“I Must Do the Work”: When Cancer Tries to Take Over a Gospel for Asia Missionary’s Life

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Woman Missionary named Munay, her encounter with Christ, the trials, the cancer, the answered prayers, and the enduring love for Jesus and others.

Young Christian Finally Understands Christ’s Sacrifice

Munay grew up going to church and knew the Bible well. Her pastor even appointed her to be a Sunday school teacher, but she felt something was missing.

“I never committed myself freely into God’s hand,” she said.

Because of this, she had no peace. She searched for it by going to different prayer meetings, but “I always came back empty handed,” she said. “Yet there was hope in my life that one day God would touch me and fill my heart with His divine peace.”

That revelation came while attending a Christian convention. She was inspired by the believers and their passionate worship. It seemed they loved Jesus deeply. After hearing a message from Isaiah 44:22, Munay understood for the first time that Jesus had willingly laid down His life for her. When she took this to heart and personally accepted God’s love, everything changed.

“Peace and joy filled my life in abundance,” she said.

Munay was now entrusted with a deep yearning to help those who didn’t know Jesus, her Savior. She cried out to the Lord to use her, and He answered. After she graduated Bible college in 2006, she began serving the Lord in her home state. Munay, there on her knees, would find true victory amidst years of controversy.

A Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Finds Victory Through Prayer

During her ministry Munay didn’t experience an easy road. Because she was not an eloquent speaker it was difficult for her to convey to people the message of hope she carried. The individuals she served were highly educated and thought little of Munay, especially as she stumbled through her words. The youths also threw stones at her house as an attempt to scare her off. But no matter how much the locals looked down on her and treated her as lowly, she would not become discouraged. Munay was convinced she was called by God, and she was prepared to face all kinds of adverse circumstances on her knees.

It was an uphill climb, but the more difficult the situations Munay faced, the more she was willing to bow her head. As a result, the Lord in His mercy answered her prayers and blessed her ministry. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, she established a prayer fellowship with eventually 10 believers. The local people mocked them in their new journey with Jesus. They tried to discourage them with sarcastic remarks, but Munay encouraged the believers and fixed her eyes heavenward with them. Munay well understood what they were facing.

Cancer Threatens a Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Service

After five years of serving in this community, Munay’s life weathered yet another difficult season. In 2014, Munay found out she had cancer. This devastated Munay, but not for herself. She cried out to the Lord day and night, asking God to spare her life.

“Lord, please heal me, as I have much work remaining to do,” Munay prayed through her sobs. “I must do the work.”

However, even in sickness Munay was not deterred from loving and trusting Jesus. She believed God would heal her body. Her ministry didn’t stop either. Munay encouraged her brothers and sisters in God’s Word while on her sickbed, praying and longing to be with them daily.

After a time, the Lord answered Munay’s faith-filled prayers and brought her healing. Munay came through her terminal illness as one tried through fire, and her testimony in Christ appears golden.

“When you are in good health, do as much as you can for the Lord. Do not take your life for granted,” Munay exhorted her brothers and sisters, managing to stand before them as her body grew stronger. “Let us not grow weary, but let us be zealous in serving the Lord. And may the Lord not [have to] put you in a position to make you realize how little you have done. We must do the work. If we do not do it, then who will? Make the most of the life that God has given us.”

Faithful Vessels for God’s Glory

God has called many vessels who are willing to give their whole lives so others may meet the Savior. Munay’s life is one testimony among many committed women who pour out their very lives for the love of Christ Jesus. Women like her are ready to stand in the midst of great trials and persevere with the end in mind. Will you partner with a sister and impact the world for eternity?

*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.