Breaking the Spirit of Poverty: GFA World Empowers Families

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 could ever be different. In many of the countries we serve, this has become a generation trap for so many families. Fortunately, there is a way out! The spirit of poverty can be broken through the compassion and community of GFA World.

Yona’s story is an excellent example of how the spirit of poverty manifests itself.[2] Yona and his wife, Maria, believed moving to the city would improve the quality of their lives. Instead, they remained in poverty. Unfortunately, Yona lost his job. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t land a job that would pay him enough to care for his family. The situation became worse, with food becoming scarce. Arguments between Yona and Maria became frequent as hope drifted further away.

Maria became pregnant with their second child, but this wasn’t the news Yona wanted to hear. They were already overwhelmed, so another child would only make things worse. So, Maria decided to take drugs and end her pregnancy. Maria’s decision caused baby Lyrica to be born prematurely. Lyrica’s eyesight was damaged, and she suffered from debilitating headaches that often left her unconscious.

Maria left Yona, and he was tasked to care for their two daughters alone. He worked as a security guard and did his best, but he could barely make ends meet. Lyrica’s medical condition worsened, and Yona became afraid that he’d lose her. His life was filled with hopelessness and helplessness. The spirit of poverty made him feel like there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

Then, Yona’s life took a sharp turn. While employed as a security guard, he met a group of GFA missionaries. The missionaries needed a security guard for their team, so they offered Yona a new job with a better salary. God’s timing couldn’t have been better! It was a blessing, but Yona could not help but think about Lyrica’s medical needs that remained unmet.

GFA World’s involvement in Yona’s life continued. The missionaries noticed Lyrica’s condition and asked Yona what she needed. Yona told them, and they acted immediately. Lyrica was enrolled in GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program, which helped with her medical expenses. For the first time, Yona could provide the medical care his daughter desperately needed.

Yona shared, “The medical insurance has proved to be a blessing for me and my daughter. It has provided great medical assistance for Lyrica’s medical conditions. Now, she is having her regular check-ups and medicines. Thank you … for bringing hope and joy.” GFA missionaries renewed Yona’s hope for his family!


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