Gabija Journey from Shame to Sharing God’s Love Women's literacy Class

GFA Reports from the Field

Gabija’s eyes darted from side to side, her shoulders tense. She observed the people surrounding her, heads immersed in God’s Word, and was well aware that everyone inside the church knew how to read and write . . . except her. She tried to concentrate on what the pastor was saying, but she couldn’t ignore her overwhelming desire to read and write—or the shame and embarrassment she harbored over not knowing how.

Gabija’s yearning heart leaped when she heard her church was beginning an adult women’s literacy class by the local Women’s Fellowship — Literacy classes, like the one Gabija attended, are a blessing to many women wishing to learn how to read and write.

Looking longingly at the hands of those beside her holding the Holy Scriptures, Gabija dreamed of the day hers would as well.

Growing Desire

Gabija grew up in a poor family and was not able to attend school because of their poverty. After she married Ragnar and moved to the city, she found a new world opening before her; a world where education was the key to new opportunities that would lead to a better future. Suddenly aware of how little she knew, Gabija struggled with feelings of shame and self-pity.

Her husband, Ragnar, however, had had little interest in school and had dropped out after sixth grade. But he knew how to read, and being raised in a Christian family, that meant he could read the Holy Scriptures, which was becoming more and more a desire for Gabija.

READ THE REST OF THE REPORT ON GFA-REPORTS.ORG

Learn more about the Women Missionaries and their heroic efforts, dedicating their lives to bringing hope and God’s love to the women of Asia.

Learn more about Gospel for Asia’s programs to combat the 100 million missing women reality by helping women through Vocational Training, Sewing Machines and Literacy Training.

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “Literacy: One of the Great Miracle Cures — Resolving the Limitations Illiteracy Places on the Human Spirit”