GFA’s Work to Alleviate Global Poverty

Millions of people are stuck in a cycle of global poverty with no access to necessities like food, water, education, medical care or jobs. Poverty affects individuals, families and whole communities that are stuck without hope for their future. Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are two areas where extreme poverty is expected to increase, with an additional 32 million and 26 million people respectively falling below the global poverty line.[1]

GFA World has missionaries in both Asia and Africa, giving them a stable foothold in these extremely poor areas, and these alarming statistics show just how vital its mission is. There are national missionaries in many countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar. Among the world’s poorest nations is one country in South Asia; of those in poverty worldwide, a third lives there.[2]

GFA missionaries serve people, families and communities, helping them to break out of the cycles of extreme poverty and sharing hope in Christ. National missionaries serving in these poor areas invest in the people around them, assessing their needs and how they can help change the course of their futures. Through prayer and counsel, the missionaries determine how they can bless the people and their area overall with practical assistance. This often includes providing gifts that produce income.

Animals like cows and goats can be used to pull carts and plow fields, and their milk may be consumed for food or sold as well. Chickens produce eggs to eat and sell, and their offspring can also be sold to produce more income. Besides animals, missionaries can give other income-producing gifts. Sewing machines allow men and women to work as tailors and other vocational training creates even more opportunities for the impoverished.

Other gifts make the community healthier and more able to work in the first place. These are basic needs like blankets, wells, water filters and proper toilets, which all decrease illnesses among the people, saving them money on healthcare and extending their ability to earn money. The pastors learn these needs, and figure out how to meet them. Gift recipient’s lives are changed as they are shown this practical help and are told about the Good News of Jesus.[3]

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