In the book of John, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd and tells His disciples, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). This is the promise He makes to every person who chooses to repent of their sins and follow Him as Lord and Savior, and this is the promise that our teams carry with them as they work with hurting people across the globe.
In many places, it is a message that is especially important to women as they face the dark realities of abandonment,exploitation, abuse, or poverty. Samaritan’s Purse Canada is working to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women through programs such as abuse prevention, trafficking awareness, maternal health and infant care, vocational training, and discipleship.
In Kenya, where nearly 10 million people live in severe poverty, we’re working with church partners to help women like Charity,* a 60-year-old widow who was struggling to feed her large family after her husband passed away. Samaritan’s Purse provided Charity with food vouchers and financial and vocational training, and we shared with her the eternal hope found only in Jesus.
Poverty is also rampant in Ethiopia. Sadly, many women there feel they have no choice but to turn to prostitution to provide for themselves and their families. Jamila* is one of them. After her parents died, she entered prostitution in desperation to buy food for her younger siblings. Addictions, shame, and a loss of self-worth followed. Jamila thought that God didn’t love her. But all that changed when our team introduced her to the Savior.
Charity and Jamila are two people you will read about in this month’s newsletter. You will also learn how we are helping other at-risk women, empowering them through livelihoods support and training, and helping them escape the bonds of prostitution.
In all that we do, we remind women that God loves them and will never forsake them. We want them and their families to experience the life-transforming power of the Gospel.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important work. We couldn’t do it without your faithful prayers and support.
To God be the glory!
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
The hardships women in the developing world face often leave them without hope. Through your generous gifts, Samaritan's Purse is working to restore the hope of women through programs aimed at increasing literacy, providing maternal health care, teaching livelihood skills, and stopping trafficking and prostitution.