A Gospel for Asia Pastor Aids a Father’s Fight Against Fatigue

Last updated on: February 15, 2023 at 9:58 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Madock, the challenges of poverty, and the alleviation a bicycle from Gospel for Asia (GFA World) gift distribution brings.

Madock was a busy man. A daily laborer by trade, the 32-year-old father of three walked three miles to work every day. Every morning, he awoke early, hauling his tired body out of bed to ensure he made it to work on time. The long hours and constant journeys back and forth to provide for his family drained him of all energy. With each passing day, Madock found it more and more difficult to keep up with the demands of his labor.

The Encroaching Exhaustion

GFA World discussing Madock, the challenges of poverty, and the alleviation a bicycle from GFA World gift distribution brings. — Like this man pictured, Madock can more easily make a living for his family through the gift of a bicycle, which staved off the exhaustion suffered from constantly walking.

A year prior, Madock’s mother had been sick with an unknown ailment, and multiple doctors could not discern what was wrong. Eventually, Madock heard about a church led by Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Rafferty and asked for his help.

By God’s grace, Madock’s mother was completely healed, which led to Madock and his entire family embracing God’s love. The family began attending Pastor Rafferty’s church, wanting to grow in that love. Or at least, they tried to attend.

In the following months, the hard labor Madock performed, combined with the journey he made day and night, took its toll. The fatigue never truly left, and Madock often found it difficult to make it to work.

Sometimes, Madock and his family couldn’t make it to church, despite his desires and best efforts. He wanted to worship the Lord with other believers and grow in his faith, but his tired body would not let him. He also needed to save what little energy he could muster for his job. No matter how much Madock wanted to do both, he couldn’t.

Blessing on Wheels

Pastor Rafferty, seeing the conflict in Madock’s life, decided to alleviate both concerns. There was an upcoming gift distribution, where those in need could come and receive tools to help them in their lives. After consulting with his leadership for approval, Pastor Rafferty added Madock’s name to the list of recipients.

At the distribution event, Madock received a bicycle, which immediately lifted the burden of his daily travel—and eventually eliminated the mounting weariness that had tried to control his life.

Riding his bicycle to work every morning brought great joy to Madock, for the ability to save his energy for work meant he could effectively provide for his family and faithfully grow in God’s love and joy.

Learn how you can bring about change in the life of an individual in need of a bicycle.

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, A Father’s Fight Against Fatigue

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through GFA World (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.

Learn more by reading these Special Reports from GFA World:

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

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

Gospel for Asia Relief Team Delivered Help and Hope to Earthquake Victims

Last updated on: February 22, 2023 at 8:48 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide, discussing the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015, the devastation and tragedy it dealt, and the Gospel for Asia (GFA World) workers that brought relief, help and hope to the victims.

On April 25, 2015, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, taking around 9,000 lives, injuring more than 23,000 people, and damaging or destroying more than 700,000 homes.[1] The disaster caused widespread devastation.

One village hit hard by this tragedy was in desperate need of food and supplies. Nearly all the houses had been destroyed. The residents’ belongings, food, clothes and livestock—all essential to their livelihood—were buried, destroyed or damaged. To make matters worse, the road into the village was blocked by a landslide, making it nearly impossible for the villagers to access outside food or materials. They were in dire need of help and hope.

Delivering Hope, Supplies

Discussing the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015, and the GFA World workers that brought relief and hope to the victims. — Through the compassion showed to them by the relief team, the earthquake victims were able to experience God’s love and care.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Manja knew the desperate needs of his fellow villagers and yearned to help them in their time of need. He organized a relief distribution in cooperation with the local church. The distribution workers distributed 11,352 pounds of rice and 378 pounds of salt to the disaster victims, which they received with gratitude and joy.

“Thank you for your support to us in our need,” said 54-year-old recipient Radamés. “We are very happy to see you. Though we are not familiar with one another, you remembered us and helped us. Thank you again.”

Balandis, another recipient, also expressed his gratitude to the relief team.

“Many, many thanks to you,” Balandis said. “This is the best work. To help the needy people is holier work than any other work. I am [grateful] to you all.”

The relief team also assisted Gaerwn, the oldest surviving villager, and their kindness touched his heart.

“Thank you so much for supporting us,” Gaerwn said. “[Others] forgot us; you remembered us. May God bless you in each of your steps in life!”

Through the work and ministry of Pastor Manja and the local church, these village residents were able to experience God’s love and care for them in their time of need. Though they felt forgotten after the tragedy of the earthquake, they were encouraged and uplifted by the support of the relief team, which brought both the help and the hope they so greatly needed.

Partner with GFA World and continue to help bring relief in the face of disasters like flooding and COVID-19.

Read how a flood’s devastation led to a village’s celebration.

[1] “M7.8 Nepal Earthquake, 2015 – A Small Push to Mt. Everest.” USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/science/m78-nepal-earthquake-2015-a-small-push-mt-everest?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. October 1, 2016.

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

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.

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Gospel for Asia: Stealing a Second Chance

Last updated on: December 2, 2022 at 7:40 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, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Ragnar, his thieving and negative influence, and the change God wrought through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) worker.

Ragnar’s village was a poor one. Most of the families relied on farming for their livelihood, but they struggled to attain anything beyond survival. Without resources, most couldn’t afford to give their children a proper education.

discussing Ragnar, his thieving and negative influence, and the change God wrought through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) worker — Once a troublemaker nearly ousted from his village, Ragnar (pictured) is now a positive influence on the community’s youth.

With little hope for a better life, many teens turned to worldly, and sometimes criminal, pleasures. It was common for boys and young men to sneak around under the cover of night to steal neighbors’ hens and ducks, then enjoy a clandestine barbecue with friends.

Ragnar was a natural leader, but he used his powers for evil, encouraging younger boys in these criminal activities and causing trouble in his village. He got away with it for a time, but soon the other villagers found out.

At first Ragnar claimed innocence. He was not involved, he said. He had scolded the younger boys for those bad practices, he testified. But Ragnar’s accomplices came forward with fingers pointed, insisting he was not only involved but the ringleader.

With a severe warning, village authorities released him. Ragnar’s thievery momentarily subsided, but soon his criminal activities resumed.

Now he stood before the village council again. His parents pleaded with the authorities to give Ragnar another chance.

“If he will not change his bad habit, you can do whatever you want to do to him,” Ragnar’s parents told the council.

To their relief, the council relented. But Ragnar’s father, Kagan, knew that a different outcome required different action this time. This could be his son’s last chance to turn his life around, and it needed to count.

A Different Direction

Desperate, Kagan sought out Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Manu. The pastor was a good man; perhaps he could do something with the boy.

Pastor Manu became a mentor for Ragnar, counseling and guiding him, and sharing Christ’s love. The pastor also prayed for Ragnar. One day, as tears flowed from Pastor Manu’s eyes during his prayer, Ragnar was deeply touched by the man’s love.

As God began working in Ragnar’s life, the young man’s heart began to change. Curious about the man investing so much time in his life, Ragnar visited Pastor Manu’s church, where he learned more about the man’s faith and encountered God’s love.

Ragnar’s life transformed. He put aside his thieving ways and began using his powers of leadership for good.

“I will surely stop the young boys from stealing others’ hens and ducks,” Ragnar said. “I will tell them about the good news that Jesus loves them, too, as He loves me. I will tell them individually.”

The villagers perceived the drastic change in Ragnar. Once ready to expel him from the village, his neighbors now appreciate his presence. Ragnar’s life, and its trajectory, is forever changed because a Gospel for Asia (GFA) worker lovingly invested in him.

Read about a 16-year-old girl whose life was changed after observing a peculiar family during a village-wide excursion into the forest.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Stealing a Second Chance

Learn more about the GFA World national missionary 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.

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Gospel for Asia Lending Caring Hands to Elderly

Last updated on: November 22, 2022 at 4:47 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, discussing the negative effects of poverty to the elderly and the care brought through GFA World Sisters of Compassion

Vitality waning, the aging men and women struggled to care for their own everyday needs. With a negative correlation between poverty and health, the diminishing well-being of these impoverished seniors meant they had greater need of daily care and assistance with everyday activities.[1] Yet they had no one to care for them.

Some of them still worked hard to support themselves, despite their aging bodies, having no pension or retirement plans to depend on.

At 60 years old, Adey still worked in the field until a bad fall rendered her unable to stand. She had a son nearby, but he neglected his mother, even beat her at times. With no one to care for her, Adey was injured and all alone, or at least until a daughter came to help her.

Aili, 61 years old, was fortunate enough to live with her daughter, but she was unable to work. She couldn’t walk and required constant care.

GFA Team Cares for Elderly

GFA World discussing the negative effects of poverty to the elderly and the care brought through GFA World Sisters of Compassion — Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers massage an elderly woman’s arm.

A group of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Sisters of Compassion and Women’s Fellowship members saw the condition of elderly citizens like Adey and Aili. Their hearts burdened with the seniors’ plight, the Sisters sought to take care of them. They trimmed fingernails, massaged weary muscles and prayed for these precious people. The love shown by these Sisters brought tears to the eyes of the elderly as they thanked the team.

Adey had severe pain in her legs and hands. The Sisters tenderly applied oils and massaged her limbs. The caring hands of healing warmed Adey’s heart.

“I thank God for the Sisters of Compassion team and your ministry,” Adey said. “No one has ever come to know my well-being, but these sisters came and cut my hair, gave me a bath, and massaged my hands and legs. I am truly thankful to them.”

The Sisters also visited Aili, trimming her nails and encouraging her with kind words. Their thoughtfulness overwhelmed the elderly woman, who gave an emotional thanks before the Sisters moved on to their next stop, where they prayed and cared for more people.

The women’s ministry team was thankful for the opportunity to serve.

“I thank God for this privilege that I could do something for the needy people,” Sani said. “When I see these old mothers and fathers whose children have left them alone to struggle, my heart breaks.”

These sisters’ own hearts were warmed as God’s love flowed through them in practical service to aged community m embers in dire need of care.

“I feel so good to see smiles on their faces,” Dahiana said. “I thank God for this day.”

Read how Pastor Pekelo brought medical help to a destitute village.

[1] Ye, Feng. “Aging and Poverty in Asia.” https://borgenproject.org/aging-and-poverty-in-asia/. September 3, 2018.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, A Father’s Fight Against Fatigue

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

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

GFA World Partner St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church Welcomed Stoney Creek Community to Fall Festival

Last updated on: December 2, 2022 at 7:42 pm By GFA Staff Writer

STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — October 22, 2022 St. Cyprian BEC (https://www.bechurch.ca), mission partner of Gospel for Asia (GFA World, founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada), hosted a free Fall Festival for the community. We gratefully took advantage of one of the last warm weekends of the year for this event. Families and individuals were welcomed to the property we share with Gospel for Asia (GFA World) from one to five in the afternoon. Donations were accepted to support the local Stoney Creek Food Bank.

St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church, a GFA partner, welcomed the local community for an afternoon of fun to help strengthen relationships — St. Cyprian BEC took advantage of one of the last nice weekends in October to welcome the Stoney Creek community for a free Fall Festival (https://www.bechurch.ca/).

This event featured fall treats made by parishoners, games, face painting, a bouncy castle, and the opportunity to interact with other community members. Dave Coruzzi, a local musician and guitar teacher, also provided live music during the event. Almost 150 people attended the festival.

Stoney Creek is a multi-cultural community, and we were delighted to have families from different backgrounds in attendance. We love being able to share small pieces of our cultural heritage with those from other backgrounds! Sometimes we do so through teaching adults how to play checkers, or playing giant-sized jenga. Or just sharing some of our favourite fall-time snacks and treats like caramel popcorn and chocolate chip cookies.

Around the world, Believer’s Eastern Church parishes seek to meet the needs in their communities. Partnering with Gospel for Asia (GFA World), we have helped organize free medical camps in remote areas. Also, we have been able to provide mosquito nets to many impoverished people in various communities.

About Gospel for Asia – GFA World

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national missionaries bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their 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 teaching providing hope and encouragement available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.

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

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, Enjoying the Fall Season at the Stoney Creek Pumpkin Fest

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

Gospel for Asia Helping Protect Lives Through Clean Hands

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

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, discussing the impoverished communities that Gospel for Asia (GFA World) national missionaries reach, helping protect lives through hand-washing and sanitation.

“Clean hands save lives.” It’s a slogan that sounds like a simple solution to an enormous problem, but according to the Center for Disease Control, clean hands do indeed save lives by helping prevent the spread of disease and infection.[1] For impoverished communities, prevention may be better than seeking treatment when infections or diseases do come, especially because treatment may not be affordable or available.

In Defense of Health

Annually, on October 15, organizations around the world celebrate Global Hand-washing Day to highlight the importance of hand-washing in preventing the spread of disease. Gospel for Asia (GFA World) missionaries, pastors and workers also organize programs that aim to inform and teach the communities they serve how to protect themselves from sicknesses that are spread through unclean hands, knowledge that is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The area where Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Reinhard serves is particularly rife with diseases, including typhoid. Because the village is devoid of proper medical facilities, the villagers must either make a long and expensive trip or let infections take their toll. Many villagers, a field correspondent reported, were losing their lives to these sicknesses at a young age.

Seeing the great need in his area to help people stay healthy, Pastor Reinhard and other volunteers organized a Global Handwashing Day program to teach people how they can protect themselves from disease by washing their hands. At the program, the workers demonstrated handwashing techniques and shared about the increased risk of becoming sick when people do not properly wash their hands.

Bringing Help Where It’s Needed

Like Pastor Reinhard, hundreds of other Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers serving in impoverished areas brought the same message to those who need it most. In one region, more than 400 men, women and children across dozens of villages were taught how to protect themselves from disease through proper handwashing.

Addressing the gathered families in his village, Pastor Reinhard summed up the message he and thousands of workers like him brought to many:

“Wash your hands properly … and it will help you to keep yourself physically sound and healthy, by washing away germs that can cause preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and [typhoid]. On the occasion of Global Hand-washing Day, we should help others by teaching them about [how] ‘clean hands save lives.’”

[1] “Show Me the Science – Why Wash your Hands?” CDC. September 10, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Protecting Lives Through Clean Hands

Learn more about the need for medical ministry — Prevention is better than cure. But what if you can’t access either? GFA World medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

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Gospel for Asia Missionary Helps Alleviate the Despair of a Single Mother

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

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide, discussing the despair of Kalyska, her husband’s betrayal, her brother’s thievery, and the hope and peace that God brought through a friend and a Gospel for Asia (GFA) missionary.

“Frustrated” didn’t begin to describe how Kalyska felt. Her younger brother had effectively stolen the money she had lent him. Nearly all her savings were now gone. It was a heavy blow to the single mother of two. Kalyska already had difficulty providing for her son and daughter, but this was the final straw. How could she recover?

A Mother’s Struggles

GFA World discussing the despair of Kalyska, and the hope and peace that God brought through a friend and a Gospel for Asia missionary. — Kalyska, pictured here, is thankful for the love she was shown and the opportunity to provide for her children.

Things hadn’t always been like this. Kalyska had once had a happy home, if not a perfect one. Kalyska’s marriage had started out happy, but three years and two children later, she discovered her husband was seeing another woman. Her husband, confronted with his infidelity, hurled physical and verbal abuse on Kalyska. Then he left.

Kalyska was left alone to take care of their children. Fortunately, with some savings and the small income she now earned through tailoring, Kalyska was able to send her children to school once they were old enough.

But the reality of her situation shattered any semblance of peace. Many individuals, hearing of Kalyska’s plight, offered to help—but all they wanted was to use Kalyska for their own gain. Fear and despair took hold in Kalyska’s heart. She didn’t feel safe; she wasn’t safe.

Then Kalyska’s brother visited. Jobless, he needed a place to stay while he looked for opportunities. Kalyska graciously let him stay at her home. Eventually, he found a job, but it was an international posting, and he needed money to get there. So Kalyska loaned him most of her savings on his promise he would send the money back once he started his job. But no money came; the brother stopped all contact; Kalyska had virtually nothing left for her children.

An Opportunity for Hope, Peace

Not long after her brother absconded with her money, Kalyska was out at her local market. There, she happened to meet a lady named Peleria. A conversation ensued, during which the stressed mother shared all the horrible things she had recently endured. It was all too much—first her husband’s betrayal, then the predators’ threats and finally her brother’s thievery.

Peleria listened to Kalyska bare her heart with patience and compassion. As the talk progressed, Kalyska invited Peleria to her home the next day; they could continue talking then.

At Kalyska’s home, Peleria shared with Kalyska about her sister, Idalis, who happened to be a Gospel for Asia (GFA) missionary. Idalis ran a small program teaching women—specifically, single mothers and widows—how to sew, and Kalyska could help Idalis teach and earn a regular income. An opportunity to provide for her children? Kalyska took it.

When Kalyska began working at Idalis’ home, the sisters shared of God’s love. They shared of the comfort He brings to the helpless and the aid He brings to the needy. They also invited Kalyska to the weekly prayer meetings held at Idalis’ home.

When Kalyska sat with her children in the meeting, a feeling washed over her that she hadn’t felt in a long time—peace. And, oddly enough, joy. She wanted more.

The peace she felt at that first meeting is now a permanent staple in Kalyska’s home. After embracing God’s love, Kalyska began attending the local church and became a frequent visitor at Idalis’ home every week for prayer. Instead of living in constant fear and insecurity, Kalyska had found safety and love in the Lord through Peleria and Idalis. Kalyska didn’t need to bear her burdens alone anymore—she had help.

Learn how you can help other women facing similar situations of abandonment or bereavement.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, The Despair of a Single Mother

Learn more about GFA World programs to bring value, hope and love to women and their families, and break the cycle of poverty by helping through Vocational Training, Sewing Machines and Literacy Training.

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Gospel for Asia Shares a Young Girl’s Journey from Poverty to Hope

Last updated on: March 11, 2023 at 10:02 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide, discussing Shanie who grew up in extreme poverty, and the opportunity that came knocking towards hope through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Child Sponsorship Program.

Finally, Shanie was done for the day. Exhaustion and hunger clawed at the young girl’s mind and body; unfortunately, this was normal. Shanie should have been in school, learning with her peers. Yet here she was, going to bed hungry and tired from a day of working an adult’s job.

A Childhood of Hardship

GFA World discussing Shanie who grew up in extreme poverty, and her journey towards hope through GFA World Child Sponsorship Program. — Shanie, pictured here, is happy that, thanks to GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program, she could find a better future than what may have been afforded to her otherwise.

Shanie grew up in extreme poverty. Her parents were both daily laborers who wove bamboo baskets on the side to ensure the family’s survival. Money was difficult to come by, Shanie’s older sister had to drop out of school since their parents were unable to continue paying for enrollment, and they considered taking Shanie out of school as well. It went against what her parents wanted for them: Shanie’s parents wanted their children to have a better life, but the fees were draining them of much-needed income.

Sometimes, Shanie would help her parents weave baskets, skipping school to help earn a little extra money. Would this be her future, working constantly, like her parents, and still going to bed hungry? Shanie wanted to complete her education, but no one from her village had ever gone on to higher education. In fact, virtually no other children in Shanie’s village were even enrolled in school—and it seemed it would stay that way.

Opportunity Comes Knocking

Things would not, however, remain the same. When Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers began enrolling local children in GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program, Shanie joined many of her peers in their shared journey toward a better tomorrow.

At first, the young girl did not know what to expect, and the new environment and teachers scared her. But it only took a few days for Shanie to get over her fear. The following days in the program were filled with joy for Shanie. Program staff ensured whatever she needed was provided—nutritious food, tutoring for lessons, school supplies and even health care. Every child enrolled in the program received the same love and care that Shanie did, and the workers ensured that children who most needed the help were enrolled.

Despite the odds against her, and thanks to the program’s support, Shanie finished her education. She was the first individual from her village to fully complete her primary education—but she didn’t stop there. This young woman went on to university and completed her training to become a full-fledged nurse.

“What I am today is only because of [the sponsorship program],” Shanie declared. “I am proud and thankful to all the teachers in the [program].”

Read how GFA World’s Child Sponsorship Program instills hope in the lives of children like Shanie.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, A Young Girl’s Journey from Poverty to Hope

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

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GFA Pastors Provide Toilets for Village

Last updated on: May 29, 2023 at 2:15 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing a village in destitution, and the Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastors that provide toilets bringing health and sanitation.

As the two men walked through the village, they noted destitution, poverty and another problem common to many communities: poor sanitation. Each home bore these same signs, which made it clear there were no suitable sanitation facilities, no toilets. Something needed to be done; the villagers couldn’t live like this. The two Gospel for Asia (GFA) missionaries then resolved on a plan to help these families.

Unavoidable Dangers

GFA World discussing a village in destitution, and the GFA pastors that provide toilets bringing health and sanitation. — Impoverished families who are gifted with outdoor toilets no longer have to worry about the dangers of a lack of adequate sanitation facilities.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Nikolos, his wife and their two sons lived and served in a rural village where the main source of income was daily labor, followed by farming. Most families barely made enough to keep themselves afloat. As it was, every single penny earned went for food and providing for any emergency needs. Anything else was completely out of the question—including toilets.

When Pastor Nikolos walked through his village, what he saw dismayed him. Without a designated and safe area to relieve themselves, the villagers used any private place they could find, which was normally the area around their homes. The unsanitary conditions were unfit for anyone to live in. But the environment was perfect for something: infection. Poor sanitation is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, according to the World Health Organization—and diarrheal diseases are among the foremost causes of death in children. So not only did the villagers live in constant fear of disease, but when they relieved themselves at night, they also risked poisonous insects and venomous snakes.

The villagers couldn’t live like this, and Pastor Nikolos knew it.

Fighting off Disease, Despair

In response, the pastor put in a call to his leadership, who sent Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Jiles to help. Pastor Jiles leads the sanitation ministries in the area, and his job was to determine exactly how and in what capacity he and Pastor Nikolos could help the villagers. After the pastors’ walk-through, five families were identified as those who could benefit most from a toilet. With the recipients chosen, the pastors informed the families of what the workers were planning, much to the villagers’ joy. Then, construction began.

Once the toilets were completed, the families could not express their gratitude enough. Now, they would be able relieve themselves without fear of illness or infection. No more constantly living in anxiety; no more putting themselves at risk of venomous attacks in the dark. Now their homes and the immediate areas are cleaner, far less likely to spread disease.

The families thanked Pastor Nikolos, who in turn thanked his leadership and the sponsors who make such gifts to impoverished families possible. It is together that they can bring these families the relief they needed from poor hygiene, the protection they needed from animal attacks, and the dignity they deserve.

Read how toilets helped protect families and instilled hope in a village.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, GFA Pastors Provide Toilets for Village

Learn how to help protect people’s health, prevent diseases and help cure illnesses through donating towards Medical Camps, Mosquito Nets and constructing Outdoor Toilets.

Learn more by reading this GFA World Special Report: Fight Against Open Defecation Continues – Using Outdoor Toilets to Improve Sanitation

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Enjoying the Fall Season: Stoney Creek Pumpkin Fest

Last updated on: November 5, 2022 at 4:17 pm By GFA Staff Writer

STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — On Saturday, October 15, 2022, the Stoney Creek community came together to celebrate the Pumpkin Fest. Families were out together, and many children had the opportunity to show off their amazing costumes. Gospel for Asia (GFA World, founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada) staff built a fall themed arch for attendees to take photos under. We also had free games and balloons and invited people to our Fall Festival, which is being hosted by our mission partner St. Cyprian BEC (https://www.bechurch.ca/cyprian/).

GFA World Canada connected with the local community by participating in this year's Stoney Creek Pumpkin Fest Pumpkin Fest. — Gospel for Asia (GFA World) offered games and free balloons for children and families at the Stoney Creek Pumpkin Fest (https://www.gfa.ca).

Held in downtown Stoney Creek, the Pumpkin Fest attracted many people from the community. We were blessed with good weather as well. Though the forecast was for rain, the sky was sunny all afternoon. However, a stiff wind made certain that we didn’t forget summer is over.

Hundreds of families came by, and we gave away over 190 balloons. Several children also learned how to play checkers with their family. We love connecting with our community, and encourage people to sign up to get news about future community events directly in their inbox. Everyone who signed up to receive these emails was entered into a draw for a free, homemade pie. Also, donations were received for the Stoney Creek food bank.

Community Transformation

In an ever-increasingly digital world, it can be difficult to connect with our neighbors. That is why events like the Pumpkin Fest and the recently concluded Fall Festival are so important to us! By providing a safe and fun forum for community interactions, we are helping to build stronger communities. Strong communities mean more support for people in our neighborhood who face various challenges.

For a woman named Achsa, who lives in an area we serve, her community provided her with the opportunity to provide for her children. And, when she faced abuse in her home, she found support through the outreach of the local church. We seek to be the same light in our community that countless National Missionaries and faithful believers are in theirs. Giving balloons to children may seem simple, but we pray for big things to come from it!

About Gospel for Asia – GFA World

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

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, Enjoying the Fall Season at the Stoney Creek Pumpkin Fest

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