More than a story

Literacy student discovers the life of Jesus is more than words on a page

10 June 2009

Bible-based literacy is transforming the lives of women in India!

Education was out of the question for a girl like Amani, born into a poor family in rural Punjab.

Her parents, unable to read and write themselves, considered it a waste of money to send their daughter to school - that is, if they had even earned enough to pay for school out of their meagre wages as day labourers.

As soon as she was old enough, Amani joined her parents in the fields. At the age of 24 she was still toiling in the same fields when she heard about a new Adult Literacy Class started by a Mission India partner.

Amani wasn’t about to miss out on this chance to learn to read and she pleaded with her parents to allow her to join. She pointed out that the evening classes would not interfere with her work.

Her eagerness to learn was apparent from the first class and within just five months Amani was already reading and writing and could do basic numeracy. Her teacher said she was the best student in the class!

Though her studies were going well, Amani didn’t understand the importance of the stories her teacher would share from the Bible. Amani had heard of Jesus, but had never been to a church or seen a Bible.

As the class continued, Amani’s teacher carried on sharing with the students more about Jesus and the great gift of eternal life He offered them.

Amani would go home and retell these stories to her parents. Before long the family began gathering each night to hear Amani read from the Bible and explain what the stories meant.

Today, Amani, her mother and siblings are following Jesus - they understand He isn't just a story in a book. He is alive today! Together, they are praying for Amani's father to accept Jesus as well!

Give the gift of literacy to another person in India

Your gift of £18 will enrol a student in our 52-week Adult Literacy Class.

Mission India provides teacher training, a stipend for the teacher and class materials in a regional Indian language. The class materials include three Bible-based lesson booklets for each student, slates and chalk for students, a large chalkboard for teachers and a kerosene lantern for the group as classes are often held at night.

To make a donation over the phone please call us on 01435 863036.