Hundreds Line Up to Receive Free Medical Exams at Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope

Last updated on: July 27, 2021 at 9:22 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 GFA World’s Bridge of Hope Program and it’s impact on families and communities, providing for health needs through the center’s medical camp.

Discussing GFA World's Bridge of Hope Program and it's impact on communities, providing for health needs through the center's medical camp. — A doctor checks a patient’s blood pressure at a medical camp organized at a Bridge of Hope center.

GFA World’s Bridge of Hope Program is designed to support young students as they grow into adulthood. The program provides free educational tutoring, school supplies, clothing and a hot meal—which their families might not be able to afford otherwise. It also assists children and their families by providing personal hygiene resources and medical checkups.

One Bridge of Hope center hosted a medical camp before the pandemic, during which more than 450 people received free health care in a single day.

A Day of GFA Medical Camp Doctors’ Visits

At 9:30 a.m., six doctors and two pharmacists began seeing patients. Bridge of Hope students lined up with their parents and neighbors to see the medical professionals for various ailments and health checkups.

For the next seven and a half hours, the doctors examined the villagers and prescribed medicines, while the pharmacists assisted in administering medication. The medical staff graciously volunteered their time to treat conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts, high cholesterol, skin rashes and vitamin deficiencies. Doctors also provided medical care for patients wrestling with heart and lung problems.

GFA Medical Camp - Patients receive free perscriptions and Bridge of Hope students and their families wait for a chance to see a doctor — Top: Bridge of Hope staff help medical professionals hand out prescribed medications.
Bottom: Bridge of Hope students and their families wait for a chance to see a doctor during a medical camp.

Bridge of Hope staff was on hand throughout the day to assist the medical staff and to help keep the camp running smoothly.

Events such as medical camps are a welcome blessing for Bridge of Hope students and their communities. Many of the students at this center have parents employed on tea estates and who work long hours each day to earn just enough money for the family’s needs for that day. Nutritious meals and the costs of remedying unexpected health issues are often more than a family can afford.

The day was a whirlwind for everyone involved as 100 students and their families, as well as others from the community, cycled through the camp receiving health care advice and appropriate medications. As the camp concluded at 5 p.m., a Bridge of Hope staff member offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the day’s success.

The satisfaction of helping to provide for the community’s health needs was well worth the busy day at the medical camp.

Read Jalpa’s story to learn more about Bridge of Hope and the impact it can have on a student’s life.

*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 Field Reports & Updates, Hundreds Line Up to Receive Free Medical Exams

Learn more about the GFA World 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.

Learn more about the GFA World’s Medical Ministry who are helping thousands in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

Click here to read more blogs and on Bridge of Hope on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

Love of God Comforts Young Girl’s Empty Heart

Last updated on: August 24, 2021 at 7:00 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 empty heart present in children and adults alike apart from Jesus, and the comfort and love of God discovered in Gospel for Asia Sunday School.

Dacia was known to be an obedient and joyful daughter, but now she had once again defied her parents’ explicit demands. Angered at their daughter’s out-of-the-ordinary actions, Dacia’s parents laid out harsh punishment for the 12-year-old. She was not to attend the meetings, not to mingle with her friends and she was certainly not to read that Book. But all Dacia wanted was to learn more about Jesus.

An Empty Feeling Within

Discussing the empty heart present in children & adults alike apart from Jesus, & the comfort & love of God discovered through Gospel for Asia Sunday School — Children all around the world attend Sunday school just like Dacia (not pictured) was able to do thanks to Gospel for Asia (GFA) workers and others serving in this way.

Dacia grew up in a household that revolved around tradition. She and her three siblings learned to follow in their parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps, holding to the rituals passed down from generation to generation. Life for the family was good. Thanks to her hardworking father, Dacia was able to attend school, where she excelled in all her subjects. Respectful and obedient to her parents, she heeded all their teachings. But Dacia still felt as though she were missing something; an empty feeling in her spirit grew and grew.

Dacia often listened to her friends talk about songs, dances and stories that were unfamiliar to her. Curious, the young girl would ask her classmates where they had learned these things.

At the Sunday school, they replied. Her schoolmates explained that every Sunday, children met at the local church led by Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Marek. There, they were taught songs and stories related to events in God’s Word. Hearing her friends’ constant enthusiasm, Dacia wanted to attend and, the stories and songs stirred a desire to know more.

Some days passed, and still, Dacia thought about Sunday school. Then one of her classmates said something about a week-long event filled with games, stories, songs and other activities open to all children. Dacia asked her classmates if she could also go to this event. They happily invited her, but there was a problem: Dacia needed her parents’ permission to attend.

Finding Love and Joy through Gospel for Asia Sunday School

At first, Dacia’s parents would not let her go, but Dacia begged them. After near-constant imploring, Dacia’s parents relented to their daughter’s desire.

The week-long church event was full of excitement for Dacia. The days sped by, each one full of fun games, songs and dances that taught children about Jesus. Here, Dacia finally found what she had been missing: the loving arms of God.

After the event, Dacia’s heart burned to know more. She began attending the Sunday school and eventually bought her own copy of God’s Word so she could read and meditate on it every day. Months passed, and Dacia continued to grow in her love for Jesus, but when the young girl shared her newfound faith with her parents, they responded in anger. They did not think her trips to the church or her time spent in God’s Word would leave a permanent mark on their child, yet they had. And now Dacia’s mom and dad needed to put an end to it. They forbade Dacia to attend church or read the Holy Scriptures.

Faith in the Midst of Fire

Dacia could not get rid of her cherished copy of God’s Word, so she hid it at a friend’s house, where she could still go and read it. She also found a way to secretly attend church services whenever she could, but it didn’t stay a secret for long. When her parents found out Dacia had ignored their demands, they were furious and punished her severely. The emotional and physical pain Dacia endured because of her faith drove her to tears on multiple occasions.

Despite the ire and disapproval of her parents, Dacia could not separate her heart from Jesus. She found strength in reading the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit inspiring and molding the young girl’s faith. Dacia had come to truly understand just how much Jesus loves her.

Pastor Marek and her friends also encouraged her and stood with her in prayer. In the midst of strong opposition and discouragement, Dacia was able to keep her eyes fixed on Jesus. Today, she prays for her family hoping they, too, will one day find what she did: God’s unfailing love.

Please pray for Dacia, that God will give her the strength and grace she needs to not lose heart and that she will grow deeper in her relationship with Jesus. Pray her parents will recognize God’s love for them.

Read how Sunday school inspired a fearful girl to be brave.

*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, Love of God Comforts Young Girl’s Empty Heart

Learn more about the GFA World 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.

Learn more about the Sunday School Ministry that can pioneer ministry work in a village, where sometimes when missionaries go into a village, the only ones willing to listen to the Good News are the children.

Read more on Sunday School on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

Water: ‘Biggest Crisis No One Is Talking About’ Says Gospel for Asia Report

Last updated on: September 10, 2022 at 6:52 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 – Published a new report for World Water Day saying two-thirds of planet may face crisis shortages by 2025, 30 million in U.S. lack safe water.

The world is on the brink of a devastating water crisis that could be “much more worrying” than the COVID-19 pandemic, says a disturbing report.

Gospel for Asia report for World Water Day, March 22, says 2/3 of planet may face crisis shortages by 2025, 30 million in US lack safe water — **‘BIGGEST CRISIS NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT:’** A new report [http://www.gfa.org/press/WaterCrisis] — released by GFA World (Gospel for Asia) for World Water Day, March 22 — says two-thirds of the planet may face water shortages by 2025, 30 million people in the U.S. lack safe drinking water, and several megacities are on the verge of “running out of drinking water.”

Citing global forecasts, the report — published by GFA World (Gospel for Asia) — suggests the toxic mix of poverty, hunger and lack of safe drinking water around the world could be “potentially much more worrying than the virus spreading.”

“Two-thirds of the world’s people could face water shortages by 2025,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) that has clean water projects across Asia. “It’s been described as ‘the biggest crisis no one is talking about.'”

Several megacities are on the verge of “running out of drinking water,” says the report, titled Water Stress: The Unspoken Global Crisis, as World Water Day — an annual awareness event — spotlights the rising global threat.

According to BBC News, cities such as Mexico City, Mexico; Beijing, China; São Paulo, Brazil; Cairo, Egypt; Cape Town, South Africa; and even London, England, already have massive stress on their water supplies and could run out of drinking water in a few years.

Global agencies UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) place Mexico and nine African and Asian countries in the “top 10” nations with the “worst drinking water.” In the African country of Uganda, 40 percent of the population has to trek 30 minutes or more to find safe drinking water, says the report.

Two Billion Drink From ‘Feces-Contaminated’ Sources

Around the world, some 785 million people — more than double the U.S. population — don’t have basic water service, the report says. A staggering two billion people — mostly in Africa and Asia — get their drinking water from feces-contaminated ponds and watering holes, leading to often-fatal diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and dysentery.

Organizations like Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and World Vision have made clean water a top priority. Gospel for Asia (GFA World) drills about 4,000 new community wells — called “Jesus Wells” — every year, providing safe drinking water for entire villages. Over the past two decades, we have drilled more than 30,000 wells and distributed more than 58,000 home kits, called BioSand filters, that remove 98 percent of water impurities.

“Our goal is to bring people life-giving clean water,” Yohannan says, “and also to show people that we care about their most vital needs, such as water, because God loves them and values them.”

U.S.: 30 Million ‘Without Safe Water’

Americans are not exempt from the worldwide water crisis, with more than two million people in the U.S. without access to running water, and 30 million Americans lacking “safe” drinking water, according to the report.

School officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania announced last year they had found legionella — the bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease — in their local water supplies. Some Texas residents were scooping water out of swimming pools after their taps ran dry following the state’s “Big Freeze” this past winter.

Those interested in supporting GFA World’s COVID 19 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

GFA World (Gospel for Asia) 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 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 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.

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.

Read more on the World Water Crisis and the COVID 19 Crisis on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

Source: GFA World Press Room, Water ‘Biggest Crisis No One Is Talking About’ Says Gospel for Asia Report

Bold Prayers Answered with Miraculous Healing Through Gospel For Asia’s Sisters of Compassion

Last updated on: September 11, 2021 at 4:42 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 widow, the grim reality of cancer, and the answered prayers that brought miraculous healing through Gospel for Asia’s Sisters of Compassion.

Discussing a widow, the grim reality of cancer, and the answered prayers that brought miraculous healing through Gospel for Asia’s Sisters of Compassion. — Gospel for Asia’s Sisters of Compassion are dedicated to faithful prayer and compassionate care of their friends and neighbors.

The lump on Arleta’s breast nearly brought her to her knees. She’d had enough struggles in life, especially since the passing of her husband. Unfortunately, a trip to the doctor confirmed Arleta’s worst fear: The lump was a cancerous tumor.

The doctors told her she needed surgery, but Arleta couldn’t afford the procedure. She sought a second opinion, searching for another remedy. She took the prescribed medicines and even observed the religious customs she remembered from her childhood, hoping that would help, but nothing did. The cancer continued cutting a destructive path, stealing Arleta’s health and causing the widow deep anxiety.

As she considered her options, Arleta recognized the grim reality she faced. It would take a miracle. Even if she could borrow the money needed for surgery, Arleta was concerned it wouldn’t get rid of cancer. Without her husband or her daughter there to help, Arleta was forced to make an important decision alone.

Meeting Compassion

One day Arleta met four Gospel for Asia (GFA) Sisters of Compassion who served in her neighborhood. They carried booklets bearing titles like “Book of Hope” and “Amazing Doctor” that shared inspiring stories and encouraging words.

Curious, Arleta asked the Sisters about the booklets. As the women conversed, Arleta shared her battle with cancer and the painful experiences she’d endured.

Through their attentive listening and genuine concern, Arleta found women with whom she could share her fears and worries. The Sisters empathized with Arleta and prayed for the weary woman. They also told her about Jesus and His great power to heal. Arleta was encouraged to hear real stories of people healed by Jesus.

From that day, Arleta’s new friends stopped by her house every week to visit. The lonely woman welcomed the sight of the Sisters walking down the road to her home.

Believing for a Miracle

The women helped Arleta with everyday chores and prayed earnestly for her healing. Arleta began to believe she could be one of the people miraculously healed by Jesus. When she was invited to a weekend of prayer and fasting at the local church, Arleta decided to go. She spent the weekend on her knees, asking Jesus to heal her and believing He would. After the weekend concluded, Arleta continued in her faithful prayers.

Three weeks after the prayer event, Arleta returned to the hospital for a doctor’s visit. She was full of faith Jesus would heal her. But she couldn’t help but wonder what the doctor’s report would show.

When the report returned, Arleta couldn’t contain her joy at the news: The tumor had shrunk! Arleta knew without a doubt Jesus was answering her prayers and miraculously healing her. She couldn’t wait to tell everyone she knew!

Her Sister of Compassion friends continued to pray with her, trusting Jesus for Arleta’s full healing. As she regained strength, Arleta hosted a prayer meeting at her house. She had to thank Jesus for the healing work He was doing in her body. She invited her daughter, neighbors and nearby relatives, sharing with them the good news of her healing.

Everyone who heard Arleta’s story and witnessed her invigorated spirit was amazed. Could this be the same poor, lonely widow for whom life was painful and joyless? Truly, it was a miracle!

Read how prayers for Samuel’s healing changed his life.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Bold Prayers Answered with Miraculous Healing

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

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

Gospel For Asia Pastor Helps Rescue Family from High Waters in South Asia

Last updated on: July 23, 2021 at 1:55 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 Badin, his family, the challenges brought by disability and disaster, and how Gospel for Asia Pastor helps rescue and bring alleviation in a time of grave need.

When the rains came, they came violently and suddenly. Badin watched in horror as landslide after landslide occurred near his home. Then water began to creep into Badin’s home, and he knew he had to evacuate. With his wife and three children, Badin made a break for the closest city. Hopefully, they would make it.

The Waters Rising

Discussing Badin, his family, the challenges brought by disability and disaster, and how Gospel for Asia Pastor helps rescue and bring alleviation in a time of grave need. — Badin, pictured here, shows the gaping hole in his home brought about by the landslides.

Badin and his wife, Wilah, lived in a rural village in South Asia where Badin worked as a laborer on a local farm. Due to a physical disability from birth, he could not undertake hard labor, but Badin provided for his family as best he could.

Then the torrential rain came. Badin didn’t think the water would reach their house, so they stayed put. But late that night, at around 9 p.m., the first landslides began. After one swallowed a neighboring home, Badin turned to his wife—they needed to evacuate now.

Gathering their children and what supplies they could carry, Badin and Wilah made their way toward the nearby city.

But it was too late.

They were stranded in their village, the high water impassable. They couldn’t return home either—four feet of water lay claim to their humble dwelling.

Shelter at the Church

Before leaving their home, Badin called GFA World worker Gosha, the leader of their church.

We are evacuating and in need of help, Badin said, “Can you help us?”

The pastor and other believers rushed to collect the evacuating family, but news came that stopped them in their tracks. Reaching Badin’s village would be impossible; the way was blocked. Undeterred, Pastor Gosha approached some local officials and asked if they would be willing to rescue Badin and his family.

Some hours later, rescue personnel reached Badin and his stranded family. They brought the family to the church, where Pastor Gosha and other believers had set up space for Badin and his family to sleep.

For the next 12 days, the stranded family was taken care of. They received bedsheets, clothes, food and water. Many others who found refuge in the church received the same provisions to help them through the difficult days ahead.

When the floodwaters receded enough for safe travel, Badin returned to his home to inspect the damage. Almost every belonging they had was gone. Walls were demolished; mud and stones filled the house. Their home was unfit to live in.

After the authorities deemed his home not safe for residents, Badin returned to the church, where they stayed until a temporary rental house was found for them. Thanks to the church, Badin and his family were safe, fed and clothed—and that’s all they could have asked for.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Family Rescued from High Waters

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.

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

Chest Pain Lifted Allows Teen to Read God’s Word Aloud

Last updated on: September 14, 2021 at 6:36 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, has been the model for numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to help the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing Sigrid and her helpless battle with her illness, and the GFA World pastor who brought the miraculous power of God’s Word and prayer.

With two older sisters married, 18-year-old Sigrid was the baby of the family and well-loved by her family and by her sisters’ in-laws. When she fell ill with a severe cough and persistent fever, however, it seemed her doting family could only look on helplessly as Sigrid battled her illness day after day for an entire year.

The Long Road in Search of Recovery

Woman reading God's Word, the Bible — As God healed Sigrid (not pictured) from debilitating chest pain, she reveled in the opportunity to read God’s Word aloud to her family.

Despite taking prescribed medications, Sigrid’s condition only grew worse. Unbearable chest pain compounded her ailments; the doctors could not discover their cause, let alone a cure.

In desperation, Sigrid’s parents took her to a hospital with advanced medical practices. Upon examining Sigrid, doctors concluded her chest was filled with fluid and extra air. Her condition required immediate surgery.

Part of the surgery included insertion of a tube to help rid her body of the excess fluid and air. After 10 days in the hospital, Sigrid went home to finish recovering. However, just three days later, intense pains overtook Sigrid’s stomach, chest and head. The girl on the brink of womanhood was instead facing the brink of death.

Sigrid’s parents lost no time rushing Sigrid back to the hospital. But after offering medicines that did nothing to lessen Sigrid’s howls of pain, the doctors urged her parents to take her back home. There was nothing left to do to cure the teen.

The family was crushed. Discouraged, they went to the home of Sigrid’s older sister, which was near the hospital. But Sigrid’s father and the father-in-law of Sigrid’s sister would not give up. They had one more cure to try.

There was a church in the village where Sigrid’s eldest sister lived. The two men knew people went to the church to ask for prayer and decided to entreat the pastor to pray for Sigrid. This seemed their last chance; they had to take it.

A Miraculous Answer through Prayer and God’s Word

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Paul willingly followed the two men to pray for Sigrid and soon saw the situation’s severity. The girl’s life hung in the balance. She needed a miracle.

Pastor Paul prayed fervently for Sigrid’s complete healing before leaving to preach the morning service. After the service, he and a few members of the church returned and prayed relentlessly through the night.

As dawn began to break through the night sky, all who were gathered at the house witnessed a miracle: Sigrid asked for a drink of water, after three days of being unable to eat or drink. Then she ate some food. It was a testament to the miracle God was working in her body.

The faithful prayers of the believers were instrumental in Sigrid’s fight for her life. To the amazement of her family, soon Sigrid felt well enough to sit up in bed.

As she began to regain strength, Pastor Paul gave Sigrid God’s Word to read. How quickly Sigrid moved from almost dying to reading the Holy Scriptures out loud to her family and new friends!

“I like to the read [God’s Word],” Sigrid said. “Whenever I read [God’s Word], I [feel] so good.”

She read out loud every morning, every night and often at other times as well. Sigrid would read loudly enough for her family to hear as they went about their household activities during the day, and the whole family would gather to hear her read at the day’s end. Her family marveled at the life-giving words of the Holy Scriptures even as they were blessed by hearing Sigrid’s strong voice read its truths.

“Philippians 4:13, Psalm 103 and Psalm 23 are my favorite [Scriptures], which I read repeatedly,” Sigrid said.

Thanks to the prayers of Pastor Paul and believers from his church, God worked a miracle in Sigrid’s life. She is completely healed and is scheduled to have the tube removed from her chest. Sigrid even walked to church on her own to share the story of her healing.

Read the story of another woman’s miraculous healing due to faithful prayers on her behalf.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Chest Pain Lifted Allows Teen to Read God’s Word Aloud

Learn how to provide at least 20 copies of God’s Word—either as complete Bibles or New Testaments—which will enable many to grow and learn more about Jesus.

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

Gospel for Asia Responds as Hunger Grips COVID-Ravaged India

Last updated on: September 15, 2021 at 7:07 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX — India’s devastating “second wave” of COVID-19 is overshadowing another deadly tsunami of suffering — rampant hunger. GFA World (Gospel for Asia) reported growing desperation across India as we support efforts to feed those facing starvation amid the pandemic’s continuing onslaught. We have helped feed hundreds of thousands since the pandemic began.

On World Hunger Day, May 28, GFA World reports growing desperation in India as it supports efforts to help thousands starving amid COVID 19 — **HUNGER’S DEEP SILENCE:** On World Hunger Day, May 28, Texas-based humanitarian agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World) reports growing desperation in India as it supports efforts to help thousands starving in “deep silence” amid the pandemic’s continuing onslaught.

“As COVID-19 ravages India, we’re seeing hunger on a massive scale,” said Bishop Danny Punnose, vice president of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), spotlighting the accelerating crisis on World Hunger Day, May 28.

In the nation’s pandemic hotspots, so-called “corona curfews” and lockdowns make it very difficult to get groceries — even if people have cash to spend.

‘Deep Silence’ Everywhere

“Markets are closed… no shopkeepers are willing to open their shops. People are struggling to get grocery items. (There’s) deep silence at all places,” local relief workers reported.

In India’s densely populated Uttar Pradesh state, local church members are going door-to-door, delivering free meals to COVID-impacted families in strict quarantine.

Many day laborers — among the poorest of the poor — have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, have no source of income, and no other way to get food.

Fear Grows

“The fear of going hungry, for many, is as great as the fear of the virus,” said Bishop Punnose. “Working alongside the government of India, we’re doing all we can to help relieve suffering and show people the love of God.”

Heartbroken parents were watching their children “starving to death before their eyes,” he said.

World Hunger Day — an annual awareness event — says 690 million people worldwide face chronic hunger, reportedly killing more than malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis combined.

For the latest information on GFA World’s COVID-19 efforts, visit: http://www.gfa.org/press/WorldHunger

About GFA World

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers 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://press.gfa.org/news.

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

Read more news on the COVID 19 Pandemic and World Hunger on Patheos from GFA World.

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

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, Hunger Grips COVID-Ravaged India; GFA World Responds

42 Years of Gospel for Asia Providing Help and Hope that Transforms Impoverished Communities

Last updated on: February 22, 2023 at 9:02 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing GFA World celebrating 42 years of showing the love of Christ by meeting practical needs of impoverished communities across Asia.

The Lord has been using GFA World to share Good News, to send indigenous workers to provide help to needy communities, and to grow Bible-believing churches over the past 42 years. We’ve enjoyed global recognition as a major faith-based humanitarian organization. However, our primary mission remains to represent Jesus Christ and His love through word and deed across Asia.

The humanitarian aid aspects of our ministry includes:

Child sponsorship program to help educate young children
Gifts of Jesus Wells and BioSand water filters that provide access to clean water
Medical camps to provide free medical treatment to those in poverty
Building family and community latrines in areas where open defecation is a problem
Compassion Services to aid the suffering and needy
Befriending and caring for people isolated in leprosy colonies
Skills training and literacy classes for abandoned women
Disaster relief during earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and pandemics

And yet, there is so much more.

Many may not realize the marvelous ways the Lord has used Gospel for Asia (GFA World) to minister to the millions of people in Asia. Reaching out to those who have never experienced God’s love is just the beginning of the process it takes to establish local churches that not only serve their immediate communities but endeavor to provide help and hope to outlying villages.

Sharing

The humanitarian ministries listed above highlight the different ways we share help and hope with the hopeless, and transforming communities in despair through practical ways that help them escape persistent poverty.

These specific Gospel for Asia (GFA) ministries address practical, everyday needs that communities have, like the need for clean water, sanitation, food, basic health care, education and vocational support. They are provided with a generous dose of local loving-kindness to express the heart of Christ and his love for all people.

Sending

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) also supports national workers who share the love of Christ with their neighbors. As these relationships deepen, more and more people experience God’s love, and a new fellowship is born as new believers gather together for fellowship and discipleship.

The national worker often takes on the role of pastoring this congregation and will also continue ministering to surrounding villages where the name of Jesus is still unknown.

Growing

Generous and faithful donors provide a portion of the funding for the construction of places of worship. However, we believe that a healthy church is a self-supporting church. In fact, there are many churches that are now self-supporting, meaning they are a full-fledged church with land, a building, and believers who are giving enough via their tithes and offerings to sustain their church and its various ministries to help their community.

Local believers are taught how to do their part – and they are quite willing to do so. For example, in one year, the believers in one country financed 70 percent of the construction of 48 new church buildings. More than 400 self-supporting churches have been established with the support of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) in this nation. The believers there are poor, yet they have personally sent and supported 75 national workers in their own nation and have constructed about 280 churches.

Sharing God’s love and message of new life remains at the heart of all of GFA World’s ministry. It is wonderful to see so many churches established that are self-governing, self-financed, and self-propagating after 42 years of prayer and faithful service.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is committed to continuing its faithful support of indigenous believers who are sharing Christ’s love, providing hope and help to impoverished communities in practical ways, and fostering new congregations.

Source: GFA World, Official Website

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

She Calls Me Dad

Last updated on: June 16, 2021 at 9:08 pm By GFA Staff Writer

by Dr. David R. Mains

She called me Dad. Jessie had come home to celebrate her birthday—she was turning 68. “I know the routine, Dad” she reminded me. (I am 83 years of age.) And immediately, she began to jump in and help my wife, Karen, with tasks that needed doing around the house. My wife hates to run errands. She feels that they can eat up a whole day when she’d rather be accomplishing other kinds of goals—such as meeting writing deadlines.

Jessie had first come to live with us when she was 37 years of age. Homeless. On the streets. A mutual friend brought a very disgruntled young woman to our door. Wearing a leather jacket, she had developed one of the toughest demeanors I’ve ever seen. This was her adaption in order to face down a hostile world. Karen, nevertheless, with a spiritual gift of discernment, understood that beneath Jessie’s rough exterior, there was a beating heart still filled with unaccountable tenderness.

“Yep! On the inside, I’m just a marshmallow,” Jessie says now, describing what we came to discover was the truth. Despite an abusive mother, despite getting into “a lot of bad stuff” as Jessie would say, something true and beautiful, had survived those years as a motorcycle gang moll. Some inner spirit filled with longing for the right kind of love had survived her practiced liturgy of worshiping the dark and satanic.

Karen says that when she opened the door and discovered this tight ball of humanity beside our friend, an unaccountable kind of love flooded her emotions. So, Jessie came to live with us, went through an extensive rehabilitation as part of our family of four growing children. She stayed for six years. She and Jeremy, our youngest son and 10 years old at the time, became great buddies. How could Jessie not thrive with Jer acting as counsellor and life coach. This budding relationship was not only hilarious, it was touching beyond description.

We asked Jessie, on her latest visit home, what she remembered about those years in our house. “Oh, the love. You just loved me, and you loved one another. I also remember that we prayed a lot. I mean a LOT! … Why did you take me in?”

Well, it was obvious. Karen had prayed for help in the house, with the children, with the hated running-errand tasks, with the piles of laundry, and with the dishes in the sink. Who was she to argue with God concerning the way that prayer was answered and how it was packaged?

It occurs to me as we head into another national day that honors the fathers in our lives, that there are many people who become non-biological fathers to displaced folk who desperately need fathers.

Jessie’s transformation to a God-lover, to an ardent Jesus follower (“Oh, Jesus! He’s my life. He means everything to me!” she reported in our recent catching-up conversation.) was framed and formed by living in our not-perfect-by-any-means family, where there was at least a healthy and caring father-figure.

Have you observed that it’s easier for people to form an understanding of a loving God when they have had loving parents? Loving, wise, caring father figures often pave the way for a redemptive path toward God.

So, this Father’s Day, perhaps it would be a good exercise to consider those men who have been father figures in our lives. What teacher gave you crucial and encouraging attention? Did you have a neighbor who taught you how to use his tools? Was there an uncle or a great-uncle who encouraged your faith walk? Was there a Sunday School teacher who let you know he considered that you had much promise?

I had a band teacher in high school, Dan Perino, who took me aside and asked if I had ever considered running for student council president. “If you did, David, you would be sure to win.” In fact, I had never even thought of such an idea. However, I took his nudge seriously, mounted a campaign and to my great surprise, won the election! This was an embryo incident that helped me understand I had qualities in my personality that other people considered “leadership potential.”

Karen says that whenever Jessie calls on the phone and in her gravely voice prays, “DEAR LORD, BLESS KAREN . . .” my wife is always moved to tears.

I know that I am moved deeply when she calls me “DAD.”

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

Read more on Family on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

A Family’s Mustard Seed of Faith for a Mosquito Net

Last updated on: June 9, 2021 at 8:18 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide – Discussing the family of Sesen and Hachirou, their struggle with poverty, and their dire need for a mosquito net met by GFA World Gift Distribution.

Discussing the family of Sesen and Hachirou, their struggle with poverty, and their dire need for a mosquito net met by GFA World Gift Distribution. — Mosquito nets like this one are essential items for families in South Asia. Such a net wasthe answer to Sesen and her family’s prayers.

Sesen lived with her husband, Hachirou, and their three children in a small village. To survive, the family relied on the meager income generated from Hachirou’s job as a plumber and Sesen’s job as a maid, but many of their needs were unmet—like the dire need for a mosquito net to protect themselves from the mosquitoes that swarmed their area.

A Family’s Fighting Faith

The family’s difficult financial situation was hard on them all, but they knew the Lord would provide for their needs. After coming to know Jesus a few years earlier, they had grown in their faith by attending Gospel for Asia (GFA) prayer meetings and church services. Though they faced many challenges and struggled to support themselves, they clung to a mustard seed of hope and kept the faith, always believing God to provide for all of their needs—including their need for a mosquito net.

The Need for a Net, the Grace in a Gift

The family’s small brick house was a single room in which all five of them slept, cooked meals and ate. The cramped quarters were hot and uncomfortable. They tried sleeping on the porch, but the swarms of mosquitoes resulted in restless nights and rampant illness.

With each member of the family getting sick one after another, they were desperate and needed help soon.

One February, in the midst of continued struggle and suffering, the family’s prayers were answered. Pastor Vaclav’s church organized a gift distribution for the local community, in which more than 30 families were given mosquito nets, including Sesen’s. The family was overjoyed!

Sesen brought two nets home and started using them immediately, enabling her and her family to sleep through the night and stay free of illness. Through this act of kindness and the grace of God, Sesen and her family were strengthened in their faith. They witnessed firsthand what a mustard seed of faith—even faith for a mosquito net—can do.

You can provide a family, like Sesen’s, with a long-desired mosquito net that will ease their suffering.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, A Family’s Mustard Seed of Faith for a Mosquito Net

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 how to save families from the sickening agony or death from malaria through the gift of Mosquito Nets that offer protection from the sting of an infected mosquito and help to give their owner a restful nights sleep.

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