In developing nations, losing a husband can be a guarantee of lifetime poverty. Christian widows in rural areas of India find themselves laboring 10 to 12 hours a day in fields owned by others just to earn a meager income—and only during seedtime and harvest. Younger Christian widows with children at home find life even more difficult.

Many of the widows we support have been cast out of their communities and families because of their decision to follow Christ. Their own grown children even ignore them. Fellow Christians in their churches and villages share what little they have, but it’s difficult for impoverished people to help impoverished people. These women are among the poorest of the poor in the world. Many live in huts with mud walls, dirt floors and thatched roofs, and may need to sacrifice food for themselves so that their children can eat. These Christian widows have no one to help them; they need our help.

Rather than create unhealthy dependencies, we prefer to offer these saints grants or loans to start small businesses―such as raising chickens or selling produce―by which they can support themselves and their children. When loans are repaid, the money is loaned again, continually helping women rise from poverty.  We also provide grants in other areas, such as: medical expenses, home building or repairs, and trade school tuition. Will you consider helping the “least of these” to become self-sufficient and escape the curse of destitution?

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. – James 1:27 (NLT)