Hanging on to Life by a Thread

Many people in Asia earn a living using a sewing machine.

Raju Kour's skills as a tailor were widely known in the area of Nepal where he lived.

However, Raju had no intention of becoming a tailor. He had gone to college and earned a bachelor's degree. But since he was from a low-caste background, no one was willing to hire him for the jobs that were more suited to his training. So, he ended up earning a meager living behind a sewing machine at a tailor shop in his village.

In spite of the rocky start, Raju became very skilled in his profession. No matter how much he worked, however, he never seemed to earn enough money to feed his family or send his daughter to school. He dreamed of having his own sewing machine so he could begin a small cottage industry and earn enough to provide for his family.

A wealthy family that owned a tailor shop made a deal with Raju. If he would come to work for them, they would give him a sewing machine. It seemed too good to be true-and alas it was. Even though Raju worked day and night, the owner of the shop failed to fulfill his promise.

Raju became frustrated and began to feel hopeless about his situation. But, because of his caste, he did not expect anyone to come to his defense. He simply continued working for the same man who had tricked him.

Raju is a Christian who worships at a GFA-affiliated church where missionary Shankar Gawai is the pastor. Shankar knew about Raju's predicament and wanted to help him. So Shankar was thrilled to hear about the GFA Christmas Gift Catalog. He requested a sewing machine for Raju. A GFA supporter purchased the machine, and Shankar's request was granted.

At the conclusion of a Sunday worship service in early February, Shankar presented Raju with the sewing machine. Shankar reports that Raju was surprised, and his face was full of hope as he received the sewing machine.

Shankar asks that you pray for Raju, that he would use the sewing machine to not only earn a living for his family, but also to glorify God.

Thanks to the generosity of Christians around the world, this family received a sewing machine through Gospel for Asia's Christmas Gift Catalog.

Gospel for Asia missionaries have active Compassion Services ministries. Read about some of their efforts here:

Compassion Services

Nepal is a beautiful country and is home to the famous Himalaya Mountains.

You can provide tools to help someone in Asia earn a living.

Donate to Sewing Machines
$110 buys 1 sewing machine
(CAD $130)