Global Missions Agency Speaks Out for Widows on International Widows Day
One of the most terrifying experiences a woman can face is the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband, especially when she still has school-age children. Her first thought is, “What’s going to happen to my children?” She frets over both their future and hers. Being a widow or a widower in America is difficult. And the church needs to be more aware and intentional about coming alongside these vulnerable people, no matter what their age.
A Day to Remember: International Widows Day
With June 23 being International Widows Day, it’s a very appropriate day to remember that the Bible has very clear mandates about the church caring for widows and orphans. Unfortunately, the church often falls very short in this area.
It’s written in James 1:27 that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
There are 258 million widows around the world, with nearly one in ten living in extreme poverty, according to the United Nations. They are typically unseen and unsupported in many societies around the world and, in some cases, even denied inheritance rights. They may also lose the rights to their property and face extreme stigma, discrimination, and isolation. It’s not unusual for them to be denied access to pensions, bank accounts, and work opportunities in underdeveloped countries.
GFA World Is Reaching the Forgotten
One Texas-based missions agency, GFA World, focuses on widows in crisis in Africa and Asia.
“Millions of widows live in societies where they’re considered a curse, shunned, abused, and abandoned,” Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan, president of GFA World told the Christian Newswire. “They’re often blamed or neglected for their husband’s death, regardless of the circumstances.”
GFA World has been involved in mission outreaches since 1979. In many places across Africa and Asia, widows are neglected and sometimes even despised. Older widows are often forced to scavenge and beg to survive, while younger ones are often forced into prostitution or exploited through slave labor. GFA states that the stigma, shame, and despair of being widowed have driven many to suicide.
Meeting Both Physical and Spiritual Needs
GFA World sends younger missionaries to connect and bond with the widows, while also providing food, income-generating farm animals such as cows and goats, medical care, literacy classes, and vocational training, according to the Christian Newswire.
Offering Hope That Lasts
While meeting the physical needs of widows is very important, so is meeting the emotional and spiritual needs. It takes time to heal from the loss of a spouse, and it’s often helpful to have counseling made available that isn’t costly or even free.
“As tragic as their situation is, the greatest tragedy is that millions of widows worldwide have never heard that God loves them,” Bishop Daniel told the Christian Newswire. “We’re dedicated to giving widows hope today and hope for eternity.”
How the Church Can Help
One very excellent tool available to churches across America for extending care to widows here at home and others who have experienced the loss of a loved one is a program called GriefShare.org. Many churches also use the material as an outreach ministry in their area.
Widows often experience profound loneliness and depression. So once care is taken to make sure physical needs are met, another way that the church can be a blessing to widows is to create opportunities to visit or get together and enjoy social activities, whether at the church or through events together in the area.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FG Trade
Originally published June 23, 2025.
