Why We focus on Women

We often forget the influence women have, even in our own culture, but especially in rural Africa. Women are the backbone to rural village life. They till the soil, fetch water, cook food, raise their children and so much more. The daily tasks of life are done in collaboration with one another and their children. Life in the village is not a solitary activity. And as the daily tasks of living occur, so do conversations and discussions. And as conversations and discussions occur, they influence thinking and culture.

 Women also take on strong roles of leadership in their communities and villages. They are worship leaders, pastors, and teachers. They are respected. Women have a powerful influence over the core of African culture and foreigners so often forget this critical point when it comes to ministry. As a result, rural women tend to have limited access to resources of all kinds, including spiritual discipleship.

 Gospel Joy International recognizes the power of the cultural influence that African women have and therefore we want to equip these women to know Christ fiercely as their own and teach their families and communities the same. This is why we work with women in the village. While reaching women for Christ to have influence over culture is part of our strategy, ultimately, God cares about every single soul, including the ones in the villages of Africa. He cares so much so that he goes to great lengths to reach them and bring them to him.