Sachina: Isolated and Hopeless No Longer
Sachina grew up in a mountainous region of deep, lush forests. Her small community was isolated from the outside world. They practiced many outdated beliefs, including child marriage and outlawing education for girls.
Sachina fell victim to many of these harmful traditions as a young woman. Her sister died suddenly, and she was forced to marry her brother-in-law. She raised her niece and nephew as her own, but they, and her husband, treated her with contempt. Even when she gave birth to her own child, no one in her home or her village respected her.
The despair became unbearable when Sachina lost her husband. Sachina was grieving, alone, and now stuck with the shameful label of “widow”. And, with no skills and no education, Sachina had no way to provide for her family. Hopeless and miserable, Sachina sank into a deep depression.
Around this time, Sachina learned of an Adult Literacy Class starting in her village. Confident that she would gain skills to help her find employment, Sachina joined the Literacy Class.
And she was right! As the months passed, Sachina learned the basics of reading, writing, and math. When Sachina attended a special training offered through the class that taught her about home gardening, it was like a lightbulb went off in her head! She got to work immediately, reusing old plastic containers to cultivate the seeds she had been given.
Sachina was eager to hone her new skill, and she worked hard to be successful. Soon, Sachina was growing fresh vegetables for her family, and was even able to sell her extra harvest for income. Through the continued difficulties and shortages of the COVID-19 pandemic, these skills proved invaluable. Now, Sachina is self-sufficient, and she has earned the respect and admiration of her family and community.
Best of all, through the lessons in the Literacy Class, Sachina learned about the love of God. She takes great comfort in knowing that, despite the many sorrows of her life, God loves her. She rejects the shame associated with being a widow and now treats others with kindness and respect, no matter their circumstances. She has a growing community of new friends, mostly made up of other women from her Literacy Class. Sachina’s relationships with her children have also improved, and depression no longer dominates her days. Pray that Sachina will fully embrace Christ and come to a saving knowledge of Him.
