Gospel For Asia: Ministering Across the Globe

Last updated on: June 16, 2022 at 12:59 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the news from places around the world on the ministry and impact that GFA brings to the mission field, ministering with Christ’s love in various ways.

UNITED KINGDOM – Christians in the UK were encouraged in their walks with the Lord by a visit from Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA). In his short visit, Yohannan reinvigorated supporters by sharing inspiring reports and stories from the mission field about the work in Asia. The GFAUK office organized events in London and Manchester. Yohannan also ministered to hundreds of people as he spoke to three congregations and did an interview with UCB Radio.

GFAUK is a tiny cog in a big wheel, with just six staff members and a small team of volunteers. Yet through their faithful service from Manchester, England, God is changing lives in Asia. Meeting to pray often, the UK team is very conscious that they need the Lord to work. And He is answering. Faithful supporters give their prayers, their resources and their time. And Yohannan’s visit was an opportunity for them to hear how God is using their sacrifices and gifts.

Rachel, an attendee to one of the meetings, said, “It was humbling to hear of the impact on so many lives. We are so blessed, and I’m honored to be able to support Gospel for Asia (GFA).”

Rachel works near the UK office and often gives up her lunch hour to help with simple administrative tasks at Gospel for Asia (GFA).

Reverend Paul Blackham, chief executive officer of Biblical Frameworks, also attended an event.

“GFA World … reminds us of the power of the Living God to turn the world upside down,” he said. “Brother K.P. made us feel that we are sharing in the worldwide kingdom of God from right where we are. When he tells us how the Spirit of Christ is [ministering to] so many across Asia, we know that the glory of God is as powerful today as ever.”

Yohannan’s visit was a breath of fresh air to faithful brothers and sisters making sacrifices from far away, without ever seeing what they are accomplishing. God is mightily at work, and in God’s economy, even the small things make a very big difference.

USA – Gospel for Asia (GFA) behind-the-scenes missionaries and School of Discipleship students helped process nearly 40,000 Christmas shoeboxes during their volunteer shift at Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child (OCC) processing center in Dallas.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 2, Gospel for Asia (GFA) representatives assembled in the warehouse with hundreds of other volunteers to inspect, scan, fill and prepare gift-laden shoeboxes for shipping to children in need around the world. About every hour, they paused to listen to stories of how children had been impacted through these Christmas gifts and to pray over the boxes.

Rebecca, a Gospel for Asia (GFA) behind-the-scenes missionary, recalled a story about how a young girl at an orphanage in Ukraine received a Christmas box that contained a most treasured gift: a toothbrush.

“Until she received the shoebox [from OCC], all of the children in the orphanage were using the same toothbrush! That’s what made it so special to her,” Rebecca said. “Hearing her story reminded me that even the items I think of as small or insignificant can be so precious to the children who receive them.”

During the volunteers’ shift, a truck loaded with boxes they had just processed began its journey to Mexico, where hundreds of children would be blessed with gifts in time for Christmas—and hear about God’s great love for them.

That is GFA’s second year volunteering at OCC’s processing center. By working together with the Body of Christ, Gospel for Asia (GFA) is able to minister to the needs of people living in desperate conditions beyond Asia.

“I serve at GFA because the Lord has given me a burden to see people in Asia come to know, understand and walk in the love of Christ,” Rebecca said. “Samaritan’s Purse is doing the same thing in nations where we don’t work, and I’m excited to get to partner with the Body of Christ to see the nations of this earth blessed!”

NEPAL – Sixty elementary school students in Nepal received sweaters, socks and shoes after GFA-supported workers organized a special Christmas event at their school on Dec. 25.

Most of the children’s parents work as day laborers and could not afford the necessary clothing to keep their children warm throughout the winter.

“This Christmas has become a meaningful event to my child,” said one parent. “The items that my child received are helpful, which I was not able to buy. Thank you for your love and care.”

The school’s principal attended the event and expressed his gratitude for the help given to his students.

“I am extremely happy and thankful to the church for the love and concern toward my students,” he said. “We were unable to fulfill their needs, but the church fulfilled their needs. We will always be grateful.”

GFA-supported workers seek to partner with local people in the mission field to help meet needs while ministering Christ’s love in tangible ways.

Source: Gospel for Asia World Magazine, News from the Mission Field

Learn more about the National Missionaries in the mission field and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

Learn more about how for nearly 40 years, behind-the-scenes missionaries, the Missions Support Team have functioned as a crucial link between the mission field and the Western Church.

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

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

Gospel for Asia on One Woman’s Faith Through the Fire

Last updated on: June 20, 2022 at 9:27 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Shway and the isolation and persecution she experienced, even a house on fire, and God’s divine appointment through Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor, Kyaw.

“Lord, help me!” 60-year-old Shway cried as she ran from her burning house.

The people in her village didn’t like Christians and threatened any who became one. “If you do not forsake Jesus, we will send you out of the village,” they warned her. But Shway was not shaken, so a group of drunken men set fire to her house.

The flames licked the walls and thirstily consumed the roof. Days later, Shway stood in the middle of her roofless home surrounded by charred bamboo walls.

“I never thought this would happen to me,” she said.

Familiar Territory

Shway’s situation wasn’t new for her Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor, Kyaw. Since moving to the village four years earlier, Kyaw’s house had been set on fire three times and vandalized with rocks on multiple occasions.

Despite overwhelming opposition, the Lord is using him and his wife, Cho, to bring many into His Kingdom. There are 82 believers who regularly attend their Sunday services, and Shway is one of them.

A Divine Appointment with a Gospel for Asia-supported Pastor

Shway first met Pastor Kyaw in the midst of a moment of despair. She had been collecting firewood in the forest when the weight of her loneliness became too much to bear. She sat under a tree and cried. She thought about her husband, whose intoxicated body was found drifting in a river, and her two children, who died in a bus accident.

She was alone, left to care for herself, until Pastor Kyaw and his wife found her. They listened to the older woman pour out her sorrow and then offered her the reassuring love of the Savior.

“This is my first time hearing this kind of encouragement and sweet words,” Shway had told the pastor.

Pastor Kyaw began visiting her and comforted her with God’s Word, which helped Shway see she was not alone. She started attending prayer meetings and church services, and the Lord touched her heart. She began to trade her sorrow, anxiety and loneliness for joy as she put her trust in Him.

“Jesus always loves me in the time of my sorrow and difficulties … By praising God, I have joy even though I do not have anything,” Shway said.

Shway’s church family has been a great encouragement to her. They even replaced her roof after the fire and continue to visit her to pray and share Scripture with her.

The opposition has diminished, but even if it hadn’t, Shway now knows the joy of the Lord, and nothing can take it away from her.

View the article as part of GFA World Magazine

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Feature Article, Faith Through the Fire

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

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

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

Gospel for Asia on the Mission Field: Forced to Build Their Church Five Times

Last updated on: June 28, 2022 at 1:58 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries, the courage for daily fellowship despite being forced to build their church five times, and the God who provides for our every need.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported women missionaries Champa and Bakul had been accused of a man’s death, chased out of the village and warned to never come back. For all that, a small group of believers continued to grow, and now, a temporary structure, built by the growing flock’s own hands, stood as proof. The situation made some people angry enough to break bones and destroy the whole building.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan: Discussing Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries, the courage the Lord to continue to uphold daily fellowship despite being forced to build their church five times, and the God who provides for our every need. — When a missionary visits a family, the family can experience a deep peace through a missionary’s encouraging words and prayers.

Missionaries Pray for Paralyzed Man

The village’s fellowship started in 2001 with one paralyzed man named Tariq. When Champa and Bakul first visited his house, Tariq could feel nothing in his legs. But after the two women prayed for healing, his cold legs became hot, and he was able to shake them.

The missionaries began to visit every week, sharing God’s love with Tariq and his family, praying for his full healing and teaching from the Bible. As they understood more about the love of Jesus Christ, the five members of the family, along with three of their neighbors, put their trust in Him. Shortly after, Tariq died.

The untimely death caused an uproar in the village. As the newest people in Tariq’s life, Champa, Bakul and their God were denounced as the tragedy’s cause. The missionaries were chased out of the village.

If Champa and Bakul came back, villagers warned them they would pay the consequences.

Gospel for Asia founded by K.P. Yohannan: Discussing Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries, the courage the Lord to continue to uphold daily fellowship despite being forced to build their church five times, and the God who provides for our every need.A temporary church building might be all a congregation can afford. Even though believers have a place to meet, a structure like this one is more susceptible to damage from bad weather. — A temporary church building might be all a congregation can afford. Even though believers have a place to meet, a structure like this one is more susceptible to damage from bad weather.

Church Grows Despite Threats

With threats hanging over them, Champa and Bakul remained quiet for two weeks. But as the Lord placed courage in the believers’ hearts, the small fellowship began to meet again, and it started to grow. Ignoring the danger, new people joined the fellowship every day.

Soon, the congregation was too large to meet in a house, so the believers decided to raise money for a temporary church building. Although most of them earned meager wages as field laborers, they collected the equivalent of $400 (USD) in nearly a month.

The villagers were still angry and strongly warned the believers against constructing the church, but the believers were resolute – they needed a church building. Two months after the house of worship was complete, the villagers followed through with their threats. They assaulted believers, destroyed the church building and began leveling false accusations against the Christians.

When a missionary visits a family, the family can experience a deep peace through a missionary’s encouraging words and prayers.

“Believers are visiting our houses and destroying the photos of our god and goddesses,” the group accused.

Soon, members of the community started believing it.

Despite the opposition, the believers continued to meet in houses and welcome new members. Eventually, however, they gave in to their neighbors’ demands that they leave, and they rented land outside the village.

Perhaps there, the believers thought, they could finally worship in peace.

Congregation Builds Outside Village

After collecting another $500 (USD), the believers built a simple structure on their rented piece of land, but their rejoicing was short-lived. In 2005, two years after their first building was destroyed, an elephant trampled their new one.

A temporary church building might be all a congregation can afford. Even though believers have a place to meet, a structure like this one is more susceptible to damage from bad weather.

Some of the villagers laughed at the congregation’s predicament.

“These people are not doing good work,” they said. “Our god is not happy with them, and that is the reason this church building got destroyed by an elephant.”

Despite the accusations and mockery they faced, the believers quickly rebuilt the church and continued with worship services. The next year, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Ekanpreet was able to come shepherd the flock.

Over the next four years, the church grew. Even threats of banishment from the village didn’t stop new believers. But in 2010, a great storm ripped through the area, and once again, the believers’ church became a casualty.

For the fourth time in eight years, the congregation put itself to work, creating yet another place to worship their God. Like the other buildings, it would be flimsy and highly vulnerable to the elements, but the believers didn’t have any other options—unless someone offered them help.

Gospel for Asia founded by K.P. Yohannan: With help from supporters around the world, the congregation finally built a solid house of worship like this one, able to stand up to storms, elephants and even opposing neighbors. — With help from supporters around the world, the congregation finally built a solid house of worship like this one, able to stand up to storms, elephants and opposition.

Believers Sell Belongings for a Permanent Solution

With their temporary sanctuary in place, the believers decided it was time to find a permanent solution to their problems. They didn’t have much money after all the buildings they had constructed, so they sold their personal belongings. But even that wasn’t enough.

Fortunately, God had already provided for their need. When Pastor Ekanpreet requested help from his leaders, they sent the remaining funds for the land as well as funds for a big, beautiful church building.

Made from sturdy materials, it wouldn’t be vulnerable to the elements the way their short-term structures were, and it was large enough to fit every member. Ten years after Champa and Bakul first came to the village, the believers finally had a place to call home.

Today, 60 believers worship together in the church, which is one of the biggest in the area. And though some might be tempted to take that for granted, Pastor Ekanpreet and the congregation know it was only granted by the grace of God.

As Christ’s love spreads across Asia, hundreds of congregations are praying for permanent places to meet and grow in. You can be part of seeing God answer their prayers.

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

*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 Reports, Forced to Build Their Church Five Times

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

Gospel for Asia Shares a Burning Passion in a Frozen Land

Last updated on: June 28, 2022 at 2:09 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing national missionaries like GFA-supported worker Sutram, who minister through frozen temperatures where the need for winter clothing is great.

Sutram huddled in his home near their source of heat. Outside his house, freezing winds and frosty temperatures prevented the Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker from ministering. Sutram earnestly desired to bring news of God’s love to those around him, but it was too cold to venture outdoors—much too cold.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Discussing national missionaries like GFA-supported worker Sutram, who minister through frozen temperatures where the need for winter clothing is great. — Because he received a blanket and jacket, Sutram (not pictured) is able to continue his ministry no matter the weather.

Struggles from the Past

Sutram lived with his wife and two children in a mountainous region of Asia where he used to work as a coal miner. He came from a large family who had always been poor, and now he and his wife and children lived in poverty as well.

When Sutram came to know Christ while temporarily working in another country of Asia, he felt joy and passion in abundance. He returned home and joined a church led by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Purnendu. Sutram participated in every church activity with such enthusiasm that Pastor Purnendu encouraged Sutram to do ministry fulltime. Sutram readily agreed, and in 2018, Sutram began taking God’s love to communities around him as a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker.

Sutram threw himself wholeheartedly into his calling, actively venturing out to bring the love of God to those who likely had never heard of Jesus before. But a major hindrance to Sutram’s ministry soon became apparent: winter.

The Need for Winter Clothing

Living in a mountainous region meant that during the winter, temperatures can drop well below freezing. As a poor coal miner, Sutram had always struggled to provide for his wife and children. Now as a full-time ministry worker, he directed his humble earnings toward educating his children. There had been no money left for Surtam to buy warm clothing for himself; all he had was a thin sweater.

Despite this hardship, Sutram never wavered in his faith. He remained grateful for the privilege of serving God even in the cold. But when the frosts grew especially intense, he eventually had to remain indoors instead of going out to minister. Sutram continued to lift his needs before the Lord, asking for a way to care for his family and fulfill the calling God had given him.

Sutram’s prayers were answered mid-winter when Pastor Purnendu presented him with a warm blanket and jacket! Now, Sutram’s ministry can continue unimpeded while his family is also provided for.

“I am extremely glad and thankful to my God and leadership for the precious gifts,” Sutram says. “The [blanket and jacket] I received was beyond my expectation. It has been a great blessing for me and my family.”

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, A Burning Passion in a Frozen Land

Support the faithful men and women who risk their lives in cold climates and also help bring winter coat and blankets to needy families across Asia today.

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

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

Gospel for Asia Shares a Mother’s Hidden Legacy

Last updated on: July 14, 2022 at 10:04 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing a family torn by alcohol, opposition, and life-threatening sickness, and the legacy from the God who speaks bringing hope in the midst of despair.

In some ways, Oppilmani and Sadhya were typical of many South Asian children: They worshiped a traditional god, they couldn’t afford to go to school, and their family struggled to make ends meet under their father’s alcoholism. Yet for all their ordinariness, their mother, Naomi, knew something about their ancestry that could change their lives—if only she had the courage to embrace it.

An Unequal Union

Before she was the wife of a man who spent all his earnings on booze, and before she was the mother of two children she couldn’t support, Naomi had lived a life that was anything but ordinary in her part of the world. Naomi was a Christian, and her parents were Christians, too.

Naomi grew up praying to Jesus as a friend and reading the Bible to know Him better. Her love for God was so great, it seemed natural that she would one day pass on her faith to her children. When it came time to arrange her marriage, however, such desires were forgotten by her parents.

The wedding was held in the church and followed all the Christian traditions, but at the end of the ceremony, Naomi walked down the aisle with a man who shared another faith. The next time she attended worship services, she would discover the full extent of his antagonism toward her love for Jesus. It would be years before she entered a church again.

Alcoholic Husband Thrusts Family into Poverty

It didn’t take long after the wedding for Tarak’s alcoholism to reveal itself. Although he found steady work as a truck cleaner, he always spent his paycheck getting drunk or buying cigarettes, leaving the couple struggling for basic necessities. When Oppilmani and Sadhya were born two years apart, that struggle only increased.

As they grew, the children would need even more—clothing, food, education—and Naomi knew she had no way to adequately provide it all. When she stopped to look at her life, all she could see was a mess. In her despair, however, she thought back to her life before, and with a penitent heart, she began to pray.

Tarak still disapproved of her faith in Jesus, so Naomi didn’t tell him she had repented of her neglect toward God, or that she was praying for their family’s restoration, or that part of that restoration meant Tarak’s sobriety.

When Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Zaafir came to their village, though, she began talking with him frequently and even going to church again. She also found a way to help her children by enrolling them in the local Bridge of Hope center, where Oppilmani and Sadhya excelled in their studies and were given a new reason to hope for a better life.

For a short while, Tarak allowed Naomi’s revival, but soon his animosity returned. He began verbally abusing his wife when she attended worship services.

In the heat of constant opposition, Naomi lessened her church attendance, but she refused to give it up entirely. As she continued praying for her family, a bigger crisis began brewing in Tarak’s life.

Lung Infection Threatens Father’s Life

Tarak had been drinking and smoking for years when breathing became difficult for him. It began as simple asthma but quickly progressed into something unmanageable. Waves of nausea overtook the father of two, and he began vomiting blood. Although he could no longer eat, Tarak continued to drink alcohol.

Within a few days, the family had to take Tarak to the hospital. The doctors said he had a serious lung infection, and he would die if he didn’t have an operation. After years of spending his income on alcohol, though, Tarak didn’t have enough money to be treated.

Heartbroken, Naomi, Oppilmani and Sadhya took Tarak home. All they could do now was prepare for life without a husband and father.

Oppilmani and Sadhya continued attending the Bridge of Hope center, but it was clear to the staff that something was wrong. When they asked Oppilmani the reason for his sadness, he explained his father’s condition and the surgery they couldn’t afford.

The staff encouraged the 12-year-old, telling him Jesus could solve his problems, and they decided to pay a visit to the family.

God Speaks to Father through Bridge of Hope Staff

When the center coordinator arrived at Oppilmani’s home with two social workers, Tarak had thinned drastically and looked years beyond his age of 35. Still, the group shared from God’s Word and encouraged the family to ask Him for mercy.

As the staff shared, the Lord spoke to Tarak’s heart. He confessed his wrongdoings to God, and from that day on, a change began to sweep through the family.

Naomi was allowed to attend prayer meetings regularly, and along with the pastor and the other believers, she prayed for Tarak’s healing. Slowly, he began to recover, and he opened his heart to God. Now, instead of protesting his wife’s church attendance, he brings the children to church, too.

As Oppilmani and Sadhya learn about Christ from their pastor and their parents, they have a true hope of continuing their family’s legacy: raising each generation to serve God.

“Jesus turned our trouble into happiness,” Naomi says, “and we are ever thankful to Jesus.”

Learn more about how to sponsor and help children trapped in generational abject poverty who need a Bridge of Hope.

Source: Gospel for Asia Report, Their Mother’s Hidden Legacy

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

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

Gospel for Asia Shares How God Uses Us to Show His Love in Practical Ways

Last updated on: July 14, 2022 at 10:11 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the ministry of national missionaries, the physical challenges they endure, and the impact a simple gift of a new bicycle can make in the transformation of villages, touched with the love of God.

Limited. That’s how Pastor Jachin felt. The members of his congregation live in several different villages that were some distance from his church. Whenever a believer was sick or in need of prayer, Pastor Jachin tried to be there. There was one problem, however: He had no personal form of transportation. Taking the public bus was costly, and it took a toll on his finances because he had to visit and encourage the believers nearly every day. The miles grew longer and larger as his finances became smaller.

Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the ministry of national missionaries, the physical challenges they endure, and the impact a simple gift of a new bicycle can make in the transformation of villages, touched with the love of God. — Pastor Jachin (pictured fourth from the right) and 11 of the 12 other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers pose each with their new bicycle.

Blessed by a New Bicycle

Pastor Jachin’s leaders saw his need and organized a bicycle distribution. In total, 13 Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers, including Pastor Jachin, received bicycles to aid them in their ministry. Like Pastor Jachin, they lacked a vehicle of their own and had to use public transportation whenever they needed to travel. Each worker expressed thankfulness for this blessing, recognizing their ministry would be less hampered by having the physical strain they previously endured be diminished.

Pastor Jachin was particularly excited that he was now able to more easily visit believers and further his ministry.

“I am so thankful for this bicycle, which is truly helpful in the ministry,” he says. “I can now immediately visit the believers for prayer when they call me.”

Their Burdens Eliminated

Like Pastor Jachin, thousands of other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers have been blessed with a bicycle. They, too, were overwhelmed by the monetary or physical burden of travel and often felt their time and energy were consumed by the constant moving from place to place, leaving less for ministry.

Giving these workers bicycles alleviates their burden and also widens their scope of ministry, allowing them to touch more lives with the love of God. That is the impact of a gift so simple as a bicycle. Lives are transformed when one worker receives a bicycle, and now, many more will be touched with the love of God.

Learn more about bicycles, and how lives are blessed and changed through them.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Bicycles Lift Burdens

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of Bicycles — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

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

Gospel for Asia Paved the Way and God Broke Through

Last updated on: February 4, 2020 at 9:02 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Jai and how God broke through his heart, overcome with God’s presence through the faithfulness of his family and the ministry of national missionaries.

“I was dreadfully stunned when my wife, 62 years old then, told me she became a Christian. I warned her hundreds of times not to go to her sister’s home, not to attend fellowship and not to listen to anything about Jesus Christ. But regardless of my words of warning, she believed in Jesus Christ as her Savior. I found myself like Goliath, who was terribly defeated by David, a young lad. Not only my wife but my daughter, son and all of my relatives became Christians. I started pondering deeply and carefully about my family and my villagers. What happened to them? Why did they believe in Jesus Christ as God? Is Jesus Christ really God, greater than my gods and goddesses?” — Jai

Jai grew up in a family that followed the traditional religion of his village. He hated that his wife, daughter and son had become Christians. He tried to prevent them from attending church services by sending them out on various tasks so they would be late to worship. He even invited religious leaders to reacquaint his family with their old religion. Yet none of this availed to turn their hearts away from Jesus.

“They stood firmly in their faith,” Jai says. “How my dear wife and children could tolerate patiently all my ill treatment and my bitter criticism about their faithful life in God, I don’t know.”

During this time, Jai developed a severe headache. Whenever it would surface, Jai’s daughter would tell him Jesus had the power to cure him, and then she would pray.

“Dear Jesus Christ,” she’d say, “cure my father’s headache, so he will know You as God.”

Her prayers, however, only angered Jai, and he’d tell her to leave him alone.

God Broke Through

One evening, as Jai laid in bed resting, he heard people singing the hymn “I Surrender All.” Moved by the lyrics, he got up and headed for the room. Standing at the door, he looked at the women who had gathered in his home to worship Jesus.

Jai began trembling, and tears rolled down his cheeks. His wife came to him, held his hand and led him inside the room.

“Everybody looked confused,” Jai remembers. “They were fully acquainted with my foolish behavior before. So they waited quietly, as if I was going to harm them.”

Instead, overcome by God’s presence, he suddenly cried out, “Oh Jesus Christ, if You are the true God, then show me; show me Your face!”

He knelt down and wept. The pastor laid his hand on Jai’s head, and he felt peace. The following days, Jai spent seeking forgiveness and experiencing cleansing that is found only in the blood of the Lamb. Today, Jai faithfully serves the Lord with his family. And the headache? “No, there is no headache any longer,” Jai says. “Thank you, Jesus!”

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, God Broke Through

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways and allowing themselves to be a tool in God’s hands.

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

They Placed Their Hopes in the Prayers of a Gospel for Asia-Supported Stranger

Last updated on: July 14, 2022 at 10:13 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan– Discussing Kalpa’s family, the sickness and poverty, and their hope brought forth by God who heals and provides through national missionaries and the GFA Christmas Gift Catalog.

Kalpa lay numb on the hospital bed. His whole body was swollen, and no medications changed his condition. Being the oldest of five children in his family, Kalpa knew he needed to care for his family. They needed him, especially since his father, Iham, was extremely ill too. But how could he help if he stayed in the hospital—or died?

Family in Deep Sickness

Kalpa and his family were poor. They lived in a two-room home, with one room devoted to their livestock. When his father got sick, Kalpa, his mother and his younger siblings had to work to survive. Because of this, some of Kalpa’s siblings had to drop out of school early. But Kalpa was determined to finish, so he divided his time between school and work.

To add to his difficulties, Kalpa suffered from a sickness for three years. When it took him to the hospital it brought sudden despair. Discouragement filled the family’s hearts as they thought Kalpa was bound to die—until Iham spoke up. Muffled by the sores on his mouth, he shared of how he had seen another villager healed from a tumor because of a pastor praying.

With a sprout of hope, Kalpa and his family left the hospital and traveled to the church where they met Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Haatim.

Pastor Prays

Pastor Haatim listened to their pleas for help and began praying for Kalpa.

For a month, Pastor Haatim and the other believers prayed, and as a result, Kalpa was completely healed. This miracle confirmed the truth of God’s love, and the entire family opened their hearts to Jesus.

Now that Kalpa was healed, he could devote more time to studying and helping his family. But even with the extra hours of work, their meager finances left them struggling and still caring for Iham’s boil-ridden face.

Son and Father Healed, Receives Gift

Though their financial struggles were prominent, they once again saw God’s healing touch: He healed Iham’s sickness.

Then Iham could help in the field, but the family still barely met their daily needs. When Pastor Haatim saw their condition, he requested a gift that would help generate much-needed income for the family.

Through a Christmas gift distribution, Kalpa received a sewing machine, which he rejoiced over. With much diligence and excitement, Kalpa learned how to sew from an in-town tailor. He became skilled in sewing women’s clothing. He started stitching the villagers’ clothing and earned a reputation of being an excellent tailor among the community. Through his earnings, he was able to help provide for his family’s needs. He even helped save the family some money by sewing clothes for his mother and sisters.

With the extra income Kalpa received, he was able to build a small shed next to his home that has his own sewing shop. He keeps a Bible and songbook next to him so he can meditate on the promises of God while he works.

Just as God used a sewing machine to provide for Kalpa and his family and grow their hope, all gifts are able to provide families with a means of living and fill them with a lasting joy that continues into many generations. Today, you can fill another family’s home with joy by providing a gift through Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog.

See other gifts for the poor

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, They Placed Their Hope in the Prayers of a Stranger

Learn more about how generosity can change people’s lives and grow their hope. Gifts like pigs, bicycles and sewing machines break the cycle of poverty and show Christ’s love to impoverished families in Asia. One gift can have a far-reaching impact, touching families and rippling out to transform entire communities.

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

A Building Worth Waiting For

Last updated on: July 15, 2022 at 4:21 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan –Discussing the experiences national missionaries in the mission field, the absence of a place of worship, the struggles they face, and the testimony of God’s faithfulness through it all.

Pastor Mahon looked at the beautiful blue and white structure. It stood so strong—and pointed to God’s glory. Within its walls, reverent believers gathered in celebration, praising the Lord. The saints who gathered there had an anchor of hope living inside them. As Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Mahon gazed at the building, all the struggles and opposition he had faced faded away.

God had done what once would have seemed unthinkable.

Pastor Mahon (serving with Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan)and his family. Even through hardships in ministry, he has faithfully served the Lord, and because of his devotion to Jesus, there is much fruit to show from his life. — Pastor Mahon and his family. Even through hardships in ministry, he has faithfully served the Lord, and because of his devotion to Jesus, there is much fruit to show from his life.

Pastor Mahon’s Ministry Begins

Pastor Garvan (serving with Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan)grew in his walk with Jesus under the shepherding of Pastor Mahon. After a time, he decided to serve the Lord with his whole life. His testimony was the first fruits of Pastor Mahon's church and ministry. — Pastor Garvan grew in his walk with Jesus under the shepherding of Pastor Mahon. After a time, he decided to serve the Lord with his whole life. His testimony was the first fruits of Pastor Mahon’s church and ministry.

Pastor Mahon began his ministry in this same village in Asia in 1996. When he first started serving the Lord in this place, it was far from easy. Many opposed him because of the message of peace he carried with him. But Pastor Mahon did not give up, and the Lord began to soften hearts to accept His forgiveness and love.

After two years of persevering, Pastor Mahon saw many come to the knowledge of Jesus, and their lives were restored to fellowship with God. A church naturally sprung up. One of the first fruits of Pastor Mahon’s ministry was a man named Garvan and his family, who willingly invited the love of Jesus into their lives.

As Garvan grew in the Lord, he decided he wanted to serve in ministry and eventually became a pastor.

Pastor Mahon and Garvan paved the way for other brothers in Christ to carry hope with them in this village and region. One of these men was Pastor Palu.

Passing the Baton

The years passed, and Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Palu was called to shepherd the church Pastor Mahon started, when Pastor Mahon was called by his leaders to serve in another region. As Pastor Palu poured out his life for the congregation, the Holy Spirit moved him to share the hope he had found in his Lord with people in the surrounding areas. God blessed Pastor Palu’s ministry, and many vibrant believers joined the church.

Growing Church with a Great Need: A Place of Worship

The church was alive and thriving and many lives were being redeemed, but there was one problem: The congregation had no place of worship, no building to worship in. For many in Asia, when they see Christians who have no building to gather in, it is confusing. Because they have practiced religion in a set-apart structure all their lives, this makes it difficult for them to see Christ as a sacred God.

Although one believer graciously offered his home for services, he wasn’t always in town. Then when the monsoon rains or summer heat came, many believers, especially those from surrounding villages, couldn’t attend church. It was impossible to travel in extreme weather conditions.

These obstacles discouraged Pastor Palu and his congregation. Many of the brothers and sisters couldn’t follow together as they longed to. But this didn’t keep the faithful Body of Christ from praying continually for a permanent place of worship of their own.

Pastor Mahon passed the baton of his church on to Pastor Palu. Pastor Palu faithfully is leading the church that Pastor Mahon pioneered. — Pastor Mahon passed the baton of his church on to Pastor Palu (serving with Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan). Pastor Palu faithfully is leading the church that Pastor Mahon pioneered.

Pastor Palu’s congregation faced a struggle shared by many believers throughout Asia. Although the church was thriving, there remained an ever-present need for a building, a place of worship, so believers could worship the Lord together under one roof, protected from the weather.

Taking Action, Seeing Prayers Answered

While brothers and sisters in Pastor Palu’s congregation lifted their voices to God, believers around the world acted in line with the heart of Christ by giving their resources to provide for permanent places of worship. Months passed, and Pastor Palu’s congregation received the land and materials they prayed for to start their brand-new building. Construction commenced, and soon these joyful believers gathered to celebrate God’s goodness and answered prayer as their church building was completed.

A special guest was present on the church’s dedication day: Pastor Mahon, the man who had, by the Lord’s grace, started the ministry in this area.

Joyous believers are worshiping the Lord in the building they prayed for. God has blessed them tremendously through the work of Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan! — Joyous believers worship the Lord in the building they prayed for. God has blessed them tremendously!

“When I see the church building,” Pastor Mahon said, “I overlook all the difficulties that I faced in the initial days. I praise God for His faithfulness.”

In an atmosphere of joy, the believers sang songs of worship to God for meeting their need.

“It was a long-felt need,” Pastor Palu said. “I have no words to express my inner feelings and joy. Praise be to God.”

Now this place of worship can facilitate Women’s Fellowship meetings, Sunday school, youth ministry and various events and activities.

A Standing Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

Today, this building has become not only a place of permanent worship, but it has become a place where many Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers are able to meet each month to fast and pray together. God used His faithful son Pastor Mahon to share the hope of Christ to those who may never have heard His name before. The church stands not just as a building, but as a testimony of what God has done.

You can partner with our brothers and sisters across the globe who are in prayer for God’s provision for a place of worship of their own. Give a donation to fund a permanent place of worship in Asia today. Together we can stand as one, the Bride of Christ, wherever we may be located on this earth.

Source: Gospel for Asia Features, A Building Worth Waiting For

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

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

Gospel for Asia Becomes a Tool in God’s Hands

Last updated on: July 15, 2022 at 4:24 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the national missionary life of Rahi, the oppositions, discouragements, the breakthroughs by humbly becoming a tool in God’s hands, and the power of His saving grace.

The sun had not yet illuminated the day, but Rahi was awake and on his knees. Every morning, he spent an hour talking with the Creator of the universe, His Savior, about all the things stored in his heart: family, ministry, personal needs and desires, the believers in his churches. Then he spent another hour in God’s Word, meditating and seeking the Lord’s will for his day and ministry.

In those sacred hours of the very early mornings, Rahi drew strength.

Sense of Urgency

Rahi has been serving the Lord as a GFA-supported worker for about 15 years. — Rahi had a longing to be a tool in God’s hands

Rahi has been serving the Lord as a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker for about 15 years. He started off as a film-team member, going from village to village in his home state to show movies about the life of Jesus.

“I had that sense of urgency in my heart that I should go and [share Christ’s love] to many people,” Rahi says.

He watched the Lord touch people’s lives as they saw Christ’s love for humanity displayed on the screen. People would weep and confess their sins; a few even decided they wanted to serve the Lord full time. Seeing how the Lord used him in a powerful way encouraged Rahi.

Throughout his time serving in film ministry, he and his team faced opposition for showing movies about Jesus, but Rahi believed doing the Lord’s work far surpassed any momentary afflictions.

On the Brink of Giving Up

After four years of serving in the film ministry, he spent the next three years in seminary, learning how to become a leader in ministry.

But after graduating from seminary, Rahi struggled in his new ministry location. He knew no one, and he had difficulties understanding the language. He struggled to communicate; people made fun of him when he mixed up words and accidentally used his mother tongue.

Discouragement settled in Rahi’s heart. He would call his leaders to ask if they would transfer him to a different place.

“I cannot survive here,” Rahi would say. “I cannot do ministry here because of my language problem. There is no one I can talk to.”

Every time he wanted to give up, his leaders would pray for and encourage him.

“You have gone with a purpose,” they told him. “God has called you to serve there, and He will do wonders and miracles. Just be patient and persevere through these little inconveniences, and definitely the Lord will use you mightily.”

Breakthroughs in Ministry

Eventually, instead of being overwhelmed by his challenges, Rahi fixed his eyes on Christ. He knew God’s work should not stop despite his own weaknesses, so he wrote a tract called “God’s Kingdom Is at Hand,” had it translated into the local language and distributed it to the villagers. People responded; they’d call him up wanting to know more about Jesus.

“I was very encouraged to see people interested to know about Jesus,” Rahi says.

As Rahi stepped out in faith, he saw God going before him. The language he once thought was incomprehensible became easier to understand and speak.

“I started to listen to people keenly, and I started to force myself to learn the language,” he says.

Karun, a villager, remembers the first day he met Rahi. His brother had invited the pastor to his house and had told all his relatives, “Come, let’s listen to him. He’s telling us about who Jesus is.”

While Karun and his family listened to Rahi share about Christ and His compassion, hearts began to stir.

“Although [Pastor Rahi] was speaking in mixed language—his mother tongue, which is … very similar to [our language]—we all could understand most of it,” Karun said. “We liked what he said. I really was impressed and interested in knowing more about Jesus.”

Ministering to People by Becoming a Tool in God’s Hands

As Rahi persevered through the little inconveniences, the Lord drew people to Himself.

Today, Rahi oversees 12 churches with around 600 believers. His wife and a group of Sisters of Compassion and Bible college students help him in ministry because it has grown so much in five years.

Every day, they visit people and share about God’s love for them and about Jesus’ life and sacrifice. When they see people in need, they find ways to help them. So far, Rahi has helped distribute income-producing and quality-of-life gifts to more than 1,500 people.

“We distribute things that are needed for these people,” Rahi says. “We encourage them to trust in the Lord and pray that the Lord will meet their needs. ” We distribute things among both believers and non-believers so everyone in society will benefit.

Drawing Strength from the Lord

Throughout the many seasons of Rahi’s ministry and journey with God, he’s seen God’s faithfulness to use him despite his inabilities. And his heart still holds that sense of urgency for many people to know God’s love and grace personally. Every day, he lays his needs bare before the Lord and trusts Him to work.

“I draw my strength … from the Lord when I come to Him in His presence and thank Him and seek His guidance and blessings,” Rahi says. “God, in His mercy, has worked in the hearts of [the people I minister to]. I am just a tool. I go and share about Jesus, … but it is Christ and the Holy Spirit who actually bring these people to His saving knowledge.”

Sponsor a National Missionary.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, A Tool In God’s Hands

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways and allowing themselves to be a tool in God’s hands.

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