Set Apart Retreat Retrospective: Yes, Your Hunger for God CAN Be Satisfied!

August 16, 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, shares a retrospective piece on the recently concluded GFA World Set Apart Retreat 2022, a satisfying week for hungry souls.

How many times have you longed to spend time with God — real, quality time — but then life happens?

Exams, work, chores — even our phones — so easily come between us and the intimate, one-to-one relationship that God yearns to have daily with me and with you.

Have you ever wondered if you’d ever find that place of quiet rest where you could truly meet with God, feed on His Word, and hear His still, gentle voice?

Many did find that place in the heart of Texas!

My Perspective on the Set Apart Retreat

A group of young people — passionate about meeting with God — made their way to a small town 50 miles from Dallas to spend a week at GFA World’s campus for Set Apart Retreat 2022. This retreat was a satisfying week for hungry souls.

Twice a day, we experienced a focused time of worship and quietness called “Kyrie Eleison” (translated Lord, have mercy). These were times of meditation in song and silent reflection; a purposeful positioning of ourselves in the Lord’s Presence with the ability to rest in the flicker of candlelight.

The Holy Spirit was my companion in the silence as I reflected on the words we’d sung or the Scriptures we’d read. I started to look forward with great anticipation to this intentional stop in my day and quiet refocusing on the Lord.

Throughout the week, I soaked up the godly wisdom of three of the Lord’s humble and faithful servants: Francis Chan, George Verwer, and K.P. Yohannan. It was amazing to see how these mission-driven leaders were generational mentors to one another — George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization (OM), mentored KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), who in turn was a mentor to Bible teacher Francis Chan. What a legacy!

Set Apart Retreat: Tapping the Depths

These three generations of godly teachers tapped the depths of the Holy Scriptures, challenging me to love God completely and walk into the life for which He’s called me. Their absolute love for the Lord, and anticipation and hunger for more of Him, was contagious.

As we all gathered together for meals, it was amazing to sit and talk with everyone, hear why they’d come to Set Apart, and share what we’d been learning. I loved seeing the fire in people’s eyes as we talked.

Coming out of Set Apart, I was excited to know that as everyone headed back to their homes and communities, they were taking that fire for the Lord with them.

Their hunger, like mine, was satiated.

But an even deeper hunger has been awakened for others to know this deep love of God.

As Joshua told the people before the miracle of the Jordan River crossing: “Sanctify (set apart) yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5, KJV).

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Bicycle Restores Joy of School, Life for Seventh-grader

July 27, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Sasa, the long distances she has to travel to go to school, her family in poverty, and the life-changing gift of a bicycle through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Christmas gift distribution program.

For Sasa, going to school was a chore. Each day she walked nearly 4.5 miles to school and 4.5 miles home. Her only mode of transportation was her legs, and after repeatedly walking the long route to school, even that mode of transportation was starting to give out as she began to experience pain in her legs.

An All-day Affair

Discussing Sasa, the long distances she has to travel to go to school, & the gift of a bicycle through GFA World Christmas gift distribution — Thanks to the gift of a bicycle and a faster commute, Sasa (not pictured) now enjoys school and a happier life.

Attending school became drudgery, an all-consuming task. Sasa often arrived late because of her lengthy commute. Furthermore, as a seventh-grader—a challenging time for any adolescent—Sasa faced the added embarrassment of arriving at school drenched in sweat. The beads of perspiration on her face seemed magnified by the stares of her classmates.

Once the school day ended, Sasa retraced her steps home. By the time she arrived, she was exhausted and had little patience to answer her family’s questions. Irritation bubbled inside of Sasa when she was recruited to assist with household chores. All her energy had been spent walking the nine miles.

Sasa often went to bed early, without even taking time to complete her homework. When she woke up the next day, the saga would repeat itself.

Request Not Granted

A bicycle would help, Sasa thought. Even though her family was not rich, perhaps her parents could buy her a bicycle so she could make it to school on time and not spend every day exhausted. She decided to ask her father.

Unfortunately, his response was not the answer Sasa hoped to hear. Her father made it clear the family of five could not afford to buy her a bicycle with the meager income he and his wife earned as farmers. As he described the family’s financial situation, Sasa felt sorry for her father and resolved to never ask him to buy her such a luxury again.

As best she could, Sasa continued her daily trek. But sometimes, when no one was looking, Sasa allowed mingled tears of exhaustion, frustration and shame to fall as she made her way to and from school.

Life-changing Gift

On Sundays when Sasa didn’t spend the day walking to and from school, she and her family attended the local church led by Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Akio. One day, they were met with a big surprise: The church provided all the school-aged girls with a bicycle, made possible through GFA World’s Christmas gift distribution program. Sasa was overjoyed. She was now the proud owner of a bicycle!

Sasa and her father rejoiced in the generous gift. Her father had felt hurt when he was unable to buy a bicycle for Sasa as she requested. When Sasa received the bicycle, he was relieved his daughter now owned the transportation he knew she needed. Both father and daughter were grateful for God’s provision through their church.

Life changed dramatically for Sasa.

“Each day I am excited to go to school now,” she said. “Before getting a bicycle, I felt that going to school was very boring. When I walked to school and returned from school, sometimes on the way I cried without anybody’s notice as I was tired and discouraged. But now, I am very happy and am ready to go to school on time.”

With her new bicycle and faster commute, Sasa spends less of her day walking and is exhausted. She can now enjoy learning at school and has more time to complete her homework. She is also able to spend more quality time at home with her family.

Sasa’s future is brighter because a bicycle provides the opportunity for academic growth and a richer community, both of which are important as she grows into adulthood. Most importantly, Sasa’s gifted bicycle is a reminder of God’s faithful provision in her life.

Read the story of another student who was blessed with the life-changing gift of a bicycle.

*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, Bicycle Restores Joy of School, Life for Seventh-grader

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.

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Literacy Class Builds Woman’s Confidence, Faith

July 25, 2022 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 Gaetane, her longing to read and write, and her dream fulfilled through a literacy class for women led by GFA World Sisters of Compassion workers.

Gaetane, 45, looked wistfully at her children, wishing so desperately she could help them with their homework. She constantly felt ashamed of her inability to read and write and dreamed of one day being able to read God’s Word to her children. But Gaetane felt her desire was just that—a dream.

Longing to Read and Write

Discussing Gaetane's longing to read & write, the fulfillment through women literacy class led by GFA World Sisters of Compassion workers. — Through the ministry of Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers, women like Gaetane (not pictured) are learning how to read and write about God’s love for them.

Gaetane and her husband worked hard as daily laborers in a village to provide for their family of six. Despite the little free time she had, Gaetane yearned to learn how to read and write. As a young girl, Gaetane was forced to drop out of school to bring in more income for her family, but she never stopped wanting to learn to read and write. The older she got, however, the more her dream felt like an impossibility.

A Dream Come True

One day, Gaetane met Raisie, Abarne, Pakuna and Abbatha, four Sisters of Compassion who were taking a community survey to see if there was interest and a need for a literacy class for women in the area. The Sisters explained to women in the community the importance of being able to read and write.

Gaetane was overjoyed when she learned about this class and eagerly took part in the survey, enrolling in the class along with eight other women. As the women met three days per week for two hours at a time, the Sisters of Compassion taught them with love and care, excited for them to develop their literacy skills.

By the end of the class, Gaetane was able to read and write the alphabet and her name! She was also given a small book that she began reading every day to practice her new reading skills.

Gaetane was thrilled to finally be able to read and write. She began actively serving in her church and reading the Holy Scriptures in the Women’s Fellowship meetings she attended. Her shame over not being able to read and write was gone—replaced by joy and confidence in her newfound abilities. But the most rewarding aspect of Gaetane’s new abilities was her ability to help her children. Her ultimate dream had been fulfilled at last!

Through the ministry of Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers, Gaetane and countless other women are learning to read and write, learning about God’s love for them, and building confidence and hope for their futures.

Read how literacy classes changed Gabija’s life.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Literacy Class Builds Woman’s Confidence, Faith

Learn more about the Sisters of Compassion – those who are specially trained woman missionary with a deep burden for showing Christ’s love by physically serving the needy, underprivileged and poor.

Learn more about Gospel for Asia’s programs to combat the 100 million missing women reality by helping women through Vocational Training, Sewing Machines and Literacy Training.

Learn more by reading the GFA special report “Literacy: One of the Great Miracle Cures — Resolving the Limitations Illiteracy Places on the Human Spirit”

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Youth Fellowship Gives Dying Man Hope in Christ

July 11, 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 Sayers, his severe sickness in the aftermath of a life lived frivolously, and the hope and healing from God through the prayers of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) youth fellowship.

Sayers didn’t have much time to live. The 24-year-old’s chest was wracked by tuberculosis, fluid pooling in both of his lungs. Doctors did what they could, but it was too late for anything at this stage.

“There is no hope for his survival,” they told his family. All that was left for Sayers was to lie in bed, counting the days until his death.

The World’s Lures

Discussing Sayers, his sickness in the aftermath of a frivolous life, the hope & healing from God through GFA World youth fellowship prayers — Like these young men pictured, Sayers and those he met from the youth fellowship worship together in the knowledge of God’s love and power.

Looking back, Sayers couldn’t pinpoint the exact decision that led him to his deathbed—but he remembered many. The son of an ice factory worker and fishmonger, Sayers enjoyed a relatively happy childhood. He and his family lived comfortably, wanting for nothing.

As the youngest, Sayers’ parents tended to spoil him, which Sayers would later take advantage of. After graduating high school, Sayers ignored his parents’ and elder brother’s advice to find work, and instead took his parents’ money, spending it frivolously on illicit and intoxicating vices while he whittled his time away partying with friends. But his wild habits eventually caught up with him.

Sayers developed a persistent cough; his parents took him to the local hospital, where they received the horrible news that he had tuberculosis. His case was far too advanced for treatment. Sayers’s family couldn’t help but feel regret and sadness for Sayers—regret for his wasted youth that led to this crisis and sadness for his life cut short.

Would things be different if Sayers had listened to his parents? If he had avoided those vices, would things be better? Sayers didn’t know.

Hope for the Hopeless

As Sayers lay in the hospital bed, several youths, members of a Gospel for Asia (GFA World) youth fellowship, came to the hospital to visit with the patients and pray for them. When they came to Sayers, the young man shared his story and his hopelessness.

The youths encouraged him, sharing how Jesus performed miracles of healing; He could certainly heal Sayers—but Sayers had to pray and ask.

When the believers returned a few days later, they found a much-improved Sayers. Miraculously, after praying, Sayers had begun to feel better. Encouraged by this sign, the members of the youth fellowship and Sayers continued to pray in earnest for his complete healing. One month later, the Lord answered. Sayers was healed, contrary to the doctors’ diagnosis and all other expectations.

Sayers was ecstatic; he had thought he would surely die. But Jesus had healed him! Emboldened by this second chance, Sayers began attending the local church the youth fellowship called home, rejoicing with his fellow believers in Christ’s love.

“In the beginning, I did not have any hope to live longer,” Sayers shared. “I thought that my life would come to an end soon, but when I believed in Jesus Christ, I got a new life and new hope. I want to live for Jesus Christ till the end of my life and become a living testimony for His glory all through my life.”

Now, instead of counting down his days, Sayers counts every day as a gift from the Lord, celebrating his rescue from death and his newfound life in Christ.

Read how GFA workers helped two children find healing and hope for their future through GFA World’s child sponsorship program.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Youth Fellowship Gives Dying Man Hope in Christ

Learn more about the GFA World Youth Ministry and the young men and women that are ready for change, passionate about the Lord and eager to see more hearts surrender to His love.

Read more on Youth Ministry and Prayer on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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KP Yohannan: How ‘Doubting Thomas’ Became My Missionary Hero

July 8, 2022 By KP Yohannan

WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide — reflects on the missionary zeal and sacrifice of Doubting Thomas and how God interweaved his story to South Asia and Gospel for Asia (GFA World).

Doubt.

As believers, it’s not something we want to dwell on.

But we’ve all been there. Myself included.

July 3 is St. Thomas’s Day, commemorating Thomas the Apostle, the disciple who famously doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead.

For centuries, he’s been known as “Doubting Thomas.” But Thomas was actually the first disciple to declare to the risen Christ: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NIV).

Here’s where the story of St. Thomas gives me goosebumps. In AD 52, about 20 years after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, Thomas journeyed 3,000 miles to India, where he planted seven churches in the South.

One of those churches was in the village of Niranam — one of the 600,000 villages throughout India today. Those first churches were among the earliest expressions of pure, untainted Christianity anywhere in the world. In Niranam, there’s a stone with an ancient Ethiopian script memorializing the spot where St. Thomas established the first church in India.

Why does that give me goosebumps?

Niranam is the village where I was born, 72 years ago.

Of all the villages in India, St. Thomas came to mine! If St. Thomas had not come, had not brought the gospel, and had not established a church in my home village — 3,000 miles from Jerusalem — would I have come to faith in Christ? Would God have planted in my heart the seed that gave birth to Gospel for Asia (GFA World), now one of the largest mission organizations on earth? And would untold millions have had the opportunity to experience the love of Christ as a result?

St. Thomas’s Day — July 3 — also happens to be the anniversary date of the founding of Gospel for Asia (GFA World). Because St. Thomas was obedient to travel all the way to India, the gospel came to the subcontinent, and — nearly 2,000 years later — Gospel for Asia (GFA World) was launched on St. Thomas’s Day in 1979.

Coincidence? I highly doubt it!

I don’t know for sure if God arranged that on purpose. But I believe He did!

We owe much to the courage and faith of St. Thomas, who — according to tradition — was martyred in India after bringing the gospel to my home village. I’m amazed the Holy Trinity — looking down through the centuries — allowed the missionary story of Doubting Thomas to intersect with my own.

Over the years, God has trained me to depend on His often-unseen hand in my life. Like all of us, I’ve had my share of doubts and discouragement. Like Doubting Thomas, I’ve wanted to see “the proof” before I’ve taken the next step of faith. But, looking back on my life, God has always been patient with me — and, even in my own frailty of faith, He’s never let me down.

In my most despairing moments, the victory of the cross of Christ swept away the fear and discouragement as I focused on the One who gave up everything for me — me, K.P. Yohannan, a skinny boy from one of India’s obscure villages.

Feeling Unworthy?

When he arrived in my home village, I wonder if St. Thomas felt the same as me — unworthy, inadequate for the task God called him to? Perhaps you feel that way sometimes, too?

As I reflect this month on the missionary zeal and sacrifice of Doubting Thomas — and the incredible way God interwove his destiny with mine — I’m called back to the pure, untainted, mission-driven faith of those earliest churches the Apostle planted in India nearly two millennia ago.

Centuries later, GFA World’s workers share the same holy, apostolic ministry — sacrificing their personal comfort to share Christ’s love with the untold millions, the poor, the forgotten, the outcasts, the widows, and those disfigured by leprosy.

One of my biggest regrets is that I wish I’d risked more for Jesus in my life. If I could do it over again, I’d take more risks for the gospel. I’d give more. I’d sacrifice more. I’d strive to be more like St. Thomas.

Perhaps God is placing something radical on your heart that He wants you to do for him. Maybe it seems “too risky.” Perhaps there’s that niggling doubt in your mind: “What if I take the plunge — and fail?”

Could I humbly offer you some advice?

Follow the example of St. Thomas. Cast aside your doubt. Believe that God keeps his promises. Take a risk for the gospel. Live 100 percent for Jesus!

About KP Yohannan

KP Yohannan, founder and director GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, has written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than four million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.

Find out more about Gospel for Asia in the video “A Year in Review with K.P. Yohannan.”

Read what George Verwer, Francis Chan, Dr. David Mains and others have to say about GFA World.

Read more on KP Yohannan and World Missions on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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This story first appeared on CBN News.

Prayer Transforms Widow from Invalid to Hostess

July 6, 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 Nala, a widow, the desperation her sickness and pain brought, and God’s work through the prayer of a Gospel for Asia (GFA World) pastor that brought healing and transformation.

Discussing a widow, her sickness and pain, and God's work through the prayer of a GFA World pastor that brought healing and transformation. — Nala, her son and daughter-in-law are grateful for the prayers, encouragement and friendship of Pastor Chinua. Their lives will never be the same.

Nala lay helpless in bed. The pain in her spine stubbornly refused to relent, and the widow didn’t have the energy to fight it anymore. For a long time, Nala’s son, Abebe, dutifully escorted her to see various doctors and local religious leaders, looking for a way to relieve her back pain. But the proposed remedies failed to improve Nala’s condition. Nala grew weaker and her family grew poorer as her condition and the expense of seeking a cure took their toll.

As Nala lay wondering if there was anywhere left to turn for help, she received a visit from Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Chinua.

Turning Point

Pastor Chinua lived in Nala’s village. When word of her declining health reached his ears, Pastor Chinua decided to visit Nala and offer her encouragement and hope. Nala and Abebe welcomed Pastor Chinua and a few people from his church into their home. During their visit, the group prayed fervently for Nala’s healing and shared with the despairing woman good news from Scripture.

“Jesus said, ‘Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me,’” Pastor Chinua told her. “Therefore, if you believe in Jesus, He will heal you and bless you. Trust in Him.”

Miraculous Healing

The day after Pastor Chinua’s visit, Nala noticed a decrease in her pain. She told her son, “Through prayers, my health is improving.”

Abebe was surprised by his mother’s quick change in health. He had been by her side as they tried medication after medication, ritual after ritual, to no avail. Now, just one day after Pastor Chinua and his friends prayed, she already experienced a visible improvement.

Watching the effect of prayer evidenced in his mother’s body, Abebe and his wife recognized the power of God. They invited Pastor Chinua to return to their home to pray and answer their questions about this God named Jesus.

Pastor Chinua willingly returned, sharing hope from God’s Word and inviting them to church.

Not only did the family begin attending Pastor Chinua’s church, but they also began hosting a prayer meeting in their home.

“If the pastor did not come to my home, I might have died,” Nala said. “Though I went to consult with many doctors for my health and also sacrificed many animals … for my healing, nothing helped me. Now I understand that it was God’s plan to save my life, and I am getting better day by day.”

Thanks to a compassionate pastor willing to visit his neighbor, Nala and her family are forever changed by the power of prayer to a God who hears and answers.

Sponsor a Missionary like Pastor Chinua.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Prayer Transforms Widow from Invalid to Hostess

Learn more about the GFA World national missionaries 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 about the GFA World Widows Ministry, and how you can help alleviate the many struggles widows face.

Read more on Widows and National Missions on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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Preventing a Family’s Plunge into Poverty

July 1, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Nelia, a widow, her family in poverty, and the alleviation brought about by GFA World gift distribution of income generating gifts.

Nelia was stunned; Her husband had died without warning. He had been carried to the hospital, where Nelia and their children learned the dreadful news: He had blood cancer. Just a few days later, Nelia was a widow.

Widow Fears for Her Children’s Future

Discussing a widow, her family in poverty, and the alleviation brought about by GFA World gift distribution of income generating gifts. — A small shop like this one enabled Nelia (not pictured) to provide for her family after her husband’s passing.

Nelia’s husband had been the only breadwinner for the family, going out every day to work. After his passing, Nelia shouldered the responsibility of providing for her children. Thankfully, relatives helped for a time, providing what supplies they could—but they could only do so much.

When her relatives were no longer able to help, Nelia’s eldest son began working in a motorbike shop. But the money he made barely fed them; their home fell into disrepair and Nelia’s daughter had to stop going to school—the fees were too expensive. Nelia wondered if her youngest son would be able to finish his education; it didn’t seem likely.

The looming threat of abject poverty grew larger and larger. What was to become of them? Would they even have a future? Nelia’s fears for her and her children’s future intensified—but they would not last.

A Pastor’s Intervention

A couple of years after her husband’s death, Nelia received an invitation from Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Vaclav to a gift distribution. Pastor Vaclav had visited with the family in the past; after Nelia’s husband’s death, he had consoled and comforted them.

Now, Pastor Vaclav aimed to bless widows and their families in the community with income-generating gifts, and Nelia was on the list of recipients. She and the other widows bore the same burden of being the only one responsible for their families; all feared the poverty that could consume them and their loved ones.

To her joy, Nelia received provisions to start a small shop. She could now sell grocery items that otherwise would have been difficult for Nelia’s fellow villagers to purchase—a beneficial gift for all. On the first day of the shop’s opening, Nelia made enough money to buy more items she could sell—a sign that things were turning around.

A year later, Nelia’s business had grown to the point where she could earn a stable income that enabled her to fix her home, send her younger son through school and feed all her children. The shadow of poverty that had darkened her household had lifted, thanks to Pastor Vaclav’s timely intervention.

“We shall never forget the aid provided to us,” the family said. “We are grateful to the church.”

Read how another widow, through the income-generating gift of a sewing machine, was able to provide for her family.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Preventing a Family’s Plunge into Poverty

Learn more about how generosity can change lives and bring poverty alleviation. 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.

Read more on Widows and Poverty Alleviation on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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VBS Brings Inspiration, Direction

June 22, 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 how every year, VBS has a profound impact on countless children of all ages across the world. Children gather to play, learn and experience Jesus’ love and care in a safe, welcoming environment. Many of these children have never heard about God or His love before their VBS experience; others, like 12-year-old Samoset, experience God’s love in a new and profound way.

A Faithful Family

Every year, GFA World VBS (Vacation Bible School) has a profound impact on countless children of all ages across the world. — Samoset (pictured) is so grateful for Vacation Bible School and how it has helped him learn more about Jesus and His love for him.

Samoset lived with his parents and younger brother in a small village in South Asia. Their family had faced many struggles throughout their lives but had begun experiencing God’s blessing since receiving His love. His father even served the Lord in their local church. Seeing the transformation in his family and in his own life, Samoset was eager to learn all he could about God and His love for him and his family.

Hearing God’s Call

Samoset attended Sunday school every week, read God’s Word for himself and prayed daily. One Sunday, Samoset learned his church would be hosting VBS, and he excitedly anticipated attending.

As he participated in the activities at VBS, Samoset felt the love of Jesus and experienced God’s peace in his heart in a more profound way than he ever had before. While Samoset was praying, he heard a voice calling to him, “Follow me!”

Samoset knew this was Jesus, and he knew what he needed to do. Determined to answer this call upon his life, Samoset focused his attention on Jesus, choosing to have faith and trust God’s goodness in his life.

A New Direction

Responding to the call of God, Samoset resolved to serve the Lord all the days of his life. He began to diligently read and memorize God’s Word. He became even more actively involved in his church and began working alongside his dad during ministry opportunities. He shared with others his age that God loves them and cares for their lives. Samoset also began sharing with his friends and classmates about what God was doing in his life and the hope he has because of Jesus’ love.

Samoset continues working hard in school and hopes to always serve the Lord.

Samoset is so grateful for VBS and the impact it has had on his life.

“I am happy that I was able to learn more about God through [VBS],” Samoset said.

Like Samoset’s biblical role model Daniel, who had faith in every situation regardless of the circumstances, Samoset has faith in God’s call upon his life, and is willing to answer that call, trusting God to provide in all things.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, VBS Brings Inspiration, Direction

Learn more about how you can give toward GFA World VBS scholarships, where the gift of VBS materials for one of these precious children will guarantee that he or she will hear about Jesus’ love again and again through skits, Bible songs and teaching and will have colorful Gospel literature to take home.

Learn more about the GFA World Child Sponsorship and how you can make an incredible difference in the lives of children, bringing hope to their lives and their families, transforming communities.

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Water Filter Meets Family’s Needs, Ignites Father’s Faith

June 20, 2022 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 how through GFA World gift distribution, a water filter was able to meet a family’s needs and ignite a father’s faith.

Discussing how through GFA World gift distribution, a water filter was able to meet a family's needs and ignite a father's faith. — With a BioSand water filter like this one, Kadience (not pictured) and her family are able to have clean water and experience God’s love for them.

A wave of embarrassment crashed over Kadience as she handed Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Laszlo the murky glass of water. Kadience could barely see through it. Shocked by the quality of the water, Pastor Laszlo glanced up at Kadience.

“Is there not a bore well from where you can get good water?” he asked.

Kadience looked at her husband, who reflected her embarrassment.

“We have only one hand pump fixed in a public place, but the water is not clean,” they replied.

As difficult as it may be to imagine yourself in Kadience’s position, her situation is not uncommon. In South Asia, it is estimated that 68 to 84 percent of water sources are contaminated, resulting in more than 134 million people lacking access to clean water.[1] For these individuals and families like Kadience’s, the chance for clean water is life-changing.

A Hardworking Family

Kadience lived with her husband and son in a small village in the hills of South Asia where she grew up following the traditional religion of her culture. But after God miraculously healed her son of pneumonia, Kadience put her trust in Jesus. Since then, Kadience had regularly attended her local church led by Pastor Laszlo, who had prayed diligently for her son’s healing.

Kadience and her husband worked as daily laborers, constructing mud houses. Despite the income they generated from working, the family struggled to access clean water, putting them at high risk for a host of waterborne diseases.

Clean Water at Last

After seeing the family’s dire need for clean water, Pastor Laszlo shared his concerns with church leaders and was able to give Kadience and her family a BioSand water filter. The family was overjoyed to receive the water filter! They immediately began using it and enjoying their clean water with gratitude.

“I am grateful to God, who provided us with a good water filter,” Kadience said. “We do have a small hand pump in our village. We are collecting water from there and putting it into the BioSand water filter. Through this filter, now we are getting clean and pure water.”

After observing his wife’s steadfast faith and the Lord’s provision, Kadience’s husband realized there is a God who provides for all their needs. Through the gift of a water filter, Kadience and her family’s need for clean water was met, and they were reminded of the powerful truth that God loves them and cares about their every need.

Read how clean water helped an entire village experience God’s love.

[1] “Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).” UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/rosa/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash. Accessed April 13, 2021.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Water Filter Meets Family’s Needs, Ignites Father’s Faith

Learn more about how to provide pure, clean water to families and villages through GFA World Jesus Wells and BioSand Water Filters.

Learn more by reading these Special Reports:

Solving the World Water Crisis for Good — Lasting Solutions Can Defeat an Age-old Problem.
The Global Clean Water Crisis — Finding Solutions to Humanity’s Need for Pure, Safe Water.

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

Bicycle Helps Young Girl Follow Her Dreams

June 17, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Moira and her dream to be a teacher hindered by distance and exhaustion, relieved through GFA World gift distribution of a bicycle.

Finally, Moira had made it to school through the day’s deluge of rain. Many days the young teenager arrived at school either soaked from the pouring rain or exhausted from walking in the hot sun. The five-mile trek hindered Moira’s ability to make it to school on time. There were mornings that, as the sun rose, Moira wondered if the agonizing trip was worth it.

Continue in School, Continue in Exhaustion

Discussing Moira, her dream to be a teacher hindered by distance and exhaustion, relieved through GFA World gift distribution of a bicycle. — Moira, pictured here with her bicycle, no longer worries about having to walk to school.

At 14 years old, Moira was well on her way to completing her secondary education. She wanted to be a teacher, and education was the only way she could attain that goal. But walking to and from school every day was taking its toll. Sometimes, in the evenings, Moira would fall asleep without eating dinner, exhausted from her trek home and from completing her homework assignments.

Some of Moira’s friends biked to school, and Moira had long wanted a bicycle. But she could only watch as her friends sped by.

Moira’s father, Anrai, saw his daughter’s struggles. The fact that he couldn’t afford to purchase a bicycle for his daughter distressed him. A farmer by trade, Anrai earned barely enough to both feed his family and send Moira to school as it was.

So Moira could only watch her friends on their bicycles and dream of how much easier it would be to go to school with one, how much time and energy it would save her. Her drive to continue her education slowly waned.

A Simple Gift to Help Achieve Her Goal

Then something amazing happened. Moira, along with several other school-age girls in her area, received a bicycle. Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Seeley, after having been made aware of Moira’s struggles, shared with his leaders about the young girl’s need and asked that she be included in the distribution. Thanks to him, Moira attended the gift distribution and received what she had wanted—and needed—for so long.

After Moira got her new bicycle, the burden that had weighed on Anrai for so long finally lifted. Moira was ecstatic. Now she could join her friends riding their bicycles to and from school, saving both time and energy for her studies.

“My dream has come true,” Moira told the pastor. “I cannot explain how happy I am now to have my own bicycle. … Now, I can concentrate on my studies.”

Now that Moira’s dream of owning a bicycle has been achieved, her goal of becoming a teacher can become ever more realistic. The bicycle was a small but helpful step to attain Moira’s dream.

Read how a bicycle helped another girl attend school after a devastating accident.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Bicycle Helps Young Girl Follow Her Dreams

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