Bangladeshi woman gets a second chance to study
As a homemaker and a mother of three, Pushpa’s early life was deeply marked by poverty and a lack of formal education. “Due to my family’s financial instability and indifference towards education, I missed out completely on schooling,” she recalls.
Pushpa’s life took a significant turn when she met Shima, who introduced her to a Bible-based Literacy program. Despite her initial reservations about joining a class at her age, her heartfelt conversation with her husband encouraged her to embrace learning. “I went to the group and saw many other women like me who had come to study. I enjoyed getting to know them on the first day, talking to each other, ” Pushpa vividly remembers.
“Being able to study gives me a lot of joy,” Pushpa shares.
The joy of learning, a distant dream in her childhood, was now a living reality.
“Now I understand how important study is,” she states. Within weeks, Pushpa made remarkable progress. From being unable to write her name or read anything, she now delights in her newfound ability to read and write, attributing her success to Shima’s guidance and support.
The program also introduced her to the Gospel. “I learned about Jesus Christ. I realized that no sacrifice is needed to satisfy Him, but rather that He Himself was sacrificed for the atonement of our sins,” she reflects. This newfound understanding of faith sparked a curiosity and a desire to learn more about Jesus through the program.
Pushpa’s journey has not been without its challenges. In her predominantly Hindu village, embracing a new faith is a delicate matter. “Discussing my love for Jesus Christ within my family, in our community, is a big challenge,” she admits. Yet, her hope remains undiminished, fueled by her desire to share her newfound beliefs with her family and community.
The turning point in her spiritual journey was a specific verse from the Bible, John 3:16, which resonated deeply with her. “The Bible teaches that God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so we may have eternal life. And that includes me when I accept Him in my personal life,” she explains.
As Pushpa concludes her story, she expresses a heartfelt prayer request:”Pray that I may share the Gospel publicly and that all my family becomes believers in Jesus Christ.”
