responsibilities are to arrive at the Auckland Airport and to ensure that you have the necessary immunisations required for travel. Once you have been selected, you will be notified by the coordinator (see info below). Start your application process by clicking on the website link below!
Click here to watch a short video of reflections from some of the past Youth Advocates; feel free to share it with the youth and young adults in your church community.
Applications close on 31 July 2024.
For more information and to apply, you can visit the Leprosy Mission website at leprosymission.org.nz/youth-advocate-scholarship
This scholarship is a remarkable chance to be part of New Zealand’s work to support people affected by the ancient disease of leprosy which we read about in the Bible. Join us as we embark on this journey of service and discovery. Nepal awaits, filled with moments of profound connection and spiritual growth. Let’s make 2025 a year of unparalleled adventure and divine purpose!
If you have any questions or would like more information or resources to share in your church, contact the Leprosy Mission Coordinator, Nadia Paul, on her mobile phone 022 199 5758 or email her at [email protected]
Thank You!
Photos: supplied by Nadia Paul, Leprosy Mission New Zealand. Emilie is in both photos.
