Every week, for the last few months, we have been going out to alleviate suffering by removing jiggers, spraying homes, and giving out shoes. All of this has been made possible by the generosity of Heavens Family, and some wonderful kingdom saints from America. Many women, children, and men have been helped, and this is forever going to change their lives. All glory and praise to our heavenly Father.
The chigoe flea or jigger (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates, not to be confused with the larval form of Trombiculidae (called chiggers) found in more temperate climates. It is native to Central and South America, and has been inadvertently introduced by humans to sub-Saharan Africa. At 1 mm long, the chigoe flea is the smallest known flea. Breeding female chigoes burrow into exposed skin on the feet of mammals and remain there for two weeks while developing eggs, during which time they swell dramatically, sometimes causing intense irritation (condition called tungiasis). After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5- to 10-mm blister with a central black dot, which are the flea’s exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs. If the flea is left within the skin, dangerous complications can occur including secondary infections, loss of nails, and toe deformation. These are relatively rare, but heavy infestations combined with unsanitary conditions greatly increases the likelihood of complications. (Source Wikipedia)
These sand fleas are absolutely debilitating if not properly cared for, and the removal process is painful. I actually got a jigger in my foot the day I helped distribute shoes. Let me tell you, it felt like a severe ingrown toenail, and it was not easy to remove. So, with the help of local brothers here on the ground, and visitors who have come to stay with us, we have been working to KICK JIGGERS OUT!
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11
