Standing strong

Newly literate student remains in class, despite false rumours

Women like Arya are finding new confidence and faith in Jesus through Adult Literacy Classes.

26 January 2010

At 26, Arya was happily married.

She had a loyal, caring husband and they had one child.

Both Arya and her husband worked as labourers in the fields. But they had trouble managing their finances because neither of them could read or write. This cast a dark cloud of worry over their marriage.

Then one day Arya heard about an Adult Literacy Class starting in her village. She eagerly joined the evening classes with high hopes ... and within only a few months Arya could read and write and was proficient in basic numeracy.

She was proud that she could now confidently manage her family’s finances.

Then some gossips in the village began spreading false rumors that the literacy class was disguising an attempt to force people to become Christians. Fearful, several students stopped attending the classes.

But not Arya.

Although she was not a believer, she kept a positive attitude and encouraged her teacher to continue running the classes. Knowing the importance of literacy, Arya actively recruited neighbours to join her in the night class.

Arya grew close to her Christian teacher, who patiently answered all of her questions about Jesus. In time, Arya accepted Christ as her personal Saviour!

She is now praying that her family will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as well.

Give the gift of literacy in India

Your gift of £18 will enroll 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 as many classes are held during the early evening hours of darkness.

If you can make a donation, please call us on 01435 863036. You can donate by credit/debit card, or request a giving form. (We will soon have a facility available to give online.)

Thank you for your help and support.