Caring for the Disadvantaged in South Asia WILLS POINT, TX — Gospel for Asia joins with humanitarian and faith-based organizations on August 19 to observe the annual World Humanitarian Day.
First observed by the United Nations in 2009, each year since 2010, the annual observation has focused on a particular theme. The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2019 is #WomenHumanitarians. The focus this year is on “the unsung heroes who have long been working on the front lines in their own communities in some of the most difficult terrains . . . We salute the efforts of women aid workers from across the world who rally to people in need.”
Women in ministries supported by Gospel for Asia continue to fill a significant role in caring for the needy, underprivileged, and poor women in the South Asian subcontinent.
Throughout Asia, these women feel led by God to devote their lives to helping, caring for and serving the most underprivileged women around them, ministering to their needs and providing them with a hope and a future. In addition, Sisters of Compassion are specially trained national workers with a deep burden for showing Christ’s love by serving as caregivers, counselors, teachers, and friends.
After completing Bible college—and often several years of ministry—some women workers elect to take a six-month course, which trains them in practical ministries such as leprosy care, family counseling and personal hygiene education. They commit to a minimum of three years in compassion ministry, serving widows, leprosy patients, the elderly, children, and others who have been rejected by society at large.
From treating the open wounds of leprosy patients to training others in life-saving hygiene practices to rescuing children from the streets, Sisters of Compassion commit themselves wholeheartedly to their communities.
Through the sacrifice of national women workers and Sisters of Compassion, God opens the door for them to build strong relationships where they would typically be rejected. And for the first time, many get to hear about the greatest Servant of all.
These are the kind of women the United Nations speaks of when it asks us to honor women who dedicate their lives to helping others affected by crises. In its proclamation of World Humanitarian Day 2019, the UN reminds us all that
Women make up a large number of those who risk their own lives to save others. They are often the first to respond and the last to leave. These women deserve to be celebrated. They are needed today as much as ever to strengthen the global humanitarian response. And world leaders, as well as non-state actors, must ensure that they – and all humanitarians – are guaranteed the protection afforded to them under international law.
For more information, go to www.gfa.org/women/overview.
PHOTO CUTLINE: From treating the open wounds of leprosy patients to training others in life-saving hygiene practices to rescuing children from the streets, Sisters of Compassion commit themselves wholeheartedly to their communities.
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About Gospel for Asia
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org) is a leading faith-based mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear the ”good news” of Jesus Christ. In their latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,000 clean water wells drilled, over 11,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 200,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
