'Period poverty' is a term used to describe the situation many women find themselves in all over the world - unable to afford feminine hygiene products for their menstrual cycle. There is another even more sinister state for many young women in in poor Asian countries, Period Persecution.
Young women are told God doesn't hear their prayers during their monthly cycle. They are ostracized during their monthly cycles, sometimes being segregated away to dark sheds and often kept from attending school - all because they are experiencing their normal monthly cycle. This leads to young girls not being able to keep up at school and becoming prey to human traffickers.
After studying the outreach model of a cross cultural worker we visited regularly in Nepal, we encouraged one couple in India and another in Bangladesh to adopt this outreach plan to reach poor young women in their rural locations. By our providing them with funds for sewing machines and fabric, they are now able to make reusable sanitary pads. This gives the young women the freedom and confidence to attend school regularly without fear or embarrassment. As our friends meet with the girls, they share the love of Jesus with them as well as the beauty of the normal function of a woman's body as God created her. It is such a natural way to generously extend the hope of Christ to this needy 'community'. Pray for Omar and Shana and Raj and Smita (not their real names) as they head up these hope filled outreach ministries.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for me (Steve) as I have rotator cuff surgery this Thursday on my left (dominant) shoulder. I'm told my left arm will be in a sling for up to 6 weeks followed up by a 'fun' PT program!
2. Pray for Bethany as they plan for a global conference of all cross cultural workers next May in Turkey. The geo-political landscape is challenging and our leaders need wisdom as they make decisions around this occasion.
3. Alberta is home from the Philippines and Heather is with Krista in Atlanta. Pray for the Knudtsens as we all come together for Christmas.
May the joy of Christ fill your home with His Goodness!
Serving Christ with you, Steve and Alberta
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