A Building Worth Waiting For

January 26, 2020 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

January 24, 2020 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.

Believers Rejoice Over New Church Buildings from Gospel for Asia

January 22, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder by Dr. KP Yohannan – Discussing the power of prayer amongst believers and national missionaries, the answered prayers for new church buildings, filling hearts with thanksgiving to the God who hears.

Gospel for Asia A community of believers gathers in celebration of the opening of their new worship place. — A community of believers gathers in celebration of the opening of their new worship place.

In six short days, God chose to answer the prayers of three groups of believers with a resounding yes. Each group had been praying for a place of worship to gather in for times of prayer, adoration and learning from the local pastor. One December, around Christmastime, these groups of believers received incredible gifts as their new places of worship opened their doors for the first time.

Church Outgrows Meeting Place

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Baru led worship services and prayer meetings for several believers, but they lacked enough space for them to gather. Some were deterred from coming regularly to prayer meetings because the space was too small to comfortably hold the number of people who attended.

At the inauguration of their place of worship, the believers were excited for the new building and thankful for the space it allowed. They expressed their gratitude, saying, “We had been praying for a long time to have a church building of our own.”

Community Constructs New Building

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Meli spent much of his time traveling throughout his village and the surrounding areas, meeting his neighbors and praying for healing from sicknesses. Soon, there was a group of 45 believers from various villages in need of a place to meet.

They prayed diligently for a permanent place of worship, and God provided them with the opportunity to build one. Construction of the building went smoothly, and the believers were soon celebrating the opening of their new church home with grateful hearts.

Donated Land Provides for Believers’ Needs

The third place of worship was an answer to prayer for Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Bahaj and 39 other believers. They had quickly discovered their need for a larger worship space and had been praying for a building that could fit their growing gatherings and accommodate more ministry functions.

After much prayer, the believers were blessed with a building on land donated by a fellow believer. They joyfully marked its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a worship service and a celebratory feast.

For each of these communities of believers, the opening of their new worship place—one that meets their needs now and for the future—was an answer to faithful prayers.

Please take a moment to learn about the additional benefits a place of worship provides. Your support of an effort to provide church buildings is an answer to prayer for a group of believers in need of a church home.

*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, Believers Rejoice over New Church Buildings

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 Jesus Well Provides Healing in a Broken Community

January 20, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. KP Yohannan – Discussing a woman’s family torn apart and persecuted for her faith, the healing ministry of national missionaries, and the restoration through the gift of a Jesus Well by God’s grace.

The house was in chaos. Fists pounded flesh, blood poured from a head wound and nothing could be said to stop the gang from destroying Laghuvi’s family. Led by Laghuvi’s husband, the group had come for revenge, for punishment, and they would take their due. Beaten herself, Laghuvi tried to protect her newborn son, but she was no match for the men. Her husband forcibly took the child and left. She hasn’t seen either one since.

Mother Suffers Seven Months after Hysterectomy

Laghuvi’s parents, Chandrabhan and Tanima, couldn’t have known the violent turn their son-in-law would eventually take. On the day of their arranged wedding, Nadir was a nice young man who followed a traditional religion—a good match for Laghuvi and for her family. Over the next year, however, medical hardship changed the family.

Doctors diagnosed Laghuvi’s mother, Tanima, with uterine problems and ordered a hysterectomy, which led to severe abdominal pain and swelling all over her body. She suffered seven months without a cure until someone suggested she go to the local church.

During the service, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Haatim and his congregation prayed fervently for Tanima, and a month later, she was healed. In response, the entire household decided to follow Christ. Nadir took the news of his in-laws’ decision as a blow. Still, he maintained a tolerable relationship with them.

God is still in the business of answering prayer, just like He healed Tanima through the prayers of local believers.

When Laghuvi became pregnant with the couple’s first child, Nadir followed cultural tradition and sent her to stay with her parents for the final trimester and birth. It was a decision he would soon come to regret.

Daughter Visits Parents, Learns of Christ

When Laghuvi arrived at her parents’ house, she quickly saw the difference Christ had made in their lives. Every night, her parents, siblings and grandfather gathered to read the Bible and pray, and they regularly attended church.

In response to his wife’s new faith, Nadir (not pictured) brought a gang to beat up her family and take his newborn son.

Laghuvi asked her mother about the changes, and Tanima eagerly shared about Jesus Christ. As Laghuvi began joining her family for church and evening prayers, she realized she wanted to follow Christ, too.

When Nadir found out about his wife’s decision, he grew nervous and wanted to take Laghuvi home, but their tradition held that a woman stays in her parents’ home for 15 days after a baby is born. By then, Laghuvi was fully committed in her relationship with Christ—even asking the church to pray for their new son.

Furious, Nadir decided he didn’t want his wife to return home after all. Instead, he hatched a plan to take back his son. The gang of religious fanatics he recruited was all too happy to help.

The group stormed into the house, with Nadir by their side, and began beating the family, demanding that they renounce Jesus Christ. While Chandrabhan suffered a dangerous blow to the head, Nadir forcibly removed his son from the house.

Later, Laghuvi watched her father be taken away by ambulance while the question of her son’s welfare still filled the air. The persecution was only beginning.

Neighbors Blame Family for Persecution

Chandrabhan came home with 12 stitches, but as word spread about the incident, it was he and Tanima who were seen as villains. Nadir had filed for a formal divorce, and in the villagers’ eyes, the couple had chosen a new religion over their daughter’s wellbeing. It was foolish and even cruel.

“What is there in Jesus more than a son-in-law?” the neighbors asked. “Don’t they care about their daughter’s life?”

Carrying heavy pots of water is a common sight in many Asian communities—a task made even harder the farther the distance one has to walk.

Despite their neighbors’ protests, the family continued to trust God, and their frustrated friends eventually cut ties.

“If they don’t want to compromise with their daughter’s life, we will not have fellowship with them,” they said.

Just in case social isolation wasn’t painful enough, the community took its punishment one step further by physically blocking the family from the public well. Whenever a member of the family even approached the well, the villagers harshly scolded them.

The next closest water source was at a school over half a mile away, and they often couldn’t draw enough for the family and their livestock. Their community made it clear: Receive the Living Water and we will reject you.

A Jesus Well Restores Family’s Wellbeing, Reputation

In the midst of the family’s turmoil, Chandrabhan turned to Pastor Haatim and asked him about getting a well that would be open to everyone. Pastor Haatim talked to his leaders, and later that year, a well was drilled behind Chandrabhan’s house.

Because of that one simple move, the village completely changed its attitude toward Chandrabhan, Tanima, Laghuvi and their family. Instead of condemnation, the community showed them appreciation and respect, and the family has returned the good will.

Through Through the gift of a Jesus Well (pictured), Tanima’s family and their neighbors now have free access to clean water in the name of Jesus. — Through the gift of a Jesus Well (pictured), Tanima’s family and their neighbors now have free access to clean water in the name of Jesus.

When the summer’s heat dried up the village’s two older wells, Chandrabhan and his family welcomed their neighbors at the Jesus Well, which was still going strong. Now, more than 30 families use the well regularly, and some people even came to know Christ’s love by talking to Chandrabhan over buckets of water.

As for Laghuvi, she still hasn’t seen her son or the husband who divorced her, but the Lord gave her a new husband from the church. And when they start their family, Laghuvi knows their future will be one marked not by violence but by the joy of Jesus Christ.

By giving a Jesus Well, you can help provide for fellow believers, quell persecution and provide clean water in more villages—all in the name of Jesus. Give toward a Jesus Well today and see how God will transform lives.

Learn more about how to provide pure, clean water to families and entire villages through a Jesus Well or a BioSand Water Filter.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Her Husband Kidnapped Their Son

Read the “Dying of Thirst”: The Global Water Crisis Special Report — The Crucial Quest for Access to Pure, Clean Water.

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

Shy Boy Finds Haven in Gospel for Asia-supported After-School Program

January 18, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by KP Yohannan – Discussing the impact after-school program, Bridge of Hope, bring to the lives of children and entire families, opening opportunities for learning, growth, and even alleviation from poverty.

Ever since Zakif was a boy of just 6 years old, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope center was like his second home. Now, at the age of 13, he is a testimony to the center’s important work in benefiting the children, families and communities it serves.

Discussing the impact after-school program, Bridge of Hope, bring to the lives of children and entire families, opening opportunities for learning, growth, and even alleviation from poverty. — Zakif (pictured) thrives under his tutoring and overall care through the after-school program Bridge of Hope.

When he first began attending Bridge of Hope, Zakif suffered from poor health. His family largely depended on his mother’s meager income, while the money his father earned was often used to support the man’s addiction to strong drinks. As a result, Zakif’s poor diet mainly consisted of lentils, wheat bread and some vegetables. He also lacked proper clothing and shoes.

A New Opportunity Through a Special After-school Program

When the Bridge of Hope staff in his village learned of Zakif’s condition, they offered the boy the opportunity to attend the center. Soon, he was frequently found at the center after his day at the local school. Though he was shy at first, it was clear Bridge of Hope was becoming a haven to the young boy.

During his time at the center, Zakif received tutoring in all his school subjects, as well as in nutrition, hygiene and how to make friends. Most importantly, he experienced God’s love for him through the Bridge of Hope staff.

In addition to the lessons he was taught, the Bridge of Hope center regularly provided Zakif with nutritious food, supplies for school, clothing and household items the entire family could use. For instance, one winter, Zakif received an extra blanket that helped his family stay warm in the freezing temperatures.

As a result of the center’s provisions, Zakif grew physically, mentally and spiritually. His schoolteachers spoke highly of his academic progress during monthly consultations with Bridge of Hope staff, and even the community noticed a change in the boy. Zakif also found he enjoyed playing sports, drawing and participating in cultural programs.

No longer the shy boy who began attending Bridge of Hope, Zakif befriended all of the nearly 100 children who joined him in the center’s programs.

Not only were the staff pleased with Zakif’s progress, but his parents were also. Whatever Zakif learned at Bridge of Hope he relayed to his parents when he returned home. When Zakif’s little brother also started attending Bridge of Hope, both boys’ needs for food, clothing and school supplies were often met at the center. As a result, the family’s financial situation improved.

While Zakif has just one year left before he graduates, the lessons he has learned at Bridge of Hope and in school will continue to shape his bright future. Please pray for Zakif and his brother as they continue to grow into adulthood.

To learn more about the impact of Bridge of Hope, read Agrima’s inspiring story.

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, Shy Boy Finds Haven in After-School Program

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 Spotlight: Mountaintop Missionary

January 16, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Pastor Malay, a national missionary, investing in the lives of people even on a mountaintop, that they may know and place their trust in Jesus.

Way up in the mountaintops of Asia, Pastor Malay’s heart overflows with love for those who have not yet met their Heavenly Father. He began to pray, investing in the lives of people, building relationships with them, and expressing his love through his words as well as his actions.

One of those people was Siraj, a struggling barber. Earning less than $10 (USD) a month, he and his family barely had enough to survive.

After talking with Pastor Malay, Siraj and his family decided to place their trust in Jesus. Seeing the family’s need, Pastor Malay began to pray for a way to help Siraj in his financial situation. Soon, through Gospel for Asia’s community development program, Pastor Malay was able to present Siraj with a barber kit. This talented barber is now able to provide for his family and is growing in the Lord.

Pastor Malay continues to share with the small group of believers at the top of this mountain, however, there are still thousands who haven’t heard Jesus’ name.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Mountaintop Missionary

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

Fervent Prayers of Gospel for Asia Community Bring Girl Home

January 12, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Sabitha and the journey of her faith – from encountering Jesus, the trials that await those who call on His name, and the promised hope and answered fervent prayers for those who trust Him.

Sabitha, 16, burned with curiosity to hear more about Jesus. The truth that God loved her was almost impossible for the teenager to believe. A seed of faith sprouted in her heart.

Discussing Sabitha and the journey of her faith - from encountering Jesus, the trials that await those who call on His name, and the promised hope and answered fervent prayers for those who trust Him. — Sixteen-year-old Sabitha (pictured) lost her home and family when she followed Jesus. Then, through fervent prayers, God restored to Sabitha what she had lost.

Sabitha knew that Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Ajoy, who first told her about Jesus, held a prayer meeting every day at her friend’s house. She could go there to hear more about the God who became a man.

Once she began attending prayer meetings, Sabitha realized Jesus was the only path for her. She decided to follow Him wherever He might lead.

While attending worship services, Sabitha grew in her faith, and she learned to trust Jesus. Grateful to have a friend at the church, Sabitha watched her friend’s example of how to follow Jesus.

Parents Throw Sabitha Out

Then the bubble burst.

Sabitha’s parents found out she had begun worshiping Jesus. They became incensed at their daughter’s betrayal of their traditional gods. They heaped shame and abuse on her. In a fit of rage, they chased her out of the house.

Heartbroken, Sabitha fled to her friend Anisa’s house. Sabitha knew Anisa could help her through the difficult road that was before her. Sabitha’s friend encouraged her to pray for her parents every day, but Sabitha didn’t even know where to begin. They were so mad at her. How could she pray for them? She had been betrayed and abandoned, and now she was supposed to ask for God’s blessing for them?

As Sabitha struggled to know what to say, she listened to Anisa pray. Every day Anisa and Sabitha prayed for Sabitha’s parents. Praying together, Sabitha learned from her friend how to forgive. Starting to believe that God can work miracles, Sabitha’s prayers became bold.

“God, please do a miracle in the hearts of my parents,” prayed Sabitha, “so that they will allow me to stay in my home with them.”

God Restores What Was Lost Through Fervent Prayers

One day Sabitha’s phone rang. As it buzzed, panic gripped her chest. It was her father calling. Stomach twisting and turning, Sabitha answered.

Her voice squeaked out a trembling “hello.”

The familiar voice of her father filled the speaker. He told her she could come home. Hope sprang to life in Sabitha’s heart.

“But,” her father said, “do not try to pray in my home.”

Amazed that God heard her simple prayer, Sabitha moved back home. Undeterred by her father’s warning, she silently prayed even more often than before. She prayed for her parents to be open to the love of the Lord. Seeing now God had worked a miracle when her father invited her back home, she knew there was nothing God couldn’t do!

She prayed every day,

“Lord, please change my parents’ hearts so that they will not rebuke me or say bad words to me. Let them love me.”

Sabitha noticed her parents’ harsh comments begin to trail off. They rebuked her less. Then, one day, they told her, “You can pray at home; there is no problem.” Hearing these words, her heart almost exploded with joy! She thanked the Lord over and over for what He had done in the lives of her parents.

Sabitha goes to worship Jesus freely now and can live openly for Him. She rejoices that God has restored her to her family, and she continues to pray for her parents to know God’s love as she does. Through her painful trial, Sabitha learned she can trust Jesus, no matter where He leads her. As she is faithful to Him, He will be faithful to her.

“I will not leave Jesus,” Sabitha says, “whatever problems come in my life.”

Read what happened when troublemakers tried to halt the showing of a film about Jesus.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Fervent Prayers Bring Girl Home

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.

The Power of Christ: Gospel for Asia and a Peaceful Sleep

January 8, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Gomin and his life of alcohol and abuse, and the transforming power of God’s grace through national missionaries sharing the hope and love of Christ.

Gomin didn’t know what to do. He had tried caring for his sons as best he could, but they wanted their mother. Shame washed over him at the thought of trying to bring her back. The whole community knew it was he who had run her off and proved once and for all that he was no better than his father.

The Power of Christ: Gospel for Asia and a Peaceful Sleep - KP Yohannan — Discussing Gomin and his life of alcohol and abuse, and the transforming power of God’s grace through national missionaries sharing the hope and love of Christ.

Mother’s Suicide Leads to Alcohol Addiction

Gomin had grown up with parents who closely followed their traditional Asian religion. Their house was filled with images of their god, and every month they traveled to their place of worship to receive blessings.

Gomin’s parents encouraged him to participate in their rituals to receive blessings and peace, but Gomin didn’t see any peace or blessings in his parents’ lives. His father was addicted to alcohol, and his mother tried in vain to break his habit.

Gomin, 27, had no use for his parents’ religion, and neither did his brother, who had abandoned the religion to follow Jesus Christ. This pain, added to their father’s addiction, caused anguish so great that his mother threatened to commit suicide. When nothing changed, she followed through.

Gomin was devastated by his mother’s death and lost all interest in life and hope for his future. His father dealt with the death by drinking even more. Slowly Gomin began to turn to alcohol as well.

Man Gets Married to Fix Problems

Gomin’s relatives suggested he get married to help make him happy. He took their advice and married Ronelle. Gomin and Ronelle were soon blessed with two beautiful sons, which brought Gomin happiness, but he did not stop drinking.

His wife tried to counsel him saying, “It is not good for your health, and it’s a bad habit. Please stop drinking.”

Gomin faithfully promised, “OK, from tomorrow onwards, I will not drink.” But the next day nothing changed.

Gomin’s problem with alcohol increased, and he began to beat Ronelle. The violent turn drove her to return to her parents and leave the boys with Gomin, as was culturally expected.

The boys were distraught at their mother’s departure, but Gomin could do nothing for them.

Meanwhile, strange things began to happen at night, and though he couldn’t get his wife back, it became clear Gomin had a new resident in his house who had no intention of leaving.

Tormented at Night

It started one night while Gomin and the boys were in bed. Gomin felt like someone had entered the room. He got up to see who was there but found no one. This continued every night. Once it felt as if someone was tickling his entire body.

These nightly torments left Gomin unable to sleep at home, so he began to sleep at his brother’s house. He sought help from witch-doctors and offered sacrifices in hopes of deliverance, but he continued to face the same problems. Finally, he was so discouraged he lost all hope and decided to leave his house forever.

Desperate Man Talks with Pastor

In the midst of Gomin’s trials, a Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor named Atish came to Gomin’s brother’s house. Gomin had met the pastor before, but at that time, he hadn’t been interested in what he had to say. Now, with his wife gone and his nights filled with terror, he was ready to talk with the pastor.

Pastor Atish listened to Gomin as he shared all his problems. Then he shared the love of God with him and encouraged him from the Bible. Gomin asked Pastor Atish to pray for him.

“Everything is possible with Jesus, but you have to believe in Him,” Pastor Atish said, “then He will deliver you from this demonic affliction.”

“Yes, I believe in Jesus. I want to welcome Him into my life,” Gomin replied.

Pastor Atish prayed for Gomin’s family and also gave him some literature about Jesus, including a New Testament.

Pastor Atish continued to pray for Gomin, and after a week of praying, Gomin was completely freed of the demonic attacks at night.

Family Reunited

Over the next six months, Pastor Atish continued to visit and pray with Gomin and his sons. Gomin became a completely different man—even the community took notice. He no longer drank any alcohol, and there was peace in his house.

Gomin even got the courage to go with Pastor Atish to his in-laws’ home to ask Ronelle for forgiveness. Seeing his new life, Ronelle forgave him and went back home.

“I want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ who has changed my husband’s life and has made him a new person,” Ronelle soon told Pastor Atish.

Now Gomin’s entire family has come to know the love of Christ, and they regularly attend Pastor Atish’s church. They all desire to live for the Lord as long as life endures.

You can help make it possible for more families like Gomin’s to be restored by the grace of Jesus Christ. Sponsor a national missionary.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, No Better Than His Father

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.

Bicycles Lift Burdens through Gospel for Asia

January 1, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the ministry of national missionaries, the physical challenges they endure, and the impact a simple gift as bicycles 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.

Bicycles Lift Burdens through Gospel for Asia - KP Yohannan — Pastor Jachin (pictured fourth from the right) and 11 of the 12 other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers pose with their new bicycles.

Blessed by a 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 Helps Young Man Discover Knowing About God Isn’t Good Enough

December 26, 2019 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the power of the Gospel through national missionaries, humbling hard hearts proud of knowing about God, and bringing true life eternal in Christ.

Jasveer poses with his Bible in front of the church where his life changed.

At the ripe old age of 17, Jasveer knew everything there was to know about God. Growing up in a village where Christianity was common, he knew to attend church and to talk to God right before eating a meal or before drifting off to sleep at night. He knew how God wanted him to behave and how to judge others who didn’t live in the same righteous way. And he knew that while others struggled with sin, he did not. Jasveer had God all figured out—or so he thought.

One day in April 2017, Jasveer’s youth group held a four-day revival event. Jasveer volunteered to help with hosting the revival. Even with his familiarity with teachings about Christ, he persisted in his belief that he was not a sinner and that the message of hope found in Christ Jesus was for others. He didn’t need it.

Ears to Hear

One night during the revival, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Taizeen Ved read Matthew 7:21 from his Bible. For the first time, Jasveer recognized that the “good” behavior he supposed would get him into heaven would not be considered good enough by God. He learned he was indeed a sinner and desperately in need of the same mercy and grace as those whom he had previously judged.

After the message, Jasveer spoke with Pastor Taizeen, who showed Jasveer through God’s Word that though he was a sinner, he could receive God’s free gift of forgiveness.

New Life, New Mission

Jasveer was so moved by this message, he decided to begin a personal relationship with God. From that moment, Jasveer’s life changed. He discovered he could talk to God even when the topic of conversation wasn’t the food in front of him. He enjoyed learning more about God’s character as he began to read the Bible.

The more Jasveer learned about God, the more he wanted others to experience a personal relationship with Him as well. Jasveer stopped condemning those around him and began serving in the youth group at his church. Today, he is committed to sharing the life-changing news of Jesus with the younger generation.

Please pray for Jasveer as he continues to grow in his relationship with the Lord and as he encourages others to read God’s Word.

Check out Romir’s story here to learn how reading the Bible transformed another young man’s life.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Young Man Discovers Knowing About God Isn’t Good Enough

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.