WILLS POINT, TX – The Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope Ministry has assisted struggling families in Asia by providing 2,300 sewing machines in March to graduates of its vocational training centers. The 280 centers across the region provide students with work skills to improve their employment and economic opportunities.
“Escaping from poverty often begins through education and by learning a skill,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of Gospel for Asia (GFA). “Thousands are trained in vocational centers, and, through prayer and hard work, they are able to create better lives for themselves and their families.”
Some of the vocational centers specifically train students in tailoring. During the training, women from the community – exclusively from poor families – undergo 300 hours of teaching over six months, learning the basics of tailoring, as well as embroidery work. Young women who have been nurtured in the children’s Bridge of Hope program are also given the opportunity to participate when they turn 15. Participants receive a completion certificate at the end of the program.
As a result of their training, tailoring graduates have been able to find employment within their communities.
“This course is very useful for my future,” said one recent trainee who received a free sewing machine upon graduation. “Now I have confidence that I can run my family and meet both my sons’ needs. I convey my humble thanks to (those) who gave me an opportunity to study the course and also for the gift.”
In 2015, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers distributed more than 3,000 sewing machines throughout Asia.
“Our heart through these vocational centers is to help provide people with the means to support themselves with dignity by ensuring a better future for themselves and their families,” said Yohannan. “These centers allow us the opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s compassion.”
Gospel for Asia (GFA) has – for more than 30 years – provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.