‘Reading and writing...me?’

Illiterate mother discovers confidence, hope in literacy class

Adult Literacy Classes are bringing hope into the lives of people in India like Susmita.

January 6, 2010

Susmita was 24 and already a mother. But she had never learned to read or write.

Which is why she was so doggedly determined that her own children would be educated.

Every week she sent them off to school - wistfully wishing she could join them, but knowing it was way too late.

But then a stranger showed up in Susmita’s village. She visited every single house, one at a time, explaining she was a literacy teacher; she said she could teach the women of the village to read and write within one short year.

Susmita was torn. It was embarrassing to think of attending classes at her age. She would be teased ... mocked by her own children, not to mention the other adults in the village.

But the dream ... the lure ... to read and write! It was a breathtaking vision.

And the vision won out. Susmita took a deep breath and enrolled in one of our Adult Literacy Classes!

Now she applied the same fierce determination to her own education that she had long applied to her children’s.

And when the year was up, the promise turned out to be good: Susmita was thrilled ... she could read and write! She’s so competent, she’s even teaching her children at home.

But literacy was only the beginning.

In the class, Susmita heard the Gospel. She was astonished by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for the sake of saving sinners - and she accepted Christ as her Savior.

Today she’s attending worship services regularly, preparing for baptism, and praying for her husband to come to Christ too.

Give the gift of literacy in India

Your gift of $30 will enroll a student in our 52-week Adult Literacy Class.

Mission India provides teacher training, a stipend for the teacher, and class materials in a regional Indian language. The class materials include three Bible-based lesson booklets for each student, slates and chalk for students, a large chalkboard for teachers, and a kerosene lantern.

Find out more about ways you can give. If you prefer to make a donation over the phone, please call us at (877) 644-6342.