Organization seeks to bring enduring hope to individuals afflicted by neglected tropical diseases around the world
GREENVILLE, S.C. — American Leprosy Missions, a nonprofit helping persons affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy to be healed in body and spirit, today unveiled a rebrand to Hope Rises International. The new name embodies a comprehensive picture of the organization‘s work and mission: healing disease, restoring people to their communities and proclaiming the gospel.
Since 1906, Hope Rises International has worked with Christian partners to provide medical treatment to those affected by NTDs, including leprosy. While the organization remains committed to this cause, its work has expanded to reach more marginalized people.
“We have recognized the need for an organizational name that more fully represents who we are: a name that reflects both the longstanding historical impact of our work around the world and the future we strive toward, a name that invites a new generation to join in this critical work while honoring those who have supported us for so many years, a name that strikes at the heart of what we have always been about” said president and CEO Bill Simmons. “Hope Rises International embodies a comprehensive picture of what we do: healing disease, restoring people to their communities, and proclaiming the gospel, seeing hope rise in people’s lives where once there was despair.”
More than 1 billion men, women and children suffer from NTDs, like leprosy and Buruli ulcer. Across the world, individuals suffering from these diseases often lack access to proper medical care to treat their severe physical pain. Additionally, those afflicted with illness are subject to social stigmatization and are often cast out of their communities to suffer alone.
“Every person is made in the image of God and deserves access to healing and the opportunity to flourish,” Simmons said. “Our new name focuses on the outcome instead of the challenge. It envisions a future where people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases are not stigmatized nor cast out but cared for and included.”
By linking arms with local churches and Christian organizations around the world, Hope Rises International works to enhance early detection and the effectiveness of treatments, erase the pain and stigma of these diseases, and bridge research gaps that lead to improved care and access to health.
“In today’s world, the deepest wounds of exclusion remain, whether due to disability, ethnicity, refugee status or other social stigmas,” said Simmons. “While we strive to provide physical healing and relief to those afflicted with NTDs, we desire to restore them to lives of dignity and hope.”
Hope Rises International seeks the same outcome it has sought since its founding in 1906: one in which hope rises all over the world in the name of Jesus.
For more information about Hope Rises International, visit hoperises.org.
About Hope Rises International
Hope Rises International is a global parachurch ministry that exists to live and proclaim the gospel to people with neglected tropical diseases like leprosy. Working with and through the church, Hope Rises International helps provide physical healing and enduring hope for people suffering from the pain and stigma caused by these diseases. Founded as American Leprosy Missions in 1906, the organization has spent more than a century training, supporting, and equipping Christian partners worldwide to provide compassionate care to marginalized people and restore them to lives of dignity, fullness, and community. Hope Rises International also works to increase the effectiveness of early detection and treatments, bridge the gap in research, and invest in tools and technologies that expand access to healing – all while faithfully living out the gospel and inviting others to join Jesus in His redemptive work. Learn more about Hope Rises International at hoperises.org.
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Contact:
SaraBeth Evans
Hope Rises International
(864) 500-3936
[email protected]
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