Gospel for Asia’s Children’s Ministry Is a Bridge of Hope to Kids in Asia

March 22, 2018 By GFA Staff Writer

Bridge of Hope - KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia — Children attending any GFA Bridge of Hope program learn to read and write, gain positive study habits, are provided with a healthy meal, receive medical care as needed, are shown God’s loving-kindness, and develop the HOPE that their education will one day help them shake off the weight of poverty.

One of our Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors said something both sad and ironic several years ago: “Nobody cares about the children of this village.”

While, in his eyes, his statement seemed to be true, the irony is that it was not entirely so. The mere fact that he said it indicated that he cared. In fact, he admitted, “I have a great burden for this village.” The reason he cared is that he knew that Jesus cares.

The village of which he spoke is home to 2,000 impoverished families whose daily need is survival. Their entire life is consumed with laboring to feed themselves and their families. Their fight for survival means their children are forced to work in laborious and tedious tasks to generate adequate resources.

Many of these families live in one-room huts, often made with only sticks and plastic. They have no nearby sources of clean water. They lack proper sanitation facilities. What food they are able to acquire does not always provide adequate nutrition. And there doesn’t seem to be a way out.

A recent report from the McKinsey Global Institute found that there is a substantial difference in poverty levels beyond what we comprehend. There is a poverty level at which people can “achieve a decent standard of living,” but these villagers and their children live below that level in the realm of “bare subsistence” where hope and a way out appear non-existent.

Food, clothing and medical care are honorable and necessary charitable acts that demonstrate the love of Christ. They are gifts and services that sustain life. However, they do not, in and of themselves, create a bridge to a better life.

Food can make a destitute person less hungry, but they are still impoverished. Clothing can help provide a sense of dignity, but it does not change a person’s circumstances. Medical care can prevent disease, but it cannot break the bondage of abject poverty.

Creating a Bridge of Hope

This village is an example of how Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope (BOH) centers make a difference.

Bridge of Hope centers provide an educational experience for school-age children in which they learn the practical skills that can be the bridge to a better life. Each school day, students practice reading, writing and math in an environment of Christian love where staff members guide them to the hope for a better tomorrow by teaching them life skills that will become their bridge out of the generational curse into which they were born.

Education is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. Each evening when a child goes home from a Bridge of Hope center, they return to the same existential scenario. But each evening they go with a little more hope for the future.

The centers offer each child with daily, nutritious meals to give them the energy they need to learn and grow. Regular medical checkups are also part of the program. BOH centers even provide the students’ school supplies.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) has helped touched the lives of more than 75,000 children through Bridge of Hope centers. What these children have learned and are learning gives them a bridge they can cross to pass over “the hurdles of tragedy and poverty and press on to a future bright with promises.”

The program helps the children with their education so they can one day get a good job and afford sufficient food, decent clothing, medical supplies and other necessities of life for themselves and for their families. Beyond this, Bridge of Hope provides the children with opportunities to pursue and excel in their God-given skills and interests.

Bridge of Hope staff members become the hands and feet of Christ to the students and their families, serving them with genuine love, compassion and respect. Staff members maintain relationships with the parents and children and offer them counsel, encouragement and, ultimately, give them hope.

What does a child receive at the Bridge of Hope centers?

Education. This includes tuition, books and uniforms. But even more significant is that they will get tutoring in reading and writing, which means a future of hope is guaranteed.

Nutrition. During the school day, each child receives a healthy, balanced meal.

Medical care. The Bridge of Hope leaders who care for children also monitor their health and provide care as needed. Extra attention is given in areas where malaria or tuberculosis is prevalent. In addition to periodic checkups and medical treatment, children also learn basic habits of good hygiene, such as washing hands, trimming fingernails and bathing regularly.

Development of social skills and self-confidence. From the earliest ages in kindergarten, children are given opportunities to play games and practice basic rules of courtesy.

Hope Becomes Real on the Other Side of the Bridge

While the short-term focus is on helping the children now, the long-term perspective is to enable them to become all they possibly can be as a useful servant to their community, and to one day be a blessing to many others throughout Asia.

Bridge of Hope centers are not limited to remote villages. Many are located in the slum areas of major Asian cities, where roaming through and living on top of trash heaps is a way of life and their only hope for tomorrow.

Paul encouraged Timothy to share what he had taught him with others who would then be able to show many more (2 Timothy 2:2). Following that model, the character development and social impact at work in Bridge of Hope centers is being passed on to many others throughout the community.

Bridge of Hope is not just a name for a project. It is a ministry that actually produces a product. That product is the potential for a hopeful future for children who are trapped by circumstances they did not create, in a situation they cannot escape and who would, otherwise, have no hope.

Parents and grandparents recognize the changes in their children and grandchildren, causing them not only rejoice in their hope for the future but also to realize the love of Christ in their own lives.

Even local leaders praise the work of Bridge of Hope centers for their impact on the community at large. One leader said, “I am really happy to see a social network coming up to this level of taking care of the future of children.”

The father of one of the children at the same center said, “This only can be possible through Christians. The love of Christians is great. My children are going to become well-prepared for their future. I am overwhelmed with their concern for us.”

To learn more about Bridge of Hope read “What Bridge of Hope Gives Children.”

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Gospel for Asia Helping Protect Lives Through Clean Hands

November 23, 2022 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 the impoverished communities that Gospel for Asia (GFA World) national missionaries reach, helping protect lives through hand-washing and sanitation.

“Clean hands save lives.” It’s a slogan that sounds like a simple solution to an enormous problem, but according to the Center for Disease Control, clean hands do indeed save lives by helping prevent the spread of disease and infection.[1] For impoverished communities, prevention may be better than seeking treatment when infections or diseases do come, especially because treatment may not be affordable or available.

In Defense of Health

Annually, on October 15, organizations around the world celebrate Global Hand-washing Day to highlight the importance of hand-washing in preventing the spread of disease. Gospel for Asia (GFA World) missionaries, pastors and workers also organize programs that aim to inform and teach the communities they serve how to protect themselves from sicknesses that are spread through unclean hands, knowledge that is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The area where Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Reinhard serves is particularly rife with diseases, including typhoid. Because the village is devoid of proper medical facilities, the villagers must either make a long and expensive trip or let infections take their toll. Many villagers, a field correspondent reported, were losing their lives to these sicknesses at a young age.

Seeing the great need in his area to help people stay healthy, Pastor Reinhard and other volunteers organized a Global Handwashing Day program to teach people how they can protect themselves from disease by washing their hands. At the program, the workers demonstrated handwashing techniques and shared about the increased risk of becoming sick when people do not properly wash their hands.

Bringing Help Where It’s Needed

Like Pastor Reinhard, hundreds of other Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers serving in impoverished areas brought the same message to those who need it most. In one region, more than 400 men, women and children across dozens of villages were taught how to protect themselves from disease through proper handwashing.

Addressing the gathered families in his village, Pastor Reinhard summed up the message he and thousands of workers like him brought to many:

“Wash your hands properly … and it will help you to keep yourself physically sound and healthy, by washing away germs that can cause preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and [typhoid]. On the occasion of Global Hand-washing Day, we should help others by teaching them about [how] ‘clean hands save lives.’”

*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.

[1] “Show Me the Science – Why Wash your Hands?” CDC. September 10, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Protecting Lives Through Clean Hands

Learn more about the need for medical ministry — Prevention is better than cure. But what if you can’t access either? GFA World medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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National Workers are ‘Unstoppable Compassion Force’ Says Gospel for Asia Special Report

December 20, 2021 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like GFA World Canada, reveals in a new report: National missionaries — those working in their own countries — are the “new pioneers” of the 21st century, and they’re proving to be an “unstoppable compassion force,” a new report reveals. “More and more, local missionaries are driving ministry projects in their own countries and transforming their own communities,” said K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder of global mission organization Gospel for Asia (GFA World). According to GFA World’s new report, National Workers: Unstoppable Compassion Force, (www.gfa.org/press/workers) there’s a natural progression toward “indigenous” workers who understand their own culture, language, and neighbors far better than foreign missionaries.

In 2021, there were 430,000 foreign “expat” mission workers overseas, compared with 13.2 million national missionaries serving on their home soil, the report says.

National Workers ‘Far Less Costly’

National missionary workers are the pioneers of the 21st century, proving to be an unstoppable compassion force, a new GFA report reveals. — **UNSTOPPABLE COMPASSION FORCE:** National missionaries — those serving in their own countries and cultures — are the “new pioneers” of the 21st century, and they’re proving to be an “unstoppable compassion force,” says a new report (www.gfa.org/press/workers) by global mission organization Gospel for Asia (GFA World).

National workers also serve in their own countries at far less expense — and with fewer restrictions — than expat Western workers who often incur costs associated with emergency medical insurance, security, and immigration, as well as safety restrictions on movement, says Gospel for Asia (GFA World).

It can cost between $50,000-$120,000 a year to support an American family in a developing nation — an annual sum that could help support 50 national workers.

“National workers live at the same level as the local people,” Yohannan said, “working alongside them, living among them in the villages and slums, dressing the same, speaking the same language, eating the same food, drinking from the same well.”

Today, 80% of the world’s countries are either completely closed or severely restricted to foreigners doing any form of religious work — Afghanistan being one example.

“Then again,” Yohannan said, “no matter what closed doors, restrictions or financial costs might be, God still calls his people to evangelize, to go, and send missionaries to preach the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.”

Most Needy Places on Earth

GFA World’s national workers run projects in more than 12,000 parishes — or local churches — across Asia. And the organization is expanding into Africa as well.

Its workers complete a three-year training period before they venture full-time into some of the most needy places on earth, bringing clean drinking water through “Jesus Wells,” launching children’s education and health projects, helping poor families generate income, and sharing God’s love.

In South Asia, mission worker Rainer prayed for two years for a bicycle so he could encourage and help a cluster of villages nine miles from his home. Now his bicycle has become the local “ambulance,” transporting sick villagers to the nearest clinic.

GFA World’s Sisters of Compassion — teams of specialized women missionaries who serve in leprosy colonies — are uniquely trained in care and counseling. Geeta and her local co-workers clean the wounds of leprosy patients and wash their deformed feet.

“We do all this because of the love of God,” Geeta said.

About Gospel for Asia – now GFA World

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

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

Learn more about GFA World Compassion Services – comprised of four areas of ministry: slum ministry, leprosy ministry, medical ministry and disaster relief. Through these ministries, GFA missionary workers are relieving the burdened, rescuing the endangered and revealing God’s compassion to the people of Asia.

Read more blogs on National Missionary Workers and Compassion Services on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Read what 25 Christian Leaders are affirming about GFA World.

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, National Workers are ‘Unstoppable Compassion Force’ Says GFA World Report

Medicine Brought by GFA World Aids Those Who Couldn’t Otherwise Afford It

October 18, 2021 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 villagers in extreme poverty counted among the millions without access to proper health care, and GFA World aids that brought free medicine that they may be healthy and whole.

Discussing villagers in extreme poverty counted among the millions without access to proper health care, and GFA World aids that brought free medicine that they may be healthy and whole. — Volunteer doctors examined every villager who attended the GFA World medical camp.

Dozens of voices jumbled together as men, women and children patiently waited to be seen by one of the workers stationed at the front of the line. In those workers’ hands, and on the tables, lay objects most of those present could never afford on their own: bottles of medicine.

Not Enough Money

These villagers are among the millions without access to proper health care. The World Health Organization estimates nearly half of the global population does not have full coverage of essential health services because they do not have access or they cannot afford it.^[1]

In the villagers’ case, whenever sickness struck, they waited for it to pass. They could not afford to become some of the 930 million people worldwide who are projected to fall into extreme poverty as their finances become drained by expensive hospital visits or medication.^[2] For the villagers, the risk of falling deeper into poverty outweighed finding medical relief. It was better to endure pain than to whittle away their finances.

Treatment Freely Given

Nealy, a 55-year-old farmer, couldn’t afford treatment for his leg pain and acid reflux. For six months, Nealy had endured the pain to keep his family afloat, not possessing extra income to receive treatment.

Another villager, Pakuna, a 60-year-old mother of three, had suffered with high blood pressure and diabetes for the previous four years.

They both could not purchase medicine on their own.

But then, in celebration of World Health Day, the villagers were invited to a medical camp organized by several Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers and volunteers. Nealy, Pakuna and the other attendees received medicine according to their needs, free of charge. In total, around 400 men, women and children received medical attention. Beneficiaries thanked the workers, grateful they could receive such care.

Through the medical camp, Nealy, Pakuna and hundreds of others in similar situations were blessed with medical care. Without it, the villagers may never have been able to see to their medical needs or may have gone without ever seeing a doctor. Because of the medical camp, they did not have to choose between falling into extreme poverty or pain—they could be healthy and whole.

Read how GFA Sisters of Compassion offered relief and peace on World Health Day through a medical camp for those in need.

^[1] “Primary health care.” World Health Organization. 1 April 2021. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/primary-health-care

^[2] “Primary health care.” World Health Organization. 1 April 2021. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/primary-health-care

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Medicine Brought to Those Who Couldn’t Afford It

Learn more about the GFA World Medical Ministry — helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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.

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GFA World Provides Medicine and Love to a Remote Village

May 10, 2021 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 GFA World pastor Pekelo, his encounter with a remote village full of sickness, fragility, the absence of mosquito nets to defend against mosquito-borne illnesses, and the free medical camp that brought hope and love.

Free Medical Camp supplied by Gospel for Asia: For Pastor Pekelo, it was worth shouldering the heavy box for three miles to give villagers much-needed medicine and loving care. — For Pastor Pekelo, it was worth shouldering the heavy box for three miles to give villagers much-needed medicine and loving care.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Pekelo had only been to the remote village once. The only way to reach it was a three-mile hike. Upon reaching his destination, however, Pastor Pekelo found himself in the midst of destitution. He quickly forgot about the long journey and turned his attention to the needs of the villagers. As he surveyed the situation, an idea began to form in Pastor Pekelo’s mind: He wanted to offer the entire village of nearly 50 families a free medical check-up.

An Undeniable Need

Pastor Pekelo knew bringing a free medical camp to the small, remote community would be a challenge, but he was armed with a determination to assist with the needs he witnessed firsthand.

With his own eyes, Pastor Pekelo saw the darkness of the village where electricity was a commodity still unavailable. With his own legs, Pastor Pekelo experienced the village’s difficulty of access. With his own nose, Pastor Pekelo inhaled the odor of sickness that plagued the village due to lack of medical care.

Pastor Pekelo quickly learned the residents often fell ill with mosquito-borne illnesses. They needed aid and protection. The compassionate pastor knew a free medical camp and mosquito net distribution would take strategic planning, but he was convinced such an event would benefit the people of this remote village.

Plan of Action – A Free Medical Camp

GFA World pastor's encounter with a village, the sickness, absence of mosquito nets to defend against illnesses, & the free medical camp that brought love. — Villagers wait in line to receive free medical check-ups and a mosquito net to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.

In conjunction with the Youth Fellowship pastor, Pastor Pekelo began coordinating with church leaders and fellow believers. They secured boxes of medicine and mosquito nets and enlisted the services of three doctors, including a surgeon. The team then hefted the heavy boxes of supplies on their shoulders and set out on the over-three-mile trek to the village.

As word spread about the free medical camp, people from the next village, about one-and-a-quarter miles away, journeyed to the village to stand in line for a check-up.

Doctors spent the day examining patients and prescribing medications. Pastor Pekelo and his team distributed mosquito nets. Over the course of the day, approximately 300 patients received free health assessments and medicine, and 150 families left with mosquito nets to help protect themselves against disease.

The villagers were grateful for the love and care shown through the attention of the doctors and Pastor Pekelo and his team.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Free Medical Camp — A young boy tries to not squirm as the doctor performs a routine health check-up.

“I have been in this village for 22 years and had not seen anyone come to this village with help for us and our children,” said 22-year-old Luane, who came from the neighboring village. “[The church], not knowing who we are and our situation, visited us by walking five kilometers all the way to our village. We are ever grateful to them for their help. Thank you.”

A 40-year-old woman, Alonna, expressed her deep gratitude: “Our village has no electricity, and our children frequently get fever due to mosquito bites. I thank God for the mosquito nets that we received today. It will protect our children. We thank [the church] and Pastor Pekelo for the love and concern towards us.”

Pastor Pekelo’s vision to help a remote village by hosting a free medical camp became more than a blessing of physical care for the villagers. They were also blessed to receive the love and care of neighbors acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Read the story of how Jamar, his family, and his community flourished after a Bridge of Hope center hosted a free medical camp in their village.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, GFA World Provides Medicine and Love to a Remote Village

Learn more about the GFA World Medical Ministry — helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

Learn more how to save families from the sickening agony or death from malaria through the gift of Mosquito Nets that offer protection from the sting of an infected mosquito and help to give their owner a restful nights sleep.

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Gospel for Asia Says Hunt for Coronavirus Cure Casts Light on Another ‘Deadly Scourge’

November 22, 2020 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 – Discussing GFA World’s report citing the lifesaving impact of malaria-fighting efforts across Asia as the world searches for a cure for COVID-19.

The hunt for a cure for COVID-19 draws attention to another “forgotten” health crisis that continues to claim more than 400,000 lives around the world every year — mosquito-borne malaria.

Hunt for COVID 19 cure highlights "forgotten" malaria health crisis that continues to claim more than 400,000 lives worldwide yearly. — **ANOTHER DEADLY SCOURGE:** Political leaders and doctors suggest readily available anti-malarial drugs may be beneficial in treating coronavirus patients as Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and other organizations highlight the much-overlooked “deadly scourge” of malaria.

As some political leaders and doctors suggest readily available anti-malarial drugs may be beneficial in treating coronavirus patients, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and other organizations are highlighting the much-overlooked “deadly scourge” of malaria.

World Malaria Day — an annual awareness event — is April 25 each year, and malaria-fighting organizations like Gospel for Asia (GFA) are eager to see that the ongoing battle against the mosquito-spread menace doesn’t get ignored or forgotten because of COVID-19.

Almost half the world’s population is at risk from malaria — spread by infected mosquitoes — and children under five years are the most vulnerable, says a new Gospel for Asia (GFA World) report, titled Mosquito-Driven Scourge Touches Even Developed Nations.

Despite the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs like chloroquine — recently touted as a treatment for coronavirus — malaria still kills more than 400,000 people worldwide every year, more than double the global coronavirus death toll to date.

Each year, there are more than 200 million reported cases of malaria, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. So far, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide stands at about 2.5 million and rising.

Mosquito Nets: Ten Dollar Lifesavers

Describing malaria as a “deadly scourge,” GFA World’s report is one of a series of in-depth special reports by the Texas-based mission agency examining critical global issues, promoting awareness, and challenging people to respond. A life-saving mosquito net costs as little as $10 — but that’s more than many of Asia’s poorest families, who earn less than $2 a day, can afford.

“For many years. . . teams across South Asia have been engaged in malaria prevention,” said Dr. Daniel, director of Believers Eastern Church’s medical ministry in Asia. “These committed local workers, often trekking miles on foot, distribute free mosquito nets — some 360,000 last year alone – to prevent malaria infection and provide clean water and community sanitation to help reduce mosquito breeding grounds.”

Although malaria has a lower mortality rate than coronavirus, the financial toll of malaria is huge. According to estimates, malaria costs the African economy $12 billion every year through healthcare and loss of productivity and investment.

With much of South Asia currently under COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is supporting outreaches to those most severely impacted — including impoverished day laborers unable to earn money for food. Teams are providing free meals as well as mosquito nets.

“Even in lockdown amid COVID-19, we in the West have the opportunity to pray at home and support local workers in the field to save lives,” said India-born Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan, whose mission has served the poor in Asia for 40-plus years and has become one of the biggest mission organizations in the world.

About Gospel for Asia

Gospel for Asia (GFA) is a leading faith-based mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ. 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 4,000 clean water wells drilled, over 11,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 200,000 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:

KP Yohannan has issued two statements about the COVID-19 situation found here and here.

GFA’s Statement About Coronavirus

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Source: Gospel for Asia: Digital Media Room

Gospel for Asia Shares Awareness and Education Emphasized for World AIDS Day

March 4, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the advocacy of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors and Bridge of Hope centers on the fight to raise awareness about HIV / AIDS on World AIDS Day and prevent its spread.

Gospel for Asia - founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Discussing World AIDS Day and the advocacy of GFA-supported pastors and Bridge of Hope centers on the fight to raise awareness about HIV / AIDS and prevent its spread. — Students shout slogans like “Know AIDS, No AIDS!” as they march through the streets to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Each year, in observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors and Bridge of Hope centers take the opportunity to help inform their communities of the deadly virus and offer ways to prevent its spread. Students, parents, Bridge of Hope staff, pastors and teachers work together to organize educational programs and awareness rallies for their local villages.

Educational Meeting about AIDS / HIV Warns Young Adults

In order to educate young people about the HIV virus and the effects it can have on a person’s health, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported youth fellowship workers organized an AIDS awareness program in a local, government-run school.

During three sessions, 80 students, joined by school staff, listened as a medical doctor spoke about the causes of AIDS and its potential to lead to death. An educational video provided the program attendees with practical information on how to prevent contracting the HIV virus, and a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor shared about the importance of life. Both students and school staff were grateful for the program the youth group provided.

Bridge of Hope Students Help Inform Their Communities

Another way Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers educate people about HIV/AIDS is through World AIDS Day Awareness Rallies organized by Bridge of Hope centers.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope centers provide children with after-school tutoring for their academic classes along with lessons in nutrition, hygiene and overall health care, including AIDS prevention. What the kids learn, they often share with their families and communities.

For World AIDS Day, some Bridge of Hope children take to the streets to offer important information about HIV/AIDS and its prevention. One year, 16 Bridge of Hope centers held rallies where the youth paraded through their villages. They brought awareness of the dangers of the disease by chanting slogans like “Know AIDS, No AIDS!” and “Eradicate AIDS!” Another year, one Bridge of Hope center coordinated a rally with 100 kids and some of their parents. They marched through the streets to draw the attention of onlookers, and they performed a skit that detailed the dangers of the HIV virus.

One of the students in the rally remarked,

“I really like being a participant of the World AIDS Day Awareness Rally because, as I am a child of God and my life belongs to Him, I have to keep myself safe.”

It is her response and others like it that encourage workers and pastors to take opportunities like World AIDS Day to continue sharing information about HIV/AIDS.

Since its discovery in 1984, HIV/AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 35 million people, according to worldaidsday.org. Beginning in 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 each year. The day was instituted to fight the spread of the disease, to support those living with HIV and to remember those who’ve lost their lives due to the virus. Though the disease has grave consequences, educational events, increased awareness and preventive practices help equip individuals and their communities to fight against its spread.

Hanin personally understands the painful effects of living with AIDS. Read the miraculous story of her mourning turned to joy here.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Awareness and Education Emphasized for World AIDS Day

Learn more about the need for Medical Ministry. GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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Gospel for Asia Awareness Programs: Washing Hands Saves Lives

January 2, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the life-threatening danger of not having proper hygiene, and one of the easiest ways to save lives, preventing the spread of disease: washing hands.

Discussing the life-threatening danger of not having proper hygiene, and one of the easiest ways to save lives, preventing the spread of disease: washing hands. — Residents of this leprosy colony received hand soap and hygiene instructions from Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers in celebration of Global Handwashing Day.

According to a 2010 report consolidated by the Centers for Disease Control with information from the World Health Organization, 2,195 children die every day from diarrhea—which is more than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. The same report also states diarrheal diseases account for the second-highest cause of death among children under age 5. However, strides have been made to combat and neutralize these diseases, with many organizations and governments working together. One initiative that has found success are hand-washing awareness programs.

Washing Hands: Defense Against Disease

Gospel for Asia (GFA) is one among many organizations spreading hygiene awareness in Asia, most notably hand-washing. Washing hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of disease. Programs organized by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers help bring to light the impact clean hands have on a person’s health.

In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, a group of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Sisters of Compassion taught proper hand-washing to those they serve in a leprosy colony. Equipped with videos, poems, handouts and demonstrations, the workers showed the children and adults how to properly and thoroughly wash their hands.

Fifty families that call this colony home, received a bottle of hand soap and instructions on how to use it. For many, this was a very new experience.

“I recall my younger age when I never got the chance to be taught such lessons,” one of the residents, Mahdat, says. “The children here are lucky to learn such useful lessons through which they can save their lives…”

Echoing Mahdat’s sentiment, fellow leprosy patient and colony resident Bavishya says, “Through [the Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers’] service, today we could learn the importance of hand-washing, which is very necessary for the children here because, most of the time, they fall into illness due to dirty hands.”

One of the children present, Salome, remarked on the program: “I learned when to wash hands, how to wash hands, and why I need to wash my hands. … I will paste [the handout] on the door of my house and will follow the instructions. Thank you.”

Discover how others are helped through Gospel for Asia-supported awareness programs.

*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 Report, Washing Hands Saves Lives

Learn more about the need for Medical Ministry. GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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

Gospel for Asia: Providing Health and Hope in the Tea Gardens

July 16, 2019 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the laborers in tea gardens like Saham, who endure the challenges of sickness and poverty throughout their lives.

In an industry worth $49.46 billion, workers like Saham only make around $1.50 a day. Saham and many like him endure poverty and hardship, but for them, this work is all they have.

Tea Gardens Workers’ Plight

Saham worked on a tea estate that helped supply the global tea market. In 2019, Asia accounted for 60 percent of all global tea exported, with hundreds of tea estates dotting the fertile and humid belts of Asia. These estates, also known as tea gardens, employ hundreds, sometimes thousands, of workers.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the laborers in tea gardens like Saham, who endure the challenges of sickness and poverty throughout their lives. — Like these workers, Saham labored among the tea shrubs.

As is common, the laborers typically lived on the estates. Entire families make their homes within sight of the tea shrubs. Day in and day out, these workers labor amid the tea bushes, barely making ends meet.

Hardship on Top of Hardship

One day, without warning, Saham’s tea garden closed for one year. Now he and the other workers had to fend for themselves; what little income they depended on was gone.

The tea gardens had been the only major institution of any sort in the surrounding area. There were no local hospitals, proper sanitation facilities or water facilities. Any sicknesses, ailments or injuries would have to be endured.

Saham suffered from multiple wounds on his legs. What he had earned went to finding healing, but nothing worked. And so, like the other workers around him, Saham bore his hurt, hoping for healing.

Medical Care for All

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Ekanpreet, a leader in this particular region, heard of this community’s plight. Having grown up on a tea garden, the pastor knew the struggle these people faced. Together with some local health officials and the local Women’s Fellowship, Pastor Ekanpreet arranged a medical camp in this area. By providing free health care and medicine, this camp would bring help to the locals.

Saham was treated for free, just like this man. He gratefully owed nothing for the treatment and care he received at a Gospel for Asia-supported medical camp.

Saham, hearing of the camp, decided to attend in hopes of treating the ever-worsening wounds on his leg. At the camp, the doctor provided Saham with some medicine. One of the ministers at the camp, Pastor Rutesh, met with Saham and shared his belief that God would heal Saham’s legs.

“I am very happy to come here and get treated free of cost,” Saham said. “Along with medicine, you people also prayed for my complete healing. … I believe that I will be healed very soon.”

At the end of the day, 280 people with various ailments and illnesses were treated. Saham and all the others who were seen at the medical camp were blessed and returned home with renewed hope amidst their trials. The tea gardens remained empty for many more months, until finally reopening. Saham and his fellow workers were able to return to their work and provide for themselves and their families.

Learn how a boy raised in the tea gardens found hope in his future.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Providing Health and Hope in the Tea Gardens

Learn more about the GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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A Life-changing Doctor Visit

June 26, 2019 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the millions of people who don’t have the ability to obtain health services, the need for medical camps around the world, and much more the need for the Great Healer.

Ahmed clutched his abdomen as the constant discomfort intensified. He wished for a doctor, but he knew the impossibility of such a costly appointment. He pushed through the pain again—as he had done many times during the past five months—and tried to keep going with life.

Not far away, Raizel leaned against the doorway to regain her balance and focus her eyes. It was hard work being a domestic servant all day, but she knew something internal must be causing her dizziness and eyesight problems. She couldn’t afford to quit working; her husband was gone, and there was no one else to provide for her three daughters. But she couldn’t afford to see a doctor either. All she could do was go back to work and hope the symptoms would go away on their own.

Treatment Unattainable for Millions

Ahmed (pictured) endured stomach pain for five months because he had no money to pay for a doctor examination. His plight is common among the global billions who live in poverty and need of medical camps. — Ahmed (pictured) endured stomach pain for five months because he had no money to pay for a doctor’s examination. His plight is common among the global billions who live in poverty.

Ahmed and Raizel are just two among millions—even billions—who cannot access medical care when they need help. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank reports that “at least half of the world’s population cannot obtain essential health services.”

The cost of medication and professional care is far beyond the incomes of many farmers, daily laborers and tradesmen. Remote villages rarely have a medical facility in the area, which means families must also bear the expenses of traveling to the nearest hospital. Treatment is even further out of reach for the millions of people who live hand-to-mouth and survive by begging.

But sometimes a medical emergency arises. An accident on the road, a severe cut or a life-threatening illness may force families to go to a hospital. Once there, families rack up a large bill and must find a way to pay it or take out a loan from a moneylender.

WHO and the World Bank also state that,

“for almost 100 million people, these expenses are high enough to push them into extreme poverty, forcing them to survive on just $1.90 or less a day.”

Children must drop out of school and start working to help pay back that loan, or parents have to sell what little they have—even their homes or source of livelihood—leaving them in an even more desperate financial situation.

Staff at four Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope centers and local pastors in Ahmed and Raizel’s region saw families battling cases of typhoid, dengue and other viral fevers. This community desperately needed help—and through donations from GFA friends around the world, GFA-supported workers were empowered to help their community.

These Bridge of Hope children and others in their community suffered from many treatable illnesses. Those sicknesses hindered their education, which is their greatest opportunity of escape from poverty.

Free Medical Care Provided for Sickly Children, Parents

The Bridge of Hope staff and national missionaries involved in medical ministry began coordinating free medical camps for the children in their areas. Medical personnel from local hospitals were invited to give their expertise at the camps, and soon all the preparations were in order.

One day, 400 Bridge of Hope children in this area went home from their centers with precious news: All the students could come and get free checkups—and their parents could too!

Ahmed came to the camp with hundreds of others from his community and walked away carrying free medication for his stomach troubles.

“I am deeply thankful,” he said. “I was suffering with constant stomachache for the past five months. I did not have money to go to the hospital for checkups.”

Raizel—and hundreds of others in her area who attended free medical camps—received a checkup and medication she could not have afforded on her own.

Raizel, too, attended the medical camp and found help with her problems. Even though she was a widow—a population of society that is often rejected and believed to carry a curse that caused their husbands’ death—she found love and free care through Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported medical ministry.

“Due to my tight work [schedule] and insufficient money, I could not go for medical checkups in a hospital,” she shared. “But my daughters told me about the free medical camp and asked me to come for a checkup. Thus, I could get [an eye exam] and got an eyedrop for my eyes and vitamin tablets for my weakness in the body. Thank you very much for helping me to get this aid.”

GFA-supported Medical Camps Change Lives

Medical camps like the one organized for Ahmed and Raizel’s community treat many illnesses, such as diarrhea, eye diseases, anemia, yellow fever and stomach problems. To help combat malnutrition among children and pregnant women, vitamin tablets are often distributed as well. Educational classes or pamphlets are also provided to instruct families on basic—but often unknown—hygiene practices that will protect the families’ health for years to come.

Abbi, a 37-year-old mother of three daughters, attended a medical camp and received treatment for an illness she had fought for a long time. She also received helpful instructions for rehabilitating one of her daughter’s weak hands.

Through attending the camp, Abbi formed a friendship with a woman named Kanaka. Kanaka, who attended a local church, visited Abbi the following day to pray with her and encourage her from God’s Word. She knew in her heart that Jesus had heard and answered their prayers, and her faith in Christ budded.

Abbi began attending a prayer meeting at Kanaka’s home and found peace from her troubles.

“I could not have a peaceful sleep at night for the last 17 years,” she testified. “But after meeting Jesus, I am getting sound sleep because there is peace in my heart. I praise Jesus for this.”

After attending a medical camp, Abbi (pictured) experienced healing in her family and discovered the joy only found in knowing Christ personally.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported medical camps help individuals gain the health they need to positively affect their communities. Each camp may provide 200 to 1,000 people with free checkups and medicines—something many of them would never have been able to afford. And along with those free medical services comes another powerful gift: prayer.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers happily pray for any who requests prayer at a medical camp, and they speak words of kindness and truth into the lives of struggling families. Long after a bottle of medicine is gone, families can continue finding strength and hope from the Great Healer they heard about at the camp.

Through Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported medical camps, thousands of people have found solutions for their problems, both of body and spirit.

You can help more people like Abbi, Ahmed and Raizel gain access to life-changing medical care by donating to medical camps today!

Source: Gospel for Asia Features, Life-changing Doctor Visits

Learn more about the need for Medical Ministry. GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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