Gospel for Asia Jesus Wells Provide a Fount of Healthy Blessings

Last updated on: July 28, 2022 at 7:31 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the diseases that cripple entire villages due to polluted water, and the transformation that Jesus Wells bring, a tangible display of God’s love through pure, clean water.

Pastor Dalajit sighed at the long list of sick families to pray for. Dysentery, typhoid, malaria and other maladies plagued many of the families in the village where the Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor served the Lord.

Pastor Dalajit had just started serving in this rural area. As a newcomer, he spent many days each week introducing himself to his new neighbors. Offering prayer for any needs they had, Pastor Dalajit noticed an alarming trend: Many families were crippled by all sorts of illnesses.

Pastor Dalajit faithfully prayed for the sick families, face-to-face and in his own personal time with the Lord. He also asked the Lord for insight into the disproportionately high rate of illness. After several months he found the answer: polluted water.

The main water source for the village was an open well located about a mile outside the village. Whenever it rained, this well, being unprotected, collected garbage and sewage as rain water created rivers of filth that snaked through the flat land. The open well became the receptacle for the flowing waters, contaminating the entire well.

This was the water the villagers used to wash clothes, do dishes and cook their food. This was also their drinking water.

Waterborne Illness Wiped Away

Once Pastor Dalajit realized where the diseases were coming from, he gathered his congregation together to pray for a solution. The body of believers fasted and prayed every Friday asking the Lord to help.

Then, one day, the Lord put it on Pastor Dalajit’s heart to ask for a Jesus Well for the village.

His request was granted, and a Jesus Well was drilled. The people in the village rejoiced to see the clean, clear water gush from the above-ground spout! Rain water would not be able to wash waste into this well. The Jesus Well was also deep enough to pull water from underground even in the dry season. The former well regularly dried up by midday, forcing everyone to jockey for their water needs in the early hours of the morning.

Every day, more than 250 people fetched water from the new Jesus Well. Waterborne illnesses such as dysentery and typhoid no longer plague the community now that families have sanitary water to drink and cook and clean with.

God’s Love Poured Out Tangibly

One family in Pastor Dalajit’s congregation was especially blessed by the Jesus Well. Now that the village had an abundant source of water, even though the dry season, Samaah was able to plant potatoes, onions, beans and other green vegetables for his family. The quality water from the Jesus Well helped his produce grow lush. That year, Samaah and his family did not have to purchase any vegetables from the market. In fact, his harvest was so abundant, Samaah had surplus produce to sell in the market, supplementing his family’s income! He easily paid his children’s school fees and other household expenses—something that had stressed the family’s budget in the past.

God’s blessings have flowed through this once sick and struggling community. The Jesus Well—a source of God’s goodness—is pouring out an abundance of pure, clean water.

The Jesus Well had brought not only health to the people in the village but also a tangible display of God’s love.

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

*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 Reports, A Fount of Healthy Blessings

Read the “Dying of Thirst”: The Global Water Crisis Special Report — The Crucial Quest for Access to Pure, Clean Water.

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Gospel for Asia Disaster Relief: Rebuilding The Rubble

Last updated on: February 22, 2023 at 8:20 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the GFA-supported Compassion Services teams comprised of national workers and missionaries, and their commitment to bring disaster relief to where it’s most needed.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services teams grew in the wake of natural disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, that pummeled areas where Gospel for Asia-supported workers were ministering. National workers had always responded in times of crisis, but as the ministry grew—and disasters seemed to increase in ferocity—the need for coordinated relief effort took form.

Present the Moment After Tragedy

In the hours following a cataclysmic event such as a tsunami, cyclone or earthquake, stunned silence punctuated with grief-soaked sobs hangs heavy in the air. Compassion Services teams—often the first to arrive—bring provisions for survivors and listen to those who endured such horrific experiences.

These relief workers quickly erect emergency shelters and distribute food rations. Along with provisions for basic needs, survivors are given comfort and hope.

Kalei, a mother and grandmother who survived 2013’s Cyclone Phailin, which ravaged the coastal shore of Odisha, India, escaped the storm with nothing but the clothes on her body. Her family’s mud hut was washed away by torrential rain, along with all their possessions. Compassion Services came to her village with groceries and clothing to help the immediate need.

Then there were the side-by-side earthquakes in Nepal during the Spring of 2015. It was the worst disaster in the nation’s history. The 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes, occurring two weeks apart, toppled cities and villages across the rugged landscape of the nation, whose northern border runs through the Himalayan Mountain range.

With a wide reach of established pastors and national workers in the country, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported disaster-relief teams partnered with the government of Nepal to search for survivors and rescue people stranded in the mountains.

Committed to Long-term Rebuilding

Fast forward one year: Displaced victims of the Nepal earthquakes returned to their villages and schools. Compassion Services teams switched from food rations to household items and school supplies. Simple items like mugs, buckets and salt brought relief and hope. Villagers who did not have the means to replace what the earthquake stole rejoiced at gifts of warm blankets and coats.

In 2013, the receding flood waters from Cyclone Phailin revealed the full impact of the storm. Homes and farms that were completely washed away left hundreds of thousands of people like Kalei without permanent shelter or a means to support themselves. National workers surveyed the damage and committed to the long-term rebuilding needed in decimated villages.

Christmas gift distribution programs provided survivors with sewing machines, carpentry tools and livestock—the means to build a new source of income. Plans developed to rebuild more than 1,000 homes—houses made of brick and cement and able to weather future storms.

Kalei stood at the door of her newly constructed brick-and-cement home with tears in her eyes.

“We were not able to build a house [for ourselves, especially one] made of bricks and cement,” Kalei said. “We are so thankful to our God for his mercy and to our church for their help.”

My Neighbors: Disaster Relief Specialists

When catastrophic disasters strike Asia, national workers are in the perfect place to respond immediately. Already part of the culture and community, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported response teams arrive on the scene within days or even hours, providing hope and relief.

In August 2018, floodwaters deluged the South Indian state of Kerala. Across the state, roads became rivers, and hundreds of thousands of people were stranded on rooftops, searching for higher ground.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers—filling the ranks of Compassion Services teams—cruised flooded streets in boats, rescuing those surrounded by rising waters. In the boat, team members gave bottled water and food to passengers and took them to emergency shelters.

“Because we have brothers and sisters living and serving in Kerala, we will be with these flood survivors for the long haul,” said Dr. K.P Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA).

“We will help them clean their homes, rebuild their houses and provide them with income-generating gifts to restore their lost livelihoods. We will minister hope in the name of Jesus and share His love in word and deed.”

Offering hope and help in the name of Jesus during great suffering is the heart of Gospel for Asia-supported ministry. Compassion Services teams are present in the tragic moments following catastrophe with the love of Christ to help survivors journey into joy.

Learn more about the need for Disaster Relief Work, Gospel for Asia’s “Compassion Services” with relief teams who love the Lord who are focused to help victims of natural disasters find a firm foundation.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Rebuilding The Rubble

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Father Demands a Refill but Finds Living Water through Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: July 28, 2022 at 7:55 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing families, just like Divya’s, struggling through life because they do not have the peace of Jesus, and the woman missionary like Sangeeta who help rebuild families by sharing His love.

Divya and her mother, Apurva, stepped inside their home. The residual smell of alcohol from the open and empty bottles spread across the floor assaulted their nostrils as soon as they crossed the threshold. When Divya made eye contact with her father, Mukul, she could nearly predict what he was going to say.

“Give me the money”, he demanded, “I am in need of a refill.”

When they refused, Mukul picked up the nearest pan and threw it against the wall. The clanging as it fell to the floor barely covered the sound of Mukul slapping Divya’s mother. Then he began throwing their belongings from the house. They begged for him to stop, but nothing changed.

Father Demands Family’s Wages for Alcohol

Divya was 10 years old when Mukul began drinking alcohol. He became so addicted he couldn’t eat without it.

Because he refused to work, Divya and her mother worked all day to provide for their needs. And when they came home, Mukul constantly demanded money from them solely to get his fill of alcohol.

Apurva and Divya asked him to stop throwing the household items when he was angry, but Mukul never listened. Often, Divya and her mother had to leave for two or three days until Mukul calmed down.

One day, Divya couldn’t take the cycle anymore. She left home, and this time, she wasn’t going back.

Daughter Flees Father’s Abuse

Divya stayed with a friend for three weeks before her father realized she had gone. Mukul accused Apurva of sending Divya away and insisted she bring their daughter home that day.

Apurva visited Divya and asked her to return home, but Divya asked her mother to stay the night with her instead, hoping their absence would help Mukul change. The following day, Apurva arrived home without Divya, and Mukul became enraged. He lashed out against Apurva and began to beat her daily. Unable to handle the increased abuse, Apurva once more went to plead with Divya to return home.

Seeing her mother in so much pain overwhelmed Divya. She loved her mother, but that wasn’t enough for her to return home and endure her father’s mistreatment.

Daughter Confesses Suicidal Thoughts to a Woman Missionary

When Gospel for Asia (GFA) woman missionary, Sangeeta, learned of Divya’s situation, she came to see Divya and comfort her.

“I never had peace and joy in my life,” Divya told Sangeeta. “Many times, I thought, ‘Why was I born on this earth?’ Sometimes I’ve thought to end my life. When I look at my mother and see that nobody is there to take care of her or even my father, my mind becomes restless.”

Sangeeta replied, “Please do not worry. Today, we will go together and meet your parents.”

Divya went home with Sangeeta and talked with her parents.

Sangeeta shared the Word of God with the family and explained to Mukul the struggles he was causing for his family by drinking. She urged him to turn away from drinking and prayed for the family.

Father Changes His Ways

Sangeeta continued to visit the family, and within a month, Mukul changed his ways. The Holy Spirit worked in his heart as he witnessed Jesus’ love through the missionary and saw how the Lord answered her prayers. He stopped drinking, and his abuse of his family ceased.

Peace filled their home, and now, Mukul and Apurva attend church each week. Sangeeta still visits with the family, encouraging them to live according to God’s Word.

Many families, just like Divya’s, are struggling through everyday life because they do not have the peace of Jesus in their homes. You can help rebuild families by sending a missionary to their village to share His love.

Learn more about the Sisters of Compassion, Gospel for Asia’s specialized women missionaries, who have hearts that ache for hurting women and those deemed as poor and needy.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Demanding a Refill

Learn more by reading the GFA Special Report: Widows Worldwide Face Tragedy, Discrimination — Some Find Hope to Overcome the Challenges of Widowhood.

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

Gospel for Asia Helps Young Man Discover Knowing About God Isn’t Good Enough

Last updated on: July 28, 2022 at 7:57 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the power of the Gospel through national missionaries, humbling hard hearts proud of knowing about God, and bringing true life eternal in Christ.

Jasveer poses with his Bible in front of the church where his life changed.

At the ripe old age of 17, Jasveer knew everything there was to know about God. Growing up in a village where Christianity was common, he knew to attend church and to talk to God right before eating a meal or before drifting off to sleep at night. He knew how God wanted him to behave and how to judge others who didn’t live in the same righteous way. And he knew that while others struggled with sin, he did not. Jasveer had God all figured out—or so he thought.

One day in April 2017, Jasveer’s youth group held a four-day revival event. Jasveer volunteered to help with hosting the revival. Even with his familiarity with teachings about Christ, he persisted in his belief that he was not a sinner and that the message of hope found in Christ Jesus was for others. He didn’t need it.

Ears to Hear

One night during the revival, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Taizeen Ved read Matthew 7:21 from his Bible. For the first time, Jasveer recognized that the “good” behavior he supposed would get him into heaven would not be considered good enough by God. He learned he was indeed a sinner and desperately in need of the same mercy and grace as those whom he had previously judged.

After the message, Jasveer spoke with Pastor Taizeen, who showed Jasveer through God’s Word that though he was a sinner, he could receive God’s free gift of forgiveness.

New Life, New Mission

Jasveer was so moved by this message, he decided to begin a personal relationship with God. From that moment, Jasveer’s life changed. He discovered he could talk to God even when the topic of conversation wasn’t the food in front of him. He enjoyed learning more about God’s character as he began to read the Bible.

The more Jasveer learned about God, the more he wanted others to experience a personal relationship with Him as well. Jasveer stopped condemning those around him and began serving in the youth group at his church. Today, he is committed to sharing the life-changing news of Jesus with the younger generation.

Please pray for Jasveer as he continues to grow in his relationship with the Lord and as he encourages others to read God’s Word.

Check out Romir’s story here to learn how reading the Bible transformed another young man’s life.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Young Man Discovers Knowing About God Isn’t Good Enough

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

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

Villagers Enjoy an Evening of Films with Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: July 28, 2022 at 7:58 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the life-changing impact films brings in national missions, transforming audiences with the life and message of Jesus.

Like those in this photo, villagers sat enraptured watching the films Deepak shared about Jesus.

During a hot summer night, neighbors gathered as if at a drive-in movie, minus the cars. The audience sat captivated for the next 4 hours and 40 minutes. Some of the villagers would learn lessons of historical importance—and some of their lives would never be the same.

Villagers Welcomed

Earlier, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker Deepak had lugged his equipment to this neighboring village in preparation for the film screening. Once the equipment was set up, Deepak waited, wondering how many people would come. Before the night’s end, the hopeful man was pleasantly surprised to see 260 faces in the crowd.

Deepak shared two films with the villagers: “Transformation” and “New Path.” The films offered visual depictions of who Jesus is and of His life on earth.

Lives Changed Through Two Films

The villagers responded warmly when the films concluded late that night. They told Deepak how they enjoyed watching them and invited him to come back. They commented, “Today we learned some lessons that we never learned before in our life.” Despite many of them practicing other religions, they recognized that “following Jesus is the path of righteousness.”

The films deeply touched one man, Chaman. At the conclusion of the movie night, he decided he wanted to know for himself the Jesus presented in the films.

Chaman admitted that before watching the films, he had made poor decisions and led a destructive lifestyle. But after learning about Jesus that night, Chaman’s life changed forever.

“Once I was a man who companied with bad friends and drank alcohol and did all kinds of naughty things,” he declared, “but today I could leave all those bad habits in my life. It could happen just because of watching the film of Jesus. … My life is totally transformed from the bad habits.”

The response of Chaman and his fellow villagers encouraged Deepak to keep sharing impactful films. Since that evening, numerous villagers have been invited to movie screenings throughout the district.

Please pray that Deepak will continue to find audiences with whom he can share these films and ask God to use them in positive ways for the communities.

Check out this story to learn of one village’s reaction to a surprise film screening.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Villagers Enjoy an Evening of Films

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 of God.

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

Gospel for Asia Living out the Great Commission for the Least of These

Last updated on: September 28, 2023 at 9:10 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the world’s worst tsunami that wreaked havoc along the Indian Ocean coast, and the first Bridge of Hope centers, providing help and care in the midst of tragedy.

Maachah, 13, lives in a small coastal village in Asia, where she also attends a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope center. This particular center was one of the very first and was built in response to a tragedy.

On December 26, 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake shook the island of Sumatra. The aftershocks wracked the Indian Ocean, producing the world’s worst tsunami. By the end of it, more than 200,000 had died.

Providing help and care in the midst of tragedy: Discussing the world's worst tsunami that wreaked havoc along the Indian Ocean coast, and the first Bridge of Hope centers. — At 13 years old, Maachah (pictured) has a future in store for her.

Communities all along the coast of the Indian Ocean were left to pick up the pieces. Hit especially hard was Maachah’s village. People’s homes and their livelihoods were gone, and they didn’t know what to do next. Men, women and children filled relief camps.

Parents worried for their children; schools had been shut down. They didn’t know how they would provide for their little ones.

Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

It was here that Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope Program opened one of its first centers. It offered supplementary education, health care and warm food, while instilling within children hope, peace and a vision for the future—something the children of Maachah’s village desperately needed.

“When this disaster happened, these people had nothing,” said Jakki, the head of the center. “They were rendered homeless.”

Born after the tsunami, Maachah doesn’t know the struggles many people, like her parents, faced.

“I don’t know what happened to my parents during that time,” she said. “They didn’t share much about those things to me.”

However, Dania, one of the tutors at the center, recalls the children’s plight: some were orphaned; others were homeless.

“Many children were [left] without anything,” she remembers. “They lost their fathers, they lost their mothers. They were left alone… These children did not know from where their next meal would come.”

Seeing this, Bridge of Hope staff immediately began admitting children into the center who were most in need. They supplied children with food and hygiene care, and they offered comfort and hope in the tsunami’s wake.

The help and care brought by the center and its staff radically transformed the village and its inhabitants. Hopelessness gave way to optimism and anticipation for the future.

“The Bridge of Hope center has brought a great impact in the families and community and in the lives of their children,” Jakki says. “All the community people like our work and appreciate us.”

Changing Communities, Changing Families

Jakki has served at the Bridge of Hope center since it opened. As its coordinator, Jakki has seen hundreds of children helped through the program and the blessing it brings to the community.

“Through Bridge of Hope, communities know that we have to live together in peace and help people in need,” Jakki says. “That’s what the community people see and feel about Bridge of Hope.”

That’s how Maachah’s entire family feels about Bridge of Hope as well. Maachah isn’t the only one in her family experiencing the blessing Bridge of Hope brings. As her father is ill, he has trouble working. Most of the time, they have very little money and struggle economically.

“My family is benefited through [the center] because my family condition is poor,” the young girl says.

The center provides “bags, clothes and other utensils to us,” Maachah explains. “It helps to save a lot of money.”

The Vision

Currently, 70,000 children like Maachah attend Bridge of Hope centers across Asia, receiving care and hope for their futures. And it started with a dream.

In his book No Longer a Slumdog, Dr. Yohannan details a dream given to him by the Lord. He stood across from a field filled with countless people who desperately needed the love of God. A wide river separated him from the masses.

“Was I only going to look at these needy and suffering people but not be able to help them?” he writes.

Then a bridge appeared, spanning the river. Thousands of children, from all across Asia, filled the bridge.

“I woke from my dream and realized the Lord spoke to me about something incredibly significant,” Dr. Yohannan explains. “If we follow His instructions, our care for these children in need will be a bridge for so many people to find the hope and relief they have been looking for.”

This heaven-sent dream inspired what is now known as Bridge of Hope.

Their Future, Their Purpose

Through the hundreds of centers all across Asia, children are coming to realize they have a future. Jakki has seen dozens of graduates go on to higher education, pursuing their dreams.

For the 123 students currently enrolled in the center, their future is already beginning to take shape.

“My ultimate goal and purpose in my life is to become a leader for society,” says Maachah, “I want to help many people, like how Bridge of Hope does. … To become an able leader is my ultimate goal.”

Maachah isn’t alone in wanting to change the world around her.

Many children have already graduated through this Bridge of Hope center and many others across Asia. They’ve gone on to become doctors, engineers and teachers and are transforming the world around them.

“My dream is to add many more children to the center,” says Jakki. “My wish is to sharpen and shape the lives of these poor children.”

Learn more about how to sponsor and help the children from families stuck in generational abject poverty who need a Bridge of Hope.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, For the Least of These

Read the Poverty: Public Enemy #1 Special Report – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable.

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

‘So Happy I Answered the Call’ From Student to Staff at Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 9:38 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Ashley, serving with Gospel for Asia (GFA) since 2012, shares her experiences as a student and then as a staff member. Her life and journey with Jesus has grown through the encouragement of being involved in the Christ-centered, missions-focused community.

I was only 18 years old when I decided to leave my home and family in Pennsylvania and come to Texas to join Gospel for Asia’s School of Discipleship (SD).

During my SD year, it wasn’t so much the classes and the books I read that impacted me, although going through the books and classes were a good thing. It was seeing the Christian life lived out in a Christ-centered community that really impacted me and still does today.

Discussing Ashley, her life and journey with Jesus has grown through the encouragement of being involved in the Christ-centered, missions-focused community. — This is Ashley. She is so grateful she followed the Lord’s call on her life, even when taking steps of faith were scary at times.

God spoke to me a lot that year through some godly leaders here at Gospel for Asia (GFA), who encouraged me to pursue Christ with all my heart. I can say without a doubt that this is exactly what my journey has been: pursuing God with all my heart and seeing others pursue Him too.

I only planned to be at Gospel for Asia (GFA) for my SD year, but the Lord had other plans. After graduation, He lead me to join staff. Each step I took following Jesus was literally by faith. Taking those steps of faith was scary for me at the time, but looking back, I don’t regret it.

Serving and Living in Christ-Centered Community

It is my joy and privilege to now serve as a behind-the-scenes missionary here at Gospel for Asia (GFA) because I am growing more than I ever have before in my walk with God. Through my role in the office, I get to be part of people in Asia coming to know Christ for the first time and be part of an amazing Christ-centered community.

Being in this community has been super impactful in my walk with the Lord. We work together in the office, serve the community through many different service projects and help maintain the campus facilities together. Seeing and working closely with my brothers and sisters here and in other parts of the world, I have learned—and am still learning—what it looks like to serve others. I am learning how to love even when it’s hard, to forgive, to be patient and to be committed to the call God gave me even when circumstances around me make it tempting to give up.

I am so happy I answered the call when the Lord called me to serve Him. I have seen Him provide and show Himself faithful in my life over and over again.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, ‘So Happy I Answered the Call’

Learn more about how for nearly 40 years, behind-the-scenes missionaries, the Missions Support Team have functioned as a crucial link between the mission field and the Western Church.

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

Gospel for Asia Brings Good News in a Winter Coat

Last updated on: July 18, 2025 at 4:13 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing national missionaries like Balaark who brave through the difficulties of poverty and winter to share God’s love, and the tangible demonstration of His love through a winter coat.

Shutting the front door behind him, Balaark hugged himself tightly and pressed his thin, worn jacket to his torso. The icy wind stung his ears, painting them bright red. He felt the muscles in his entire body contract in a fruitless effort to ward off the invisible assailant. Balaark walked into the wind and began his course through the cold.

Balaark (pictured) serves the Lord near the village where he grew up as a poor outcast.

A cold wave had descended on the village where Balaark, a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported national worker, served. Each day, the bite of the wind and the falling temperature goaded the missionary to stay indoors, to postpone sharing God’s love for a warmer day.

Many picture Asia as hot and humid, with residents sweating rather than shivering. While that is true of some areas, particularly during summer, many other regions experience extreme winters with snow and ice. In the shadow of the Himalayas, where Balaark ministers, winter temperatures often drop below freezing. Kirpal, another Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported missionary serving in a cold place, explains the impact of winter temperatures.

“The winter is severe in my ministry place since it is surrounded by mountains,” shared Kirpal. “The cold wave affects our health. Visiting believers and doing [ministry is] difficult during winter without the proper warm clothes.”

In these bracing winter conditions, it is common to see national workers like Kirpal and Balaark sharing God’s love with people huddled around outdoor communal fires.

No Stranger to Difficulty

Balaark is not a stranger to the harsh winters experienced in the area where he serves the Lord; he grew up in a village nearby. Nor is he a stranger to difficulty; Balaark grew up poor and marginalized.

Neighbors looked down on young Balaark’s family because of their heritage. But when Balaark suffered from a mysterious illness, the neighbors were convinced evil spirits tormented the boy. Rumors spread and malicious talk drove the family further into isolation.

Poverty stalked the harassed family. It was not long before school was a forgotten childhood memory for Balaark. He worked day-labor jobs to help his family survive.

Trapped in a hopeless situation, Balaark’s parents reached out to a pastor with their troubles. The pastor shared from God’s Word, and the family found peace in the hope of Christ. Jesus became the anchor that secured them through the storms of life.

Balaark gradually felt the Lord calling him to serve in ministry full time. After equipping himself at seminary, Balaark began his ministry in a village near his home. The wounds of rejection Balaark received as a child were healed by the love of the Lord, who accepted him unconditionally. But one childhood difficulty continued to hound Balaark: poverty.

Despite Balaark’s adequate support, life continued to throw unexpected financial burdens across his path. Balaark’s mother suffered from several health complications and couldn’t work, and his father could not afford her treatments. Balaark paid for his mother’s medical expenses out of his own pocket, often neglecting his own needs. The stress of family concerns and their lack of resources frequently inhabited Balaark’s prayer.

“During the winter season, I was going through tension because my mother was also very sick,” Balaark shares. “Day by day, the cold wave was increasing. I had no sufficient amount to buy a new jacket.”

Unable to purchase warm clothes for the looming winter months, Balaark made do with what he had.

Winter becomes a threat to the poor who cannot afford heating or appropriate clothes. This homeless man faced sickness or death during cold snap in December 2014—which is why a Gospel for Asia-supported worker gave him protection from the cold. — Winter becomes a threat to the poor who cannot afford heating or appropriate clothes. This homeless man faced sickness or death during cold snap in December 2014—which is why a Gospel for Asia (GFA)–supported worker gave him protection from the cold.

Poverty, a Marker for Winter-related Suffering

Many people in the cold regions of Asia find themselves in a similar situation. To cope with the cold, people often stay in bed later and go to bed earlier, only venturing out when the weak rays of the winter sun are high in the sky. Groups gather around fire pits and layer all the clothes they own. Grappling with the cold becomes a daily occupation, often to the neglect of work—a huge sacrifice for those whose dinner is paid for by what they earned that day.

The Kathmandu Post reports that the lack of proper shelter, warm clothes and nutritious food are among the factors that cause poor and disadvantaged groups to suffer from cold-related conditions. In the article, Rameshwor Dangal, chief at the Disaster Management Division in Nepal, states the sobering truth, “The mortality is increasing every year.”

This pastor is overjoyed at the gift of a winter sweater. It will help him continue ministering on the coldest days to those who are eager to hear about the God who loves them.

Heaven-sent Winter Clothing Packets

Despite the obstacles, Gospel for Asia-supported workers regularly brave the inclement weather to share the hope found in Jesus.

“Ministry doesn’t stop—even if it is snowing like crazy,” shares Mark, a Gospel for Asia (GFA) photojournalist who frequently travels to chilly locations in Asia.

Gifts of winter coats, blankets, sweaters, hats and gloves have armored national workers all throughout Asia. They have also blessed countless homeless people who spend winter on the streets and victims of natural disasters who have lost everything. These practical gifts enable the love of God to be verbalized, demonstrated and felt.

One Bible college student who received a winter clothing packet said,

“From the depths of my heart, I am grateful to God, who blessed me and allowed me to enjoy the winter with a shawl, sweater, socks and woolen cap. For me, it was not possible to buy it. I even had nothing in my bag when I came to study here. But God is so good.”

Wrapped in a New Winter Coat

As winter deepened, Balaark faithfully ministered to the people around him. Each morning, he spent time with the Lord before heading out. He asked for God’s help in the ministry work ahead of him and laid his needs and his burdens at the Lord’s feet. Trusting the Lord to go before him in all things, Balaark wrapped himself in his old coat and forged ahead, full of faith. He had no idea the Lord had already prepared a winter coat for him.

Balaark poses gratefully in the new winter coat he could not afford himself.

Ministry leaders on the field, prompted by the Lord, arranged a winter clothing distribution in Balaark’s area. The day Balaark received his new coat, joy filled his heart. God answered his prayers in an unexpected way.

“I was thinking that I will adjust with my old jacket this winter season too,” Balaark shared. “But, [ministry leaders] provided a new jacket. I am so grateful to our leaders … for their kind help.”

Invigorated by experiencing God’s provision and care, Balaark eagerly engages in his ministry. He talks with people on frigid streets and holds prayer meeting in unheated homes. Each morning, before heading out, Balaark thanks God for His provision and protection. Warmed by God’s love during his prayer times and his new winter coat, Balaark braves the cold to spread the warmth with others.

Support the faithful men and women who risk their lives in cold climates and also help bring winter coat and blankets to needy families across Asia today.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Good News Travelling in a Winter Coat

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

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

Gospel for Asia Provides Twice the Mobility, Twice the Blessing

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 9:59 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the struggles national missionaries face in the mission field. This is a story of the impact of a bicycle as a channel of God’s blessing to reach God’s flock and the lost who wouldn’t otherwise have been reached.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the struggles national missionaries face in the mission field. Even with a burning heart for the lost and for their flock, without proper transportation, it would only leave a burden unfulfilled. This is a story of the impact of a bicycle as a channel of God's blessing. — Pastor Jahansuz (pictured) with his wife and two sons.

Pastor Jahansuz was the pastor of six fellowships in six different villages. The Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor tried to visit every believer, but the villages were in some of the most remote regions. As such, there was no form of modern transportation. Pastor Jahansuz had to walk almost everywhere. The pastor felt burdened when believers asked him to visit their home for prayer and encouragement but couldn’t make the journey.

Although Pastor Jahansuz tried to encourage every believer, it was impossible at times. One particular village was located five and a half miles away from his home. The pastor began to pray for the Lord’s provision, and he even asked the believers to pray with him.

The Great Provider

The Lord listened, and He provided after six years of persevering prayer. Pastor Jahansuz was given a heavy-duty bicycle through the generosity of people like you! Finally, the pastor was able to do what he wanted: minister to his flocks.

“Since the pastor did not own a bicycle, he struggled a lot,” Abarja, one of the believers said.

“We live in far places, and due to that, he could not visit us. But now, by God’s grace, the pastor is able to visit us and is encouraging us to grow in the Lord.”

Pastor Jahansuz’s bicycle brought immediate blessing, both to his ministry and life. Before, the pastor was only able to visit those within a six-mile radius, but now that range has almost doubled!

Not only does he provide transportation for any in need, but Pastor Jahansuz has also been able to visit and minister in five additional villages with the bicycle’s help. Now, many more people are hearing of God’s love.

Through this bicycle, Pastor Jahansuz can more easily minister to the believers in his area and bring the love of God to so many more. Supporters like you made this story and countless others like it possible. Thank you!

Give a Bicycle Today!

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Twice the Mobility, Twice the Blessing

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. 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.

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

Gospel for Asia Missionaries: Compelled by Love for Those with Leprosy

Last updated on: September 3, 2022 at 6:31 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the discrimination leprosy patients experience, and the grace of God through leprosy ministry missionaries to help and heal the uncared for and shunned.

Bahula Rajal couldn’t ignore the woman lying on the ground in her own vomit. Other people walked past her, careful to keep a safe distance. Bahula could tell the woman had leprosy; even so she wouldn’t be like the others who looked away and pretended the woman didn’t exist. In Bahula’s heart, this woman was her family.

Bahula and her two companions helped the sick woman to her feet and brought her back to their home. After they washed her and gave her clean clothes to wear, they gave her something to eat and drink, and they prayed for her.

The following morning, the woman overflowed with love toward Bahula and the other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported women missionaries, profusely thanking them for helping her in her most desperate time of need.

“God sent you to me,” the woman said. “No one was there to take care of me. No one was there to give me even one drop of water, but God sent you to me.”

Indifference Turns to Compassion

“No one was there to take care of me. No one was there . . .”

That’s something most people affected with leprosy can repeat over and over again. The chronic, infectious disease has left them shunned, cast out of their homes, without family, without friends, clustered in colonies with others suffering from the same disease.

Bahula herself grew up in a leprosy colony. One of her relatives lived with the skin disease, but Bahula never had compassion on those who were affected. She had been just like the others who had walked past the woman, not caring to help or get involved in their lives. But after she surrendered her life to Christ, Bahula found herself being sent to serve among leprosy patients time and time again. She wondered why God kept bringing her back to the same place—and especially to her own village—but now she sees it as His perfect purpose for her.

“Now, when we clean their wounds and I see the swelling and the blood, I feel like I am really doing God’s ministry,” Bahula says. “This is where God is present, and I feel that through this ministry, I’m really serving the Lord. I have peace in my life.”

A ‘Great Thing’ in His Life

Bahula works alongside Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Jiva Giri, who pioneered Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported leprosy ministry in this area. The first time Jiva witnessed people cleaning leprosy wounds, he thought to himself, I could do a work like that. That would be a great thing in my life.

He could have easily turned his back, never again to set his eyes on the repulsive sight of decaying flesh. Instead, he found himself wanting to wash and bandage the mutilated hands and feet of these people. This desire grew in his heart, and he began asking the Lord when He would give him an opportunity to take care of those who had no one else to care for them.

With burdened hearts, Pastor Jiva and 12 others traveled to the different leprosy colonies, ready to minister. They washed the clothes of leprosy patients, cut their hair and nails and gave them baths. With each wound they dressed, they poured on the healing balm of Christ’s love. They testified of His grace, counseled, encouraged and prayed for them. They brought more than just physical healing—they brought a wellness to hearts and minds that comes from the knowledge one is cared for and loved.

Growing Ministry

That was the start of what is now the Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported leprosy ministry called Reaching Friends Ministry. Pastor Tarik Paul oversaw Reaching Friends Ministry when it first began in 2007. He thought it would only be a small effort to help a few people with whatever resources they had, but it has become one of the largest Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported ministries in this region.

“We never thought our ministry would expand so large or it would become so big,” Tarik says.

With a growing team of men like Pastor Jiva and women like Bahula who serve with committed hearts, thousands of people suffering from this disease are finding healing and wholeness to their once-marred lives.

“It is because of God’s grace that we have the strength, courage and motivation to work among these people, to share with them, to hug them, to love them and to care for them,” Pastor Jiva says.

Receiving Smiles in an Atmosphere of Love

As the missionaries persisted in their care, it became clear that long-term treatment was greatly needed. It was simple to clean and bandage the infected area, but this wasn’t ridding patients of the disease. These people needed medicine and professional care. So after years of praying, Gospel for Asia (GFA) helped open a hospital in this region.

Those with leprosy would often stay away from hospitals because of the unfair and unkind treatment they received from doctors and medical staff. Some had been neglected, even left lying on the hospital floor. Others had medicine thrown at their feet without any instructions. Some doctors said the only remedy to their disease was amputation, leaving them terrified. As soon as they stepped inside the hospital staffed by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers, however, they felt a huge difference.

“When they go to a hospital, it’s all formality. No one is there to smile at them, care for them or help them. It’s a business,” Tarik explains. “But when they started coming to our hospital, they saw the care that we give, the readiness of our people to help them, and that we provide them with the best treatments. . . . Our sisters talk with them, smile at them and encourage them.”

People travel from neighboring states to get treatment at the hospital for all sorts of maladies. Tarik says it’s not only for the medical care they receive, but also to enjoy the atmosphere of love. The medical staff encourages each patient, telling them their sickness is not a big problem for their God who heals.

“Don’t worry!” they say. “We will be praying for you.”

“It is because of God’s grace that we have the strength, courage and motivation to work among these people, to share with them, to hug them, to love them and to care for them,” Pastor Jiva says.

And with people like Pastor Jiva and Bahula faithfully ministering to them and taking care of them as if they were their own mother or father, brother or sister, they know it’s true. They know they have family that cares for them, given to them by a God who loves them.

Learn how you can pray for those with leprosy and the missionaries working among them.

Give to Leprosy Ministry.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Compelled by Love for Those with Leprosy

Learn more about the GFA-supported leprosy ministry, or the Reaching Friends Ministry, helping remind people affected by leprosy that, despite the stigma of leprosy, they have dignity and are valued by God.

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