Last updated on: November 19, 2021 at 5:54 pm 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 Dulal, the domestic abuse he inflicts on his family, and the Gospel for Asia film that revealed the transforming power of Jesus’ love.
“Sir, we have been going through numerous problems at our home, and there are always fights between me and my wife,” 30-year-old Dulal told Pastor Kaditula.
“I always beat my wife, and I don’t know what happens to me,” he went on. “Though I want to stop myself, I cannot. If my father comes to make me calm at that time, I don’t listen to him. In my family, we have no peace at all.”
After watching a movie about the life of Jesus, audiences are invited to come forward for prayer. Like Dulal (not pictured), many find peace in Christ and new hope for their families as a result.
Step One: Go to the Gospel for Asia Film
Earlier that evening, a Gospel for Asia worker named Sadar arrived in Dulal’s village to help Gospel for Asia pastor Kaditula, who ministered to the people in the area. With the permission of the village head, Sadar and his team set up a screen and a projector and invited everyone they met—including Dulal—to come watch a movie about the life of Jesus.
Step Two: Stay After the Show
When the movie ended, Dulal didn’t want to go home. As he sat quietly with his wife, their children playing nearby, Pastor Kaditula and Sadar went over to talk to him.
“After watching the miracles of Jesus, I felt something different,” Dulal shared, after telling them of his troubles at home. “I am very interested to know more about Jesus. Can we believe in Jesus?”
“Yes, of course, anybody can believe in Jesus,” Pastor Kaditula told him. “He will give peace, and He is the way for eternal life.”
Step Three: Find Help
Then and there, Pastor Kaditula and Sadar prayed for Dulal and his family. They also visited him the following afternoon, where they found Dulal excitedly awaiting their arrival. The two men prayed again for Dulal, and before long God spoke to Dulal’s heart.
Today, Dulal and his family are praising Jesus with the local congregation.
Through the prayers and support of people like you, people like Dulal and his wife can now pray to Jesus together instead of argue. You are a vital step in the process of eternal reconciliation. Thank you for making a difference in people’s lives.
*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.
Learn more about the GFA 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 Film Ministry in Asia, as films on the life of Jesus have proven to be one of the best ways to let people in Asia know about the sacrificial love and deliverance of God.
Last updated on: December 1, 2021 at 9:23 am 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 providing sewing machines, tin sheets, smiles and the eternal hope of Jesus through Christmas gift distribution.
Contagious smiles and joyous hearts filled the open-air gathering. Bicycles, sewing machines, blankets and a host of other practical gifts were received with open hands. A message of eternal hope, found in the Word of God, hit the ears of all who attended. The love of Christ brought 540 families together, while impact and transformation awaited just around the corner.
This man also received a sewing machine at the same Christmas gift distribution as Asin.
Asin received a sewing machine and is able to sew clothes again! “My sewing machine had not been working for a long time,” Asin says.
Another life touched by this Christmas gift distribution was a man named Raksa. His family survived on his daily labor wages and lived in a mud house that often had a leaky roof during the rainy winter season. Through the distribution, Raksa received 10 tin sheets. Now he can keep his family warm and dry during the winter!
Because of faithful supporters and committed prayer warriors like you, precious people across the globe are receiving practical gifts and hope for tomorrow in Christ!
*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.
Last updated on: November 3, 2022 at 9:21 pm 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 – Discussing the desperate poverty that still afflicts millions upon millions worldwide and the hope that lies beyond through gifts of hope.
Tavish’s father died when he was just a small boy. His death not only created a hole in their family unit, but it plunged them into a state of financial crisis.
Tavish worked alongside his widowed mother. Like this woman in Sri Lanka, Tavish’s mother labored in fields to keep her family alive.
Much of Tavish’s childhood consisted of trying to make ends meet, but he came up dry. Sometimes crops didn’t produce enough, and this caused one financial tragedy after another.
When Tavish grew older, he married, and he and his wife were blessed with two children. Tavish continued to labor in fields around his village with barely anything to show for his backbreaking work. It was as if all his efforts were one single drop in the midst of a vast ocean of needs and wants.
Tavish and his family, like many in his region, traveled to a neighboring country to live and work for six months out of the year, in sugarcane fields.[2]The conditions were primitive—no toilet facilities, no home, no privacy and no school. The future for his children looked as bleak as his own childhood. The toil of poverty slowly stole away Tavish and his family’s peace and joy.
Tavish (not pictured) worked from the time he was a young boy. Because of his family’s poverty, he missed out on school. He worked hard to provide for his family, but all his efforts seemed like a drop in the ocean.
Hope in the Midst of Crisis
It was during the off months of the sugarcane fields that Tavish encountered a glimmer of hope through a message of peace. Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Naimish visited Tavish and his family one day to ask if they needed prayer and to offer encouraging words. Tavish shared his life story, marked by desperate poverty and hardship, with the man of God.
Pastor Naimish could see the family was burdened by the weight of survival. He shared with them about the One who gives hope and new life to weary souls. Tavish and his family felt truth penetrate their hearts.
Faith in Jesus began to anchor the family, while a hopeful future stretched before them. A peace that poverty had stolen swooshed in as new life began to change Tavish and his family. The God who clothes lilies and keeps His eyes on the sparrow was taking care of this family, and they started trusting Him to provide in their lack.
As the cow grew, the family’s joy grew along with it. It was providing more than four liters of milk a day, and they were able to make and sell ghee, a type of butter, each month. The profit they made from this liberated them from needing to face the harsh conditions of desperate poverty.
Because of this, Tavish’s children were able to get a consistent education. Their future not only blossomed full of new life, but their new source of income also paved the way to escape poverty through education.
After Tavish received a cow through GFA’s Christmas Gift Catalog, his family’s financial status improved greatly! They become doubly blessed when their cow gave birth to a new calf, providing more hope for their future stability.
The family’s joy doubled as their cow gave birth to a calf, and the income from these two cows relieved burdens the family carried for many years.
“We came to know the true love of Jesus in our lives,” Tavish said. “He has removed all our burdens and sorrows.”
Last updated on: December 10, 2021 at 7:54 pm 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 – Discussing Gulika, the shame, rejection and despair she lives through as a widow, and the life changing hope through a Gospel for Asia pastor.
Manan sprang onto the railway tracks, hurrying to get across. The next few steps he took changed the lives of his wife and three children forever. As he crossed the tracks, he wasn’t aware of the train coming his way. Suddenly his body lay crumpled on the railroad tracks. Now his children were without a daddy, and his wife would bear the name of the despised: widow.
Young Widow Suffers Grief, Harassment
Gulika’s life drastically changed the day her husband died. Although she and Manan were not well off, Manan worked faithfully as a tailor, and they managed to have just enough to live on. Now Gulika and her children were left helpless, and they took on the burden of deep, unforgettable sorrow.
Bearing the title “widow” was a heavy weight to carry too. The sharp, condemning words of the villagers stung Gulika’s already broken heart. Because of this, the pain of losing her husband increased all the more. It seemed that every time she stepped out of her home she wasn’t safe from their harsh criticism.
The villagers believed Gulika was cursed. They were even afraid that if she passed them on the street, she would bring them bad luck. This shame and rejection, on top of the reality of her husband’s death, grew unbearable. Soon Gulika fell into deep emotional despair.
Water: A Daily Burden and Fear
Although Gulika suffered from despair, she had certain duties to uphold as a daughter-in-law: Gulika had to get water for the family. Unfortunately, the nearest source of water in the village was an old well that was a-third-of-a-mile walk from her home.
In Gulika’s village, collecting water was a grueling chore, one which involved much fear and danger for women and young girls. Even as a widow, it was dangerous to go out alone because men would take advantage of their vulnerability.
Pastor Comforts Family in Trouble
When Pastor Gobhil heard about Gulika and her family, he visited their home, hoping to bring them comfort and encourage them through God’s Word. He said there was hope for their helpless situation and shared about a faithful God who could heal Gulika’s suffering heart. Over the course of time Gulika, was completely restored! Through the power and love they experienced in Christ, Gulika and her in-laws found hope in the midst of their sorrows.
Pastor Gobhil encouraged Gulika (not pictured) to start sewing women’s clothing, and soon the church was able to supply her with a sewing machine.
Pastor Gobhil encouraged Gulika to start sewing women’s clothing, and soon the church was able to supply her with a sewing machine. Gulika began to earn a respectable living through this vocation, and despite the way the villagers treated her, she knew God did not condemn her but rather valued her life.
Bringing Safety Through Clean Water
But even with her new income and life in Christ, Gulika still faced harassment from her neighbors, especially when she went out to fetch water for the family. There were days when she didn’t come home with enough. Pastor Gobhil noticed Gulika’s and the villagers’ struggle for water. Eventually, Gospel for Asia (GFA) drilled a Jesus Well right in front of Gulika’s house. She now can get water easily without fear or disturbance. The other villagers were very grateful for the Jesus Well.
Now when people use the Jesus Well near Gulika’s house, she shares with the villagers about the sweet love of Jesus and how He has given her hope and security. She is thankful for the believers and Pastor Gobhil because of all the help and love they have poured into her life.
“In my time of trouble, when my husband died, [the pastor and believers] helped me to be strong and have confidence to work and earn an income,” Gulika says.
The villagers are very grateful for the Jesus Well, and they respect the Christians after seeing their love and care for the widows and the needy.
Help Reach Those Society Despises
More than 40 million widows live in South Asia. For them, life is a desperate struggle for survival, as it was for Gulika. The heart of Christ is to look after these precious women in need. As He says in James 1:27; “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.
Last updated on: December 10, 2021 at 7:58 pm 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 – Discussing Rajasi, the sorrow and loss that invaded her life, the hope of Jesus that sustained her through widowhood, and God’s love and compassion shared as Gospel for Asia ministered to her family.
Rajasi’s relatives blamed her for the death of her husband. “All these [problems] happened in your life only because of your faith in Jesus,” they said. These wounding words stung Rajasi’s lonely, grieving heart. How different they were from the soothing words spoken by her neighbor about her Savior months earlier. But now who could she turn to? With her husband dead and her own relatives and community speaking against her—who would help her?
No Stranger to Sorrow
Even though Rajasi was only a young woman of 25, sorrow and difficulties were no strangers to her. Before she met Jesus, she and her husband, Mahasvin, were in anguish. Mahasvin worked faithfully as a laborer to provide for his two children and wife, until both his kidneys failed to function properly. At this devastating news, peace left the household, making room for fear to enter the young couple’s hearts.
Rajasi cried out in despair to all her gods, pleading with them to heal her husband. Mahasvin went to many hospitals and underwent treatments. But soon all their money was spent, and they had lost hope of him ever recovering. They heard no answers from their gods, and they were deeply discouraged. They had no one else to turn to.
They heard no answers from their gods, and they were deeply discouraged. They had no one else to turn too.
With Jesus, Everything Changes
The Lord used Pastor Victor (not pictured) and other believers to help Rajasi and encourage her husband during their times of struggle and heartache.
It was at this moment God sent a faithful believer to their home one day. She saw their grave condition and encouraged them with the Word of the Lord. Her gentle words of truth were like a healing balm to their wounded hearts, and they asked her to pray for them. After she prayed, she assured them of her continued prayers. Concerned for the couple, she brought their need to the attention of her Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor, Victor.
With compassion, Pastor Victor visited Mahasvin and Rajasi often, bringing words of encouragement to the couple. As time went by, Rajasi and her husband realized Jesus was the answer to all their problems. Together, they decided they wanted the everlasting love of Jesus to fill their lives.
But life did not grow easier when they made their decision to follow Christ. In anger, Mahasvin’s father turned against them and began to oppose them. But this never swayed their resolve to live in the hope and peace of Christ.
The Agony of Loss
After a few months, Mahasvin and Rajasi grew strong in their faith. But Mahasvin’s health continued to deteriorate due to his failing kidneys. Rajasi listened closely as her dying husband shared his last requests with her: Never forsake Jesus, but go to the worship place at any cost.
After Mahasvin’s death, Rajasi was heartbroken. She suffered through severe mental agony and pain, and to make matters worse, everyone placed the blame of her husband’s death on her shoulders.
Even though so many had forsaken her, Rajasi was not alone. Her church family stood with her during her bleak hours. They visited their sister in Christ and encouraged her to follow Jesus. Rajasi was strengthened by their words and upheld the plea of her husband to continue steadfast in the faith, even in the midst of opposition.
Gospel for Asia Ministered in Midst of Worry for Children’s Future
After Mahasvin’s passing, Rajasi was completely dependent on the income of her father-in-law, Farhat, to meet her and her young children’s needs—but so was the rest of the family. He worked in a small grocery shop, and many of her relatives became dependent on the income Farhat brought in.
Rajasi grew concerned about her children. She wanted them to have a good education, but her father-in-law would not give her extra money to send them to a good school. This troubled her deeply. Rajasi brought her worries before the Lord and the believers. Together, they all prayed for her need.
By God’s grace, Rajasi’s prayer was answered through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution. On the happy distribution day Rajasi received a shiny, new sewing machine! The gift was such an incredible blessing in Rajasi’s life. She quickly began work by setting up a personal tailoring shop.
Gospel for Asia (GFA) ministered to Rajasi and she was so blessed to receive a sewing machine through a Christmas gift distribution. Through the help of believers around the world, women like Rajasi have the chance to earn a better income and experience the love of Jesus in a tangible way.
Within a few months, Rajasi was doing so well and received such a good income that she was able to buy a second machine to expand her business. Rajasi found a good school for her beloved children and is able to provide for their future.
Rajasi and her children weren’t the only ones blessed by the machine; her mother-in-law was also touched by the kindness of the believers. Although she was bedridden and unable to go to services, she longed to hear more about the God of love and compassion who provided for her daughter-in-law. God also worked in Farhat’s heart. While he still wants nothing to do with Jesus, he no longer opposes Rajasi for her faith.
Help ‘Sew’ into the Kingdom this Christmas!
God used a simple sewing machine and the love of His children to uplift Rajasi in her hour of need. Not only has it helped provide a way for her children to have a brighter future, but it also planted a seed of hope in her mother-in-law.
You can be part of answering a brother’s or sister’s prayer for God’s provision by choosing an income-generating gift in Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog! This year, make Christmas about ‘sewing’ into God’s kingdom, and spread the joy and hope of Christ!
*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.
Last updated on: January 25, 2022 at 6:33 am By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing 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.
Last updated on: February 1, 2022 at 10:13 am By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing 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.
Last updated on: February 10, 2022 at 10:50 am By GFA Staff Writer
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Mareechi and his family, their poverty, and Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog vegetable cart that gave hope and a brighter future.
As a young boy, Mareechi was excited about what his future could hold. But as the months went by, his family found themselves in poverty. Unable to meet their needs, Mareechi dropped out of school and stayed home in order to save his family some money.
When Mareechi aged into a teenager, he examined his family’s condition and decided to find some work to help provide for their needs. But wherever he applied, his progress was impeded by his lack of education. Everyone turned him down.
The only work he was equipped to do was manual labor, so Mareechi worked hard and helped support his family. Soon after, he got married and worked harder than ever to give his wife and children a good future.
As Business Struggles, Kids’ Future Is in Danger
A few years later, after collecting a small amount of savings, Mareechi traveled to a nearby village to buy vegetables that he would sell in his own village. But without something to carry them all in, Mareechi couldn’t sell, and he wouldn’t be able to provide.
Every day, Mareechi would hand over 50 rupees to rent a cart for the day. When he couldn’t afford to rent a cart, or when there was none left, he’d fill a basket with all his wares, carry it on his shoulders and make the four-mile trek back to his village. The hours slid by as he plodded across his village, trying to sell the vegetables before he had to return the cart. It never seemed to be enough time. These challenges made him unable to sufficiently provide for his family, and his children risked losing their education just like Mareechi had lost his years before.
Gifted With a Solution
It was during this time that staff of a local Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bridge of Hope center met Mareechi while they were out visiting students’ families and learned about his family’s struggle.
Realizing his need, the Bridge of Hope staff shared Mareechi’s situation with their leaders. Then, when the local church held a Christmas gift distribution program, 213 families received items to meet their needs and also heard about the Savior who had met their greatest need: hope for an eternal future. Mareechi was one of the beneficiaries and rode away on his own vegetable cart.
Now Mareechi is able to work free of restricting business hours, allowing him more time to sell his vegetables and keep all his earnings. His family no longer struggles financially, and he’s even able to send his children to school, where their futures look brighter.
Just as Mareechi was blessed through a gift, there are hundreds of more families whose lives could be transformed by a gift. Through Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog, you can share God’s love with them.
*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 the hardships of Narottam, the daily heavy labor, and Gospel for Asia (GFA) who helped provide a bicycle that now helps him support his family without overstraining his body.
Beads of sweat formed on Narottam’s forehead as he walked the long road to his destination. The heavy loads of bamboo and firewood that he carried day after day made his 37-year-old body ache. Deep down, Narottam wondered how much longer his body could withstand the strain, but he forced himself to keep going. His family depended on him.
A Tired Body and Weary Mind
Narottam sold wood and bamboo in addition to his work as a farmer to provide for his family’s basic needs. With no vehicle to transport the heavy loads, he had to carry them by hand and on foot wherever he went—a slow and grueling task. Yet for all the effort Narottam put forth, he couldn’t afford to send his children to a good school, and his unreliable income made it impossible to pull his family out of poverty.
Then one day, a simple gift changed Narottam’s future. When the struggling father attended a Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution, he received a bicycle, and his joy knew no bounds. Now he is able to carry and sell larger loads of wood without straining his body, and his mind is at ease, knowing he’ll be able to provide for his family in years to come. Narottam is thankful to those who sponsored a gift in his time of need—he has received help for his weary body and found peace in God’s hands.
Giving People a Living Hope
Maybe you’ve given a bicycle, a sewing machine or a flock of chickens to someone in Asia when they needed it most. Or maybe you provide a Bridge of Hope child with education and medical care and pray for them on a regular basis. Whether you give financially, pray regularly for a specific area of ministry, or volunteer your time to bless people like Narottam, we are grateful for your commitment and sacrifice. Thank you for partnering with Gospel for Asia (GFA) to transform lives and give people hope that lasts.
*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 Baharupa, his alcohol addiction, the struggle with poverty in providing for his family, the sicknesses they are exposed to, and the Gospel for Asia supplied mosquito net used as an instrument of God’s love.
What began as a small indulgence slowly enveloped Baharupa’s life. The 55-year-old farmer and father of three felt pressured to drink the alcohol given to him at the many village-wide celebrations. But again and again, he ended up drunk. Even with his acquired addiction, Baharupa made sure to take care of his wife and sons, but there were some things he couldn’t provide them with.
Baharupa attended a distribution event for mosquito nets like this one, where he experienced the love of God firsthand.
A Village’s Struggle
In Baharupa’s village, Gospel for Asia pastor Satyam oversees a congregation of 72 believers. The pastor and believers had been seeking ways to bless their community. They saw the poverty that clung to Baharupa and many of their fellow villagers despite countless hours of hard work and labor. The believers also saw how vulnerable villagers were to diseases because they possessed no way to protect themselves. And they wanted to help.
God’s Love Exemplified
Of the many burdens weighing on impoverished families in Asia, health concerns rank high on the list. Our initiatives include health awareness programs that help individuals learn how to shield themselves against sicknesses. Gospel for Asia missionaries also distribute practical gifts, such as mosquito nets, to help people put what they learn at awareness programs into practice.
Mosquito nets provide ample protection against the disease-carrying pest—a boon for poor, rural villages like Baharupa’s. Pastor Satyam organized a gift distribution event to give out 4,000 mosquito nets.
As Baharupa sat with the other recipients, the farmer could not comprehend why Pastor Satyam and the believers had put together a gift distribution event. But when his name was called and a mosquito net was placed in his hands, Baharupa began to understand. This was love and compassion at work.
“Who can give us mosquito nets without money?” Baharupa wondered. “This shows [the believers’] love towards us. I have never seen such kind of love among our society people.”
Intrigued, Baharupa attended worship service the next Sunday, and he started coming every week. Pastor Satyam counseled the farmer, sharing more of God’s vast love and forgiveness. Baharupa realized he didn’t need the bottle; he now possessed something infinitely greater: the eternal love of God.
Baharupa and his entire family began to walk with Jesus. They became members of the congregation, rejoicing in the newfound love of Christ and in Baharupa’s freedom from addiction.
*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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