Saved from the Crushing Weight of Domestic Violence

A Heavy Load to Carry

When Achsa’s husband, a chef by trade, began to turn more and more frequently to strong drink, his ability to meet the needs of his family faltered. It fell to Achsa, with three children to feed and care for, to find work that would provide for her family.

Thankfully, she was able to secure various jobs completing domestic work for families in her community. The hours were long, and she was often gone from morning to night, but the earnings from Achsa’s hard work were a welcome relief to her family.

Achsa’s husband, however, became suspicious of her long hours away from home and accused her of having an affair. So he beat Achsa, and he beat her often.

Shouldering the responsibilities of her family’s well-being, and now bearing the heavy hand of her husband, Achsa crumbled beneath the weight of her struggles. She felt alone, with nowhere to turn and no one to lean on.

Hope for a Better Day

One day, the Women’s Fellowship team from a local church led by a GFA pastor went to the streets to share hope and offer friendship. Achsa met some of the women from the team and was relieved to find people willing to listen with compassionate hearts.

Not only did the women share with Achsa the love Jesus has for her, they also lifted her burdens to God in prayer. They prayed for Achsa, her husband and the restoration of her family. The women also invited Achsa to attend prayer meetings at their church, which Achsa joyfully accepted.

Since that time, Achsa has watched God answer her continued prayers for her husband and her family. She also became a member of the Women’s Fellowship team, where she now enjoys growing friendships with the women. Importantly, Achsa continues to learn about Jesus—the Man who loved her, even when she felt alone, and took her burdens when she would have crumbled beneath the weight.

Think About It

Tragically, violence against women is far too prevalent in many countries. It has devastating effects on a woman’s mind, body and soul, and it destroys families. Many women who endure domestic violence feel as Achsa did: alone and with no one who will believe them.

Please join us in praying for these women: for freedom from the violence; for physical, emotional and mental healing; and that they, like Achsa, would encounter the One who loves them and does not leave them to carry their burdens alone.