What Makes Sisters of The Cross, GFA Women Christian Missionaries, Unique?
Sisters of the Cross are GFA women missionaries in Africa and Asia who have received specialized training to serve marginalized populations. These women have beautiful hearts that ache for hurting women, many of whom are poor and needy. Sisters of the Cross serve in a myriad of ways, but the three main ones are helping in slums, ministering to widows and children and caring for those with leprosy, three groups who are often “invisible” and frequently unsupported and even neglected.[1]
Geeta is a Sister of the Cross who has a heart filled with love for those around her.[2] She works in a leprosy colony where thirty families live, meeting regularly with those who are unable to work due to their wounds. Geeta helps clean their sores, cut their hair, trim their nails, bathe them, launder their clothes, clean their homes and cook for them. They are unable to do these tasks for themselves, and Geeta serves them with a humble heart.
Since they are members of the countries or communities in which they serve, the Sisters of the Cross understand the culture, appreciate the religious traditions and speak the language. They have a natural way of serving those who need them most.
Geeta says,
“We do all this because of the love of God. If we didn’t help them, no one would have served them or taken care of them … they would die without any hope. Whether it’s a literacy class or cleaning their wounds, we do all of this because of the love of God.”
Geeta wears a long white robe, a sari, which is a traditional uniform worn by the lowliest servants in Asia. Even her uniform shows her humble heart and value for service. She is a beautiful example of God’s love for His people around the world.
The tasks Sisters of the Cross perform are unglamorous and often very difficult, but these women Christian missionaries are considered trustworthy members of the community. They are friends who bring hope and healing to the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
“Sisters of the Cross really do the lowest, menial things that communicate so much love to the people that they serve, just like Jesus did.”
Shelley, a behind-the-scenes missionary at GFA[3]
Will you join us in supporting these wonderful and humble women who are serving in communities which need their hearts of love?
Learn more about the life of Christian missionaries through GFA World[1] “Widowhood: Invisible Women, Secluded or Excluded.” Women 2000. United Nations. December 2001. https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/public/wom_Dec%2001%20single%20pg.pdf.
[2] Lukins, Julian. “National workers: Unstoppable compassion force.” GFA Special Report. August 19, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/missionary-work-by-national-workers.
[3] “Women Missionaries.” GFA World. Accessed November 25, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/women/sisters-of-compassion.