"I am now able to contribute something to my family."  says Santhoshamma, a widow in India.  Her story is common to many elderly widows.  She lives with her son and daughter in law.  Previously, her daughter-in-law looked down on her and saw her as a burden to the family, just another mouth to feed.

She wasn't even allowed to sleep inside the house.  She was truly in a helpless state.

Fortunately, she now comes home with a bag of rice each month.  What a difference it makes - she is seen as a contributor to the family.  She is welcomed in and no longer seen as such a burden.  Who would have thought that it was as simple as a bag of rice?

But the real hope and joy comes each Wednesday.  In the afternoon, a group of widows come together to join in worship and Bible study.  A leader encourages the women and they see in Jesus a love that they have never experienced before.  A God who came down to rescue people in very similar circumstances, who came to the poor and weak and reached out to them, who loved them so much that He died in their place.

No one would have imagined that a small group of elderly widows could have so much joy.  They are a light to those around them who are still filled with hopelessness.

Would you help us to expand our ministry to the widows?  Just $5 a month provides them with a bag of rice which lasts for the month.  Each of the widows also will hear the life-changing message of the cross.  Would you consider becoming a monthly sponsor?  Or can you give a one-time gift?  Click here to give online.