Empowering the Poor
Here are some special ways you can give to reach out to entire families in South Asia. Through blessing them with the vocational tools you see on these pages, you also give them a chance to hear about the redemptive love of Jesus—the greatest love they could ever discover.
Hope for Suffering Women
Suggested donation: R7,000
Bring immediate aid to women in Asia by giving to the Hope for Suffering Women fund. This provides a struggling woman with simple things like a month's rent, food for her family or even basic medical care when it's hard to come by.
Vocational Training
Suggested donation: R1,050
In places like Sri Lanka and South India, where the 2004 tsunami displaced so many lives, and in teeming cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the ability to make a decent living often involves vocational training that is beyond the reach of the poor. As a further witness to the Gospel, GFA is teaming up with local churches to offer training in such practical fields as welding, sewing or other basic trades.
Fishing Net
Suggested donation: R1,064
Millions of Asians rely on fishing to feed their families. In coastal areas, they can cast their nets upon the waters everyday and sell the fish to the local markets. Those in more interior villages fish on a seasonal basis to supplement their incomes. And the fishermen get a much larger profit since they don't have to rent or buy their own nets, leaving more money for essential household needs.
Fishing Boats
Suggested donation: R35,000
On a nice day, you may enjoy taking your fishing boat out on the lake. For millions of families in Asia, fishing at sea is their primary source of livelihood. As a result of the Asian tsunami, thousands lost their boats and nets-and with them their means of supporting their families. Your gift of a boat for R35,000 will equip a family to provide for its daily needs-and demonstrate that Jesus loves them.
Embroidery Machine
Suggested donation: R2,170
Asian clothing is often enhanced with intricate designs. For centuries, the needlework was painstakingly completed by hand. But today, there are embroidery machines to speed things along. This machine allows a seamstress or tailor to craft remarkably beautiful items to sell, while creating an income for themselves.
Blanket
Suggested donation: R350
On those blustery winter nights during the winter season, who doesn’t like to curl up under a warm, soft blanket? That’s not possible for many impoverished families in Asia. Many live in homes that lack sufficient heat and protection against the harsh winter elements. Your gift of R350 for a blanket will provide much-needed warmth and comfort.
BioSand Water Filter
Suggested donation: R420
Many poor regions of Asia have no source of pure drinking water. Using concrete and sand, these bio water filters remove impurities, providing water for drinking and cooking that is 98 percent pure. For R420, help provide pure water in an Asian village—and a chance for them to hear of the living water Jesus offers.
Adult Tricycle
Suggested donation: R1,400
People who lose the use of their legs suffer greatly in South Asian society. They can no longer walk or ride a bike or a motorcycle, which are the most common modes of transportation in their countries. These tricycles are adapted to be operated with the arms, rather than the legs. So even a person who is lame can still get where they need to go.
Tool Kit
Suggested donation: R1,120
In India, planting season is vital for a poor, rural family. For R1,120 you can provide a set of tools for a family to grow their own nutritious crops and maintain their home throughout the year. A tool kit includes an axe, shovel, saw, plow, sickle and crowbar.
Tin Sheets (1 set)
Suggested donation: R3,150
The best South Asian homes are built using simple materials that will withstand the harsh natural elements. That's why many homes have roofs of tin sheets. The tin is lightweight and easy to install, yet durable enough to withstand the monsoon rains.
Sewing Machine
Suggested donation: R1,400
"Sewing" Seeds for Eternity with the Gift of a Sewing MachineMany families work as laborers; sometimes having to sell their children just to earn enough money to support their family. By providing a sewing machine to those in need, they now have a chance to start their own tailoring business. Once the sewing machine is given, classes are provided so people can start putting their new machines to good use.
Give a Family Hope for the FutureWith the funds provided by making and repairing clothes in their community, people who formerly had no hope can now send their children to school and provide for their family. Please provide a practical gift in Jesus’ name to those who need it most.
Rickshaw
Suggested donation: R2,800
Rickshaws are like the taxis of Asia. For many low-caste people, being a rickshaw driver is the one opportunity they have to provide for their families. However, many have to rent a rickshaw every morning because they can’t afford their own. Up to half of their daily income can go toward renting this vital piece of equipment. With their very own rickshaw, these hardworking people can keep all that they earn to help pay for their family’s basic necessities.
Pull Cart
Suggested donation: R1,680
Carts piled high with fruit, vegetables, clothing or handcrafted items are a common site in South Asian cities. Working as a street vendor is a legitimate way to make a living. Yet many vendors struggle to earn enough money to even rent a cart. With their own cart, a vendor can save time and keep the entire profit for his family.
Paddy Threshing Machine
Suggested donation: R1,190
Harvesting rice is a laborious process that requires workers to spend hours separating the grains from the straw-like stalks. South Asian farmers have been doing this this work by hand for thousands of years. However, now they can save precious time by using a simple paddy threshing machine. The pedal-operated machine takes no more skill than riding a bicycle.
Mosquito Nets
Suggested donation: R140
These nets offer protection from the sting of an infected mosquito and help to give their owner a restful nights sleep. Most households need several nets to protect everyone in the family. Save them from sickening agony or death from malaria for R140.Our Stewardship Commitment
We value your donation and are committed to good stewardship of the funds entrusted to us by our friends and donors. All gift options represent GFA’s actual ministry efforts to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities. Regardless of particular designations, monies are raised for ministry purposes, and GFA retains discretion to use donated funds in any manner that serves GFA’s charitable objectives.