Literacy leader threatened by extremists

India: October 29, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Anti-Christian opposition came in the form of a warning for a literacy teacher and church leader in India.

Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Mission India says their partner, Rakesh, reported extremists burned his small church to the ground this month. The incident disrupts the classes, which not only teaches illiterates how to read and write, but shares the love of Jesus.

Why is it important to be able to read and write? Global literacy experts believe 70% of Indians are functionally illiterate -- that's twice the official government estimates. When you take into account that over 740 million people live in rural, impoverished villages, earning between $1 and $2 a day, the only way out of poverty is literacy.

Mission India provides indigenous ministry partners, like Rakesh, with training and materials in 21 of India's languages.

During their 52-week Adult Literacy program, a class of 30 students meets for 2 hours a night, 5 nights a week.

Volunteer teachers who have little formal education themselves can teach the curriculum. Even better,  the Bible-based curriculum introduces students to Jesus Christ.

At the end of the yearlong literacy program, ministry partners report on the results. On average, 80% of students graduate at a fifth-grade level of reading and writing. Many graduates make a decision to follow Christ, leading to discipleship and church planting work.

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