Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:16 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the suffering from various illnesses in Prajval’s family, the helplessness they experienced when his grandson fell sick, and meeting the great Physician in Whom is hope and healing.
Hopeless and helpless, Prajval could only observe as his 1-year-old grandson suffered and grew weak, plagued by near-constant diarrhea and vomiting. The boy’s parents also could do nothing but stand by and watch as their son suffered. Prajval’s heart was heavy. Was there anything more they could do?
Sickness Prevails
Prajval and his grandson (not pictured) now worship the Great Healer.
Prajval and his fathers before him prayed to their ancestors for blessings. However, there were many in Prajval’s family who had suffered from various illnesses, some ultimately perishing. When Prajval’s grandson was born, the family rejoiced, but the young boy, too, fell ill. The child’s parents took him to a doctor, but the prescribed medicine did nothing.
Physical remedies exhausted, they pursued a spiritual one. The family took the ailing boy to a nearby traditional priest, hoping he could heal him. But the child still suffered, growing weaker and weaker as time passed. Prajval and his family could only watch, helpless.
Meeting the Healer of All
Amidst this family’s struggles, they met a member of a congregation led by Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Sarish. This believer, seeing the pitiful state of the boy, offered to pray for the child, encouraging the family that God could do a miracle. The very next day, the believer brought Pastor Sarish with him to visit the family. Prajval watched as these two Christians prayed over his bedridden grandson. Was this Jesus the answer when all else had failed?
After praying for the sick boy, Pastor Sarish invited Prajval and his family to attend the church on Sunday. Curious and hopeful, they brought the boy to the church. There, Prajval saw something extraordinary: His ailing grandson was completely and totally healed! Witnessing this miraculous healing, Prajval and his entire family chose to set their hope in Christ.
“My grandchild was so sick,” Prajval said. “We took him to many hospitals and [followed many rituals], but the child did not get healed. But Pastor Sarish and his believers prayed for him. God did a miracle in his life. Today, by God’s grace, he is completely healed.”
Now, grandfather and grandson, along with their entire family, worship and praise God with fellow believers.
*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.
Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:17 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the two different lives of Murali and Pranay, and the songs that carry the message of hope in the midst of despair found at Sunday School.
Two worlds collided when Murali and Pranay played together. Although neighbors, the 12-year-old boys lived completely different lives. As their friendship grew, Pranay learned of the struggles Murali’s family faced—struggles Pranay had never known. Pranay had known love and care from his father, a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor, from the earliest age. Hope and purpose permeated Pranay’s family life and he enjoyed close community at Sunday School.
For many children, Sunday School is a happy, safe place where they can escape the hardships of life. Loving teachers bring joy through songs and Bible stories, giving kids the hope of a bright future.
Nearby, and yet a world away, lived Murali. Murali’s father was an alcoholic, drinking away the small income that should have been provided for his family. He did not care that his wife and son went days without food. He did not care about them at all.
Grit Curtailed by Illness
Fed up with her husband’s neglect, Murali’s mother, Misha, decided to look for a job to support her son.
Ironically, as soon as Misha determined to provide for her family herself, she fell ill. Severe headaches plagued her daily, preventing her from working. She went to the doctor, but the medication he prescribed did nothing to abate her excruciating pain. Also finding no relief in her religious practices, Misha’s frustration grew. Her husband showed no concern. Only her son, Murali, seemed to care about her.
Pranay’s Happy Place – at Sunday School
Knowing his friend’s hardships, Pranay invited Murali to attend with him at Sunday School. Maybe he would experience some of the happiness of Pranay’s life.
The next Sunday, Murali walked through the doors of the Sunday School room arm-in-arm with his friend. He was amazed to see so many children happily singing and dancing. Joy filled the room. Murali thought some of it might come to him.
Hearing about Jesus during the Bible lesson fascinated Murali. He wanted to know more about this Man who loved everyone so much.
Coming back to Sunday School every week, Murali learned how to pray and read the Bible. He learned how to share about God’s love with others. His friendship with Pranay took on new dimensions as their interests and passions began to overlap.
Children at Sunday School take home the songs they learn; along with the message the songs convey.
Singing the Message of Hope in a Home of Despair
One day, while at home, Murali was so filled with joy that he began to sing one of the songs he learned at Sunday School.
“Jesus, grant me your peace and joy,” Murali sang.
Misha heard the words of the song through her pounding headache. The lyrics pierced her heart. For many days, she pondered the words in her mind. Peace. Joy.
Seeing the transformation in her son, with no apparent cause other than his new attendance at Sunday School, she was intrigued about going to church with him. She wanted to hear about this Jesus for herself.
Misha attended Pastor Aloke’s church with her son. Pastor Aloke, excited to see his neighbor at the service for the first time, approached her. He asked how he could help her.
Hearing about the troubles of Misha’s family and constant headaches, Pastor Aloke went before God asking for healing and peace for the troubled woman.
After a few days, Misha was shocked when her headaches completely went away!
After this transformation in her health, Misha attended services regularly with Murali. Both mother and son have found peace and joy in the Lord, which radiates in their faces. Pain and frustration have turned to laughing and hope.
“This [transformation] wouldn’t be possible without the love, care and wisdom from the Sunday School teacher and local pastor,” says Misha. “I am so thankful to the pastor and Sunday School teacher for teaching my son and [sharing the love of] Christ.”
New Life Grows and Spreads
The neighbors, once living in different worlds, now share a hope and a future. The transformation in Misha and Murali has not gone unnoticed by Murali’s father. He has gradually stopped drinking as much and attends worships services occasionally with his family. Family unity, which once seemed like an impossibility, is now within sight as mother and son walk with Jesus. Hope has dawned for this once broken family.
*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.
Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:21 pm By GFA Staff Writer
Dr. Leroy Pennell recently celebrated 40 years of pastoring Heritage Baptist Church in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Someone asked him, “How can a man pastor the same church for 40 years?”
He replied with only three words: “Never, never quit.”
What did it take to get started? A calling and vision from the Lord to share the love of Jesus with millions of people halfway around the globe with.
What did it take for Gospel for Asia (GFA) to arrive at its 40th anniversary? It took 14,600 days of commitment to the call, 14,600 days of never quitting—all through the grace of God.
In 1952, John W. Peterson, the most prolific composer of Christian music at the time, wrote “It’s Not an Easy Road,” a song that describes 40 years of ministry.”
It’s not an easy road we are traveling to heaven,
For many are the thorns on the way.
It’s not an easy road, but the Savior is with us,
His presence gives us joy every day.
It’s not an easy road; there are trials and troubles,
And many are the dangers we meet.
But Jesus guards and keeps so that nothing can harm us.
And smooths the rugged path for our feet.
No, no, it’s not an easy road. But Jesus walks beside me and brightens the journey, And lightens every heavy load.
Dr. Yohannan was attempting to fulfill the Lord’s expectations when he and fellow believers mobilized Gospel for Asia (GFA) on July 3, 1979. Jesus was quite clear when He told potential disciples that “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
We cannot begin to imagine what the Lord has planned for the next 40 years as we continue to share the love of Christ in word and deed with people in Asia.
There would be no looking back. During the past 40 years, there have been days filled with difficulties, seasons of stress, and periods of predicaments. But, trusting the Lord who called us, we chose not to quit.
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported missionaries have served the Lord in places where no one had ever heard of Jesus, often because there was no one willing to go to the misery of the slums or leprosy colonies or the widows’ islands. No one was willing to trek to remote tribal villages where people lived, often in unreachable locations and in extreme poverty.
As Gospel for Asia (GFA) staff and the Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers in Asia have refused to quit, tens of thousands have come to faith in Jesus Christ through national missionaries and pastors, compassion services, Bridge of Hope centers for school-age children, women’s ministries, Jesus Wells, and literacy classes, which transforms villages, and empowers men, women, and children to lead productive lives.
We could never have imagined what Gospel for Asia (GFA) would grow to be and how the Lord would use it as a tool to transform so many lives. The thousands of individuals God has brought together with the same passion and purpose of declaring His loving kindness, especially to those who have not yet heard, is a beautiful partnership. Each one is doing their part to serve the Lord – from donors and sponsors in the U.S. and other Western countries to the Mission Support Team serving behind the scenes to the thousands of workers on the field.
We look back only for a moment, out of thanksgiving for all the Lord has done. We commit to keeping our hand on the plow. We cannot begin to imagine what the Lord has planned for the next 40 years as we continue to share the love of Christ in word and deed with people in Asia.
To God be the glory; great things He has done! We look forward to the road ahead.
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the impact of women missionaries in the lives of many sufferings, and the hope that and healing that only Jesus can provide.
God sent Prama and her Gospel for Asia (GFA) Women’s Fellowship team to Sampat’s village at a moment of despair for Sampat’s family—his life was about to be extinguished.
Sampat, a model son, was everything his parents hoped he would be. At 23 years old, he worked hard as a shopkeeper to help his father support the family.
Sampat (not pictured) lost any hope for healing after 5 years of suffering from an illness his family could not afford to treat.
Sampat’s job kept food on the table and clothes on his siblings’ backs. His family depended on him. His father alone could not meet the family’s needs in such a rustic setting.
Descent to Death’s Door
One day, the family’s stability was threatened when severe knee pain debilitated Sampat and didn’t go away.
After seeing a doctor, Sampat’s condition did not change. In fact, it got worse. Slowly, over five years, Sampat suffered more and more, gradually becoming crippled. He sought medical help repeatedly with no results. He performed many sacrifices, hoping for divine help.
Eventually Sampat became bedridden. No longer a primary provider, Sampat became a burden for his family. His parents could not pay for the major medical treatment their son needed. Sampat could no longer eat and wasted away to a critical condition.
Hope Grows in Sampat’s Heart
But God had a hope and a future for Sampat. It was in these desperate days that Prama and her Women’s Fellowship team visited Sampat’s village. Praying for the sick and offering encouragement from God’s Word to the downtrodden, the team of godly women left hope and life in their wake.
National workers often find themselves praying for infirmities. Moments of crisis are often the first time someone considers turning to Jesus. Through those desperate prayers, God brings healing to many as a demonstration of His power and love.
During this trip, Prama met Sampat. She listened with a heavy heart to the young man’s story. When she learned that he had been sick for five years, she knew the only hope for his healing was the power of Jesus. Prama comforted Sampat from the Scriptures, sharing with him about the hope in Jesus for physical and spiritual healing.
Before departing, Prama and her team prayed for God’s healing touch on Sampat.
A week later, Sampat knew Jesus was working in his body. He was getting better. He continued to pray to Jesus and put his hope solely in the Lord. However, instead of seeing the healing at work before their eyes, Sampat’s family was disturbed and strongly objected to his decision to follow Jesus.
“I believe Jesus will heal my sickness, He is the only healer,” Sampat shared with his family.
The firmness of his decision kept his family quiet. They wanted Sampat to be healed, but they did not believe Jesus could do it.
Healing: Raised to New Life
Prama visited Sampat again to encourage him and join her prayers with his. That night, great relief flooded through Sampat, and he slept peacefully for the first time since his ailment started years earlier. Three days later, Sampat was completely healed!
This touch of God solidified Sampat’s budding faith.
“I truly acknowledge that there is an Almighty God who can heal every sickness and give life to the dying,” says Sampat. “I am one of those who was able to receive His grace and mercy and have a new life.”
Many people in Asia have experienced God’s power and love firsthand through healing. Often, these healings are keys that open hearts to the message of forgiveness. There are many stories of transformed lives, including Talika, a little girl who encountered the Almighty God at VBS and became a living testimony of His grace. Read her story here.
*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.
Last updated on: October 9, 2022 at 2:22 am By KP Yohannan
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Bindal and his family in the midst of the struggles of poverty, and their search for true blessing, forgiveness and freedom.
Bindal watched as his parents bought another animal sacrifice for an annual festival. His heart was troubled, because he knew their money was limited. Bindal knew the significance of these blessings, but he worried about his parents’ financial security. He wondered if there was a way out of this life.
A Life of No Peace
Bindal (pictured) now rejoices in his newfound freedom in Christ.
Bindal lived with his parents, who were farmers by trade. They had no savings, yet it did nothing to stop Bindal’s parents from spending on ceremonial rituals. Every year this went on, with more and more money used for sacrifices.
Bindal, being a dutiful son, participated in these ceremonies, but they only increased the concern in his heart. If his parents continued to spend money constantly, there would be none left. They would be destitute, the very thing they wanted to avoid. The young man began to think: Is there a way to somehow break this cycle? Is there someone who can bless and forgive without us having to buy a sacrifice? Bindal wracked his brain for an answer, but to no avail. It seemed he and his family would continue in this cycle.
Along Came Love
Then something changed. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Amshul had been ministering in Bindal’s village. One day, Amshul happened to see the miserable-looking young man and, sensing his disquiet, asked Bindal what was wrong. The youth laid out his troubles. He told Pastor Amshul of the worry he had for his parents and the seemingly hopeless cycle they were stuck in.
Bindal noticed Pastor Amshul had a book with him. Curious, he asked what it was. Pastor Amshul told him it was a New Testament and gave it to Bindal, telling him the message inside might help. Bindal took it home and began to read. Almost immediately, the Lord started to work in his heart.
Freedom at Last
Bindal was amazed at the stories contained within this New Testament. He eagerly read tales of this Man called Jesus and His love so great. Bindal, reading that Jesus died for his sins, felt peace. He knew then that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. No longer would Bindal have to participate in the expensive religious rituals; no longer would he worry over his future. He was free and forgiven.
Bindal began to attend the local church and drew closer and closer to the Lord. He even shared his newfound freedom with his parents and publicly testified of his faith.
*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.
Last updated on: November 26, 2022 at 6:52 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) Special Report on forced child labor today: Millions of Children Trapped between Extreme Poverty and the Profits of Others
New Developments to End Forced Child Labor
Supply Chain Enforcement
If this special report accomplishes nothing else, even though it is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, it should make readers aware that every effort to eradicate child labor has failed. That is substantially the reason for the title being “Child Labor: Not Gone but Forgotten.”
Despite consistent failures, new proposals continue to be set forth. The two most recent propose supply chain management solutions.
The answer to that question will depend upon who answers it. Well-meaning individuals from the philosophical to the practical will take positions on both sides of the argument of whether or not the practice of child labor can be eradicated. Even the philosophical and the practical will be divided in their opinions.
One thing we do know is that nothing has succeeded thus far. That does not bode well for future success.
But this report does not propose the eradication of child labor. Rather, it is intended to draw readers’ attention to its continuing existence. The issue of child labor is a Gordian Knot, the size of which cannot be cut even with the sword of Alexander the Great.
“…Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me..” —Matthew 25:40
Three billion people in the world live on less than the equivalent of $2.50 USD per day. More than 84 percent of those living in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $5.50 per day.
3 billion
people live on less than $2.50 USD per day
While various and sundry organizations and institutions attempt to solve the child labor problem, the church’s task remains what it has always been: Be the hands and feet of Jesus to “the least of these” (see Matthew 25:40).
The Lord never called us to eradicate either child labor or poverty. He will do that someday when He returns to earth to rule and reign. In the meantime, we are called to serve.
Ours is not a race to eradicate child labor. It is a journey to provide and care for those who are relegated to the lowest positions in life. Relentlessly ministering to the needs of “the least of these” is visible evidence of the love and grace of God in action.
These GFA-supported Bridge of Hope students are getting ready to begin class after breaking for lunch. As children’s lives are transformed in Bridge of Hope, they bring new aspirations and knowledge home with them, and their families benefit as a result. Even beyond this, GFA’s Bridge of Hope program does much to uplift the communities it serves.
God’s Grace in Action at Gospel for Asia
For 40 years, the singular focus of Gospel for Asia (GFA) has been “to take the love of Christ to people who have never heard His name before.”
We must understand that Jesus looked upon people with such compassion that He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see. He didn’t just tell them that He loved them; He demonstrated His love in ways that changed their lives.
Representing Christ on earth requires that we demonstrate the same love and compassion that He did while He was here.
We are, from a heavenly perspective, blessed to be able to feed the hungry, tend to the sick and give a cup of cold water to the thirsty in Jesus’ name. These are people who know they have great needs. The Lord has granted us the high honor to love them and to serve them as His representatives. As He came to us as the “express image” of God the Father, so should we reach out to others in the express image of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:3).
Gospel for Asia’s field partners host literacy classes and vocational training classes for adults and youth, equipping them with skills that can break them out of the cycle of poverty. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers guide class members through an understanding of basic entrepreneurial skills to empower them to create a better future for themselves. In addition, gifts such as sewing machines, fishing nets and rickshaws are just a few of the income-generating resources distributed among families who are in dire need of an income.
Farm Animals
Gospel for Asia (GFA) sponsors around the world give generously to provide farm animals for families in rural Asian villages. Chickens, goats, and cattle produce products like eggs, milk and meat, which can be sold for a good price or used to feed the family. Breeding the animals also allows the owners to expand their businesses, continually increasing their incomes to better serve their families.
Jesus Wells
Clean water is taken for granted by Westerners. However, in Africa and South Asia, women and children spend hours fetching water —not from a faucet, but from a ground source several hours away. In some cases, they must make the journey multiple times each day in order to meet their family’s needs.
By installing and maintaining Jesus Wells within poverty-stricken villages and communities, Gospel for Asia (GFA) provides a source of free clean water that can supply as many as 300 people with clean water for up to 20 years.
Not only do these people now have clean water, but it is also readily accessible. The women who fetched the water gain up to six hours a day that can now be used to obtain literacy and vocational training or to tend to their homes and children.
Enrollment in Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope centers is offered freely to children whose parents commit to keeping their children in school. The Bridge of Hope Program is a continuation of the school day, in which the children received enhanced and advanced training.
None of Gospel for Asia’s efforts to free families from poverty and their children from child labor would be possible without people like you. The prayers and financial support of Gospel for Asia (GFA) friends drill wells; open Bridge of Hope centers; pay for literacy classes, vocational training and farm animals; and equip all of the ministries of national missionaries who are sharing Christ’s love through practical ways that change lives both now and for eternity.
We may never end child labor, but we must never forget it or those working to combat it—and we must remain relentless in being the only Jesus some will ever see.
Child Labor: Not Gone, but Forgotten: Part 1 | Part 2
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the life and experiences of a man named Ojas, who, despite severe persecution, losing his eyesight, his heart burns evermore in great joy to serve the Lord and love his fellow sufferers in this world.
As the bus drove away, Ojas saw his mother running behind, crying. He was leaving home. His new faith had brought them both enough abuse from his father.
Ojas was not simply running away from problems; he was heading straight into a life of more searing pain—and greater joys—because of Christ’s love.
New Life, New Suffering
Ojas had faced hardships since he was just a few years old, when he became blind. One day during his teenage years, he listened to a voice on the radio speaking about a God named Jesus. Hearing how Christ healed the sick, made the lame walk and gave sight to the blind, Ojas believed, and Jesus healed his eyes. Although Ojas’ eyesight wasn’t completely restored, he could see, and he put his trust in Christ.
Ojas’ father, however, was furious. As a priest of their traditional religion, he had dreamed his sons would one day follow in his footsteps. He derided Ojas for his new faith. But his piercing words paled in comparison to the torture he inflicted by beating Ojas’ mother for her son’s choice.
As abuse raged, Ojas heard a voice inside him telling him to leave. He sold some of his clothes for cash, got on a bus and left home. He headed to a place where he could learn more about the God he now trusted: Bible college.
Trials, Vision and Perseverance
Far from escaping problems, Ojas faced continued challenges. With no financial support and limited vision, completing his studies was a battle. Worst of all, he worried about his mother, still at home facing his father’s rage.
As graduation approached, Ojas saw a vision telling him to serve Jesus in a place where nobody knew Him. He embraced this challenging call and moved to a region where people were often hostile to Christianity, though it would cost him dearly.
Ojas, though small in stature, had big dreams for suffering people to see Christ’s love. He found ways to serve people as Jesus would. He tutored children for free and encouraged young people to avoid the snares of substance addiction. Sometimes, if they couldn’t afford the expenses of further education, he would give students money to help pay for books and school fees. When people in the community fell sick, he visited them, prayed for them and took care of them. Through his prayers, Jesus healed many.
Ojas’ compassion and humility touched hearts. People became interested in Christ, and a number began following Him. Not everyone was excited, however.
One day, a rich, tall man who was feared in the community asked the young pastor to visit. When Ojas went to his home, the man chased him around the house and beat him.
Another time, a gang of young men accosted Ojas by a river and beat him mercilessly. They were carrying him toward the riverbank to bury him alive when a local official came by. They fled, leaving Ojas severely wounded.
These violent incidents didn’t frighten Ojas. He continued loving people, even praying fervently for God’s mercy on his persecutors. But the heavy blows he received near his eyes left lasting damage. He began to lose the eyesight that God had previously restored. According to doctors, the head trauma he experienced gradually destroyed his eyesight. After several years, he became almost completely blind.
Joy Through Pain
Pastor Ojas’ vision loss limited his ability to travel, but he learned new ways to continue ministry, like praying for people over the phone. The Lord also raised up a helper for Pastor Ojas: his daughter, Sahasra. Sahasra would lead him by the hand and help him get on and off buses or rickshaws. She also helped him by singing, reading Scripture and collecting the offering during prayer meetings and worship services.
People noticed Pastor Ojas’ commitment even in suffering.
A local church member said,
“Pastor Ojas has been a source of encouragement not only for me but for everyone here in this place. He is … committed to work for unity and love. … Instead of lamenting his fate and getting pessimistic, he is continuing these things, going out for people’s love, unity and care.”
Over the years, Pastor Ojas’ lifestyle has impacted his community—and his family. His mother came to know Jesus, and his father’s heart softened over the years. After studying the Bible for himself, Pastor Ojas’ father believed in the Lord.
Now faith is burning from one generation to the next. Although Pastor Ojas didn’t follow his father’s dream for him, his father followed his example. And as Sahasra helps Pastor Ojas, she is gaining a passion to serve Christ herself.
“Whenever I see my father doing ministry, there is a burden in my heart,” she says, “and in the coming days, I will also be like my father and do ministry in many places.”
Although he’s experienced pain for loving Jesus and loving others, Pastor Ojas continues to pour out his life.
“Though I lost my eyesight, I am rejoicing in the Lord. It is a great joy for me to serve the Lord,” he says.
“The same passion and the same burden is burning in my heart. And when people call me for prayer, though I have lost my eyesight … I feel that my spiritual eyes are open.”
Last updated on: October 15, 2022 at 1:24 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the tragedies in the life of a child named Sam, and the hope that he encounters through national missionaries opening up the path to a brighter future.
Tears rushed down Sam’s cheeks. His mother had succumbed to cancer, leaving the 6-year-old alone in the world. Soon, Sam’s father sent a message from prison—would someone please help his son?
Family Ravaged by Self-indulgence and Illness
Sam (pictured) was only 6 years old when his whole world turned upside down.
Sam’s father, Afiba, left Nigeria to find work in Asia several years ago. He married, found a stable job and soon welcomed Sam into the world. Over time, however, indulgent habits took over Afiba’s life. He beat his wife and even forced his young son to drink with him. It was not long before Afiba landed in prison for smuggling drugs.
Suddenly, lacking a provider for the family, Sam’s mother, Marala, could not pay the rent for their home. A kind lady generously allowed them to stay in her house for several months without charging rent, but when preparations began for her son’s marriage, she had to ask Marala and Sam to find another place to live.
In the midst of their troubles, Marala also battled breast cancer. Struggling to care for her child and fight her disease, she turned to everyone she knew for help. Some Christian neighbors prayed for Marala and introduced her to missionaries serving in their area. The missionaries admitted Marala to a hospital, but her condition worsened, and she passed away.
A New Home for an Orphan Boy
Upon hearing of his wife’s death, Afiba asked the missionaries to help his son because he was unable to care for Sam himself. The missionaries and the Child Welfare Committee brought Sam to a home for boys where Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers served. The staff members at the home demonstrated the Heavenly Father’s love by providing food, education, guidance and a loving environment for abandoned children and orphans, helping them to thrive despite their childhood sorrows.
Sam arrived at the boys’ home dejected and grieving the loss of his mother. After enduring so much pain in his short life, Sam seemed lost in his own little world. The staff patiently cared for him and helped him through the difficult adjustment of living among new people, without his mother.
Their love bore fruit, and joy found its way back into the little boy’s heart. Although his parents were not present to love him, he treasured the love of the staff and embraced his new home. The care, hope and education Sam received made his future bright—in fact, he expressed a desire to become a doctor when he grows up.
Sam, like the boys in this picture, gets to experience a loving home and a new hope for a brighter future.
Instead of joining the millions of children living on their own in Asia’s streets and villages, Sam was surrounded by a loving “family” who cared for him in Christ’s name.
Last updated on: October 15, 2022 at 1:30 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the life of a young girl named Naija who was filled with anger and bitterness throughout her youth, but after attending a Sunday School program (Vacation Bible School) she embraced God’s message of love and forgiveness.
Naija’s family lived in a small remote village that was Christian in name only. She did not know Jesus personally, nor did her family attend church. “Christian” was just a word without meaning to Naija. Sunday School, VBS and Bible stories—so familiar to most Christian kids—were completely foreign to Naija.
Naija experienced the forgiveness of Jesus at VBS—a forgiveness she now extends to others.
Naija grumbled as she worked in the field. All her friends were hanging out and having fun during their school holiday, but, as the oldest of eight children, she had to work to help support the family. Her grumbling fueled the growing anger in her heart. Life was so unfair.
Once home for the day, Naija released her anger toward her parents, complaining about the hardness of her life. She knew how her parents would respond—scolding or possibly even a beating—but she couldn’t hold her frustrations in.
Being the eldest in her family was a burden Naija resented. All throughout her childhood, she missed out on fun with friends, while she watched her siblings or worked in the fields. By the time she was 13 years old, Naija hated her life and felt unloved and uncared for.
Standing at the Crossroads of Love and Hate
School was Naija’s escape from family responsibilities. She started lying to her parents, saying she had to stay at school longer to work on projects, while she was really having fun with friends. She never thought of the moral implications of her actions. In fact, being unchurched, she never thought about spiritual things at all.
Then, one day, one of her classmates invited her to a Vacation Bible School organized by a congregation supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA). Naija was hesitant, but her friend pleaded until Naija finally gave in.
For three days, Naija sang songs that praised God and heard Bible stories about Jesus. It was a turning point in her life. Her encounters with the Word of God challenged her. Hearing teaching on the Bible for the first time, she was gripped by the message of love and forgiveness. She was excited by what she heard. Happiness bloomed in her heart.
After VBS ended, Naija continued to think about what she learned. She would hum the songs she learned as she went about her daily tasks. Her sadness about life gradually faded away. She began attending Sunday School at the church, stoking the flames started at VBS.
Forgiveness Replaces Bitterness After VBS / Sunday School
At Sunday School, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Karmjit, who had also overseen the VBS Naija attended, saw the need to teach the teenagers more specifically. He started meeting with the teenagers of his congregation, helping them know the saving love of Jesus more clearly. During these meetings, Naija opened up about her struggles to the pastor, sharing how meaningless her life felt and how angry she was toward her parents. She felt they were ruining her life.
Through the insight of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Karmjit encouraged Naija to forgive her parents for the hurts she felt and to trust Jesus with her life. Naija recognized the damage unforgiveness had brought to her heart. Convicted within of her sin, she confessed to the Lord with a broken heart. Naija determined to forgive her parents just as God had forgiven her.
This caused a great change in Naija’s life. Joy flooded the deep places in her heart and overflowed to those around her.
Publicly demonstrating her faith in the Lord, Naija is now an active member of the local body of believers. She hopes the Lord will use her life to bring faith to her parents and siblings. Her dream is to one day worship together, side-by-side with those whom she once blamed—those whom she now lives with Christ’s love.
*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.
Last updated on: October 15, 2022 at 1:38 pm By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the life of Paden who, like many in the world, experience hardship and hopelessness, desperately needing the love of God in their lives.
When Paden turned 12, his life drastically changed. His father passed away, leaving Paden, his mother and his two younger siblings all alone. The responsibility of caring for the family fell to Paden. His childhood was over.
The Man of the House
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors minister to all who are in need, like Paden (not pictured).
After the passing of his father, Paden shouldered the burden of providing for his family. Leaving school, Paden got a job selling clothing. After a few years of diligent labor and the help of a friend, Paden had saved enough money to find work internationally. He hoped to better provide for his family—but Paden’s new income wasn’t enough. He returned home after four years abroad, got married and resumed work in his clothing business.
Paden and his family were staunch traditionalists, following rites and rituals customary to their beliefs. Their convictions were put to the test when multiple family members developed health issues. Paden spent so much money on medication and treatments that his business went bankrupt. On top of it all, Paden’s younger brother fell dreadfully ill, and doctors were unable to diagnose him.
Near the End
Paden’s life seemed to be collapsing around him, and he was on the edge of losing hope. When he was wondering how he could turn his life around, Paden met Marut, a fellow businessman—and a believer. Upon listening to Paden’s struggles, Marut offered the young man a booklet about the love of God. He also told Paden the story of how Christ had freed him from both physical and spiritual afflictions.
Marut’s testimony astonished Paden—here was an answer to all his problems. Thanking Marut, the young man returned home, contemplating all he had heard. Curiosity and desperation won, and Paden made his way to the local church.
The Power of the Love of God
At the church, Paden met Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Paul and shared with him his story, his struggles and his failures. Pastor Paul prayed for Paden, offering the young man encouragement and comfort. He also offered Paden a Bible, inviting him to take it home and read it.
As Paden read, his heart began to soar. God was the answer he needed! He began attending Pastor Paul’s church, and soon, Paden and his entire family came to understand the love of God for them. In addition, God blessed the young man and his family financially, restoring Paden’s business within one month!
Like Marut, Paden now has a testimony of his own—one of the transformative loves of God and blessing.
*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.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In