Short Stories about Gospel For Asia Radio Ministry

September 21, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Each year, the Gospel for Asia radio ministry receives thousands of responses to broadcasts. Radio correspondents pray for listeners and personally respond to the letters, phone calls and emails they receive.

Every day, countless people in Asia tune in to Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio programs to find encouragement, learn how to live a morally upright life and hear about the love of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, these broadcasts bring hope for many at just the right moment in their lives and are continually opening doors for further ministry.

To help celebrate more than 40 years of Gospel for Asia’s radio ministry, we’ve included five short stories about the miracles God has performed in Asia through radio. Thank you for standing with us to help proclaim the name of Jesus.

Man Regains Lost Railway Job

When Rajani lost his railway job, he gave up all hope. He worried about meeting his family’s needs. Then one day while tuning his radio, Rajani heard a broadcast from a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program. “God cares for you; therefore there’s no need to fear,” the speaker said. “Believe in the Lord and take courage.”

Encouraged, Rajani began to ask the Lord for peace in his heart and the restoration of his job. Soon after, he reapplied for his job, and the Lord gave Rajani back his position with the railway! Today, Rajani continues to find encouragement through Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio broadcasts.

Healing through a Phone Call

A painful boil on Sharadendu’s back oozed pus and left him with a high fever. He tried using several different kinds of medicine, but nothing he tried could heal him or give him relief from his agony.

But on the radio Sharadendu had heard of a healing God. One day, he called a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio station, and the people in the office prayed for his healing. Later, the radio station received a letter from Sharadendu.

“You prayed for my healing over the phone,” he said. “God did a miracle on that day itself. He delivered me from great pain. Thank you for your kind prayers. Praise God.”

Waiting for Marriage

Simrit worried about finding a husband. Many women in Asia are married in their early 20s, but Simrit was 31 years old. Even her relatives and neighbors mocked her because she wasn’t married.

When she found out about a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program, she sent a letter to the radio station to tell them of her sorrows. The staff at the station prayed for Simrit and wrote her a letter of encouragement.

Sometime later, Simrit wrote to the radio station again with joyful news: God had given her a husband! Today Simrit and her husband are walking side by side in awe of the God who brought them together.

They Prayed for Nine Months

James’ younger sister had been married for several years, but she and her husband had no children.

Out of compassion for his sister, James wrote to a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio station, asking for prayer on his sister’s behalf.

Each time the staff at the radio station came together for prayer, they prayed for James’ sister. Nine months later, the staff received another letter from James.

“I am so thankful to you and for your prayers. God has granted a baby girl for my younger sister through your prayers,” the letter said. “Also, I never miss your radio program. Really, the message, which you are sharing, is very much a blessing for me and my family.”

In cities, villages and rural communities throughout Asia, listening to radio programs at home is a favorite pastime, which makes radio an effective tool for ministering to people.

A Timely Letter

No matter how many steps Kanvar took, his legs refused to co-operate. An accident had hindered his natural stride and left his body tense and sore. As a listener of a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio broadcast, Kanvar wrote a letter to the radio station, and to his joy, he received one in return.

The letter lifted Kanvar’s spirits and gave him hope in the Lord, and his health began to improve!

Learn more about the Gospel for Asia Radio Ministry in Asia, through which the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in the hearts of listeners, reaching across geographical and political barriers, establishing fellowships in isolated areas yet to be reached by missionaries.

*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.

Source: Gospel for Asia Newsletter, Short Stories about Radio

Learn more about the GFA national missionaries who carry a burning desire for people to know the love of God. Through their prayers, dedication and sacrificial love, thousands of men and women have found new life in Christ.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

Seeking Death but Finding Life Through Gospel for Asia Radio Ministry

August 16, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Jinsy, the trauma of abuse and the struggles with suicidal thoughts and deep despair, and the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought healing and transformation to her life.

Jinsy stared at the container of liquid fertilizer. It had failed her—she was still breathing, still living in shame and anguish, still looking for a way of escape. Her mind rolled through her options. Hanging herself seemed a guaranteed method of suicide, but could she steel her nerves enough to make a second attempt?

Abused Girl Tries to End Life

Jinsy’s family shared a house with her uncle’s family. Although she was the youngest of three children, she was far from being the doted-on baby of the family. By the time Jinsy was in her early 20s, she carried a heart filled with pain and agony.

For one year, Jinsy had repeatedly suffered sexual abuse from a relative. Filled with shame and humiliation, she hid the terrible fact from the rest of her family, too mortified to talk to anyone about her situation. In her helplessness, she tried to handle the problem herself, and she decided to end the overwhelming shame she felt by drinking liquid fertilizer. Somehow she survived—it seemed even death would not grant her plea for escape.

Discussing Jinsy, the trauma of abuse & the struggles with suicidal thoughts, & the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought healing & transformation. — This woman failed in her attempt of suicide, just like Jinsy did. Tragically, every year in Asia thousands of other women succeed in committing suicide.

But Jinsy would later realize that a compassionate God was watching over her during her attempted suicide and offered her the true path to healing.

Hope Instead of Suicide

In the midst of her agony, Jinsy still found enjoyment in listening to the radio, a favorite pastime of many in Asia.

One particular day, the loving God who saved Jinsy from the effects of poison also led her to a radio program she had not heard before. The radio speaker, Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Harichandra, spoke about the purpose of life. His words brought deep encouragement to Jinsy’s raw heart, and she felt God was speaking specifically to her. The light of hope pierced the darkness she was living in, driving out the thoughts of suicide that had plagued her so persistently.

Escaping Her Shame

At the end of each program, Pastor Harichandra gave a phone number for any listener who wanted to contact him in response to the program. Our radio broadcasters commonly share a phone number to provide people with an opportunity to request more information. As listeners narrate their heartbreaking situations, Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio staff do everything they can to help each person, whether that means praying for them, offering encouragement and counsel, or connecting them with pastors in their area who can meet with the listeners and pour into their lives.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Radio staff personally reply to communications received from radio listeners and help listeners in any way they can. — Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program staff personally reply to communications received from radio listeners and help listeners in any way they can.

As the program Jinsy listened to came to a close, she was unable to write down the contact number, so she tuned in another day to hear the next broadcast from Pastor Harichandra. That message was just as encouraging as the first broadcast she heard. This time, Jinsy excitedly dialed the number and talked with Pastor Harichandra.

After Pastor Harichandra prayed for her and offered more encouragement, Jinsy felt as though a heavy burden had rolled away. She kept in touch with the radio staff, and Jesus did His transforming work in her heart.

Jinsy’s shame melted away, and she found courage to talk about her situation. Moreover, Jinsy read literature and a New Testament she received from the radio staff, and her heart soon urged her to welcome Jesus as her Savior.

Transformation for the Family

Jinsy’s parents noticed the change in their daughter’s life. They wondered why she spent so much time listening to that specific radio program and talking on the phone. Jinsy introduced them to the radio program that ministered to her in her time of deep need, and soon her other relatives joined her in listening to the broadcasts. Through the radio messages, her relatives learned how they could start their own journeys of transformation.

Radio Team Provides Fellowship and Support

Like many villages in Asia, Jinsy’s village lacked a local fellowship of believers. No one who knew Jesus was present to comfort Jinsy during her time of anguish, but Christ’s love healed her heart through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program.

Even though she had no mature believers nearby to speak into her life, Jinsy was equipped to grow in her knowledge of God through the broadcasts she and her family listened to and through her New Testament, which was given to her by the radio correspondents. The new friends at the radio station knew her story and helped her overcome shame and speak up about her abuse. The radio staff were always there for her, as was her compassionate Savior.

While Jinsy’s life story could have ended in tragic death, it is still being written today as she lives her life unto the Lord, free from shame and filled with hope. She knows she is valued in God’s eyes and rejoices in being called His daughter.

Gospel for Asia Radio Program Ministers to Millions

GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan — Uninhibited by social or geographical barriers, radio programs enable millions of people across Asia to hear of God’s love.

Each year, our radio teams receive more than 2 million pieces of correspondence from listeners like Jinsy, many of whom share about their struggles with suicidal thoughts or deep despair. Through your prayers and support, you can help provide life-giving programming for those needing hope in their darkest hour!

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Seeking Death but Finding Life

Learn more by reading the Gospel for Asia Special Report on An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

KP Yohannan in Radio: “That’s Something We’ll Cherish”

May 29, 2024 By GFA Staff Writer

0 Comments

WILLS POINT, TX — The public viewing for the late Dr. K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) on May 15 in Dallas, Texas, was attended by approximately a thousand mourners, including presidents of national Christian organizations; former dignitaries of the Indian parliament; bishops, priests and leaders of various Christian denominations; and many men and women who grew up listening to Yohannan on the radio overseas.

=====

“When I was very young, my mother, at 5:30 in the morning, would turn on the radio, and I would hear K.P.’s voice,” said one individual whose words were echoed by many who attended the public viewing.

K P Yohannan Radio Ministry: Touching Millions Across the Globe — Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of GFA World, doing his Athmik Yathra radio recording during the coronavirus lockdown in April 2020.

Victor Abraham, CEO and president of Skypass Group, knew Yohannan for more than 30 years and handled most of his travel.

“There is a special anointment that we see,” Abraham said while at the public viewing. “[Yohannan] has blessed many across the globe. You know, today still people are talking about when they wake-up in India they listen to Athmik Yathra radio. … That’s how they connect to him. … That’s something we’ll cherish the rest of our lives.”

K.P. Yohannan started broadcasting radio messages in 1986. In an article published in GFA World’s magazine,[1] Yohannan shared how his radio program (Athmik Yathra) began through the encouragement of longtime friend David Mains, Chapel of the Air radio broadcaster.

“[Mains] was doing a radio program and wanted it broadcast in my native Indian language,” Yohannan wrote. “I told him, ‘No problem. As soon as you can find someone to pay for it, we can find someone to do it.’ I didn’t expect him to say, ‘No, I want you to do it.’ I told him I didn’t have the formal language to do that. When I tried, I found out I didn’t know the biblical words in my native language because in my formative years I had been away from home. But I agreed to try, and so I stumbled along and recorded those 50 programs as best I could.”

It was Yohannan’s simple, informal language that helped many understand Christ’s love for the very first time. In the first years of Yohannan’s radio ministry, millions of letters and phone calls poured in from those whose lives were changed because of his powerful messages.

Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters Association (NRB), traveled from Nashville to attended the public viewing of the late missionary stateman.

“K.P. and Gospel for Asia were longtime members of NRB and had a tremendous impact on our membership,” Miller said. “Many of our members have been encouraged, blessed and many people have gone into the ministry because of the work of K.P.”

Last year, Yohannan was on the international panel at the 2023 NRB convention and shared about what was happening around the world concerning missions.

“He brought that broader vision to the NRB audience,” Miller shared. “And of course, he was very much into broadcasting and used media to reach lost people and encourage and strengthen the Church. I think he was probably one of the early pioneers on that, particularly…across Asia.”

In 2003, NRB presented Yohannan with its Individual Achievement in International Broadcasting award in 2003.[2]

Today, K.P. Yohannan’s messages are aired in more than 110 languages across the world. In North America, people can listen to Yohannan’s radio program GFA Minute, which invites listeners to live in the light of eternity.[3]

About K P Yohannan

K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until he departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024, had written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 4 million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.

Notable News about KP Yohannan: MissionsBox | NRB | Patheos | Crosswalk

[1] GFA World. “Conversations: Honoring the Past, Pursuing the Future.” July 2019. https://www.gfa.org/gfa-world/2019/july-departments/#con-0719.

[2] NRB. “In Memoriam: Dr. K.P. Yohannan.” May 9, 2024. https://nrb.org/in-memoriam-dr-k-p-yohannan/.

[3] GFA World. “GFA Minute”. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/gfaminute/.

KP Yohannan Challenges Listeners to Reject ‘Mediocre Christianity’ in GFA Minute Radio Show by Gospel for Asia

March 7, 2023 By GFA Staff Writer

0 Comments

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) one of the largest global mission agencies now in both Africa and Asia, has seen significant growth in the reach of GFA Minute, its rebranded radio program – now on 250 radio stations across the U.S.

The minute-long program features K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), sharing his heart about biblical discipleship and the many “lost souls around the world who need the love and salvation that Jesus offers.”

“My desire is that listeners walk closer to God and strengthen their reliance on faith that comes from having a heart for missions, Jesus, and the lost world,” said Yohannan, also known as Metropolitan Yohan, who started the mission agency over 40 years ago.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World), which is experiencing unprecedented growth with the global ministry’s move into Africa in addition to its original mission to Asia, is using GFA Minute to share Yohannan’s message with the social media generation.

“We hope GFA Minute encourages listeners to reach their lost world, pray for the world, build up their faith, and make the sacrifices necessary to see the world come to Christ,” said Yohannan. “It’s a simple and unique daily challenge to listeners to walk away from mediocre Christianity.”

Plans for additional growth include reaching Canadian radio outlets and additional outlets in the U.S. For information about where to tune in, or for updates on new outlets, visit www.GFAMinute.org.

About GFA World

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national missionaries bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.

Read more blogs on Radio Ministry and KP Yohannan on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, New GFA World Radio Program Challenges Listeners to Reject ‘Mediocre Christianity’

A 60-Second Radio Feature from GFA World Inspires Crisis-Weary Generation

March 4, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide, announces: Nearly 40 years after his landmark book Revolution in World Missions shook the evangelical world, K.P. Yohannan — founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) — hosts the brand new radio series, GFA Minute (www.GFAMinute.org).

K.P. Yohannan, author of Christian classic Revolution in World Missions, hosts new GFA Minute radio series — **60 SECONDS OF HOPE:** K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World)*, has launched a brand new radio series, GFA Minute* (*www.GFAMinute.org), to encourage crisis-weary believers and inspire a generation searching for hope and purpose.*

A new series of rapid-fire radio broadcasts aims to inspire a generation searching for hope and purpose as the pandemic drags on and America faces crises on several fronts.

“People are desperate for encouragement right now and want to know their lives really matter,” Yohannan said. “We’re all looking for hope and purpose.”

He aims to encourage America’s crisis-weary believers and challenge the “digital generation” to “live every minute in the light of eternity.”

“The pandemic, steep price increases in the stores, and deep divisions in our country have left many in America demoralized and disheartened,” said Yohannan, who has seen his Texas-based mission organization grow into one of the largest in the world, serving millions of the poorest families in Asia, and now Africa as well.

GFA Minute challenges listeners to share their faith passionately and practically with a world in chaos. “Today, 2.7 billion people are heading toward eternity without Christ. The One who came to seek and save the lost is now looking for us… to pray, fast, send missionaries, and go serve the poor,” said Yohannan.

60 Seconds of Hope

Yohannan’s 60-second radio broadcasts call listeners to avoid materialism and instead live a Christlike lifestyle of compassion, simplicity, and humility.

“Gospel for Asia (GFA World) has always been about equipping people to impact their world with Christ’s love,” said Yohannan.

OM International founder George Verwer described Yohannan as a leader with “a pure heart (and) great passion.”

GFA World’s national missionaries minister in 12,000 parishes — or local churches — across Asia. The organization is also expanding into Africa.

Visit www.GFAMinute.org to listen to the broadcasts and download free media files.

About GFA World

Read more blogs on Radio Ministry and KP Yohannan on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, GFA World’s 60-Second Radio Feature Inspires Crisis-Weary Generation

Tuning in to Hope with Gospel for Asia Radio

November 8, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought Jesus to Kaneila’s life, bringing transformation amid her husband’s opposition to her new found faith.

It was a day like any other for Kaneila. She completed her household tasks, attended to her children’s needs and did what she could to prepare for her husband’s return home from working in the Philippines. As she settled in to listen to her radio, she was drawn by the message of Bishop Antonius Mor Eusebius on a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program. Seeking merely soothing sounds, Kaneila found soothing words for her soul and tuned in regularly, searching for that same voice.

Hearing and Hiding

Discussing the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought Jesus to Kaneila's life, bringing transformation amid her husband's opposition. — Kaneila found hope through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program.

Soon after listening to the radio program, Kaneila connected with her neighbor, a member of the Gospel for Asia church in her village, and expressed how she enjoyed the program. From then on, Kaneila and her neighbor developed a deeper friendship that helped the mother grow in her understanding of Jesus. Eventually, Kaneila joined her neighbor in worshiping Jesus at the local church.

Kaneila loved learning about Jesus

, but fearing her husband’s reaction to her newfound faith, she read her Bible in secret.

Tears, Testimonies and Transformations

When Kaneila’s husband found out she was attending church, he grew furious. He beat her and coerced her to not go. Fearful, Kaneila thought the only way to protect herself was to go back to her old ways, abandoning her faith in Jesus.

Hearing of her difficult situation, the pastor of the church she had been attending reached out to her; so did many of Kaneila’s neighbors. They visited her, read Scripture, and shared their own testimonies of how Jesus worked in their lives. Kaneila was encouraged by their words, and she continued praying for her own protection as well as her husband’s transformation.

After four months of diligent prayer and enduring faith, Kaneila received an answer. Kaneila’s faith in Jesus had changed her, and her husband had taken notice. Her attitude and behavior touched his heart deeply, and he allowed her to go to church again. He even asked her to pray for certain things in his own life.

Kaneila is now an active member of the local church. She attends all spiritual programs and helps however she can. Kaneila no longer lives in fear of her husband’s reactions but enjoys the freedom, healing and soothing of soul she has found through Jesus Christ—all thanks to a radio program.

Read Amir’s testimony about a Gospel for Asia radio program.

Source: Gospel for Asia Filed Reports, Tuning in to Hope with Gospel for Asia-Supported Radio

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

Tuning In to the Power of Radio

September 17, 2019 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the impact Gospel ministry through radio in Asia continuously brings to more than one million listeners each year, bringing them hope in the love of Jesus.

I can’t remember the last time I owned a stand-alone radio. I remember evenings as a child, sitting on my grandfather’s lap and listening to the stories, the news and the music emanating from the speakers in that mysterious piece of furniture.

I remember hearing the choir singing “Jesus Saves” as Dr. Charles E. Fuller and the Old-Fashioned Revival Hour came onto the air. Rudy Atwood was at the piano and the Old-Fashioned Revival Hour Quartet was always ready with an inspirational song. The entire congregation singing “Heavenly Sunshine” was a treat every week.

I was once in New York listening to the uplifting music and Bible lessons aired across the entire continent from Pasadena, California.

But today, technology has lured most of us away from anything as “old-fashioned” as radio. There are just too many other things to occupy our times and our minds. Who needs radio?

People in Asia Need Radio

Radio is one of the least mentioned but most enduring ministries supported by Gospel for Asia. Gospel for Asia (GFA) has been producing and airing radio programs in Asia since 1986, speaking hope and truth into areas with extreme need.

Religious, social, and political barriers often make ministry challenging in various regions. Rough terrain can also hinder national workers from bringing aid and comfort to the residents of rural villages. Even illiteracy, which is high in many regions of Asia, can make it hard for people to learn about Christ. But a family doesn’t need to know how to read to listen to their radio, and radio broadcasts can cross treacherous terrain to share with people who are hungering for a love greater than the world can offer. Walls cannot keep this faithful messenger away, so hope-filled programs can be heard within prisons, hospitals and even brothels.

Even in the most remote areas, radio waves can bless whoever tunes in. And in Asia, it is still one of the most cost-effective tools for sharing the message of Christ’s redemptive hope. For so many people, a radio program may be their first and only exposure to the love of Jesus.

Gospel for Asia’s radio ministry supports broadcasts in more than 100 different Asian languages. Each year, more than one million listeners contact Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported radio teams to ask questions about Jesus Christ or about how to live for Him.

While many of us may consider radio a thing of the past, to those in Asia whose lives are being transformed by the hope it brings, radio is helping shape their future—even their eternal future.

Now is a good time to reflect on the global impact of radio when used by followers of Christ. It’s not time to tune out. It’s time to tune in and pray.

Sources:

The Road to Reality, Official Website
Gospel for Asia, Radio in Asia
Gospel for Asia, Facts about Radio in Asia

Learn more about how the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in the hearts of listeners throughout Asia through radio. GFA Radio is reaching across geographical and political barriers, establishing fellowships in isolated areas yet to be reached by missionaries.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Suffering and Persevering Through Weakness in Ministry (Gospel for Asia Report)

October 18, 2017 By GFA Staff Writer

Do you ever feel weary in the midst of serving the Lord? Have you spent sleepless nights crying out to God to give you strength? Have you come to the end of yourself over and over again only to find that the next morning you have to face another day in the battle? Another day completely dependent on the Lord for His strength?

Gospel for Asia-supported national missionaries are no different. They become weary, discouraged and overwhelmed just like the rest of us. But we also share something else in common: We are all more than conquerors through Christ. Even in those bleakest moments of pain, sorrow, confusion and weariness, we can rest in the hope of God’s promises that He is ever with us, and He will not leave us.

On the topic of suffering and persevering through weakness in ministry, Munay’s story comes to mind. This dear sister in the Lord poured out her life to serve others with strength, vigor and joy. But tragedy struck. Life was not beautiful or clear. It was in moments of fogginess and tireless prayers that God brought glory and honor to His name. Here is her story:

When Cancer Tries to Take Over

Tears freely tumbled down Munay’s cheeks and spilled onto her already soaked pillow. Cancer raged inside her body even though Munay had underwent surgery and eight chemo injections. Now radiotherapy attacked her cancerous cells. Too sick to move, Munay lay on her bed. Thoughts raced in her head, moving her past the physical pain—her heart was breaking. She couldn’t die now, not yet. There was so much work yet to be done, and if she didn’t do it, who would?

This is Munay. She journeyed through many struggles. After five years of ministry she found out she had cancer.

Finding Victory Through Prayer

Munay never experienced an easy road of ministry. She was not an eloquent speaker which made it difficult for her to convey 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 all of this did not cause Munay to give up. Munay was convinced she was called by God, and she was prepared to face all kinds of adversity 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. The local people mocked her little prayer fellowship. They tried to discourage the believers with sarcastic remarks, but Munay encouraged them and fixed her eyes heavenward alongside them.

Cancer Threatens Missionary’s Service

After five years of serving in this community, 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, 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 Maunay’s faith-filled prayers and brought her healing. Munay came through her terminal illness as one tried through fire!

“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.”

God has called many vessels who are willing to give their whole lives so others may meet the Savior. Munay’s life is one among many committed men and women who hand the Lord their very lives for the love of Christ Jesus.

Overcoming Obstacles

Munay’s life gives testimony to God and His strength in weakness. Munay was not eloquent but she was willing, and this made her useful in the hands of the Lord. Though she underwent much opposition from the beginning of ministry she didn’t allow her circumstances to sway her resolve. She knew following Christ meant sacrifice , tears and sweat. And she overcame. She held on and clung to Christ in the darkest hours.

The next time you feel ready to throw in the towel of ministry, remember Munay and the many who have gone before us as they followed the Lamb. Indeed, we are more than conquerors.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” —Romans 8:37

=====
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Go here to know more about Gospel for Asia: GFA.net | GFA Wiki | GFA Flickr

Death Cannot Kill You

April 11, 2023 By KP Yohannan

0 Comments

A good friend and well-known Christian theologian visited our work in Asia. He came to one of the leprosy colonies, filled with people who are in horrible pain and suffering. They are so alone, rejected by everyone, without any hope of relief. Then, he was invited to share something to those who had gathered, share a word of prayer. He told us he stood there, numb, not knowing what to say.

Let me ask you—faced with a congregation who is familiar with every kind of suffering, what would you have shared? What could possibly be said? Speak of health, wealth, and the possibility of a great life by faith?

Standing in that desolate place, this Bible teacher opened his mouth and spoke of the Resurrection, our great enduring hope. For with Christ’s Resurrection comes the assurance that all in Christ shall be made alive, and bearing the image of Christ (1 Cor 15:22,49).

No One is Exempted

Suicide rates reveal that even the affluent, prestigious, famous, and highly educated ultimately give up on life. What do we make of that? As successful as their lives may appear, on the inside they are crippled by comparison, rejection, abuse, greed, loneliness, helplessness, despair. More money is not the elixir we’re led to believe.

One absolute reality for all humanity—whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, in the center of the public eye or on the fringe of society—is death. All will die, and you are dying now, and so am I.

Friend, the whole world is in crisis. The non-stop weeping of bereaved mothers, loved ones with a death-sentence diagnosis , the violence, and persecution. Where is the answer? Where do we turn for hope?

A cheap gospel of prosperity and positive-thinking is not the answer; it just doesn’t cut it.

Hope That Supersedes Suffering

The faith given to us by the Holy Church asserts, in this world we will have trouble, but take heart, Christ has overcome the world. The healing balm they offer to us is a suffering-with-hope. The hope is the journey to restoration, the original creation as God intended, and that hope is the answer to the suffering we have to endure.

Christ’s Resurrection is our hope—and that hope so far exceeds any momentary circumstance. Christ and His resurrection are the only hope for healing and life. Through our faith in Him, we can overcome death as He rose from the dead. This hope is not mere respite in the here-and-now, but it goes beyond that and is the guarantee of eternal triumph, glory, rest. As Paul told us, “If in Christ we have hope for this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19). His Resurrection is hope for us today and forever.

Because Christ rose from the dead, resurrection for us is guaranteed. He is why we have hope. So in the end, we can look into the face of death and shout, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:33)

Our Guiding Hope

This hope, of course, is not free license to set our spiritual journey on cruise-control. Instead, we ought to be all the more invigorated in our commitment to Him. Think: Olympians train in their sport for maybe 16 hour days to cross the finish line; every decision from food to social engagements is made in light of its impact on reaching that finish line. So, too, we see the Apostle Paul living with undivided dedication as he looks forward to the crown awaiting Him—the very crown that awaits us all, those who would live for Him.

As we celebrate this Resurrection Sunday and head into all the weeks that follow, I urge you my friend, keep Christ’s resurrection at the forefront of your life. Death cannot kill you. Together, we can “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

“You are dying, and so am I.”

What is your reaction to this thought? What is one area in your life where you can remind yourself that Christ and His Resurrection are your hope? It could be in sickness, a difficult relationship issue, loss or fear. Consider in what area you can let Christ’s Resurrection bring new life and the hope of Easter into your daily life.

About K P Yohannan

K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), has written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 4 million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.

About GFA World

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency in Wills Point, Texas, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.

Read more on KP Yohannan on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox

GFA World | Lighting up Stoney Creek Through Christmas Trees

January 16, 2023 By GFA Staff Writer

0 Comments

STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — Every year GFA World and their mission partner, St Cyprian BEC, work together to bring beauty and light to their neighbourhood. One of the ways we do this is by turning three large evergreens into Christmas trees! On November 27 we held a Christmas Tree Lighting. At this event, the Christmas trees were official turned on. They will continue to shine their glorious light all night long until January 6, 2023.

Light and Warmth for All

Every year GFA World and their mission partner, St Cyprian BEC, work together to bring beauty and light to their neighbourhood. — St. Cyprian BEC begins the Advent season by hosting a community event to help bring light to our neighbourhood this Christmas.

Despite the rainy weather, everyone really enjoyed the event. Warm fellowship, friendly smiles, and hot drinks helped to bring joy to the evening. By working together with Gospel for Asia (GFA World), we seek to bring warmth and light to communities in many different nations. Recently, a local pastor and his wife were able to help bring warmth to those rag picking in their community. Through giving the simple gift of blankets to slum dwellers, they are also spreading the Light of Christmas.

Dark nights, different coloured lights, bright stars, and a simple manger scene all come together to bring beauty, joy, and light to the Stoney Creek community. At the Christmas tree lighting Homemade treats were served, hot apple cider and hot chocolate. We sang classic Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World”, “O Christmas Tree”, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. The event was free for all, and we were happy to welcome nearly 50 guests from our community!

Public Servant Flips the Switch

Along with other community members, we were pleased to welcome Todd White and his family. Todd White is the School Board Trustee for Wards 5 and 10, Stoney Creek, and he spoke at the event. Also, he had the honour of pushing the button to officially turn on the Christmas trees. It was very exciting to see the dark night light up when they were turned on!

You can be a part of our mission to transform communities through God’s love too! By providing gifts for those in need, you can equip churches around the world to host events to bless their communities. Together, we can bring light to our communities, celebrating Christ and transforming!

About Gospel for Asia – GFA World

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national missionaries bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.

Media interested in interviews with Gospel for Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or gwooding@inchristcommuications.com

Source: GFA World Digital Media Room, Lighting Up Stoney Creek

Learn more about the GFA World national missionary workers who carry a burning desire for people to know the love of God. Through their prayers, dedication and sacrificial love, thousands of men and women have found new life in Christ.

Notable News about Gospel for Asia: FoxNews, ChristianPost, NYPost, MissionsBox