Breaking the Spirit of Poverty: Restoring Hope for A Better Life

The spirit of poverty prevents families from escaping a life of misery. The lack of material possessions combined with a profound sense of hopelessness and helplessness is a defining characteristic of poverty. Through our practical programs, GFA World works to help free impoverished families in Africa and Asia from the spirit of poverty by restoring their hope for a better life.

A person suffers from poverty physically, mentally and spiritually. People often experience an inability to escape their situation when they feel trapped, without any prospects of liberation. The right kind of support enables families to break free from the grip of poverty. Through child sponsorship, medical assistance, income generating gifts, vocational programs and other support systems, GFA World helps families overcome their financial difficulties.[1]

Signs of spirit of poverty reveal themselves through three significant symptoms: despair, fear and anxiety. The lack of basic needs, such as food, health care and education, makes it difficult for people to identify any possible solutions for their situation.

Fortunately, there is a way out! Through the combined support of GFA World and our donors, the spirit of poverty can be successfully overcome by a community.

Yona’s case serves as a perfect illustration of how the spirit of poverty reveals itself.[2]

Yona and his wife, Maria, believed their standard of living would improve after moving to the city. Instead, they remained in poverty. Yona lost his job, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not find another one that would generate enough income to support his family. The situation worsened, with food becoming increasingly scarce. Yona and Maria’s arguments became more frequent as their hope waned.

Shortly afterwards, Maria abandoned the family, leaving Yona with the sole responsibility of raising their two children. One of them, Lyrica, was very ill. The security guard position at his workplace remained Yona’s only means of income, and he barely managed to provide for his family’s basic needs. Getting medical help for Lyrica remained an impossibility. The profound sense of hopelessness he’d experienced throughout his life clung to Yona. The spirit of poverty convinced him the future had no positive change in sight.


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