Stories

Kiranmayi’s village was filled with women who had stories just like hers.

By third grade, Kiranmayi had dropped out of school to work in the fields. Then, at the young age of 17, Kiranmayi was married to Milind, a mason with debilitating alcohol and gambling addictions. Soon, her home was a battleground: Milind would cause constant, drunken fights, which would turn into physical violence against Kiranmayi.

On top of this, Kiranmayi would often return home from her daily labor job to find that her husband had sold a few of the family’s possessions to fund his gambling addiction. Her family was in heavy debt because of his habits, and her wages were never enough.

Kiranmayi’s neighbors and friends shared similar experiences, which made her feel like things would always be this way. Sometimes, that feeling made her so hopeless that she wanted to end her life.

But God had a plan for her entire village, and it would start with Kiranmayi…

When someone like you brought an Adult Literacy Class to Kiranmayi’s village, she began attending immediately. Her teacher, Doyel, helped Kiranmayi feel like her voice—whether spoken or written—had worth. For the first time, Kiranmayi felt hopeful.

Then, Kiranmayi learned about Jesus. She was overwhelmed that God would offer her a life of joy and peace, and suddenly the things Doyel was teaching her about her worth made sense! Kiranmayi received Jesus into her heart.

Believing that God wanted her to use her voice, Kiranmayi set to work. She prayed for her husband, her children, and her community. She invited her friends to join Doyel’s Adult Literacy Class, explaining the class structure, encouraging atmosphere, and special trainings. Then, she joined hands with a few of her neighbors, and together, they launched a business: a small shop where they produced and sold soap, candles, and other household items they had learned to make through their Adult Literacy Class.

Over time, Kiranmayi’s life changed. Where there was once debt, she now had enough money to start a savings account for emergencies. She wasn’t breaking her back anymore in the fields, and her body felt healthier than ever.

Best of all, God heard her prayers about her family. One day, Milind approached her and repented of his old habits. He gave up both alcohol and gambling, and together they are working on rebuilding their marriage.

Kiranmayi has become a pillar in her community. The women around her—those whose stories sound just like hers—are no longer hopeless. If Kiranmayi’s life can turn around, then they believe theirs can too.

Pray

• Praise God for how He is working through Kiranmayi’s newfound confidence to lift up her entire village!
• Do you believe that your voice matters to God? Try bringing your requests to Him today with confidence, knowing that He delights in hearing from you.

Take Action

• Kiranmayi’s village changed when she learned to use her new skills to encourage those around her. Is there someone you can encourage today?
• Women across India are learning that their voice is valuable right now. Want to learn more about what that looks like for them? Click here.