2025 Asia Gathering in February: Field Trip to Varanasi

It all starts with a school. Join GPC Asia Gathering presenters Peggy Callahan and Jolene Smith to meet the villagers who are freeing themselves from debt bondage and creating a sustainable future for themselves and their children that they never dared dream was possible. You'll dream alongside them as you visit the deceptively simple transitional schools that are the Trojan horse, bringing in empowerment for all the adults in the village as well as the children—who are caught up to grade-level within 3 years. 

We will witness the indomitable strength of people reclaiming their freedom, and the joy that comes from them realizing how much power they have over their internal and external worlds. We will celebrate alongside them as they start successful small businesses, run for office (and often, win!), and reach out to help free others from debt bondage, too. The liberated become the liberators. Their inspiring stories will help your heart expand even further and give you more hope for the future of humanity. Witnessing people break free and thrive reminds us what humans—all of us—are truly capable of. 

In addition to witnessing the transformation from debt bondage to freedom in the rural villages, we will also experience the beauty of the Aarti ceremony on the sacred Ganges River by night and the bustling, ancient city of Varanasi by day, with an optional visit to Sarnath, a place of immense historical significance where Buddha preached his first sermon. Here, ancient ruins and serene monasteries provide a glimpse into the profound Buddhist heritage. 

For more information, please email Peggy Callahan at [email protected].

To register to the 2025 GPC Asia Gathering and see the full event program, click here.