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28 October 2026
part 1
Faith in Action: Caring for Widows in Their Distress
In many remote rural villages, elderly widows are among the most vulnerable members of the community. With no steady income, limited family support, and declining health, many struggle daily for food. At IVM, we are committed to living out God’s heart for widows and the elderly by providing practical help, personal care, and consistent compassion throughout the year.
One such widow is Venkatamma, a 73-year-old woman living alone in a small shed. Many years ago, her husband died suddenly from heart failure. He worked as a tailor, earning just enough for their simple needs, while Venkatamma laboured seasonally in the fields for very small wages. After his death, her situation became extremely difficult. With no regular income and no family support, she survived only through the occasional kindness of neighbours.
Her hardship increased further due to illness. She suffered from leprosy, and with advancing age and weakness, she has often been unable to work. There were many days when she went hungry because she could not perform labour work. Alone and unable to change her circumstances, she was in urgent need of help for basic food and clothing.
Since 2010, our ministry has been supporting Venkatamma with regular assistance — providing food-supplies, clothing. What may seem like small help became a lifeline of dignity and hope for her. Through this care, she was reminded that she is not forgotten and that God sees her need.
Venkatamma’s story reflects the reality faced by many others. At present, our widows and elderly care program supports 103 widows and elderly individuals on a regular basis. Each month, we distribute essential food items, including rice and groceries, helping them meet their daily needs and avoid hunger. For many, this is their only dependable source of food support.
In addition to monthly provisions, we provide new clothes at Christmas and during other special occasions throughout the year. These times of giving bring great joy and encouragement. They help each widow and elderly person feel honoured, remembered, and valued.
Beyond material aid, this ministry includes fellowship, prayer, and regular personal contact. These relationships reduce loneliness and restore a sense of belonging and worth.
Your support makes a real and lasting difference in these lives. Through your partnership, vulnerable widows and elderly people receive not only food and clothing, but also love, dignity, and hope. Together, we are putting faith into action and serving those whom God calls us to care for. |