In serving the lepers in Vietnam, the Blessed Damien Society has adopted a holistic approach.  In every leper, B.D.S. sees a total human being, not just a creature with a disease to be cured.

Of course, curing the disease is most important, and must be tended to.  However, what is accomplished if the disease is abated, but there remains thousands and thousands of homeless outcasts of society, crippled, disfigured, some blind, unemployable, hungry, naked, and devoid of self-esteem and hope?  They would remain, although cured, in the same sub-human and miserable condition, totally dependent on others. 

B.D.S. addresses as many of these aspects as it can.  It is involved with curing leprosy, to be sure, but assigns great importance to such things as care of wounds, potable and convenient water supply, housing, food, education, training for self-subsistence, prosthesis for the physically impaired, and special tools for the crippled.  The goal is to reduce pain, lift spirits, and instill self-reliance and hope – the holistic approach. Also of grave concern to B.D.S. are the children.  What can their future be if allowed to grow up in such unsanitary conditions, lacking food and nutrition, given little or no education, constantly exposed to the dreaded disease?  They must be removed from the colony, fed and housed, educated, and prepared for a normal future in society.  Otherwise, there will be only a continuation of the pitiful leprosy cycle into the next generation.  

With the funds available, Blessed Damien Society does what it can.  Each project in each location is identified and reviewed and voted on by the B.D.S. board.  Funds for approved projects are then earmarked and channeled as needed into the hands of those selected to administer the aid, usually representatives of various charitable and church organizations working in the field.

A considerable problem is the remoteness and difficulty in reaching many of the leper colonies.  Roads in some areas are almost non-existent, or at best, very poor.  Communication is not always the best, and there are other problems.  Yet B.D.S. is able to administer its programs, and afterwards to verify their application. The society insists that its funds not be wasted, and that they be properly directed and applied.

Prayer can be of great assistance to B.D.S. in achieving continued success in its work.  So, please pray fervently and frequently toward this end.