If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! I’m so glad you read my devotion, Look at Me, and decided to visit my blog. Today I share a story about that little girl and the slum in which she lives.
It’s a story of poverty, oppression, and unbelievable hope.
She was so little.
The “Gaga” in me struggled. I’ve seen little ones in poverty, loved and treasured by their mamas, even when their belly is hungry or their home is a shanty.
I’ve just never seen one so little so forsaken.
No diaper. She squatted not far from me and left the remains in the road.
No protection. The jagged cut on her ankle was dismissed by those around her. It wasn’t callous. It was just the way things were.
No chance. She was born into a belief that she’s less than, untouchable, unseen. She is told that it’s her duty, her darma, to live this existence. To rise above it is unthinkable.
Without a miracle, she’ll grow up believing this is true.
No education. That’s where this story shifts and it’s why I want to weep as I share it.
Five months ago I traveled with the Proverbs 31 Ministries Intl. Initiative team to India. We had a mission: to document and spread the word about a ministry changing lives in India.
India is a country with the largest number of unreached people groups for Jesus. India is beautiful and colorful and vast, and I met many strong women. I met kind men who loved their daughters.
I also sat with women and girls who had no voice. Who were beaten because they became believers. Who were in a segment of the population called Dalit, or untouchable. I met girls who were at the mercy of ruthless men. I met people who are told from the moment that they are born that they are unwanted by society.
We traveled to several different literacy centers across the nation. In one, I asked a woman, “What is your dream?”
She looked at me blankly.
It happened again and again when I posed this question. You see, when you are told from the moment that you are born that dreams are not just impossible, but wrong, you believe it.
Instead of dreaming, you turn to survival.
These girls and women are smart. They are worthy. They are loved by God. Mission India believes that every girl child is valuable. They believe that every woman deserves to read. They believe that teaching someone math will give them tools to start a small business, like making laundry detergent, the difference between hunger and food on the table.
They believe that when you teach one woman, she’ll turn around and teach another — whether that is her daughter or her husband, or a friend.
[ctt template=”4″ link=”lk1Zn” via=”yes” ]When we teach one, she turns around and teaches another. That is what breaks poverty. #uninvited @Proverbs31org @suzanneeller[/ctt]
They share the truth of the Gospel gently, and women respond to the truth that she is not unloved. Regardless of whether society calls them untouchable, she is worthy of touch from God.
When I returned home, I was never more grateful to be a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries.
I’m thankful for a friend and a leader who is humble and who has has given 100% of proceeds from her bestselling books to ministries all over the world.
{{A portion of those funds went to Mission India, and that means that many more women will learn to read and potentially discover Jesus’ love.}}
I’m so thankful for women like you who are making a difference in the lives of others.
Today I want to share a video that tells the story of a man named Raju. He’s one of the teachers in the literacy program.
This is why I have so much hope! The little girl I mentioned, she lives in this rag picking slum. Because of Raju’s bravery and Mission India’s vision, there is a teacher and a literacy program within reach.
I was honored to be in the photo above with Raju. Most of the teachers we met were women who came up through the literacy program and then turned around to teach others.
Raju goes against culture (as did many other good men we met) to lift women and girls out of this cycle. He’s suffered persecution because of it.
Because of Mission India and brave people like Raju, this little girl will grow up knowing how to read, do math, and learn about Jesus.
She’ll discover that dreams are possible.
Do you want to know more about Mission India?
Please check out this ministry to learn more about their literacy programs.
Do you want to make a difference?
My friend, Lysa TerKeurst, is giving away all of the proceeds of her New York Times bestseller, Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely
, to ministries such as Mission India.
Suzie
, to ministries such as Mission India.
Hi Suzie,
This is Caroline from India, whom you visited and prayed with. Thank you so much for your prayer support and encouragement I am done with my chemos now and have recovered quite well and have joined work again! Praise God they are all behind me now.
I have also been blessed with your book “Come with Me” . I treasure all the books that you have sent me personally autographed.
You all have at Proverbs 31 have been women of great encouragement and support. You will remain in my prayers. Continue to bless the thousands across the nations with all you do!
Caroline, I’ve heard Suzie tell of meeting you. Praise God you are dome with your chemo and are back able to work. What a blessing your testimony is to hearts all over!
Oh beautiful friend, what an amazing comment to receive today! You just made my heart happy. I’m excited that chemo is behind you. I loved sending my book all the way to India and into the hands of my beautiful new friend. Stay in touch, Caroline.
Lord, thank you for Caroline. Heal her body. Restore her to renewed energy and life. Come against the enemy that dared to touch this woman of faith. Let her faith burn bright for many to see, and may they be drawn close to you as a result. In the powerful, mighty name of our Savior.
Caroline, rejoicing with you as you are back to work and finished with chemo! I am blessed by your words and encouraged by your passion for serving Christ! You will absolutely love every word of Come With Me; it is so powerful and anointed! Praying for you!
Love this.
Dear Caroline & Suzie-So blessed to have read of your journeys and his God connected you. May you each continue to bless everyone around you with God’s love as He pours out to others through you. I pray God continues to heal you Caroline for the great work He has planned for you.
Dear Caroline, although we’ve never met, I have prayed for you. What a blessing to hear you have finished your chemo and are recovering well. Praise God! Although we are miles away, we are sisters in Christ. I will continue to pray for you. God bless you!
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
Caroline, I am so thrilled to hear you are doing well! When I saw Lynn after she returned from India she told me about you and your meeting with her and Suzie. I was so touched and so moved at just how small our world is. Please know I am praying for you and for continued healing. God bless you!💗
Caroline – I have been praying for you and thinking of you so much! I am so very, very happy to hear God is working in your body and in your life. I look at your picture often and your smile inspires me. We will continue to pray for you, John, your boys and all of Mission India. God is doing a good work in and through you! Love, Lynn
Suzie
You are an encouragement to many. My heart is touched deeply this morning by the story of Rahu Joseph and his community. God is working through you and your words. Missions is such an important field. My resolve is strengthened to be more involved. I’m sure many others are feeling the tug of the Holy Spirit on their heart Praying for India this morning it’s people and its missionaries. Praying God moves mightily and that I would know my part. Blessings on your day.
We are so touched by your blog and devotion today. It is encouraging for us and the work we do at Invisible Girl Project, because we believe each little girl in South Asia is inherently valuable! Thank you for helping spread the word. http://www.invisiblegirlproject.org
Thank you. Lord, bless the Invisible Girl Project. Cover them with protection. Show them daily where to proceed and encourage them as they battle against darkness. Thank you for every beautiful girl, every beautiful woman, touched by this ministry. In the name of Jesus, amen.
My tears are flowing, so deeply touched by this and Raju’s story! What a powerful testimony of what one person can do when they truly follow Jesus!! We can make an even bigger difference! Together!
Raju is a warrior.
Not by might nor by power but by YOUR SPIRIT LORD. Only through Jesus. Because of Him, we are Children of The King. So it’s OK to be a princess! Dear Lord our God, please open the little hearts and remind the children they are loved and belong to someone greater than and more able to love deeper than any human. Let them know “its ok to love yourself”. Make known to them Who their Father is, and that He gives them dignity, honor, wisdom and life. Help them find Christ.
Suzie, I was so moved by Rajus story… We just can’t begin to fathom the poverty and injustice, yet the way we complain about things here in America – you would think we were in the midst of something just as awful. Such an eye opener to how good we have it here and how we desperately need to reach out and serve those in need. I love that you all had this trip and I pray that there will be many more opportunities to serve the men and women of India. Thank you for your servants heart and for sharing your trip with us. Xoxo
Caroline, you are such a blessing and I am so read about your good news. Several women prayed for Suzie’s trip and you certainly are a blessing & an answer to prayer. Praying for you tonight, Caroline, that God will continue to heal you and strengthen your inner being.
A beautiful post Suzie! What a way to wake up. Just cried and so blessed by Raju’s testimony. Bold as a lion indeed! So grateful. So encouraged. So inspired. #thanksGod 🌎