Over the past three days, my journey spanning 750 kilometers through Maharashtra and Gujarat has been a whirlwind, yet immensely rewarding. Despite the scorching summer sun, connecting with rural communities, especially women, youth, and children, has been a delight.
In this short span, I visited three villages, inaugurated three water wells, awarded tailoring certificates to 40 graduates, distributed gifts to 50 children, and facilitated microloans totaling $5000 for 25 women.
Witnessing firsthand the progress of one lady who transformed her $125 loan into a profitable goat farm was truly fulfilling. Another older woman, a widow, shared how she has started a cloth retail business where she makes a profit of $50 every month from the initial loan of $125. She lives alone and she is able to cover her expenses with this income from her business. Wherever we dedicated water wells, women expressed their heartfelt gratitude saying how useful it was for them because they had to walk miles to fetch water.
All these initiatives, facilitated by the local church, underscore its pivotal role in community transformation. The burgeoning social and economic empowerment among women, though nascent, is promising. Empowering these marginalized women is not just pivotal for their own development but for the entire community’s progress.
Traveling alongside local pastors revealed the remarkable growth of the church, particularly in rural Gujarat, where women have played a significant role. Now is the opportune moment for these women believers to catalyze community transformation further.
Partnering with the local church, KGF aims to provide crucial support, including training, infrastructure, and resources. Beyond immediate needs like housing and water wells, addressing broader issues like food security, healthcare, and education for girls is imperative.
As I return home, I’m buoyed by your prayers for our endeavors, the safety of field workers, and the enduring message of Easter—hope, equality, and justice. Let us boldly proclaim, ‘He is Risen!’Wishing you all a blessed Easter, anchored in the hope it brings.