Gospel for Asia

Promoting girl’s education requires time, money and commitment. UNICEF estimates that 129 million girls worldwide are not in school. 1 Every girl that does not attend school loses opportunities to learn, grow and build opportunities for her future. Educating girls is a critical issue worldwide; however, girls are chronically undereducated in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific. According to UNICEF, more than 15 million girls in East Asia and the Pacific do not attend school. 2 These girls may leave school to care for younger siblings, work alongside their parents or maintain their family homes. Girls who regularly attend or complete school are less likely to become victims of child marriage and more likely to have good job opportunities. Resources that help girls attend school include free school supplies and uniforms, sanitary menstrual products and advocacy for girls’ education to combat familial and social biases. What are the benefits of educating girls? Deve...

Education impacts how girls view themselves, their world and their potential. So how can we help educate girls globally? Here are a few things girls need just to attend school: Supplies — Education is a luxury for many families experiencing poverty. To attend school, many girls need appropriate books, uniforms, school supplies and sometimes even tuition. Hygiene — Many girls cannot attend school after menstruation begins because they do not have the resources to care for themselves. Menstruation care and sanitation information, menstrual pads and proper facilities are invaluable for young girls. Menstruation supplies help girls handle puberty and remain in school. Awareness — Educating girls remains a challenge worldwide. Many families and societies do not value sending girls to school. Increased awareness of the individual and societal benefits of educating girls is crucially important. Education increases girls’ future income, prevents child marriage and decreases their mortality ...

Globally, millions of girls do not regularly attend classes or complete school, which deprives these girls of opportunities to learn, grow and build hope for their futures. UNICEF estimates that 129 million school age girls worldwide are not in school. 1 These girls often leave school to work and help their families, and they often marry early. Girls who do not attend school can be victims of child marriage and child labor, and they will not qualify for well-paying jobs as adults. There are many barriers to girls worldwide obtaining an education, so we must fight for girls’ education to give girls hope and opportunity. Here are some of the barriers to girls’ education: Lack of supplies — Girls from impoverished families often can’t afford crucial school supplies such as uniforms, books and pencils. In areas without free school tuition, families experiencing poverty may not have the funds to pay their daughter’s school tuition. Lack of support — Many families and societies do not val...

Girl education charities provide crucial help and opportunities to keep girls in school. Many girls will not regularly attend classes or finish school if they do not have the appropriate resources and support. Education builds confidence in girls and offers them opportunities to learn, grow and hope. If girls can graduate from secondary school, that increases their chances of working jobs with better pay than their parents and even looking for better opportunities. Girls’ education increases their future income, prevents child marriage and decreases their mortality rate. 1 It is necessary to fight for girls’ education because many girls encounter formidable barriers to receiving an education, such as the following: Poverty — Many impoverished families must choose between sending their children to school and paying rent or buying food. Girls are typically the first to be removed from school. Girls may leave school to work alongside their parents, complete household chores or care for ...

The main causes of child labor exploitation are linked to poverty. Three billion people worldwide live on less than $2.50 per day. 1 When a family can’t afford to put meals on the table and provide for their basic everyday needs, they look for help wherever they can find it. Many families are promised education for their children, nutritious meals, pay and other benefits by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit them. Since most parents want these things for their children, they are enticed to send their child away. In reality, those children often work in dangerous environments, receive little or no pay and have irregular meals. Other children are kidnapped, and parents don’t know where their child has gone or if they will ever return. GFA World provides care for those who are relegated to the lowest positions in life. We care for the “least of these“ and seek “to take the love of Christ to people who have never heard His name before.” Here are some of the ways we do so: Povert...

What exactly is child sexual exploitation? According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, “When a child or young person is exploited they’re given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities.” 1 Often, kids being exploited are misled into thinking they are in a loving and trusting relationship. Here are a few quick facts: “On any given day in 2016, an estimated 40.3 million people were victims of modern slavery, 4.8 million of them in ‘forced sexual exploitation.’ Over one million of those in ‘forced sexual exploitation’ are children.” 2 More than 26,500 runaways were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2020. One in six were likely victims of child sex trafficking. 3 Sex trafficking generates a lot of money. One in five trafficking victims may be sexually exploited, but those equate to two-thirds of global trafficking profits. 4 According to Human Rights First, OSC...

Child exploitation has been defined as “the act of using a minor child for profit, labor, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage.” 1 There are many forms of child exploitation, including child labor, domestic servitude, forced child marriage, sexual exploitation and using children in war. Each of these forms of exploitation causes trauma and other challenges in the lives of children, including the following: Difficulties in social situations – Children who are exploited often experience attachment disorders that impact their future relationships and friendships. Poor emotional health – Children who experience trauma have a greater risk of depression and anxiety that lasts into adulthood. Childhood trauma also negatively impacts suicide rates in adults. PTSD – Posttraumatic stress often causes irritability, anger, mood swings and more. According to Children’s Bureau, “PTSD in children can lead to depression, suicidal behavior, substance use, and opposition...

Child exploitation is defined as the act of “using a minor child for profit, labor, sexual gratification, or some other personal or financial advantage,” says Legal Dictionary. “Child exploitation often results in cruel or harmful treatment of the child, as the activities he or she may be forced to take part in can cause emotional, physical, and social problems.” 1 Such exploitation includes child pornography, prostitution, cheap labor and other areas where large profits can be made by using children. Exploitation may occur by strangers, peers, parents, employers or trusted adults. What is child exploitation? There are many forms of this type of child abuse. Some of them are:

The signs of spirit of poverty are often hidden beneath surface-level struggles, but their effects run deep, touching everything from education, to health, to relationships and even self-worth. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward creating impactful change. When we think of poverty, we might picture someone living on less than $1.90 a day, a staggering reality for 736 million people worldwide. [1] However, the effects of poverty stretch far beyond income. The poorest children are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, die before their fifth birthday, or grow up without access to primary education. Poverty leaves families hungry, homeless and hopeless. Families caught in the cycle of poverty often feel like there’s no way out, which creates a cycle of despair. Despair can manifest itself as resignation or the belief that life will never improve, no matter how hard they try. The spirit of poverty takes hold of the heart as much as the wallet. It convinces people they are s...

The answer to “what are some solutions to poverty” lies in addressing the deeper causes of poverty, not just the symptoms. Education, particularly when paired with values that promote dignity and purpose, has proven to be one of the most effective tools for breaking generational poverty. GFA World recognizes the profound impact of combining knowledge with moral development. We create lasting changes in individuals, families and communities. Education alone is not enough to end poverty. [1] While it equips individuals with practical skills, to have transformative benefit, education must instill values like diligence, compassion and integrity. As E.F. Schumacher noted in Small Is Beautiful, education aims to transmit ideas and values that empower individuals to live purposefully and improve the world around them. [2] This principle is evident in the story of Bir, a young boy in South Asia. Born into poverty, Bir, despite having access to education, struggled in school. His grades were p...

Breaking the spirit of poverty is about offering immediate aid and equipping families with the tools and resources so they can lift themselves out of poverty for good. GFA World empowers impoverished African and Asian families and gives them opportunities, hope and dignity so they can transform their own lives. The journey from poverty to self-sufficiency isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the proper support. Breaking the spirit of poverty takes more than just providing a temporary fix. It’s about addressing the root causes and offering long-term solutions that help people stand independently. GFA World focuses on sustainable ways to help families thrive. Here are some of the practical ways you can make a difference: [1] True empowerment comes when people are given the skills to provide for themselves. That’s why we offer vocational training programs in impoverished regions where we serve, teaching practical trades like welding and tailoring. For just $75, you can help someone gain th...

The spirit of poverty is a mindset that keeps families trapped in cycles of despair. It’s not only the discouragement of lacking material possessions but also a deep sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Serving as the hands and feet of Christ, GFA World is committed to breaking the spirit of poverty and restoring hope to impoverished African and Asian families by providing practical, life-changing solutions. Poverty afflicts a person’s mind, body and spirit. It creates a feeling of being trapped with no way out. But with proper support, families can break free from poverty’s grip. At GFA World, we empower families to overcome financial hardships through our programs including child sponsorship, medical assistance, income generating gifts, vocational training and much more. [1] Signs of spirit of poverty are despair, fear and anxiety. When people lack access to basic needs such as food, healthcare and education, it isn’t easy to see a way out, and people can abandon hope that life ...

One of the signs of spirit of poverty is a cycle of survival-focused living where families struggle to meet basic needs like food, water and shelter, leaving little energy for planning a better future. [1] This is a reality for millions in South Asia and Africa where poverty extends beyond financial hardship to include mental stress, lack of education and feelings of hopelessness. [2] Yet, the Bible reminds us of God’s love for the poor and vulnerable. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed” (ESV). This truth inspires many Christians to act with compassion, bringing hope to those in need. Sumana’s story is an example of how Christian compassion can transform lives. [3] Sumana grew up in a poor family in South Asia. After facing discrimination in their village, her family moved to the city for better opportunities. Her parents worked in a carpet factory, earning only $1.60 a day—far too little to provide for their s...

At GFA World, when we consider what are some solutions to poverty, we prioritize those that create lasting change. We believe one of the most impactful answers is empowering families with resources that help them achieve self-sufficiency. Our annual Christmas Critter Campaign and its innovative “Chicken Challenge” provide a simple yet powerful way to break the chains of poverty and bring hope to some of the world’s poorest communities. By donating pairs of chickens, donors offer families a source of steady nutrition and income, which can transform their lives. Chickens multiply quickly, and provide protein-rich eggs for food and additional income when sold, helping families afford essentials like school supplies, clothing and medical care. [1] One inspiring example comes from a widow named Mayra, who faced significant hardships after the loss of her husband and daughter. With no source of income, Mayra relied on her son, whose earnings were barely enough to meet daily needs. Despite he...

At GFA World, we believe that literacy is not just a skill; it is a key to breaking the spirit of poverty and giving people the tools they need to thrive. When we commemorate International Literacy Day, we draw attention to the global crisis of adult illiteracy. According to UNESCO, approximately 773 million adults worldwide—most of them women—are unable to read or write even a simple sentence. [1] This staggering reality impacts almost every aspect of life for those affected, from employment opportunities to personal safety. It is a crisis we cannot ignore. In regions where education is often out of reach, GFA World steps in to make a difference. We provide literacy classes to thousands of adults and children in some of the poorest and most remote parts of the world. These classes are not just about learning letters and words; they are about unlocking a sense of self-worth and offering hope for a brighter future. For many students, these classes represent their first chance to hold a...

The spirit of poverty is a mindset or condition that traps individuals and communities in a cycle of fear, lack and hopelessness. While poverty often involves material deprivation, it also encompasses emotional and spiritual struggles. GFA World has been dedicated to addressing this issue for decades, first in Asia and more recently in Africa. Through various initiatives, GFA World seeks to break the chains of poverty by providing tools, education and hope, empowering people to achieve lasting change. All this is provided in the name of Christ. At GFA World we approach poverty by addressing the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our programs provide clean water, healthcare and education, which are critical for long-term development. One notable project is the construction of Jesus Wells, which supply clean, safe water to entire villages. By reducing waterborne illnesses and giving people access to a vital resource, we help families regain and retain their health, al...

Some signs of spirit of poverty are more obvious than others. Currently, almost 700 million people—8.5 percent of the global population—live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 a day. [1] Lacking access or opportunity to attend school is another symptom and cause of poverty. In 2023, around 244 million children were not in school across primary and secondary education. [2] Besides these more obvious tolls, there are mental and spiritual signs of poverty, too. One study showed that teens who have lived in poverty experience stress at higher levels than those in more economically secure families. The researchers found that even after living in improved economic circumstances for a time, the teens’ stress responses remained abnormal. This shows that poverty can have a deep and lasting impact for years. [3] Many children in the most impoverished areas grow up hearing that they aren’t important, they won’t amount to much and they don’t deserve better. But GFA World’s Child Sponsorship ...

The question, “What are some solutions to poverty?” has quite a few answers. They include: Education : The gift of basic education—literacy and numeracy—can be the key that opens countless doors, turning potential into possibility. Clean Water : A nearby source of clean water can save lives, cutting down on diseases and freeing up hours each day for women and children, hours that could be spent in classrooms or at work. Basic Healthcare : The harsh reality is that health costs push nearly 100 million people into poverty annually. Childhood Nutrition : Proper nutrition in early years shapes not just bodies but minds, setting children on a path to become educated, productive members of society. [1] GFA World has ministry in Africa and Asia that provide each of the above. Our Child Sponsorship Program offers opportunities for education and provides nutritious meals to children. [2] We build Jesus Wells that create fresh water sources and gift BioSand water filters that purify existing ...

Breaking the spirit of poverty may sound like an impossible task. There is so much poverty in the world—almost 700 million people live on less than $2.15 a day [1] —that ending global poverty is daunting. In the midst of the overwhelming challenges posed by poverty, studies reveal a beacon of light that not only sustains life but fosters growth: the power of hope. [2] Poverty has a way of killing hope and ambition. People resign themselves to the drudgery and hard work they have always known, not seeing a way to escape the cycle they are trapped in. Children grow up in poverty, unable to receive proper food, healthcare or education, leading to fewer opportunities for better-paying jobs, causing them to remain mired in poverty and eventually raise their own kids in the same way. Underdeveloped minds and absent opportunities steal much of the influence people could have if they only had a chance. [3] That is why GFA World works in the poorest areas of countries in Africa and Asia, provid...

The spirit of poverty is a phrase used to describe the impact that poverty can have beyond the physical. It is easy to see that poverty leads to tangible deficiencies, like a lack of food, water, clothes or other resources, but poverty can also lead to poorer mental well-being. The findings of one journal state, “Within a given location, those with the lowest incomes are typically 1.5 to 3 times more likely than the rich to experience depression or anxiety.” [1] These mental illnesses, in turn, worsen economic outcomes. The impact of depression and anxiety on the mind results in skewed thinking and memory problems, directly affecting employment outcomes and decision quality, thus ensnaring individuals in an ongoing, self-perpetuating cycle of poverty and mental illness. [2] Another study reveals how the spirit of poverty goes beyond mental illness and can impact the development of the brain itself. Research indicates that the brain structures of children living in poverty are signific...