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.
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-changing 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.”
“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.
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.
V
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.
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 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.
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?
*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.
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
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.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada, founded by KP Yohannan), one of the world’s biggest poverty-alleviating organizations spotlights the huge “uphill battle” facing many of the world’s 258 million widows in a just-released report.
Treatment of widows is often startlingly unfair and cruel, catapulting them into a crisis of survival, says the new global report by Texas-based Gospel for Asia (GFA World).
‘SHUNNED AND SHAMED’: Treatment of widows is often startlingly unfair and cruel, catapulting them into a crisis of survival, says a new global report by Texas-based mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World). Titled Widows Often Face Uphill Battle, the report examines the different struggles faced by widows in the U.S., Africa, and Asia.
Those struggles include battles over widows’ benefits in America, being stripped of homes and possessions in Africa, and the practice of shunning and shaming in Asia.
“In some Asian cultures, when a woman’s husband dies, she’s often stripped of her dignity, her worth, and her human rights,” said Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World). “Many widows are deprived of their home, their property, and their possessions, leaving them destitute.”
In parts of Asia, many young widows face sexual harassment and abuse, often turning to begging or prostitution to survive.
Widows in some cultures are viewed with suspicion and disgust — sometimes even branded as witches or blamed for their husband’s death and shut out of community life.
‘Excluded and Invisible’
“Cultural shame and prejudice often render widows excluded and invisible,” said KP Yohannan, whose faith-based organization supports 40 local Sisters of Compassion teams helping widows across Asia. GFA World’s support includes vocational training for widows and giving them opportunity to take part in income-generating activities, such as sewing.
These GFA World teams of visiting women provide emotional and spiritual support, praying with widows in their homes and showing them they’re not alone.
Asia, the world’s biggest continent, has an estimated 57 million widows — roughly equivalent to the populations of California and Florida combined. “On the surface, this seems like an overwhelming uphill battle,” said KP Yohannan, “but every time a widow receives help and encouragement, we rejoice.”
Supporting the grassroots efforts of local churches in cities and rural villages, GFA World aims to “show the love of God” to outcast widows who’ve known only rejection.
“The Apostle James told us in his epistle that true religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress,” KP Yohannan said. “The challenge facing the church around the world today is to not just read the Bible, but to do what is written in it.”
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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the struggles of women like Preshti who grew up illiterate, and the literacy classes by Gospel for Asia missionaries that opened business opportunities for women.
Was this the bus Preshti needed? Or was it that one? Visiting her mother in another city always proved to be a challenge for the 45-year-old mother of four. She couldn’t read the signs.
Preshti (pictured) proudly holds the workbook she used during the literacy program.
Growing Up Illiterate
Preshti was among the two-thirds of women in her area who are illiterate. Growing up, Preshti was not able to attend school because of her parents’ poverty. As the eldest, Preshti took care of her siblings and the home while her parents worked. The money they made put Presthi’s younger siblings through school. For Preshti, school seemed out of reach, and she carried this belief into her adult years.
Grasping the Skills to Change through Gospel for Asia Literacy Classes
Then Preshti enrolled in a literacy class organized by Gospel for Asia (GFA)woman missionaries. Some challenges arose, however. If she took the classes during the day, she couldn’t work. The missionaries moved the classes to evening, but even then, Preshti could barely focus after a hard day’s work. Then, after class, she would come home and cook dinner, and her alcoholic husband would be angry if she was too late getting dinner on the table.
But Preshti pushed on. She needed these classes.
After some months, Preshti “graduated.” Her confidence soared; she finally could read and write!
Armed with her newfound abilities, Preshti joined other women in a local small business plan. Taking a loan, the women started small businesses and used the earnings to pay the loan and provide for their families.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Vaj, a once hardened man by alcohol addiction, now transformed when a Gospel for Asia pastor shared with him the love of Christ.
Vaj was a changed man. It was difficult not to notice it. His family members and friends marveled at his transformation. The once careless drunkard, who spent all of what little he earned on his addiction, now was faithfully working and able to provide for his family. He hadn’t touched a bottle in weeks. Instead he spent his time behind a pull cart laden with vegetables or food to sell. His family, who once toiled under the shadow of discouragement, was now filled with joy.
Pastor Samuel shared the love of Christ and prayed with Vaj, to be free from his addiction.
What was the secret? How could such a hardened man become so gentle? How could he leave the very essence of who he had been?
Pastor’s Counsel Helps Man Overcome Addiction
The change began when Vaj met Pastor Haatim. The Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor shared with him the love of Christ and prayed with Vaj. He also invited him to church, and Vaj willingly went to a prayer meeting one night. There, the heartfelt prayers of the pastor and the believers touched his heart.
“I felt very good,” Vaj told the pastor. “We will be coming back continually for the prayer meeting.”
The power of God’s Word began to transform Vaj’s life. He met regularly with the pastor and received counsel. Eventually, the grip of alcohol on Vaj’s life loosened—and Vaj decided he would quit drinking altogether. And he was true to his word.
Vaj regularly met with a Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor, Haatim, who counseled him. Eventually, Vaj decided to give up alcoholism.
Vaj’s neighbors and family marveled at the change that took place. He took care now to live his life in a more honorable way. He labored hard to provide for his family. He used his money to take care of their needs. As happy as Vaj’s family was at his transformation, they still struggled in their finances.
“I was addicted to alcohol, but after meeting with Pastor [Haatim] and praying to God, I could get rid of it,” Vaj explained. “Now I have experienced a new life in the Lord Jesus. Also there was no peace in my life because of my behavior, but thank God for changing me. I give glory and honor to Him.”
Pull Cart Brings Hope, a New Future
Seeing Vaj’s need, Pastor Haatim applied for Vaj to be included in the Christmas gift distribution. As a result, Vaj received a pull cart.
Vaj no longer hires himself out for manual labor, but has his own business of selling vegetables in the mornings and prepared food in the evenings. His family members have even begun to help him in his business.
Seeing Vaj’s need, Pastor Haatim applied for Vaj to be included in the Christmas gift distribution. As a result, Vaj received a pull cart.
Vaj doesn’t struggle to provide for his own family any more. By earning $4 per day, Vaj can even give his children education, and the cart’s profits have been more than enough for his family’s daily needs. He gives to the church faithfully, too, sharing his blessings with others.
Vaj’s life is a testimony to all those around him.
“After accepting Jesus in his life, there are lots of improvements in Vaj’s life,” Vaj’s neighbor explains. “He left drinking alcohol and runs his business well. Now, he takes care of his family, which he could not do before.”
Vaj was delighted when he received the cart. He no longer works as a laborer but is selling vegetables in the morning and prepared food during the evening.
Gifts That Change Lives
A simple gift and a mighty God can do so much in one man’s life. Beyond Vaj’s life, a ripple effect has reached out to all those around him. You can be part of bringing hope to more families in need this year. Check out the Christmas Gift Catalog and make an impact for eternity.
*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.
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.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Digvastra and his family, the opposition of his father toward his new found faith, and the answered prayer through a practical gift – tin sheets from Gospel for Asia gift distribution.
Sunlight filtered through a hole in the ceiling onto the back of a teenaged boy who had too many chores to do. The boy, Digvastra, longed to be at church, joining the saints for Sunday worship, but his father had given him a long list of chores to complete by sunset.
Digvastra’s father, Hemendu, had decided he could stamp out his son’s new faith by preventing him from going to church.
Hemendu gave his son a long list of chores each Sunday to stop him from going to church, hoping to snuff out the flame of faith growing in Digvastra’s heart.
Son’s New Faith Provokes Father’s Anger—and Eventual Curiosity
When Digvastra had put his trust in Jesus and had started going to the local church meetings, Hemendu became furious. He chided Digvastra, telling him not to go out on Sunday mornings, but Digvastra would sneak out. Then Hemendu decided to start giving Digvastra a long list of chores each Sunday morning to stop his son from attending church. Digvastra, still a teenager, honored his father by doing as he was told.
Chandira and Yahvi, two Gospel for Asia (GFA) women missionaries who had shared Christ’s love with Digvastra, befriended Digvastra’s family and had opportunities to tell Hemendu about Jesus. Gradually, Hemendu’s heart grew curious about the new faith, but he was not yet willing to risk the scorn his neighbors and relatives would heap on him for believing in Jesus.
Digvastra kept praying to God to speak to his father, and Chandira and Yahvi prayed about a way to bless Digvastra’s family and show Christ’s love to them. The two missionaries felt the Lord was leading them to give the family a gift in their next Christmas gift distribution, but there was one problem: They didn’t know what to give them.
Then, one day, Digvastra shared a prayer request with Yahvi and Chandira. He explained that the roof of his family’s house had a hole and needed a major repair. Digvastra knew his family desperately needed financial provision to fix the leaky roof.
Amazed by and grateful for God’s clear direction, Yahvi and Chandira knew what to do. They put in a request to their leaders, and when the day of the Christmas gift distribution came, they were able to give Digvastra some tin roofing sheets!
Digvastra asked Chandira and Yahvi to pray that his family’s roof would get repaired. Soon, the young man received tin roof sheets through the Christmas gift distribution program!
Gospel for Asia Tin Sheets Gift Overwhelms Son and Father Alike
Overcome by God’s love and goodness, Digvastra could find no words to express his gratitude for the gift that his family had desperately needed.
That night, Digvastra told his father,
“The Lord has been helping us in so many ways and has not only known our needs but has provided us with our needs. How can you still harden your heart? … The Lord is good to us. He has changed my life.”
“God is good to us, and I know that, but it is hard for me. … I need time,” Hemendu replied.
Even though Hemendu still wasn’t ready to put his trust in Jesus, the gift—a gift that would protect his family from inclement weather for years—impacted him. He was grateful to God for knowing his family’s needs and using the Church to meet those needs. Hemendu’s attitude toward Jesus and His followers completely changed. Instead of opposing his son’s faith, Hemendu became supportive. Digvastra can now spend his Sunday mornings worshiping with the local congregation instead of doing chores.
“I am thankful to you for teaching and showing the right path to my son,” Hemendu told Yahvi and Chandira one day. “I can see that his life is transformed, and I am happy as a father to know that my son has chosen the right thing.”
After seeing how Jesus provided for the needs of his family, Hemendu’s heart brimmed with gratitude. Now, instead of opposing his son’s faith, he supports him.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Shahryar and his family, the limitations of illiteracy, the debt and poverty, and the answered prayers through Gospel for Asia gift distribution of a goat.
What benefits do goats possess? Many, as a matter of fact. Just one goat can provide milk to sell or drink, and its offspring can be sold for extra money. One goat is all it can take to lift a family out of poverty; one goat is all it took to bless Shahryar and his family.
A Struggling Family
Shahryar and his wife, Aaida, are both illiterate. As a result, the scope of jobs they could take was limited. After working day-to-day odd jobs, Shahryar found work at a gas station while Aaida worked as a daily laborer. The money they earned was still not enough to pay for their two children’s school fees and their daily needs. Shahryar and Aaida borrowed money many times but found themselves unable to pay it back. They sunk deeper and deeper into debt, not knowing how or if they could escape.
Some years earlier, Shahryar and Aaida came to know of Christ’s unfailing love for them. The couple regularly participated in services at a church led by a GFA pastor. The believers continuously prayed for Shahryar and Aaida, lifting up their situation. By the grace of God, those prayers were answered.
A Gospel for Asia Gift on Four Legs: a Goat
Through an organized gift distribution, the church blessed Shahryar and Aaida with a goat! By providing a steady stream of income through its milk and offspring, this goat would bring help in their time of need. Shahryar and Aaida took the goat home and began taking care of it.
*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.
Madchen wasn’t earning enough as a laborer. As hard as she tried, the mother of two couldn’t meet the needs of her family. Madchen struggled to provide for her sons and fix their home—all of which she did alone.
Like this family, Madchen was blessed with a sewing machine so she can earn more income.
Providing for Her Family
Madchen’s husband had passed away years ago, leaving her to provide for their two sons alone. Whatever work she could find, Madchen took, but her earnings were only enough for the bare essentials. Providing her family with any nutritious food or making sure they could get medical treatments when needed were out of the question.
By the grace of God, a Christian family hired Madchen after noticing her plight and offered to help the struggling widow. Now, Madchen was able to raise her sons and provide for their basic needs.
“Do not worry, just believe in God,” the family said, encouraging Madchen. “He will provide all your needs.”
Madchen saw the love of God through the family’s loving words and their provision. Their example of God’s love for the poor and weary touched the widow’s heart—God knows her troubles and sees her burdens. Madchen embraced that love, fully accepting it into her heart.
Given a Sewing Machine, a Future
As the years passed and Madchen’s sons grew older, their needs grew too. Madchen found her finances stretched thin as she raised her sons to adulthood, even with the extra help she received. The widow looked for additional ways to earn money, but no other avenue appeared.
By divine providence, Gospel for Asia (GFA)Sisters of Compassion happened to meet Madchen. After talking to her, the sisters discovered Madchen could sew clothes. They took this knowledge back to their leaders and continued to minister to Madchen.
Sometime later, Madchen received a sewing machine. Finally, after 26 years of struggling to earn a livable wage, this gift will allow Madchen to earn enough money as neighbors, friends or others in the community take their sewing needs to the widowed mother. Additionally, Madchen can teach her daughter-in-law to sew, which will offer additional income to the family.
*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.
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