Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope Center Dries the Tears Behind Child’s Smile

Last updated on: November 30, 2022 at 5:53 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 the loneliness and rejection that filled a young girl’s heart, and a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bridge of Hope Center that shared the loving God who cares for her.

Madura smiled when she was in the company of others. From the outside she pretended everything was OK—but it wasn’t. Loneliness and rejection filled her aching heart. Madura hadn’t experienced what every child longs for: to be loved by a mom and dad.

Discussing Madura, the loneliness & rejection that filled her heart, & a Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope Center that shared the loving God who cares for her. — Madura never experienced the love of parents. As a way of coping with her sorrow, Madura hid her tears behind a smile.

Worried and Alone

Madura was just a little girl when her mother died. Her father, who often gave himself over to the influence of alcohol, also beat her for no apparent reason. Thankfully, Madura’s aunt and uncle intervened and arranged for Madura to enroll in a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bridge of Hope center. When she was in eighth grade, Madura attended the program daily, while living with her brother and sister-in-law.

Madura held a buried hurt deep within her heart. When she was around her friends, she hid the tears she wanted to cry. She felt alone but put on a brave face, masking her sorrow with a smile. She longed for love but felt deep inside that no one truly cared for her.

One day, Madura asked her brother to come to the Bridge of Hope center with her. They were having a parent meeting and all the other students’ parents were planning to attend. It deepened Madura’s sorrow when her brother never showed up. This became too much for poor Madura. She couldn’t keep back the tears any longer.

Loving staff members at Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bridge of Hope centers like these men and women, dedicate their time to love and care for children like Madura. They play a very influential role in their lives.

When the staff noticed Madura’s broken floodgate of tears, her sorrowful words tumbled out: “I don’t have any relatives who can love me.”

Madura shared her feelings through her sobs to the attentive staff at the Bridge of Hope center. She told them how she was not getting enough food at her brother’s house and had to do much of the housework.

With compassion, the staff comforted Madura.

“God has given you this project center to take care of you in every area,” they assured her.
Knowing the young girl’s deep anguish, the staff met with Madura’s brother and asked him to be proactive in helping Madura with her studies and life. They shared the love of Jesus with him and showed they truly cared for his sister. Madura’s brother responded positively to their words and encouragement.

“I am coming closer to my vision,” Madura shares. Through the success of her hard work and the nurturing love and care of the Bridge of Hope staff, Madura is doing well in her studies.

Coming Closer to Her Vision

Today, Madura is growing in her talents and is doing so with happiness. Now Madura knows she is loved and has a community of those who genuinely love her well.

Madura now has a dream for her future. After she graduates, she wants to become a teacher to help the underprivileged children around the world.

“I’m coming closer to my vision, and I believe that God is helping me towards my vision,” she says. “It stops my tears . . .”

No longer does Madura have to hide her tears because she knows if she is sad or disheartened, she has people who care for her.

“I thank God and the project staff for their encouragement, motivation and blessing through their teaching,” Madura says.

Bring Them Love

You can play a crucial role in showing love and care to a child, like Madura, through Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope Program. Sponsor a child today and help them understand they are loved and never alone!

Learn more about the Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope program and how you can make an incredible difference in the lives of children, bringing hope to their lives and their families, transforming communities.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Drying the Tears Behind Her Smile

Learn more by reading the Gospel for Asia Special Report on Child Labor: Not Gone, but Forgotten – Millions of Children Trapped between Extreme Poverty and the Profits of Others

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

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

A Change in Plans Brings Healing: Hope Found at Gospel for Asia Church

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 12:57 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– Discussing Teesha and her intense physical suffering, and how God used a church building and the prayers of a Gospel for Asia pastor to minister hope for her heart and healing for her body.

It was a Sunday morning in August when Teesha and her husband headed out on a bicycle. They wheeled through a village that had a church building, and as they rode by, Teesha glanced inside. What she saw caught her eye. Believers clapped their hands and worshiped the Lord with joy. It was here that Teesha’s tiresome journey came to an end.

Exhausting Options

Discussing Teesha and how God used a church building and the prayers of a Gospel for Asia pastor to minister hope for her heart and healing for her body. — Teesha (pictured) received healing from severe joint pain after the earnest prayers of believers she met after visiting church one day.

In 2015, Teesha began to suffer from severe joint pain. The pain became so intense that her husband took her to the hospital. Teesha stayed there for two days as medication was administered to her. Surely, they thought, medicine will help and this condition will go away.

But Teesha’s condition only grew worse and the pain more intense. After Teesha was released from the hospital, she sought what she believed was her only other option: a priest.

Teesha had spent her life worshiping her gods. If doctors couldn’t heal her, maybe the gods would. But now the priest instructed her to bring him a white hen and a dove, assuring her these sacrifices would appease their deities who would then heal her. But neither of these were sold in their village. Teesha and her husband decided they would take the long, 28-mile journey to a neighboring village together in order to purchase these items and thus obtain relief.

A House of Healing

As they journeyed, Teesha happened to see inside a church building that was filled with believers who sang joyfully to the Lord. Intrigued, Teesha asked her husband to stop. She walked toward the sanctuary and experienced what it was to be in the presence of God.

As worship ended, a prayer meeting commenced. Teesha looked around at the people surrounding her, people who were earnest with praying to God. When the service ended, Teesha met with the pastor, Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Udar, to ask questions about Jesus. As they spoke, she mentioned her joint pain. Pastor Udar took the opportunity to encourage her in the Lord and prayed for her healing.

Faith began developing in Teesha’s heart. Instead of continuing on their journey to buy the animals they needed to sacrifice, Teesha saved their money.

“Please visit me sometime for prayer,” she told Pastor Udar. “I really need your prayer.”

After that day, Pastor Udar and the believers visited Teesha. They prayed and encouraged her from God’s Word.

Then one day, Teesha said, “My joint pain has gone. God is really faithful to me and is hearing your prayers.”

If it were not for the presence of the church building, Teesha would not have experienced healing through prayer or have the saving knowledge of Jesus today!

A House of Worship

Teesha’s testimony is just one instance of how the Lord used a church building to minister to His people. Church buildings in South Asia are not just gathering places for believers; they exude the presence of God in the communities they are placed in, giving believers and people curious about Christ a sanctuary where they can seek the Lord’s grace in their lives.

Learn how to help communities seek Christ, by providing permanent church buildings for worship – an investment in the lives of many, for eternity.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Jesus’s Love vs. Animal Sacrifice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teenage Girl Equips Herself for the Future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effective Prayers of the Righteous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sewing Machine Proves Invaluable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send the Answer to Another Prayer

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

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

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

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

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia and its Christmas Gift Catalog, gifts like pigs, bicycles and sewing machines break the cycle of poverty and show Christ’s love to impoverished families in Asia. One gift can have a far-reaching impact, touching families and rippling out to transform entire communities.

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

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

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

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Fisherman’s Isolated Hut Turns to Gathering Place with Help of Gospel for Asia Pastor

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 1:18 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by KP Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada – Discussing Khanjana, the rejection and isolation he and his family experienced amid crushing poverty, and the Gospel for Asia (GFA) Pastor that share hope, joy and love.

Discussing Khanjana, the rejection & isolation he & his family experienced amid poverty, & the GFA Pastor that share hope, joy and love. — Khanjana and his family pose outside their hut, a gathering place where villagers can learn they were created in God’s image.

As a lonely fisherman, it seemed life had little to offer Khanjana besides hard work and the derision of society. Khanjana adopted the worth others had assigned to him, which was diminutive. The rejection and isolation he and his family faced crushed his spirit. Khanjana wanted more for his two sons, but it seemed no one cared about, or even noticed, his family.

Despised and Ignored

Khanjana possessed none of the values people in his society esteemed. He had no wealth; he was a lowly fisherman living in poverty. He had no formal education; he learned the fishing trade from his father. He had a physical disability; he had lost his right hand in a fishing accident.

As a result, the family was despised in the community, and no one came to visit their small hut. Even the leaders of Khanjana’s traditional religion kept their distance, choosing instead to visit the wealthier members of the community.

Seen and Loved

One day, as Khanjana walked from his home to the beach to begin fishing, he saw Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Hamraj talking with some of his neighbors. Khanjana expected the pastor to have the same reaction toward him as everyone else—rejection. But instead of turning the opposite direction, Pastor Hamraj came toward Khanjana and greeted him!

This simple gesture was a balm to Khanjana’s lonely soul.

He was elated to talk with Pastor Hamraj and invited the pastor and the group of young people with him to his home. He was surprised they agreed to come, even after they discovered he lived in the fishing community.

Their acceptance was a gift Khanjana thought he would never receive. For the first time, Khanjana and his family were able to welcome guests into their home.

The visit was a blessing, and it turned out to be one of the few joyful days the family had experienced in a while. Pastor Hamraj prayed for Khanjana’s family and invited them to his church for a worship service. Before leaving, the pastor assured the family he would come again.

And he did. During his visits, Pastor Hamraj explained that God created Khanjana in His image and loved Khanjana more than he could fathom. To his amazement, Khanjana learned that he has great value, even when others fail to recognize it.

GFA Pastor Shares Hope and Joy

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by KP Yohannan: Members of Khanjana’s community sit captivated by lessons of God’s love from Pastor Hamraj. — Members of Khanjana’s community sit captivated by lessons of God’s love from Pastor Hamraj.

Khanjana and his wife decided they wanted to have a weekly prayer meeting in their home to learn more about this God who loves them and declares their value. Soon, Khanjana’s depression turned to joy and his worries turned to peace as he grew in his relationship with God.

Their weekly prayer meeting began to draw people, and Khanjana’s little hut, once a sad reminder of others’ rejection, became filled with joyous worship and the prayers of a dozen people. Even neighbors who previously disliked and avoided Khanjana journeyed to his home to attend the prayer meeting. He welcomed them with an open door and an open heart.

“First, nobody cared for me or took notice of me because I am a disabled and poor fisherman. God loves me, and through Pastor Hamraj, I learned about the love of God and how much He cares for me and my family,” Khanjana said. “I now have peace in my heart and am not sad anymore. God is blessing me and my family. … I want to serve God till my last day with a thankful spirit for what He has done for me. I will also teach my sons to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.”

Please pray for Khanjana’s community as people continue to learn about their own worth and the value of others through God’s eyes.

Read another man’s journey from loneliness to love in Christ.

Source: Gospel for Asia Filed Reports, Fisherman’s Isolated Hut Transforms into Gathering Place

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

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

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

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Gospel for Asia Leader K.P. Yohannan Says COVID-19 Hunger is ‘Worse Than the Disease’

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 1:19 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of a major faith-based humanitarian agency, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, has warned that a new COVID-19 surge could cause catastrophic starvation in poor nations.

Widespread hunger across Asia caused by the pandemic is proving to be “worse than the disease itself,” said KP Yohannan, president of GFA World.

Yohannan’s warning comes as some countries face a “second wave” of COVID-19 infections, increasing fears of mass starvation as people are unable to go to work.

“For hundreds of millions living in Asia, the threat of starvation is more dangerous than the disease,” he said. “According to the U.N., virus-linked hunger is leading to the deaths of 10,000 more children every month.”

KP Yohannan, leader of Gospel for Asia has warned that a new COVID 19 surge could cause catastrophic hunger & starvation in poor nations. — **COVID-19 ‘STARVATION WARNING:’** The leader of a major faith-based humanitarian agency has warned that a new COVID-19 surge could cause catastrophic starvation in poor nations. Widespread hunger across Asia caused by the pandemic is proving to be “worse than the disease itself,” said K.P. Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia (GFA World).

Starving ‘Before Their Eyes’

The missions leader and author of Never Give Up said many parents in Asia are watching their children “starving to death before their eyes.”

Massive numbers of day laborers — the poorest of the poor — are especially vulnerable, along with the legions of children who beg on the streets of Asia’s megacities.

“Many, surprisingly, do not fear the virus; they fear the hunger that will come,” said Yohannan, whose Texas-based organization has helped feed nearly 200,000 people since the pandemic began.

160 Million Could ‘Plunge Deeper Into Poverty’

A resurgence of COVID-19 “could push (up to) 160 million people deeper into poverty and hunger,” he said. “As followers of Jesus we need to think deeply about what we can do to help.”

“It’s so easy for us to get caught up in COVID-19 anxiety and overlook the problems that existed before the pandemic,” Yohannan said. “But these problems — such as starvation and homelessness — have only become greater.”

Across Asia — the world’s most populated continent, home to six out of every 10 people on earth — GFA World workers are handing out rice, cooking oil and other food items to help stave off hunger for thousands.

“This is sometimes the only food they’ll get in three days,” Yohannan said. “When people see they’re not alone, that there are others willing to give so that they may live, it gives them hope and shows them that God really cares about them.”

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) asked for prayer for its workers and for “those who are facing this crisis, as we seek to do all we can to help.”

Read another story on how the Lord is using Gospel for Asia to bring relief to those in need during COVID 19.

Those interested in supporting GFA World’s hunger relief efforts in Asia, should go to: http://www.gfa.org/press/covid-19.

Media interested in interviews with Gospel For Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or [email protected]

About Gospel for Asia

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

Learn more by reading these Special Reports:

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

GFA’s Statement About Coronavirus

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

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Source: Gospel for Asia: Digital Media Room

650 Million Child Brides Worldwide Says Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: August 12, 2022 at 9:55 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by KP Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada reveals a shocking new special report that followed the International Day of the Girl on October 11, that girls face greater exploitation than ever, with 650 million child brides in the world today.

As women’s rights take center stage in the U.S. and many parts of the world, the reality for millions of girls worldwide is sexual exploitation and forced marriage before the age of 13.

The reality for millions of girls worldwide is sexual exploitation and forced marriage, becoming child brides before the age of 13. — **650 MILLION CHILD BRIDES:** Girls face greater exploitation than ever, with more than 650 million “child brides” in the world today, a startling new report reveals. Rewriting the Tragedies of Girlhood — a special report by Gospel for Asia (GFA World) — coincides with the U.N. International Day of the Girl, Oct. 11.

The horrific treatment of girls — including sex trafficking, sex-selective abortions, and denial of education — is exposed in a special report titled Rewriting the Tragedies of Girlhood, released by Gospel for Asia (GFA World) to coincide with the U.N. International Day of the Girl, Oct. 11.

In 2014, the kidnapping of 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorists grabbed the headlines, but rampant abuse of girls across Africa and Asia continues largely under the radar:

In Bangladesh, a survey of 375 sex workers revealed nearly half of them were child brides, married as young as 11, and trafficked into prostitution
In China, sex-selective abortions resulted in a national shortage of women, fueling demand for child brides and sex workers
North Korean girls who escape across the border to China are forced to stay “invisible” and often end up in brothels and the cybersex trade
Girls in Asia as young as nine are forced to perform sex acts in front of webcams, live-streamed to a pay-to-view global audience

“Globally, millions of girls — nearly double the entire U.S. population, in fact — are trapped in a web of exploitation,” said Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan. “Girls living in areas of political instability, conflict, or oppression are especially vulnerable to forced marriage and sex slavery.”

In China, girls are trafficked from neighboring countries, lured by the promise of jobs. Victims are forced to cohabit with men who don’t speak their language, keep them locked in tiny rooms, and rape them at will. Often, girls are beaten and drugged.

UNICEF — the U.N. children’s agency that stages the annual International Day of the Girl every October to raise awareness — estimates there are 650 million child brides globally, including women who married in childhood. Girls are often forced to marry early because their parents don’t want them, placing a far higher value on boys.

‘You Should Have Been A Boy’

One of four sisters, Ruth was treated cruelly by her father who flew into a rage when she was born. “You should have been a boy,” he later told her. When Ruth decided to go to Bible college, she knelt at her father’s feet to get his blessing. Instead, he kicked her in the face.

“While Ruth was at college, her father’s heart softened and he came to know the love of Jesus,” said Yohannan. “When she traveled home and stepped off the bus, her father ran to hug her. Change happens when people see every single girl is precious because she’s created by God in his image.”

Giving girls the opportunity to pursue education is key in the battle against exploitation and child marriage — with GFA World’s Bridge of Hope program providing schooling and safety for tens of thousands of at-risk girls in Asia.

When 13-year-old Krupa realized she was being roped into a childhood marriage, she alerted workers at the Bridge of Hope center she attended. Within minutes, “they arrived at our house like angels” and intervened to stop the ceremony, she said. Today, Krupa has achieved her goal of becoming a teacher — and married of her own choice when she was 20.

GFA World’s full special report is at https://gfa.org/special-report/child-marriage-child-trafficking-girl-problems/.

Media interested in interviews with Gospel For Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or [email protected]

About Gospel for Asia

Learn more by reading these Special Reports:

An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear — Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Ending Violence Against Women — Using Programs and Education to Prevent Discrimination

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

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

Source: Gospel for Asia: Digital Media Room

Gospel for Asia Honors Veterans for Their Service

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 1:49 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by KP Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and on the occasion of Veterans Day wishes to thank and honor all the men and women who have made immense sacrifices by serving in the armed forces, including 11 veterans who now work in GFA World’s U.S. headquarters.

While Veterans Day celebrates all the men and women who have served in the armed forces, it especially honors those still living, and about 18.2 million of these men and women served in at least one war.^[1]

The holiday dates back to November 11, 1919. Called Armistice Day at the time, it commemorated the armistice of World War I, which was signed on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918.^[2]

Veterans Day is not only remembered here in the United States; it’s a holiday touching several countries. According to History.com, “Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November).”^[3]

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) staff members are praying today for those who have helped defend our nation.

“Veterans Day is an opportunity to take a moment to stop, reflect and be grateful for those who have laid down their time, health, physical wellbeing and sometimes even their very lives so that we can enjoy the immense freedom have in this nation,” comments Bishop Danny Yohannan, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Vice President. “As we go about today, let’s remember to say ‘thank you’ to those who have sacrificed for our sake.

About Gospel for Asia

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^[1] “Veterans Day Facts.” History, 9 November 2020, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts.

^[2] Lange, Katie. “5 Facts to Know About Veterans Day.” U.S. Department of Defense, 5 November 2018, https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/story/Article/1675470/5-facts-to-know-about-veterans-day/.

^[3] “Veterans Day Facts.” History, 9 November 2020, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts.

Traipsing the Globe on Her Knees with Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: September 28, 2023 at 10:57 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Fae, her unyielding commitment for world missions, for Gospel for Asia and it’s national missionaries, through prayer, through her giving, through her life.

welve-year-old Fae listened intently to the speaker from the old-fashioned tent meeting revival. Visions of exotic and far-flung places flashed through her mind. When the speaker called people to dedicate their life to missions, Fae walked down the aisle, each step paving the path that would become her life’s legacy.

Born in 1938—one year before the world was plunged into the second World War—Fae grew up in a godly home. As nations battled—some to bring death and destruction, and others to bring hope and deliverance— something different budded in Fae’s heart: love for the people of the world.

Bringing Nations Near in Prayer

Throughout her life, Fae often asked the Lord to send her to a foreign country to serve Him. Then, one day, she heard a clear voice in her heart: “You will be a missionary on your knees.” Knowing God’s path for her, Fae planted herself firmly in her home state and got to work bringing the nations near through prayer.

Discussing Fae, her commitment for the mission field, for Gospel for Asia & it's national missionaries, through prayer, giving, her life. — By traversing the globe through prayer and supporting national workers, Fae partnered in bringing the good news of Jesus to more people than she could have ever done in person.

“[There are] so many things to pray about,” shared Fae in her testimony written later in life. “Especially for … people around the world and for missionaries seeking to [minister to] them … ‘We can open up whole countries by our prayers,’ said Watchman Nee.”

Fae dedicated an entire room in her house to prayer. On the walls, Fae hung a world map, displaying each country on the globe. In her prayers, Fae would visit each one. When Fae got her hands on the book Operation Mobilization, which lists prayer requests for every country in the world, she would pray through the entire book annually. Each page, marked with the date of her prayers, told the story of Fae’s journey to every nation and people on earth, sowing seeds of faith.

“You will be a missionary on your knees.”

In 1987, at 48 years old, Fae finally heard the word she had let go dormant: send.

“As soon as we became debt free,” shared Fae, “God gave us our ‘calling.’ We received a publication in the mail called SEND!”

It was from a young ministry called Gospel for Asia (GFA). Fae knew this was the next step in her adventure in missions: to support national workers whom God would “send” to share His love with their own people. These men and women would travel to places that Fae could only reach in her prayers.

But how would she support them? Her husband’s modest income could support some missionary work, but Fae had big goals, such as donating 1 million dollars to missions in her lifetime, and big faith to see them fulfilled!

Fae was affectionately known throughout her community as the “Berry Lady.” People would come to buy her home-grown berries and hear her heart for missions work.

Berries Bring Eternal Life

After a move to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Fae and her husband purchased five acres of land. It was on these five acres that Fae would see her desire for serving in God’s kingdom fulfilled.

“I’d been asking the Lord what we might do to make some income on our new place,” shared Fae. “God led us to plant blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. We dedicated all the gross proceeds to help [others hears the Good News] through Gospel for Asia (GFA). So far, it has produced a good crop for 16 years!”

Tending a garden bursting with more than 120 plants, Fae became the local “Berry Lady.” On her business cards was written the purpose of the garden: to support missions across the globe. Fae’s berries flourished, becoming the most prolific garden in the area.

There was so much work to do in the garden: plant, weed, prune, pick, clean produce, talk with customers, ring up purchases and process paperwork. As Fae dug in and cultivated the garden, she knew that on the other side of the globe the missionaries her garden supported were sowing hope in the fertile lands of Asia.

“Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.”
—Psalm 92:13–14

The Legacy that Lasts Forever

For more than three decades, Fae invested her life in the world missions work of Gospel for Asia (GFA) through prayer, sponsoring national workers and sharing the ministry with others. In her prayer room, pictures of missionaries and Bridge of Hope kids covered the walls, each personally sponsored and prayed for.

By Fae’s 81st birthday, after decades of planting and praying, her dream of donating 1 million dollars to missions work become a reality.

“Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:13–14)

Next to this verse in Fae’s bible is this prayer: “Help me to bear much fruit for you, Lord, even in my old age!”

In her lifetime, Fae invested in 163 national workers, 19 Bridge of Hope kids, and almost every area of Gospel for Asia world missions ministry. At the end of her life, Fae took a final prayer walk through her berry fields to reflect on the privilege God gave her to impact many lives for eternity. This was a life well lived.

Fae’s legacy is that she cultivated life—in the garden, in the lives of those close to her and in those living across the globe. Fae went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2019. She is now praising her Savior in heaven, and one day she will be joined by the countless lives she touched while here on earth.

Through donations to Gospel for Asia’s Where Most Needed fund, we are able to tell more people about the opportunities to transform communities through Christ’s love in Asia. Help us to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Feature Article, Traipsing the Globe on Her Knees

Learn also about the Gospel for Asia 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.

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

Gospel for Asia Extends COVID-19 Hunger Relief to Americans in Texas

Last updated on: January 12, 2022 at 2:11 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) and community volunteers are preparing to give away hundreds of free food packages Saturday, Nov 21 to help local families in Texas impacted by COVID-19.

This month’s food distribution will be the fifth monthly food giveaway at GFA World’s headquarters in Wills Point, benefiting families largely from Van Zandt and Kaufman counties.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) & volunteers will give away hundreds of food relief packages Sept 19 to help local families impacted by COVID 19 — **GROCERY GIVEAWAY:** Bishop Danny Yohannan of Wills Point-based ministry Gospel for Asia (GFA World), Wills Point Mayor Mark Turner and other local volunteers help distribute USDA “Farmers to Families” food boxes to support local families impacted by the COVID-19 downturn. Gospel for Asia (GFA World) will hold another food giveaway Sat. Sept. 19 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — or until USDA food boxes run out — at its campus at 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point.

The international mission agency — known for its humanitarian work in Asia — is planning to stage local food distributions every month while supplies last.

To help the local community during the pandemic, Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is partnering with Body of Life (www.bodyoflife.org) — a Christian nonprofit spearheading efforts to feed hungry people across Texas.

Last month, hundreds of families drove up in their cars to receive USDA “Farmers to Families” produce boxes, loaded into their vehicles by local volunteers, including Gospel for Asia (GFA World) vice president Bishop Danny Yohannan and Wills Point Mayor Mark Turner.

Next Event: Nov. 21st

“If anyone is in need of food, we invite them to come to our next event on Nov. 21,” Yohannan said. The event will take place at GFA World’s campus at 1116 St. Thomas Way in Wills Point, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — or until USDA food boxes run out — on Sat, 11-21.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is also helping to feed hungry families on the other side of the world.

“While we’ve been able to distribute food here in Texas, thousands of our parishes in Asia are distributing food to tens of thousands of families each month during this Covid-19 crisis,” Yohannan said. “Even in the midst of this pandemic, God has given the church worldwide great opportunities to love others with his love in tangible ways.”

Anyone interested can follow GFA World on Facebook to stay in the loop about upcoming local food giveaways at the ministry’s headquarters, as well as the organization’s work overseas.

Read another story on how the Lord is using Gospel for Asia to bring relief to those in need during COVID 19.

Those interested in supporting GFA World’s hunger relief efforts in Asia, should go to: http://www.gfa.org/press/covid-19.

Media interested in interviews with Gospel For Asia should contact Gregg Wooding at InChrist Communications @ 972-567-7660 or [email protected]

About Gospel for Asia

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

Learn more by reading these Special Reports:

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

GFA’s Statement About Coronavirus

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Source: Gospel for Asia: Digital Media Room

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

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

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

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

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

Not Letting Her Troubles Overwhelm Her

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World and it’s affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, gifts like pigs, bicycles and sewing machines break the cycle of poverty and show Christ’s love to impoverished families in Asia. One gift can have a far-reaching impact, touching families and rippling out to transform entire communities.

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

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

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