When Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Bil stopped and turned toward her, Marti was amazed. Because she was a widow, such acknowledgement was rare.
Donning the dress reserved for widows, Marti joined nearly 40 million Indian women in widowhood when her husband died. Indian society traditionally blames the husband’s death on his wife, and she is forced into social isolation. She is ignored by her family, given little food and denied property. Many widows have chosen sati, committing suicide by jumping onto the husband’s coffin as it burns.
At her husband’s funeral, Marti’s decorative glass bracelets were ritualistically crushed off of her arms. She knew there was no one to care for her or her six children, so she resorted to begging. For four years, she experienced the absolute disdain of society. Like all of India’s widows, she was unprotected from abuse and exploitation.
When Pastor Bil stopped to talk to Marti that day, his news that Jesus loves her was the last thing she expected to hear. Just one of India’s ‘hidden’ widows, she was amazed to learn that she was valued by the God who made her. In response, Marti gave her heart to Christ and joined Pastor Bil’s church.
Since then, Marti has stopped begging and is working as a maid. Please pray that she and her children will grow in the Lord and be witnesses for Him.