Widows: Asia's Invisible Women
In many parts of Asia, when a woman’s husband dies, it is the widow who carries the blame and shame. In her time of need, she is often declared cursed and is rejected by her neighbors, her community and even her family. She now bears the sole responsibility of providing for any young children she may have.
Many other mothers find themselves suddenly alone as well, but not because of death. A husband may vanish without warning because he’s discontent with the family’s financial condition—or with his wife. Now she’s left in poverty to care for their children alone.
These women are typically daily wage laborers, the very group hardest hit by the government shutdown instituted to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Already struggling to feed their families with their meager earnings, they were suddenly unable to work.
Widows Can Face Many Struggles:
Vulnerable
Widows often are victims of poverty, ostracism and humiliation, and they can be vulnerable to abuse.
Little support
Many receive little help from relatives as they care for their children.
Suicide as a way out
For those who cannot bear the shame of widowhood, suicide may seem like the only way out.
Hopelessness
Street begging, difficult labor jobs or prostitution may become a way of life.
Vulnerable
Widows often are victims of poverty, ostracism and humiliation, and they can be vulnerable to abuse.
Little support
Many receive little help from relatives as they care for their children.
Suicide as a way out
For those who cannot bear the shame of widowhood, suicide may seem like the only way out.
Hopelessness
Street begging, difficult labor jobs or prostitution may become a way of life.
Ministry Helped Widow Escape Shame
At 57 years old, Riya became shrouded by the shame of widowhood after her husband died from an unknown illness. Overwhelmed by sorrow and guilt because of her husband's sudden death, she gave up hope in all her gods and fell into lonely despair. For three years, she struggled to leave her bed, but she needed to earn some money for her survival.
Then, through kind missionaries, Riya heard the words of John 3:16. Soon, she discovered the everlasting love of her Creator and found her true worth in Christ Jesus.
"Dear Father, I need You, I am so hurt and bitter and depressed. Please come into my life and forgive my sins and heal me. Fill me with Your love." —Riya
Riya experienced God's enduring love for the downtrodden, but more than 57 million other widows in Asia are still longing to find a love like that. Each day brings them closer to eternity. Will they recognize Christ's compassion before then?
You can lift the burden of hurting women.
Through gifts to GFA World’s Widows and Abandoned Children, you can provide these women with tangible necessities as they face very desperate situations.
As GFA workers help these women and their children, they are able to share with them about Christ and display His love through the attention and honor they give to the hurting and hopeless.
Through GFA-supported Widows Ministry,
you can help alleviate the many struggles widows face.
GFA-supported workers honor widows by providing:
Income-generating gifts and vocational training
Clothing and other basic essentials
Comfort, encouragement and the assurance of God's love
I am no longer alone because Jesus is with me, and I trust Him. —Riya
Help widows hear promises like these:
"I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
—Isaiah 41:9–10
Help a Widow in Asia
Your gift will provide widows with basic essentials, sources of income and opportunities to find peace in Christ.
Be an advocate for those without a voice by telling your friends about the plight of widows. Share about this through Facebook, Twitter or just a simple email to a friend.
Defend the cause of the orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
—Isaiah 1:17