Gospel for Asia

Throughout the Bible, we are called to take up the case of the poor and be an advocate for the oppressed. We are to act on behalf of the poor with the understanding that we are serving to further God’s work in the world. Here are some Bible verses about poverty, along with commentary on how we are to respond to God’s Word. God loves the poor and is their advocate God’s Word has many Bible passages about poverty that present Him as a supporter of the poor and needy. An advocate is one who speaks up for and supports the rights of another. That’s what God does for the poor. He is their advocate. “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever” - Psalm 9:17-18 “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy” - Psalm 140:12 “For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthl...

Modern slavery persists in various forms around the world, with millions of adults and children trapped in forced labor. This article sheds light on the prevalence of this global crisis, focusing on the disproportionate impact on women and girls and the alarming numbers in the Asia-Pacific region. By examining specific cases and recurring patterns of forced labor and slavery, we aim to highlight the urgency of addressing this grave violation of human rights. Forced Labor and Modern Slavery: A Global Challenge According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 40 million people worldwide are currently living in some form of slavery. This shocking statistic reveals the extent of human suffering and exploitation that persists in our modern society. Among these victims, Asia and the Pacific region account for 25 million individuals, illustrating the gravity of the problem in this part of the world. Furthermore, forced sexual exploitation affects a staggering 73 percent of all v...

Poverty and modern-day slavery continue to afflict millions of people worldwide, posing significant challenges to human rights, social justice, and ending poverty injustice. This article examines the persistent issues of extreme poverty and child labor, shedding light on the current state of affairs and the need for concerted efforts to bring about lasting change. The Persistence of Poverty In recent decades, there have been notable strides in reducing extreme poverty, but the rate of decline has slowed. According to the World Bank, between 1990 and 2015, there was a 35-percentage point decline in extreme poverty. However, the South Asia region saw only an 8 percent decrease in individuals living on less than $3.20 a day, with over 80 percent still below the $5.50 threshold. Furthermore, access to electricity and adequate sanitation remains a pressing issue for many households. [1] World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim emphasized the need for increased investment, particularly in bui...

Wealth inequality and poverty are pressing global issues that require urgent attention to uphold human rights and promote social justice. This article delves into the challenges posed by addressing wealth disparities, the persistence of extreme poverty, and the need for fair employment and rights at work. By exploring these issues, we can strive for a more equitable and just society for all. Wealth Inequality and Global Poverty According to recent data, the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is staggering. A report by Credit Suisse revealed that the top 1 percent of the world’s richest individuals control 50 percent of global wealth, while the top 10 percent control 88 percent. [1] This alarming inequality poses significant challenges to social justice and economic stability. Despite progress in some regions, extreme poverty remains unacceptably high worldwide. The World Bank’s “Poverty Puzzle” report introduced additional poverty thresholds, such as $3.20 and $5.50 per day...

In 2019, the United States took a significant step by blocking Chinese-made baby pajamas from entering Costco warehouses. Contrary to trade tensions, this action was driven by concerns of forced labor and human rights violations. [1] It highlighted the urgent need to address such issues, combating poverty and inequality, and promote social justice on a global scale. Allegations of Forced Labor: Halting Imports and Exposing Exploitation Customs officials seized the opportunity to halt importation of goods from five countries, shedding light on disturbing practices. One Malaysian manufacturer faced accusations of staffing factories with migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries, subjecting them to exorbitant recruitment fees. Charcoal from Brazil, diamonds from Zimbabwe, and gold from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were also among the imports stopped, further unveiling the prevalence of exploitation. [2] In a shocking turn of events, the assessor of Arizona’s larges...

With over 152 million child laborers worldwide, child labor and child slavery are significant problems. 1 However, there are some solutions to child slavery. To combat child slavery and child labor, we need to address the root of poverty. So how can we eliminate poverty and help protect children from slavery? One way to address poverty and child labor is through education assistance. Lack of education often contributes to poverty, especially cyclical poverty. Parents who did not receive an education not only typically earn less, but they are less likely to put their children in school and encourage them in their education. Through education, children learn valuable skills, such as literacy, math and relational skills. These skills are vital to escaping poverty because they enable children to hope. If children can graduate from secondary school, that increases their chances of obtaining jobs with better pay than their parents and even looking for better opportunities. Schools need to ...

Even today, child slavery remains a global issue. Here are some child slavery facts: 152 million children—roughly 1 in 10 children worldwide—between 5-17 years old are victims of child labor. 1 Children 12 years old and younger perform one-quarter of all child labor worldwide. 1 32% of child laborers no longer attend school. 1 Approximately 374 million children laborers get sick or injured while working annually. 1 An estimated 2.78 million children laborers die annually. 1 Child slavery occurs worldwide, but it is the worst in countries like Bangladesh, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Liberia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan and Somalia. 2 Children are in bondage on cocoa farms, in brick kilns, in cobalt mines and in the fishing industry. 3 Most child labor and child slavery occurs in territories or countries with extremely low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. 4 Thus, countries with extreme poverty often demonstrate high levels of child labor. Communit...

There are 152 million children in child slavery today worldwide. 1 Though every child laborer has a unique story of how their enslavement has affected them and their families, any children engaged in slavery need our help. Why are children enslaved worldwide? The financial strain to feed, educate and care for their children can be too much for many impoverished families. Some families sell their children to farm owners or traffickers with the promise of better provision for their children; others need their children to work alongside them to supplement their income. Some traffickers kidnap children from small villages to sell into slavery or use for their businesses. Regardless of how they came to work, these enslaved children often experience harsh treatment, physical abuse, hazardous working environments and long hours for minimal pay. Children may work up to 14 hours a day only to bring home a meager $0.60 to $1.20 for their families. 2 However, even small amounts of money can he...

Child slavery today is the worst form of child labor. Child labor does not include household chores or tasks to help the child’s family; it is work that interferes with their school attendance and performance and their physical and emotional development. The enslavement of children goes beyond forced child labor; it includes the exploitation and even imprisonment of children for profit. Children are often forcibly employed in agriculture, mining, factories and more. Children can work on tobacco farms, cobalt mines, clothing factories or other workplaces. In such situations, children work long, labor-intensive hours, with no breaks, for minimal pay. Some employers do not pay children at all. These jobs may expose children to hazardous chemicals and materials, crowded workspaces and verbal and physical abuse. In some workplaces, employers regularly beat children workers, and they may also deprive children of food, sleep and even medical care to motivate them to work. Slavery exposes ch...

Adult literacy research is plentiful. Here are some statistics that stand out: Adult illiteracy is the most prevalent in South Asian, Arab and sub-Saharan African countries, where illiteracy rates are 40 to 50 percent. The illiteracy rate goes down to 10-15 percent in East Asia and Latin America. In developed countries, the illiteracy rate continues to fall to only a few percent. 1 However, these countries have challenges, too. For example, more than 36 million adults in the United States cannot read, write or do math above a third-grade level. Approximately 43 percent of illiterate adults in the United States live in poverty. Another interesting finding is how adult illiteracy impacts children. One study published study showed that children from highly educated families experience 30 million more words by the age of three than a child from a low-literate home. 2 A child’s future is greatly impacted by the literacy of his or her parents. GFA World points out that there are more tha...

When people ask “What is adult literacy,” it is important to start with the basic definition of literacy before adding the age description of “adult.” Literacy is the ability to “read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.” “Adult” adds an additional element to the definition because the impact of daily life changes greatly if an adult isn’t able to read and write. Literate adults read food labels, street signs, medicine bottles, menu options and so much more. As the definition expressed, literacy goes beyond reading, writing, speaking and listening. It includes an understanding of numeracy and technology. This includes basic math skills, allowing people to accurately buy and sell in the marketplace. What is the result of literacy? According to the definition abo...

Adult literacy classes generally include teaching basic skills in reading, writing, math and language proficiency in order for participants to be productive members of society. Some programs also include problem-solving techniques or instruction in a particular area of the workforce. GFA World has been teaching adult literacy for decades in some of the poorest communities in Asia. More than one in three women in Asia are illiterate. These women are hindered from meeting their goals and others often taken advantage of because of their illiteracy. This is especially common in the marketplace. Illiterate adults are unable to help their children with schooling. They can’t read medical bottles, menus, labels, street signs or important paperwork. Being illiterate can be a detriment to one’s quality of life. It can also impact their hope for the future. When adults learn to read, all those negatives suddenly turn into positives! Adult literacy classes often include: Reading lessons, during ...

Have you ever wished there was a great miracle cure for poverty? Literacy, especially adult literacy, has been labeled such a great miracle cure! Why? Several factors go into this distinction. The definition of literacy itself gives us several concepts to consider: “ Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen, and use numeracy and technology, at a level that enables people to express and understand ideas and opinions, to make decisions and solve problems, to achieve their goals, and to participate fully in their community and in wider society.” In villages where literacy is increasing, those areas are seeing social and economic gains. In a special report published by Gospel for Asia, Karen Mains explains: “Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” Adult literacy resources empower people to improve their lives and enable them to participate fully in their culture and community. Illiteracy is a...

While on earth, Jesus indicated that when His disciples give water to the thirsty—serving the “least of these”—it is as if they are doing it for the Savior Himself (Matthew 25:37-40). Elsewhere, He declared that even a cup of water given to those in need will surely earn a reward (Matthew 10:42). With these teachings in mind, it’s only natural that when 1.1 billion people are in need of clean water, 1 Christian organizations are responding to this need with practical help. Humans require water to survive, for hydration and hygiene as well as for cooking and agriculture. Yet contaminated water leads to a host of diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. 2 Many areas that lack clean water also lack adequate medical facilities, and these diseases can lead to death. It’s estimated that unsafe water causes 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year, many of them preventable. 3 Children are at the highest risk. The World Health Organization attributes 1.6 million deaths of...

You may wonder why a clean water initiative is even necessary. In developed countries, clean water is readily available. All a person must do to obtain water is turn on a faucet. Water filters are built into refrigerators or can be easily purchased. Bottled purified water is also easily obtained. But this is not the case for millions of people worldwide who lack access to clean water. Consider the following: It’s estimated one in three people worldwide don’t have access to safe drinking water. 1 More than 25 percent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa must walk 30 minutes or more just to collect water. 2 Some 159 million people collect their drinking water directly from surface water sources, which may be contaminated. 3 Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year, while many more people suffer from diseases such cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio transmitted by such water. 4 Approximately 80 percent of illnesses in developing countries a...

The need for clean water, especially in areas like South Asia and Africa, is great. Worldwide, 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water, leading to a host of waterborne diseases that bring sickness and even death. 1 There are multiple clean water projects trying to meet this critical need. One such clean water project is GFA World’s Jesus Wells As GFA workers serve in various impoverished communities, they seek to meet the unique practical needs of the people in those communities, bringing transformation and empowerment to communities in need. One common problem they encounter is the need for clean water. Even if there is a local water source, it may contain fecal matter, arsenic or other pollutants. 2 Drinking this water affects overall health and often makes people sick. It may cause diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid or polio. 3 Yet people continue to drink it, because it is their only option. Sometimes, a local water source doesn’t even exist and a family’s water gathere...

More than 70 percent of earth’s surface is covered in water, yet 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water that’s safe to drink. 1 Many people in developing countries rely on surface water for their everyday needs, but those sources can fluctuate with seasonal rainfalls. It’s estimated “4 billion people experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year.” 2 Water is essential to life. Approximately 60 percent of the human body is composed of water, which plays many important roles in the body’s function. 3 Though a person may survive without food for a month or longer, they can’t survive three days without the vital element of water. 4 Water is also needed for cooking, cleaning, and raising crops and livestock. In areas that rely on agriculture as the main source of income, water is essential to providing one’s very livelihood. Because water is indispensable to sustaining life, the United Nations considers access to safe drinking water a basic human right. 5 ...

In the fight against modern-day slavery, organizations like GFA World are playing a crucial role by rescuing victims and seeking justice. With a grassroots movement focused on combating exploitation and potential enslavement, GFA World aims to provide refuge and empowerment to vulnerable boys and girls living in extreme poverty. By expanding their efforts into Africa, the organization is determined to address the pressing issues of poverty, exploitation, and slavery that afflict the continent. This article highlights GFA World’s mission and emphasizes the transformative power of community-based movements in eradicating slavery and combating exploitation in Africa. GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program: A Beacon of Hope GFA World’s child sponsorship program operates in hundreds of centers across Asia, creating safe spaces for tens of thousands of vulnerable children. By equipping them with knowledge and skills, the organization lifts them out of poverty and shields them from the clutche...

For decades, Nigeria has been plagued by the heart-wrenching reality of modern-day slavery. Young individuals like Gladys and Sunday, whose stories exemplify the horrific experiences endured by countless victims, are caught in a web of exploitation and despair. This article sheds light on the prevailing crisis of modern-day slavery in Nigeria, explores the efforts of anti-slavery organizations, and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability and offering viable alternatives, we can strive for a future where every Nigerian is liberated from the chains of slavery. Gladys’ Story: A Descent into Desperation At the tender age of 22, Gladys left her home in Nigeria enticed by the promise of a job in a hair salon in Turin, Italy. [1] However, her dreams of a better life were shattered when she found herself locked up in a brothel, deprived of basic necessities until she succumbed to sexual exploitation. Her harrowing tale serves as a...

For many years, the widespread modern-day slavery in Africa remained hidden from the world’s attention. However, in the 1990s, a breakthrough occurred when Mohamed Athié, a political refugee from Mauritania, and Charles Jacobs, president of the American Anti-Slavery Group, exposed the shocking reality in The New York Times. [1] Their revelations unveiled a distressing tale of tens of thousands of African women and children from Christian villages in Sudan being enslaved during the Sudanese Civil War. [2] This article explores the profound issue of African slavery, underscoring the urgency of intervention and immediate action required to combat the scourge of modern-day slavery on the continent. Unveiling a Dark Chapter The Sudanese Civil War became a breeding ground for the enslavement of African women and children. Abduction, rape, beatings, forced conversions, and genital mutilation became a haunting reality for countless individuals. [3] Between 1995 and 2011, Christian Solidarit...

For many, the African slave trade is a chapter confined to history books, associated with the abolition of slavery in the United States in 1865. However, the shocking reality is that the nefarious practice of slavery continues to haunt the continent to this day. In a deeply unsettling video released by CNN, [1] we witness a young Nigerian man being sold as a slave on an auction block in Libya—a powerful reminder that thousands of Africans are still trapped in the clutches of modern-day slavery. [2] This article delves into this persistent issue, the countries plagued by this tragedy, shedding light on the alarming scope of African slavery, and the need for urgent intervention . The Scope and Scale of Modern-Day Slavery in Africa The Guardian’s report brings to our attention the staggering statistics: approximately one in every 200 people worldwide falls victim to modern slavery—a heartbreaking reality unparalleled in history. [3] Africa, the world’s most impoverished continent, bear...