Imagine not being able to get the medicine you need because you can’t read the label. Or being subjected to harsh labor because you can’t read an unfair job contract. Sadly, this is reality for many women in Bangladesh.

Indigenous women who live in rural areas of Bangladesh experience high rates of illiteracy. Illiteracy can have devastating effects on these women. It often leads to low quality jobs, low income, negative impacts on health, and low self-esteem.

But the ability to read and understand means the world is opened to them! Giving women a chance at literacy can increase their earning power, their confidence, and their ability to give their children a brighter future.

Teaching Women to Read Using God’s Word

To teach women to read and write, Bangladesh Bible Society launched a literacy course using the Bible. The course takes two years to complete and is held in local churches. At the end of the course, women are able to read the Standard Common Language Bengali Bible. Participants who complete the course also receive Scripture Portions.

So not only are they learning to read, but they are also learning about Jesus!

Now, these women have the confidence to refuse unfair contracts, teach their children the Scriptures, and grow in the knowledge of their Savior, Jesus. Rev. Liton Mrong, the general secretary of Bangladesh Bible Society said, “The program has brought a significant impact to the churches in terms of church growth and building a good relation between families and local communities.”

But the program is in danger. In fact, all literacy programs, including one for children, are in danger. This year, literacy programs are facing the crucial challenge of insufficient funds. If they are shut down, more than 1,000 families that are currently benefitting from these literacy courses will be directly affected.

We need your prayers! Our God is able to provide every resource needed to keep these literacy courses running. We believe God is going to move in mighty ways so more women and children will have a chance to encounter him in his Word.

4 Ways You Can Pray

Pray for:

• Participants. Pray that those who take these literacy courses will 1) learn to read and 2) enter into relationship with Jesus as they read Scripture.
• Financial provision. Pray that God will move on the hearts of donors to give generously so these literacy programs can continue.
• Churches. Pray that the 50 churches collaborating with Bangladesh Bible Society will continue to host these literacy courses as well as provide facilitators and volunteers.
• Growth. Pray for the launch of new literacy projects aimed at reaching more indigenous women and children who live too far to attend school.