GOD’S HEART
FOR WIDOWS
Equipping the church
to love and serve widows
A MINISTRY CLOSE TO GOD’S HEART
Caring for widows is no new idea – the Bible clearly shows that God has a special concern for society’s most vulnerable.
In Psalm 146:9, we are reminded that the Lord watches over the widow, Isaiah commands us to plead the cause of the widow, (Isaiah 1:17), and the New Testament instructs us to care for widows in their distress(James 1:27).
Inspired by God’s Word and in obedience to His command, SGA has, for decades, sought to equip God’s people for ministry to widows, so that in His grace, their hearts may sing for joy (Job 29:13).
THE FOUR TYPES OF WIDOWS
There is more than one type of widow in need of help. Circumstances differ and so do their needs. Over time, SGA has become aware of four distinct categories of vulnerable widows.
ELDERLY WIDOWS
often isolated and living in very poor conditions.
YOUNG WIDOWS
left to care for children after death of a husband and breadwinner.
SPIRITUAL WIDOWS
in Muslim-dominated countries, rejected by families for following Christ.
CONFLICT WIDOWS
who have lost husbands due to the war in Ukraine
THE IMPACT OF THIS MINISTRY
CHRISTIAN WIDOWS
are strengthened in their faith, reminded that God sees them and provides for them
NON-BELIEVING WIDOWS
receive practical help and encounter the love and truth of the Gospel
With help from partners and supporters, SGA has been able to equip local Christians and churches to serve those in great need. We have seen barriers broken down, prejudices overcome, and relationships established, which have opened the door to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
MEET NINA FROM MOLDOVA
Anyone who enters Nina’s house is shocked by this elderly lady’s poverty, while surprised by the joy that radiates from her kind eyes. She simply seems to be constantly smiling.
A widow for 15 years, her pension is barely enough to survive. She lives alone in a rural area. Her son is an alcoholic, who humiliates and beats his mother. When winter comes, the situation worsens. Nina can barely afford to heat one room of her house.
However, worse than the cold temperatures is the loneliness she feels during long, isolated winters. When asked how she survives, Nina smiles, because she trusts in God. “I’m alive because I know I’m not alone,” she says, her eyes shining. Since 2006, she has been part of the small community of believers in the village of Papeuts.
The Christians pray for and encourage one another. When Nina received firewood as a gift from the missionaries she was speechless with joy and could only cry. God had again answered her prayers and provided for her need.
