I am a married woman with two sons. My husband works as a watchman and earns very little. He is the breadwinner of the family. I got married at a very young age - I didn't want to get married at that time, but my father had already decided that it was my time to get married. I studied until I was in the twelfth grade - I wanted to study further but due to tradition and the custom of girls getting married at an early age, I was unable to continue.
After marriage, I became a housewife. I stayed at home taking care of my in-laws, cooking and cleaning. My husband used to drink and create trouble at home. He would come home drunk and not go to work. We didn't have enough money to run our house. Every time, he used to spend all the money on drinking and unnecessary things.
I wanted to work and earn because our financial condition was very bad. I was a qualified student, so I went out to look for a job even if it was small. I found a volunteer position and a staff member promised me that if I continued to volunteer he would make my job permanent. I volunteered for three years but my job did not become permanent. Later, I left that as well.
I have been married for fourteen years. Today my husband is still working as a watchman and he has stopped drinking. Though he earns little, it's much better than our earlier condition if I have to compare. He understands the value of money and doesn't waste it on drinking.
When I heard about Aatma Vikas, I told my husband about it and he allowed me to come and work here. Whatever I was earning from the training I would give it to my husband to use for our family. At present, the center is providing a tailoring program for the ladies. I am very happy as I have always wanted to go to a tailoring class but, due to money problems, was not able to go. But today I have got this opportunity at the center that is free of cost.
I am very grateful toward the organization as well as to the staff for giving me this chance to learn and receive training. Whatever skills I learn from these tailoring classes, I can utilize for my benefit; therefore, I am working very hard to learn what is being taught.
Spiritually, also I am learning many new things about God. The main thing is that I was not aware of His love for me and I came to know about this through devotion.
I love to sing along with our worship leader. He has taught us many new worship songs in various languages, including English. At home I am always humming the songs that I have learnt at the center but my neighbors keep taunting me about it. I don't care - I just enjoy singing the hymns and my husband supports me and consoles me by telling me to avoid the neighbors.
Aatma Vikas has not only helped me to grow physically through the sewing and tailoring training program, but it has also helped me grow mentally and spiritually through the devotions provided at the center. I am grateful for all of their love and care.
----------------------------
Aatma Vikas operates five vocational training centers in two different regions of India. Since 2010, over 1,800 students have graduated from one of the technical training programs. They also train pastors on innovative agriculture, rescue women from human trafficking, and equip local churches to be self-sustainable, in partnership with the Chalmers Center.
Our thanks to Greg and Abhineeeta Matney and the AV Ministry Team for sharing this story.
Learn more at
avikas.org