Gospel for Asia

There are many facets to the problem of poverty in Africa; facts raise awareness to their situation and show why GFA World’s presence is needed in Africa. About a billion people worldwide are considered to be living in poverty, which means they are under the international level of surviving on less than $1.90 a day. [1] The top ten of the world’s poorest countries are in Africa. [2] About 47 percent of Africa’s population lives in poverty, and it is projected that the global poor will become more concentrated in Africa since its population is growing rapidly. With so many poor countries and poor people, it is incredibly difficult to prevent further poverty because the cycle is so impossible to escape. Furthering this issue, two in five African adults are illiterate, making higher-paying jobs much more challenging to find. [3] There are many symptoms of this near-inescapable poverty, and some things are considered both a cause and effect. About one in three people living in sub-Saharan...

Africa is the poorest continent; about 47 percent of its population is living in Africa in poverty. [1] The concentration will likely increase as the population continues to grow rapidly. Even now, the situation is dire, as one in four sub-Saharan Africans is malnourished. [2] The top three poorest countries in the world are in the same region of Africa: Burundi, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [3] GFA World is committed to addressing the major issues of African poverty. One way GFA helps poverty-stricken families and communities in Asia, and soon in Africa also, is by gifting income-producing animals, such as chickens, cows, goats or other livestock. The families can use the eggs, milk and meat from the animals to feed themselves or to sell for money. Some of the animals can also help with fertilizing and harvesting crops, greatly increasing a family’s ability to provide for themselves. [4] Taden is a poor man, a loving husband and a father of ...

While the overall rate of poverty in Africa is dropping in recent years, the progress is much slower than in the rest of the world. The situation there remains truly dire. Africa is the poorest continent on the planet; twenty-eight of the world’s poorest countries are located in Africa, and almost half of Africa’s population—just around 47 percent—are below the global poverty line of living on $1.90 a day. [1] Many of these people don’t have access to clean water, food or shelter. One in four people in sub-Saharan Africa is malnourished. This is one of the world’s highest concentrations of hungry people, equal only to populations in parts of Asia. [2] Compounding these problems is that two in five African adults are illiterate, making it difficult for them to find higher-paying jobs, or any jobs besides manual labor. [3] Africa also has little access to proper healthcare, leading to 1.6 million deaths from preventable and treatable illnesses, like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, in 2...

Cold temperatures present significant dangers, such as hypothermia and frostbite, especially for individuals experiencing homelessness and those in vulnerable circumstances. This article delves into the consequences of cold weather in various regions, emphasizes the crucial role of providing warm clothes, and proposes effective strategies to assist organizations dedicated to aiding those in need. Understanding Cold Risks in Different Regions In the United States, hundreds of nonprofit rescue missions operate in large and mid-sized cities, providing temporary shelter and other services to the homeless and destitute. However, even in temperate climates, winter nights can become dangerously cold. [1] Southern California’s relatively mild climate, which attracts a large homeless population, presents a unique challenge. The Los Angeles region, with its 39,000 homeless individuals living outdoors, experiences more hypothermia-related deaths than New York due to the unexpected cold nights. A...

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious conditions that can occur due to exposure to cold temperatures. This article explores the impact of these conditions on the human body and discusses measures to address the associated health risks. Hypothermia: The Silent Danger Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can replenish it, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially fatal outcomes. Recognizing the early symptoms, such as shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, loss of coordination, and drowsiness, is crucial. However, the insidious nature of hypothermia can make it challenging to detect, as symptoms may develop gradually. This can lead to confusion and risky behavior, making it essential to raise awareness and seek timely help. [1] Even when cold is not the primary cause of death, it can exacerbate existing conditions, sometimes to a fatal extent. In 1999, the World Health Organization expanded its criteria for assessing cold-related deaths, incorporating cases where...

If the predominance of cold- over heat-related deaths seems counterintuitive, it’s helpful to consider how cold temperatures affect the human body. The impact of cold weather on mortality rates during winter months is well established. In recent years, the United States has experienced a higher death rate of 8 to 12 percent more during winter compared to non-winter months. This increase can be attributed, in part, to the proliferation of respiratory diseases in colder weather. Additionally, pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are aggravated by the drop in temperatures. [1] Our bodies, in general, tend to react negatively to the cold, leading to decreased blood circulation and an increased risk of heart attacks. [2] Vulnerable Populations and Occupations Populations that are already vulnerable suffer the worst impact, including infants, the elderly, and the infirm. Moreover, individuals who spend a significant amount of time outdoors are also susceptible to cold-rela...

While much attention is given to the rising global temperatures, there is another silent threat that claims lives around the world: the cold weather crisis. Surprisingly, cold weather takes a greater toll on human lives than hot weather. [1] Cold-Related Deaths Surpass Heat-Related Deaths According to a study published in The Lancet, between 2000 and 2019, cold-related deaths numbered 4,594,098 globally, while heat-related deaths were 489,075. These figures challenge common assumptions as many might expect hot weather to pose a greater threat. [2] Cold-related deaths disproportionately affect poorer and underdeveloped areas, but even affluent countries are not immune. In the United States, from 1979 to 2016, [3] an estimated 19,000 people died from cold-related causes, compared to 11,000 from heat-related causes. [4] Surprising Regional Distribution The regional distribution of cold-related deaths may surprise many. The aforementioned study highlights that both Eastern Europe and sub-...