GC Women's Ministries Newsletter Calendar & Prayer Request         APRIL 2008

If They Can't Read, They Can't Read the Bible

In the world today there are over one billion adults who cannot read. Over 650,000 of that number are women. The world population is over 6 billion. The complete Bible is now available to 90% of these people in their mother tongue. Yet 45-55% of these people cannot read. Non-readers comprise the vast majority of the peoples yet to be reached with the Gospel. Non-readers are captive: they cannot fill out job applications; they cannot open a checking account; they cannot use a phone book; they cannot read any Christian literature or the Bible.

• Literacy Volunteers of America has defined a literate person as one who is able to use printed and written information to function in society, achieve her goals, and develop her knowledge and potential. This may apply to a second language as well—the language of commerce.
• Where 50% or more of the population cannot read, teaching literacy is the best way to plant churches.

How to get involved. What the church can do:

• Create a literacy awareness in your congregation
• Assess what type of program is still needed
• Make a financial contribution to a literacy program
• Set up a program
• Provide tutoring space in your church
• Become a tutor
• Direct a program
• Provide baby sitting service during the tutoring session
• Give a gift of reading materials
• Get involved in your community’s education system
• Be knowledgeable about your local board of education
• Advocate for equal education for all

Source: If They Can’s Read – GCWM Mentoring Brochures

Prayer Corner

• Women who don't know how to read
• Raquel Arrais travel to EUD
• Heather-Dawn Small travel to NA

Calendar

• April 7 - World Health Day. World Health Day this year focuses to protect health from the adverse effects of climate change. More information: www.who.int
• May 31 - Scholarship applications due to GCWM

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