Gospel for Asia

Imagine. You’re a woman in Asia with no rights. You’ve just been married to a man who wants to use you to get rich. You really don’t have the money he’s looking for, yet you’re family’s required to provide a “wedding gift” — a dowry. Your father takes out a loan to pay the groom and his family, yet it’s still not enough. The husband’s family demands even more while your family is left impoverished with nothing more to give. Now your fate is to be burned in a blazing fire because what your family had to offer him didn’t make the cut. Sound unbelievable? Bride burnings and dowry deaths still occur in Asia, even today. Imagine. You wake up one day to find your husband went to work one morning then suddenly went missing. Days pass and you find out he was mauled by a fierce tiger, or lost his life in a work-related accident. You’re a widow now. But instead of getting support from your family during your grief, everybody who loved you before now abandons you and no longer cares for you, beca...

Years ago, news of Asian women dying during pregnancy and of girls getting married in their teenage years shook the hearts of Gospel for Asia staff and field partners like the Believers Church led by Dr. KP Yohannan Metropolitan . A lack of education about the dangers of certain practices and traditions only perpetuated the heartbreaking reality. So Gospel for Asia-supported workers decided to do something about it. They began a women’s health care program, which would teach rural women about personal health and hygiene, first aid and child care. They surveyed villages to see what were the greatest needs; then, with the help of professional medical doctors, they put together a two-year plan consisting of 24 teaching modules. More than 600 women trained to deliver life-saving information to the women in their communities and neighboring villages. Four two years, they conducted seminars, investing valuable time in teaching women basic, practical aspects of health care that were never ...

For those of us who love words—and for whom numbers are a kind of ugly stepbrother—the data, nevertheless, often speaks for itself. In some parts of India, for instance, the ratio of 1,000 men per 800 women is due to routine female murders through infanticide, gender-based abortion, the dowry system where some 10,000 women are murdered annually when they cannot provide the required capitol for marriage, or/and the lack of proper medical care. In 2013, mortality rates of Indian women in childbirth were 167 per 100,000 births, contrasted with only 25.5 deaths in the United States. The statistics, those “pesky” numbers, go on and on. Without a doubt, they prove that in much of the developing world, women are still considered a sub-species. Yet, numbers can summate the other way; they can become numerical digits of hope, the mathematical consequences of surveys and thousands of interviews, and the scientific measurements of outcomes—indices that prove that dire poverty is being overcome...

It is difficult to pick just one Bible verse about helping orphans and widows since there are so many. The Old Testament has commands about harvesting that ensured the poor and the widows would get food too; this is the driving command in the story of Ruth. The early church in Acts elected deacons to monitor and ensure that widows received the help they needed, thus changing the church structure forever. But perhaps the most explicit command to help orphans and widows is found in James 1:27, which says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (ESV). In some parts of Asia, widows are considered cursed and are cast aside by their communities and families, leaving them with no one and nowhere to turn. They struggle with abuse, hard labor, hopelessness and poverty, when they rather should be receiving honor as it says in Timothy 5:3: “Honor widows who are really widows...

GFA is one of several organizations that help widows and orphans around the world. With a focus on income-generating gifts and vocational training, as well as working to meet basic needs, GFA looks after widows and their children when no one else can or will. This opens the door to sharing the hope of the gospel message with them. Idalene, a widow from Africa experienced this care firsthand. She said, “I consider myself an orphan because I lost everyone. But I have Jesus, and because of that, Jesus is our hope.” [1] GFA missionaries are partially responsible for encouraging and growing her hope. They came to Idalene’s poor community, a place with little to meet the needs of its residents. They visited with and prayed for the people when many other humanitarian efforts worldwide had been halted. They passed out bags of food and other necessary supplies. All these seem like simple acts, but they meant the world to such a poor community. Idalene found comfort in her distress and realized ...

Help for widows can take many forms. It can be elaborate gifts of cars, houses, or large sums of money, but in many impoverished countries, help can also be something as simple as a blanket. GFA knows that the power of something small can make a world of difference. Kacia and her daughter lived in a simple bamboo house with a thatched roof. It was great at protecting them from the hot sun of summer, but in winter, biting winds would howl through the home, making it difficult to stay warm. Kacia had lost her husband many years before when an unknown illness took his life. A couple of years after that, her son died from cancer. With no man left in the house, the near-impossible burden of providing for herself and her 14-year-old daughter fell solely on Kacia’s shoulders. She got creative and did jobs like chopping firewood to earn something to live on and put her daughter through school. But there was never enough left to spare for warmer winter clothes, despite their need. GFA pastor Be...

Among the various charities that help widows, GFA World has a particularly vital role for widows in Africa and Asia. [1] One in three widows worldwide are from either China or prominent country in South Asia. [2] In many parts of the Asian continent, widows are ostracized and completely shunned because they are thought to be unlucky. The community blames the wife when her husband dies, and she carries the guilt and shame of his death as she is considered cursed by her neighbors, friends and family. Her children are now solely her responsibility, for no one else will help her and risk facing the curse and shame themselves. Widows already face many challenges simply by the nature of their position, but this abandonment leads to many more obstacles: Poverty: Abandoned by family and community, widows can be forced into street begging, hard labor or prostitution to earn money. One in seven widows globally lives in extreme poverty. [3] Abuse: The lowly position of widows and the harsh job...

Education is critical to everyone—boys and girls. However, in many cultures, girls’ access to education is lacking. This is true in the region of South Asia. UNICEF reports, “Of the region’s out-of-school girls, 81 percent are unlikely to ever start school, compared to 42 percent of out-of-school boys.” 1 There are many reasons why girl child education is important in developing countries. Here are some of those reasons: Education is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. A GFA World special report said, “Worldwide, entire villages with increasing levels of literacy are making social and economic gains when even just a small percentage of the villagers learn to read and write. Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” 2 This means that when a girl who has been educated grows up and has a family of her own, she will have access to more income to meet the needs of her family. Girls who are educated typi...

Even though there is great economic growth in South Asia, many are still asking, “Why is gender inequality a problem in South Asia?” Each year, the Global Gender Gap Report measures the gender gap in four areas: health, education, economy and politics. According to the 2021 report, “South Asia is the third-worst performer in the region, having closed 62.5 percent of its gap. Because of its large population, South Asia’s performance has a substantial impact on the region’s overall performance.” 1 What drives this gender inequality? Here are some factors: Death Rates – “Globally, girls have higher survival rates at birth, are more likely to be developmentally on track, and just as likely to participate in preschool, but South Asia is the only large country where more girls die than boys. Girls are also more likely to drop out of school.” 2 Preference for Sons – In South Asian culture, there is an ingrained preference for sons. Several things contribute to this preference, including the...

Literacy has been labeled a great miracle cure for women in poverty. According to a GFA World special report, “Worldwide, entire villages with increasing levels of literacy are making social and economic gains when even just a small percentage of the villagers learn to read and write. Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” 1 GFA World offers literacy classes for women in Asia. In just one year, GFA missionaries taught 61,880 women how to read and write. 2 Prior to these classes, the participants couldn’t read warning labels, contracts, street signs, maps or God’s Word. In GFA literacy classes, women learn to read and write. They also learn basic math skills so they can understand prices in the market and will be less likely to be taken advantage of. Once these women are literate, they are able to provide for their families in ways they couldn’t before. With their newfound literacy skills, they are quali...

In some communities in Asia, gender bias has a strong influence on children from the moment a child is born. This bias appears in many areas of life, especially in school and at home. Gender inequality in school in South Asia generally impacts females more than males. Among primary school age children, 5.9 million girls are not in school, compared to 5.5 million boys. 1 UNICEF reports, “Of the region’s out-of-school girls, 81 percent are unlikely to ever start school, compared to 42 percent of out-of-school boys.” 2 The United Nations’ ESCAP shares an important aspect of the issue: “Equitable opportunities for education are a fundamental human right. Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights each enshrine this right.” 3 Many factors contribute to the gender inequality in school among the poorest communities in Asia, i...

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...

A Bible verse about helping orphans and widows is James 1:27: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” This verse gives us incredibly practical steps for living out our faith. Throughout Scripture, widows and orphans are always on the heart of God, as clearly stated in Exodus 22:22: “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.” Scripture always reveals God’s special concern for the fatherless and the widow. This pattern appears throughout both testaments, showing God’s unchanging character. What Does the Bible Say About Orphans and Widows What does the Bible say about orphans and widows? The Lord commands His people to protect and provide for them, caring for them deeply. God’s Character and Commands: In Deuteronomy 10:18, Scripture says that God “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.” This verse...

Organizations that help widows and orphans understand the many layers of difficulty that a woman may face after her husband dies. Depending on where she lives, she could become socially outcast. She might be separated from her children or financially destitute. In many cultures, particularly in developing nations, women have limited or no rights to inherit property or land. [6] Long-held cultural beliefs can create unfair barriers to a widow moving on with her life. Research from Orphans in Need shows that in some communities, widowhood leads to being ostracized from society. Her status depends on having a husband, and the loss of that husband reduces her status accordingly. For many women, this cultural reality compounds the natural grief of loss. Grief by itself is difficult to overcome, but some widows face the emotional turmoil and much, much more. Economic Crisis and Family Separation The loss of a husband often means the loss of essential income for the entire family. In cultur...

Though widows face multiple barriers to living safely and above poverty, their access to stable income remains one of the biggest challenges. Help for widows can come in many forms. Employment and income generation are among the most beneficial. The emotional trauma of losing a spouse often compounds financial hardship. Grief intersects with practical survival challenges. Research from the World Bank reveals that widows globally face systemic barriers to property rights and economic participation. Legal systems in many nations offer little recourse when widows lose inheritance. [11] In many countries, assistance for widows includes both governmental and nonprofit programs. These range from monthly income support to vocational training initiatives. Surviving spouse benefits, such as social security survivor benefit payments in the United States, provide crucial monthly income. [3] Eligible widows can receive these payments as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled. The amount depends ...