How Gospel for Asia’s Gift of a Bicycle Changed a Man’s Life

Last updated on: January 8, 2025 at 4:14 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing GFA Pastor Lanzo, a national worker traveling on foot visiting many villages to share the love of Jesus, and the Gospel for Asia gift of a bicycle that became a channel of transformation and change.

Discussing a national missionary travelling on foot who visits many villages to share Jesus, and the Gospel for Asia gift of a bicycle that brought change. — The gift of a bicycle, like this one, helped Pastor Lanzo traverse rugged terrain and share the message of hope with Teetonka. Man on bicycle that was a gift from Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Lanzo mounted his bicycle, prepared for the hour-long journey before him. He pedaled through jungle and thick woods, only stopping to get off his bicycle and carry it over the shallow, washed-out roads. Though his trip was difficult, Pastor Lanzo was motivated by his love for the villagers he was traveling to see; that love propelled his bicycle through the most difficult segments of his journey. The people needed his help—and the hope found in Jesus.

Gift of a Bicycle Meets A Village in Need

Pastor Lanzo ministered in a small village and prayed that one day he would be able to visit many other villages to share Jesus’ love with others. His primary form of transportation, however, was walking, which often made visiting other villages quite difficult. Pastor Lanzo longed for a bicycle, which would make traveling much easier and more villages accessible.

When Pastor Lanzo received a bicycle through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Christmas gift distribution, it was an answer to prayer. He immediately began visiting and sharing God’s love with nearby villages that had been too far to travel to on foot. One village he visited contained only 15 houses and had no proper roads. But Pastor Lanzo knew that, despite the few houses, the people of this village still needed love, care and encouragement. So with the help of his new bicycle, he traversed the treacherous roads to bring Jesus’ message of hope to the people who needed it.

Critic’s Heart Opened Through Dreams

One day, Pastor Lanzo met a 65-year-old man named Teetonka in this remote village.

Teetonka had a wife, three sons and one daughter. He and his family worked in the fields doing jhum cultivation for their livelihood, a type of agriculture comprising a “slash-and-burn” technique and frequent moves to different locations for harvesting.

All Teetonka’s life he had faithfully participated in the traditional religion. He had never heard about Jesus—nor did he want to.

Pastor Lanzo was not welcome in Teetonka’s village—at least not around the older man— and Teetonka made sure he knew that. Whenever he’d see the pastor, Teetonka would criticize him and God.

Pastor Lanzo remained steadfast throughout the opposition, continuing to show God’s love to Teetonka and the other villagers through word and deed. And then something unexpected happened.

“I believe you have God-given power,” Teetonka told the pastor one day.

This wasn’t Teetonka’s usual tirade.

“Whenever I speak words against you and Christianity,” the older man continued, “I used to see a bad dream. Is this magic?”

Pastor Lanzo immediately understood the Holy Spirit had been working in Teetonka’s heart and explained God’s mysterious ways to the mystified man.

Teetonka listened intently to the pastor share about life in Christ. He even allowed Pastor Lanzo to pray for him and visit his house.

Teetonka’s understanding of Jesus and life in Him deepened. Before long, Teetonka put his trust in Jesus and experienced God’s love for himself.

Hope for His Family

Teetonka could not make the six-mile journey to attend Pastor Lanzo’s church, but because of his bicycle, Pastor Lanzo was able to continue visiting and praying with Teetonka regularly. Encouraged in his spirit by learning about God’s love, Teetonka shared Jesus with his family members, too, encouraging them with the message of hope found through Jesus. And though his family remained firm in their faith and his fellow villagers opposed what he had to say, Teetonka remained hopeful that God would open their hearts, just as God had done in his own heart.

“I have hope,” Teetonka said, “that my family members and villagers will come to Jesus Christ one day.”

Read how a bicycle built Shakurah’s faith.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, How the Gift of a Bicycle Changed a Man’s Life

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

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

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

Pull Cart Received at Gospel for Asia Gift Distribution Provides Father with Way to Feed His Family

Last updated on: June 9, 2021 at 8:23 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing Santon, the struggles of his family in the midst of generational poverty, and the pull cart received from Gospel for Asia Gift Distribution that provides a way to feed his family.

Yet another customer had cheated him his pay, and there was nothing Santon could do but continue working, selling his wares. This was not the first time Santon had not received money for the fruit and vegetables he sold, nor would it be the last. All the man wanted was to provide for his wife and four children. Being frauded out of his earnings made it almost impossible—and frustrating.

A Life Without Peace

Discussing Santon, the struggles of poverty, and the pull cart received from Gospel for Asia Gift Distribution that provides a way to feed his family. — Santon and his wife and son, pictured here, stand with the pull cart Santon received at a Gospel for Asia gift distribution. The cart helped Santon earn enough money to ensure his family is taken care of.

Santon was familiar with hardship; he had known it for most of his life. Born into a poor family, Santon was forced to drop out of school in fifth grade because his parents could no longer afford to send him to school. Santon joined his father working daily labor jobs.

When he was old enough, Santon left home with one desire: to provide for his parents. For the next 14 years, Santon applied for job after job. Each application was rejected because of his lack of education. The only option left to him was returning to daily labor.

Eventually, Santon married and, with the birth of his children, had more mouths to feed. To better provide for his growing family, Santon decided to sell fruits and vegetables door to door. Hopefully, it would be better than daily labor. Hopefully, he could send some money to his parents.

But Santon quickly discovered it wasn’t that simple. Customers cheated him daily, not paying him the proper amount for his wares. Also, Santon had nowhere to safely and properly store his fruits and vegetables. The money Santon had invested into this venture was not returning. On top of that, their baby daughter had been diagnosed with polio. Everything was going wrong, and Santon didn’t know what to do but quit.

Relief for a Father’s Burdens

Santon was on the verge of giving up his dreams. Maybe he should just return to daily labor. It wasn’t much, but at least it was a living. And he didn’t have to deal with cheating customers.

Then Santon heard of a place that might be able to help him and got in touch with Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers at the local Bridge of Hope.

After the Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers listened to Santon share the burdens weighing on him, they knew what to do. They invited him to a gift distribution, where they provided him with a cart for selling a variety of cosmetic items. Through the cart, Santon made money to provide for his family, and even earned enough to send back to his parents—a dream at long last realized. Santon thanked the staff, grateful he finally had a decent source of income and could provide for his family.

The Bridge of Hope staff also asked if Santon would like to enroll one of his sons at the center, where he could obtain what Santon himself had never completed: an education.

Santon heartily agreed, thankful that his family’s survival had been ensured through the cart, and its future had been cemented in Santon’s son attending the center. The schooling Santon’s son received would enable him to get jobs Santon was turned away from, ending the hold poverty had over their family.

Read a story of how piglets chased poverty away from a family.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Pull Cart Provides Father with Way to Feed His Family

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, 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.

Learn more by reading these Special Reports from Gospel for Asia:

Fighting Global Poverty with Ideas – Uprooting poverty requires education that transmits values
Poverty: Public Enemy #1 – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable

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

A Jacket Can Change a Life Through the Gifts of Gospel for Asia Friends

Last updated on: November 22, 2021 at 3:42 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing Parmeet who once struggled to provide for his family because he couldn’t work in the extremely harsh weather – but now, because of his new jacket from donations of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) friends, he can work even when it is very cold!

“Ihave many times cried because of the bitter cold,” shared 70-year-old Parmeet during an interview with a Gospel for Asia (GFA World) field correspondent last year.

“When it is extremely cold, we are not able to do anything; we are not able to go out and work in the field,” he explained. “And if we don’t work, we don’t get food.”

Life Below Zero

Where Parmeet lives, it drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Throughout the winter months, people can’t even take a bath because it is so cold—they only wash their faces, and that only after heating the water.

“If we touch the cold water, it hurts our hands so badly,” Parmeet explained.

People’s hands become dry and cracked. Frostbite is a regular threat for Parmeet and his large family, who layer all the ragged clothes they own in an effort to stay warm. To survive the frigid nights, the entire family crowds together near the kitchen stove and sleeps on sacks filled with husks and sawdust.

Firewood is essential for survival. In fact, Parmeet, a daily-wage laborer, often spends hours gathering firewood for his neighbors in order to earn a meager income. But due to the cold, he couldn’t get an early start or work for very long, meaning he struggled to provide food for his family. But that changed the day he received a jacket through the donations of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) friends—through people like you. “This is a very good jacket,” Parmeet shared. “It is of very good quality. … It has kept my body very warm. … Now I am able to go and do whatever work I am assigned.”

Sustained by the warmth of the jacket, this father, who already knew the love of the Savior, can work longer hours and make more money to feed his family.

“This jacket has not only protected me from cold and sickness, but this has encouraged me,” he said. “I feel my spirit is very high; I am very happy now.”

Thank You!

Although a large percentage of winter clothing packets go to help pastors and other GFA workers, some are also given to help and encourage men like Parmeet.

“I am so happy and so grateful to you for giving me this jacket,” Parmeet said, addressing his unknown benefactors around the world. “I pray the Lord would bless you. … Thank you very much for loving me and caring for me.”

*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 Rejoice! Newsletter, A Jacket Can Change a Life

Learn more about how generosity of donations can change lives – through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, 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.

Learn more by reading these Special Reports from Gospel for Asia:

Fighting Global Poverty with Ideas – Uprooting poverty requires education that transmits values
Poverty: Public Enemy #1 – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable

Click here to read more blogs and on Christmas Gift Catalog on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

GFA’s ‘Forgotten Christmas’ Showers Life-Changing Gifts

Last updated on: January 4, 2025 at 6:45 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – “For hundreds of millions of children across Asia, Christmas is a time when they’re forgotten,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) that has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide.

With Christmas spending in the U.S. on target to hit a trillion dollars this year, the leading humanitarian agency is urging Americans not to forget the world’s poor.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) has launched its Forgotten Christmas campaign to bring back the true meaning of Christmas and give hope to others — **FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS:** Gospel for Asia (GFA World) has launched its Forgotten Christmas campaign — an effort to “bring back the true meaning of Christmas and give hope to others.” Last year, supporters of Forgotten Christmas purchased life-changin g gifts, including cows and goats, for over 260,000 of the poorest families in Asia.

This Texas-based organization has launched its Forgotten Christmas campaign — an effort to “bring back the true meaning of Christmas and give hope to others.”

Last year, through Forgotten Christmas and GFA’s Christmas Gift Catalog, over 260,000 life-changing gifts were given to some of the poorest families in Asia — gifts such as chickens, goats and sewing machines that help lift families out of extreme poverty. On the website, people can order a free Christmas gift catalog and watch an inspiring video.

“For so many children in Asia, this Christmas morning will be like any other day — scavenging through trash piles for scraps and anything they can recycle, just to help feed their family,” Yohannan said.

Feast — And ‘The Least’

“As families throughout the world prepare for their Christmas feast, we’re asking them to also remember the least — the poor whom Jesus called ‘the least of these.'”

“‘Forgotten Christmas’ is a time to reflect on the real difference we’re making in the world, especially in light of the massive amount spent on the holiday in the West,” Yohannan said.

Last year, Americans spent more than a trillion dollars on Christmas, an average of over $1,500 per family, and purchased more than 30 million Christmas trees.

Forgotten Christmas is about “making Christmas Christ-centered again,” said Yohannan, whose faith-based organization has served the poor in Asia for four decades.

“A single gift of compassion can help communicate the love of God to one person, one family, or even an entire village,” said the missions leader and author of Never Give Up. “We can so easily forget the real reason for the season is putting Christ at the center and giving others hope.”

About Gospel for Asia

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.

Learn more by reading these Special Reports:

Fighting Global Poverty with Ideas — Uprooting poverty requires education that transmits values
The Scandal of Starvation in a World of Plenty — World Hunger’s Ugly Truths Revealed

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

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

Source: GFA Press Room, ‘Forgotten Christmas’ Showers Life-Changing Gifts On World’s Poor

A Miracle for an Ambitious Daughter Delivered at Gospel for Asia Gift Distribution

Last updated on: April 2, 2021 at 8:25 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by KP Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada – Discussing Dayita, her family’s struggle with poverty, & the Gospel for Asia gift distribution bringing the miracle of a brand-new sewing machine.

inaya sat with other believers during a prayer meeting, mulling over her family’s problems. She knew Jesus cared about their needs—and that His power could change their situation. Finally, she opened her mouth and told her prayer group about her family’s private financial issues.

Her husband, Rachit, lovingly provided for his family of seven the best he could, but daily labor jobs didn’t put enough money in his pockets to ensure his family always had something to eat and his children received a good education. Their ambitious 17-year-old daughter, Dayita, thought of a way she could help provide financial relief, but she needed a certain tool to achieve her income-generating goals. With the family’s lack of money, however, it seemed Dayita needed a miracle.

Tailoring classes equip many men and women in Asia to earn a good living by sewing garments for clients. Dayita (not pictured) completed her training, but her family’s financial predicament hindered her from purchasing a sewing machine and using her new skills.

Teenage Girl Equips Herself for the Future

Dayita added beauty and hope to her family. The talkative, hardworking young woman made friends with other girls and earned respect in her community. Although her family struggled against poverty, Dayita’s motivation enabled her to overcome hindrances and pursue learning. As a result, she discovered many talents. She learned to play the dholak, a two-headed hand-drum. She faithfully applied herself to her schoolwork and managed to enter 11th grade—something many low-income children in her nation struggle to achieve.

Alongside her academic studies, Dayita enrolled in tailoring classes. Over time, she developed talent in that skill, and a plan formed in her mind: If she could purchase a sewing machine, she could open a tailoring business to help support her family.

But the startup cost of such an endeavor brought her plans to a grinding halt. Before Dayita could earn a living, she needed money to buy a sewing machine, and she had none.

“Even though I knew how to stitch the clothes,” Dayita recalls, “I did not have a machine because there was not enough money with us.”

She occasionally borrowed a sewing machine from her friends, but that wasn’t enough to make a living through tailoring. And Dayita could not be open with her friends about her family’s financial concerns and her desperate need of a sewing machine.

The door seemed shut, but Dayita’s dream lingered, especially as neighbors admired her handiwork and encouraged her to open a shop.

Gospel for Asia (founded by K.P. Yohannan) National Missionary — Pastor Vikranta (pictured) learned of Dayita’s need for a sewing machine, and thanks to the partnership of Gospel for Asia friends around the world, he was able to set in motion the answer to her family’s prayers.

Effective Prayers of the Righteous

Dayita’s parents, Rachit and Vinaya, actively participated in times of fellowship, prayer and worship led by 25-year-old Gospel for Asia pastor Vikranta. They had come to faith in Christ some time earlier, which meant they knew they could call to Jesus in the midst of their trials.

And that’s what Vinaya did. During a small prayer meeting, she finally asked the group for prayer and shared about their financial struggles, Dayita’s skill in sewing and the elusive sewing machine.

Pastor Vikranta understood well the power of prayer. During his wayward youth, Pastor Vikranta experienced healing from a deadly illness and deliverance from his addictions as a result of his parent’s prayers. After listening to Vinaya’s prayer request, Pastor Vikranta prayed with Vinaya, asking the same God who had saved him to make a way for Dayita to get a sewing machine.

Vinaya’s faith joined with the faith of other believers, and soon, the answer to their prayer was set in motion—through Pastor Vikranta himself.

As a Gospel for Asia pastor, Vikranta has amazing opportunities to help people in his area. When he and other pastors like him see needs in the communities around them, they can inform their leaders about those needs. The pastors’ efforts—and the generous support of Gospel for Asia friends around the globe—mean many of those needs are met. Sometimes a Jesus Well is drilled in a village lacking clean water or a tutoring center is opened for low-income children, or a Gospel for Asia gift distribution is organized to give families items that can help sustain their lives.

When Pastor Vikranta understood Dayita’s family crucial need, his connection to the larger Body of Christ became the channel through which God provided Dayita’s miracle.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
—James 5:16

Sewing Machine Proves Invaluable

When a Gospel for Asia gift distribution event took place in Pastor Vikranta’s area, Dayita took home a brand-new sewing machine. Finally equipped with her own sewing machine, Dayita informed her friends, neighbors and community that she was accepting clients. She set to work, and before long her sewing machine sat nestled among stacks of colorful garments.

These sewing machines were presented to families at a Gospel for Asia supported gift distribution — These sewing machines were presented to families at a Gospel for Asia gift distribution. Each one of these income-generating gifts can help a family distance themselves from extreme poverty, just as Dayita’s machine helped her to provide for her family.

Dayita’s income grew. The part-time work she did in between her studies brought in about 1,000 rupees, which was equivalent to $16 (USD), per month. An extra 1,000 rupees significantly eased the family’s financial strain. Many in the developed world may view that amount as insignificant, but for the 736 million people living on less than $1.90 per day (about $57.80 per month), Dayita’s $16 amounted to more than a quarter of a month’s wages.

God’s provision touched the hearts of the entire family. They started having prayer meetings in their home, which their relatives and neighbors attended as well. Pastor Vikranta visited the family weekly to encourage them in the Lord, and together, they grew stronger in Christ.

Rachit and Vinaya rejoiced over their hardworking daughter’s desire and ability to contribute to the family income.

“After getting the sewing machine from the church, Dayita is earning and supporting the family. It is because of God’s grace,” Rachit testifies, grateful for God’s provision.

Dayita witnessed God’s personal handiwork in her life, and she dove deeper into fellowship with Him. Her involvement with church activities grew, and she committed to tithe from her precious earnings. Her ambition of opening a full tailoring shop after completing her studies is possible now. Even as she waits for that day, Dayita says, “Today, I am able to stand on my feet and support my family.”

Send the Answer to Another Prayer

God answered Vinaya and Dayita’s prayer through the generosity of the Body of Christ. Others like her who are wrestling with poverty are asking God to meet their needs—and for many, a sewing machine is the perfect answer.

Tailoring provides a steady income for a family and helps start them on a path to increased quality of life. Sewing from home is especially valuable to women in Asia, who commonly face dangers to their person or their reputation when working away from home.

More sewing machines through Gospel for Asia gift distribution can help thousands of other families like theirs — Dayita, like this daughter, used her precious sewing machine to help care for her family. Their machines solved dire problems in their lives—and more sewing machines can help thousands of other families like theirs.

Your gift today to help provide sewing machines for families like Vinaya’s will give them a livelihood with dignity and stability, as well as testify of God’s loving power. Whose prayer will God answer through you?

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia and its Christmas Gift Catalog, 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.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, A Miracle for an Ambitious Daughter

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

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

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

Accident Brings Unexpected Blessing with Gift from Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope

Last updated on: January 14, 2022 at 10:23 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Rajalmati, the difficulties that poverty bring, and Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope that brought an unexpected blessing amid an accident that put her life and education in jeopardy.

Cars, rickshaws, and bicycles whizzed by Rajalmati as she made her way home from school. The 16-year-old girl didn’t mind walking through the maze of traffic to and from school every day, even when she saw her friends riding on bicycles or in cars.

Rajalmati’s parents tried their best to provide for her education, but they couldn’t afford to give her a bike. Rajalmati was grateful to be able to walk. Then, one afternoon, even that was temporarily taken away from her. In a moment’s flash, a car flew by, and white-hot pain seared through Rajalmati’s legs.

Not Letting Her Troubles Overwhelm Her

Discussing Rajalmati and Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope that brought a blessing amid an accident that put her life and education in jeopardy. — Like these young women, Rajalmati uses her new bicycle to easily get to and from school to further her education.

Rajalmati had been hit by a car. With her legs injured, she couldn’t walk, and there was no way her parents could afford the medical procedure to quickly mend the damage to her legs. For a time, the young teenager feared for her future—would her legs heal? Would she be able to continue going to school? But Rajalmati didn’t give into discouragement; instead she decided she would face her current challenges.

Two years earlier, a friend had given Rajalmati a notebook she had gotten at a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bridge of Hope center. An advertisement on the back explained how Bridge of Hope and other ministries served people in need. She found the phone number for GFA’s Bridge of Hope Program and picked up the phone. Taking a deep breath, Rajalmati hoped whoever answered could offer help.

Given a Bicycle, Given a Chance – Blessing from GFA Bridge of Hope

A few weeks later, with Rajalmati’s legs slowly healing, she sat at a Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution with 35 other girls her age, waiting to hear their names called. One by one, each young woman walked up to receive a bicycle. Rajalmati’s phone call had helped make this event possible. After she told Gospel for Asia workers about her situation, they began an inquiry into the transportation needs of young women attending school or college in Rajalmati’s area.

“I never imagined that Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers would provide a bicycle for me,” Rajalmati said. “I am happier to know that because of my one call other needy sisters also got bicycles.”

Rajalmati’s parents were also very thankful for the bicycle.

“We did not have enough money to buy a cycle for her,” Rajalmati’s mother told Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers. “But thank you … for your concern for the needy in the society.”

When Rajalmati’s legs healed, she was able to travel much more easily with her new bicycle to school. Now, Rajalmati wasn’t just grateful to walk, she was grateful she can ride.

Read how a bicycle helped another young woman gain an education.

Source: Gospel for Asia Filed Reports, Girl’s Accident Brings Unexpected Blessing

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World and it’s affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, 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.

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

Learn more by reading these Special Reports from Gospel for Asia:

Fighting Global Poverty with Ideas — Uprooting poverty requires education that transmits values
Poverty: Public Enemy #1 — Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable

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 Restores a Widow’s Dignity with the Gift of a Sewing Machine

Last updated on: January 29, 2022 at 11:39 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing a widowed mother – Sani, the grave poverty, and an act of kindness that led to Jesus and a Gospel for Asia Christmas present of a sewing machine.

It was her fault. That’s what her in-laws said. They were so convinced, they threw her and their three grandsons out of the house. Sani moved to another village and started washing dishes and clothes as a servant. All the while, she carried the blame of her husband’s death and the entire weight of her family’s survival on her shoulders.

Widow Struggles to Provide

Discussing a widowed mother – Sani, the grave poverty, and an act of kindness that led to Jesus and a Gospel for Asia Christmas present of a sewing machine. — Sani was blamed for the death of her husband. As she and her sons were kicked out of the home they had shared with her in-laws, she felt the pain of rejection and abandonment.

Sani had been married only for five years when her husband died from alcohol poisoning. Before she even had time to think about how her life and the lives of her three boys would be without a husband and a father, she found herself homeless, rejected and blamed. She didn’t know how she would care for her family.

Alone and heavy-burdened, she moved to another village to start a new life as a widowed mother. She found work as a house servant, washing dishes and clothes. Somehow she managed to keep her family alive, but the struggle was constant day by day.

As the years passed, Sani sent her two teenage sons to work as laborers simply to keep the family afloat. Because of their grave poverty, her children could not continue in their schooling. Even though she and her sons worked hard, the income they earned still did not build up their financial needs. But help would come, unexpectedly, from one of her neighbors.

An Act of Kindness and New Life

Sani was encouraged when Pastor Jaival spoke to her about Jesus. When she accepted Christ’s love, she found out Jesus hadn’t rejected her.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Jaival lived near Sani. He had been ministering in her community for two years and hosted worship services in three different locations. Because Jaival lived near to Sani, he often spoke to her about the love of Christ.

Sani had always followed her traditional religion, but gradually, as Pastor Jaival continued to share with her, Sani began to understand the love of Christ. She attended prayer meetings held at Pastor Jaival’s house. She grew to know Jesus personally and chose to accept His free gift of love and acceptance.

Though she found new life in the Lord, Sani and her sons still struggled for daily survival on the meager earnings they labored for.

More Than a Christmas Present

Pastor Jaival, well aware of Sani’s needs, placed her name as a recipient for a Christmas gift distribution. It was through this distribution that Sani received another gift that would change her life: a sewing machine.

The gift was a perfect fit. Sani had previous tailoring experience, so she went right to work stitching clothes. Her income increased, enabling Sani to provide for her family and better manage their needs. Sani could even send her youngest son to school!

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Sani received her new sewing machine with joy. Thanks to people around the world and the love of Christ, Sani is now able to take care of her family and sees her worth in the eyes of Christ. — Sani received her new sewing machine with joy. Thanks to people around the world and the love of Christ, Sani is now able to take care of her family and sees her worth in the eyes of Christ.

Sani experienced the love of Christ and His providing hand in a real and tangible way. A simple sewing machine brought her hope and helped show her how much the Lord values her. Her life is just one testimony of hundreds who have received a gift from Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog.

You can be part of bringing Christmas to those in need of extra love and help. This Christmas, offer hope to a family and show them in a tangible way that Jesus loves them through giving a Gospel for Asia Christmas present.

Give a Gospel for Asia Christmas present.

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 Featured Article, Sewing Machine and Widow’s Dignity

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through the Gospel for Asia Christmas Gift Catalog, 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.

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The Gift That Gives Back from Gospel for Asia Pastor

Last updated on: April 2, 2021 at 8:39 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Syon, his family, his struggle with alcohol addiction, the heart transformation by God and lifting from poverty through Gospel for Asia pastor.

Syon’s family knew he needed help. His drinking had become unbearable; he couldn’t go a single day without alcohol in his system. Syon’s wife, Badriya, feared for her family. She was tired of the fighting, frustration and abuse Syon inflicted on them. At his worst, Syon had tried to kill her, and she worried that, unless something changed, he would try again.

Transformation and Trust

Gospel for Asia pastor Jyomon began his ministry in Syon’s village in 2003. After he met Syon and Badriya, he soon discovered the struggles within their family. Pastor Jyomon prayed for Syon every day and visited them weekly. Before long, the Holy Spirit moved in Syon’s life and helped him give up his drinking habit. Seeing the radical transformation, Syon and his family trusted in Jesus for everything in their lives and became involved in the church’s activities.

A few years later, Gospel for Asia pastor Sadiq took over Pastor Jyomon’s ministry. Syon and Badriya developed a good relationship with their new pastor and encouraged him. Syon would even go with Pastor Sadiq to pray for sick people in his area.

Syon’s family was very poor. Syon worked in construction, and he made very little money. However, despite their limited income, the family never skipped giving to the church. When Pastor Sadiq saw the needs of Syon’s family and their faithfulness to the church, he gifted them with a cow. Over time, Syon’s gift multiplied as the cow gave birth to calves. He used the dung to fertilize his new paddy field and was able to earn a good income from the harvest. In just a few years, Syon accumulated enough in savings to replace the leaky roof of his house, which was a tremendous blessing to his family.

With the Lord’s continued blessings in his life, Syon and his family grew in their knowledge and love of the Lord. They shared their testimony with other villagers and told of how God had so wonderfully cared for their every need. Through their testimony, five people in their village came to know Christ’s redemption.

Read how Gospel for Asia Christmas gift distribution blessed the lives of earthquake victims.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, The Gift That Gives Back

Learn more by reading the Gospel for Asia Special Report: Poverty: Public Enemy #1 – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable

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Gospel for Asia-Supported Gifts Boost Village Income

Last updated on: May 28, 2021 at 3:30 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Romila and her husband Taraswin, the crippling poverty, and the instrument God used to show them His love through Gospel for Asia Christmas gifts distribution program of a sewing machine.

It had been Romila’s hope to help her husband. She had great expectation of increasing their daily income, thinking she had found the tool to lift them out of poverty. She wrestled with her very meager education, which prohibited her from finding good work, and now Romila had a chance do something.

She started tailoring class, but once Romila graduated, her plans appeared to be merely an intangible dream. The six months of tailoring classes now looked like hours spent in vain. For all her effort, she and her hard-working husband couldn’t afford a sewing machine.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Discussing Romila, the poverty, & the instrument God used to show His love: Gospel for Asia Christmas gifts distribution program of a sewing machine — Romila had spent six months learning how to sew clothes. But she faced a huge obstacle after her training: Her husband couldn’t afford to buy her a sewing machine.

A Downward Spiral

A plumber by trade, Romila’s husband, Taraswin, worked faithfully to provide for his wife and little baby girl. However, no matter how hard he tried, he struggled to find work. Day by day they were sinking financially. A friend directed Taraswin to a job opportunity in another village. Believing this would help change things, they moved to start afresh.

But work was inconsistent, and this new job soon proved to be of no help to their financial state. They prayed earnestly to their traditional gods and goddesses and faithfully practiced rituals, but their situation only worsened.

As monthly rent drained their income, things did not look bright. However, unknown to Romila and Taraswin, God saw their struggles.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Blessed with a sewing machine — Like this woman, Romila has been blessed with the hope of a better income through a sewing machine, a gift found in Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog.

A Need Not Unseen

One day, they were chatting with their neighbor, and he introduced Taraswin and Romila to his friend, a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor named Rochan. As Pastor Rochan struck up a conversation with the couple, they began to open up.

“After coming to this place, I am not getting any proper work, and I am struggling to take care of my wife and child,” Taraswin explained.

Pastor Rochan encouraged Taraswin and Romila in the Lord. He prayed and asked God to open doors for them to have a better income. As Pastor Rochan walked away, he felt compelled to do everything he could to help this family.

Three weeks later, he invited Taraswin and Romila to the church’s Christmas gift distribution program. Romila could hardly believe her eyes when she received her sewing machine.

“I was really longing for a machine,” Romila recalls. “I have no words to express my feelings and thanks to the church.”

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: A sewing machine relieves a family's struggle — Romila, Taraswin and their little daughter (pictured) now have true hope and joy. They are no longer struggling to get by, day by day.

A Dream Fulfilled Through Gospel for Asia Christmas Gifts

Now Romila can help provide for her family by sewing clothes from her home. The hopelessness which hung over Romila and Taraswin lifted, as they now can easily pay for their rent with plenty left over for additional expenses. Through this timely help, Romila and Taraswin saw the love of Jesus in their lives.

“This gift not only helps me to earn a daily income, but also it brought us close to the Living God,” says Romila.

Now Romila’s dream is being fulfilled, and her family is being lifted out of poverty. God hand-tailored every detail of their lives and wove a beautiful blessing of a sewing machine and the lasting knowledge of His undeniable love into Ramila’s and Taraswin lives.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: You can provide a sewing machine to bless a family in poverty — You can be part of changing a life by providing a sewing machine!

One Stitch at a Time

Men and women, such as Romila and Taraswin, are blessed to receive tools like sewing machines that alter their income. Not only do these gifts create an avenue of hope in their lives, but they are tangible representations of Christ’s love. Consider giving a sewing machine. You can help change a life now and on into eternity!

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Altering Their Income

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A Gospel for Asia Gift of Compassion Fills Bare Home with Joy

Last updated on: May 12, 2022 at 9:05 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Kalapi, the sickness and poverty, and the healing and provision through the ministry of national missionaries and the distribution of a Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift of compassion.

A mysterious illness caused Kalapi’s body to shake uncontrollably. For two years, she had difficulties walking, eating and drinking. Eventually, she struggled even to speak. Her family sought aid but found none—until they heard about a local Christian congregation. Kalapi went to the church, which is led by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Boro Rai, and received prayer. It was there that she finally found deliverance, thanks to Jesus.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: When Pastor Boro visited Kalapi and Mudit, he noticed the bareness of their home and the thin, weak appearance of their children. — When Pastor Boro visited Kalapi and Mudit, he noticed the bareness of their home and the thin, weak appearance of their children.

Pastor Boro began visiting Kalapi and her husband, Mudit, to tell them more about the God who healed her and to encourage them with promises from Scripture. During his visits, Pastor Boro noticed the bareness of their home, which contained only a few household items. But even more haunting was the thin, weak appearance of Kalapi’s children. Kalapi and Mudit could afford to feed them flatbread made of cornmeal, but that was about it. The lack of nutrition left the children vulnerable to frequent illnesses, and Kalapi and Mudit didn’t have the money to buy medicine for them.

Pastor Boro couldn’t ignore the images he had seen of the near-empty home and the frail bodies of the children. Wanting to help, he spoke with his leaders and told them about the family’s need.

Family Receives Life-Changing Gift

Pastor Boro and his leaders decided to help meet the family’s basic needs by giving Kalapi and Mudit a gift. Pastor Boro told Kalapi the good news that the church was going to help her family, and he invited her to a Christmas gift distribution.

Kalapi arrived on the appointed day. At the event, 20 pairs of goats, 24 cows, 25 water buffalo and several other useful items waited for Kalapi and other struggling families. Each gift, from a pair of tin sheets to a water buffalo, represented a helping hand from the Lord, who wanted these families to thrive.

That day, Kalapi went home with a cow and a calf. With joy in her eyes, she thanked those who had made it possible for her to receive the gift.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Pastor Boro told his leaders about his concerns for Kalapi’s family. Then, during a Christmas gift distribution, Kalapi received a cow and a calf! — Pastor Boro told his leaders about his concerns for Kalapi’s family. Then, during a Christmas gift distribution, Kalapi received a cow and a calf!

Cow Strengthens Children’s Bodies, Fills Woman’s Heart with Faith

Now, because God put it on the church’s heart to give Kalapi a cow and calf, her family is enjoying a stability they desperately needed. The cow provides Kalapi’s children with milk, a source of protein that has helped their bodies grow stronger. In addition, Kalapi and Mudit have been able to use the cow’s dung to fertilize their crops, and when the calf grows up, they plan to use it to plow their fields.

These Christmas gifts not only helped the family’s financial condition, but they also showed Kalapi how much God and His children care for her family. Seeing God’s compassion on her family, Kalapi’s faith grew. She prays to Jesus to meet her family’s needs, trusting in Him to provide.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: God has used the gift of a cow to sustain Kalapi’s family. Kalapi’s children have grown stronger and healthier by drinking the cow’s milk. — God has used the gift of a cow to sustain Kalapi’s family. Kalapi’s children have grown stronger and healthier by drinking the cow’s milk.

“I thank God who has not only set me free from my sickness, but also blessed us with a cow that provides milk,” Kalapi said. “Now my children are able to eat chapatti [flatbread] with milk. I praise God . . . for helping such families as mine.”

You Can Bless More Families

By providing gifts from Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog, you can help bring stability and hope to families like Kalapi’s as you give them a source of income and sustenance. More importantly, you will be part of a tangible illustration of God’s great love for them.

Give life-sustaining gifts

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Compassion Fills Bare Home with Joy

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