How Can a Bible Verse About Giving to Others in Need Motivate Us to Help Those Struggling?

Gaetane,[1] a hardworking daily laborer, always dreamed of learning to read and write. As a young girl, she had to drop out of school to help support her family, and over the years, her hope of becoming literate slowly faded. One day, she met the Sisters of the Cross (formerly Sisters of Compassion), a group of GFA women missionaries who were surveying her village about starting a literacy class for women. When Gaetane learned about this opportunity, she eagerly enrolled, along with eight other women who shared similar challenges and dreams.

The women’s literacy class met three times a week, and the Sisters taught with patience and care, creating a supportive environment for learning. For Gaetane, the experience was life-changing. By the end of the program, she could read and write the alphabet and her own name, an achievement that filled her with joy and pride. She was also given a small book to continue practicing her skills at home. As Gaetane’s confidence grew, she began reading the Holy Scriptures at Women’s Fellowship meetings, actively participating in her community and sharing her testimony. She could also help her children with their homework.

Through GFA World’s women’s literacy program, Gaetane gained more than just reading and writing skills—she gained self-assurance and the ability to support her family better. The program not only gave her a sense of dignity but also the tools she needed to help her children with their education, breaking the cycle of illiteracy in her family. Gaetane’s story is just one example of how our literacy classes are bringing positive change to communities, helping women realize their potential and build a brighter future.