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.

*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 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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church Holds a Community Car Wash

Last updated on: October 3, 2022 at 3:49 pm By GFA Staff Writer

STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO — August 13, 2022, Gospel for Asia (GFA World, founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada) partner St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church (BEC) parish hosted a Community Car Wash for the residents of Stoney Creek. A total of 26 vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to mini vans and pickup trucks, were washed. Donations were accepted to help unsponsored children escape the cycle of poverty.

GFA World (Gospel for Asia) partner St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church parish hosted a Community Car Wash for the residents of Stoney Creek — GFA World’s partner, St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church holds a car wash for the community and raises funds for unsponsored children in Asia and Africa. (https://www.bechurch.ca/)

20 volunteers came together Saturday morning to wash cars from nine in the morning until one o’clock. The children enjoyed working with the adults, strengthening the parish community while serving the Stoney Creek community.

We served refreshments to those who wished, while their cars were being washed. Parishioners washed the vehicles by hand with warm soapy water and sponges. Also, we gave special attention to the hubcaps, leaving them clean and shining. After the cars were well rinsed, they were dried by hand to leave a spotless finish. Two washing stations were available so that no one had to wait.

The event was a huge success! The donations that were given at the Community Car Wash will help meet the most pressing needs of underdeveloped communities in Asia and Africa. Given the great needs in Asia and Africa, we focus on unserved communities, going where others have not gone.

To learn about St. Cyprian BEC, and how you can participate with us, visit website.

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, St. Cyprian Believers Eastern Church Holds a Community Car Wash

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

Prayer Heals Father’s Pains

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 2:18 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 Raimon’s physical ailment, two years of near-constant pain, and how God heals through the power prayer.

When pain first flared in Raimon’s stomach, he immediately journeyed to the hospital. But the doctors could find no remedy for the pain that beset the 31-year-old father of four. When medical treatment didn’t take away the pain, Raimon turned to spiritual treatment.

Two Years of Near-constant Pain

Raimon; his wife, Perley; and their four children lived in a rural village without basic amenities such as clean water. The roads to their village were rough and unpaved, making necessary trips difficult. With the nearest hospital 18 miles away, only an emergency—like Raimon’s sudden pain—could persuade the family to make the trip.

Once Raimon made it to the hospital, however, the doctors had only bad news for him: They had no idea what was affecting him, and they could not offer any help.

So Raimon turned to the local witch doctors, but they could offer no help either, only the pronouncement that the unfortunate father was likely under the spell of black magic. And with that, the family gave up hope. For the next two years, Raimon lay in his bed, enduring the pain and writhing in hopelessness.

The Pastor’s Prayers

As Gospel for Asia (GFA World) pastor Seamus wound his way through the area he served, he came to Raimon’s village. There, the pastor did as always: He offered words of love and encouragement to any who wanted to hear, and he listened to the people’s troubles and prayed for them. Perley, hearing of a man in their village offering prayers for the sick, immediately tracked the pastor down.

After explaining Raimon’s mysterious sickness, Perley begged the pastor to come and pray for her husband. They had tried everything, she said. Nothing had worked.

Pastor Seamus followed Perley to her home. He saw Raimon lying in his bed, writhing in pain. Taking his hand, Pastor Seamus prayed for the ailing man.

Later, the family visited Pastor Seamus’s church for more prayer. Pastor Seamus and the other believers welcomed the family with open arms and prayed for Raimon’s healing. From that day on, Raimon did not suffer from any more stomach pains; he had been totally healed!

After Raimon’s miraculous healing, he and his family expressed to Pastor Seamus that they wanted to learn more about his God. When all other avenues of finding healing and peace had failed, and there was no hope, the Lord had intervened and sent Pastor Seamus to bring healing for Raimon.

Read how a man found healing for his daughter through the prayers of a pastor.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Prayer Heals Father’s Pains

Read more on National Missions and Prayer on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

Prospective Dropout Gets a Lift

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 2:20 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 how a gift of a bicycle from GFA World gift distribution helped a girl gain an education for a better future.

Discussing how a gift of a bicycle from GFA World gift distribution helped a girl gain a school education for a better future. — Like these girls, Karrah (not pictured) can now easily reach school because of her bicycle.

A girl on a bicycle zipped past Karrah as she walked to school. Karrah likely sighed enviously as she trudged the remaining steps of her three-mile journey. Already weary by the time she arrived at school, Karrah had to dig into her energy reserves to somehow focus on her studies.

There were times Karrah wondered if school was worth the difficulty to get there. Maybe she should just quit? If she did, she wouldn’t have to waste three hours a day walking, the heat zapping her energy in the summer and darkness beating her home in the winter.

Yes, perhaps quitting was the answer.

Looking for a Solution

Though Karrah’s parents worked hard as farmers, they barely managed to provide for teenaged Karrah and her three younger siblings. They wanted a better life for their children; that’s why they sent Karrah to school. But they worried about their daughter trekking more than three hours on foot by herself to and from school every day. A bicycle would help her tremendously, but Karrah’s parents could not afford one on their meager wages.

When Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Maddock learned of Karrah’s plight, his heart filled with compassion. It was a common problem for girls in his community. When students must walk long distances to school, the hardship can take a toll on their physical and mental capacity, as well as their enthusiasm, to learn and can lead many to drop out.[1]

Pastor Maddock didn’t want that to be the case for Karrah or others in their community. He organized a gift distribution in which 50 girls, including Karrah, received bicycles.

A Vehicle for a Better Future

Karrah’s face lit up with excitement and resolve when she saw her new bicycle; she would stay in school. She would gain an education for a better future, thanks to the bicycle that would now transport her.

“Now, I hardly take 20 minutes ride to reach the school and do not get tired,” Karrah said. “I also accompany my friends to school by riding [my] bicycle along with them. Before, I used to go alone to school, but now I got friends who like to come with me on my bicycle.”

A burden has lifted for Karrah’s parents as well. Now, their daughter can reach school with ease and journey on toward reaching her full potential.

Click here to learn how you can help a student like Karrah in need of a bicycle to pedal their way to a better future.

[1] “What’s So Bad About a 10-Mile Walk to School? Two views of educational challenges in South Africa.” Harvard Law Today. https://today.law.harvard.edu/whats-so-bad-about-a-10-mile-walk-to-school-two-views-of-educational-challenges-in-south-africa/. April 20, 2015.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Prospective Dropout Gets a Lift

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) 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.

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

Gospel for Asia Bites Back at ‘Earth’s Deadliest Creature’

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 9:21 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – It’s the world’s deadliest creature — and it’s probably hovering near your home. The tiny mosquito kills more people around the world every year than any other animal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “It’s so deadly, it even has a special day named after it — World Mosquito Day,” said K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder of mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA World) that helps millions of families in South Asia and Africa where huge swaths of the population are at the mosquito’s mercy, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like GFA World Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide. It’s estimated more than 240 million people battled mosquito-borne malaria in 2020 alone.

The tiny mosquito kills more people around the world every year than any other animal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control — **‘WORLD’S DEADLIEST CREATURE:’** The tiny mosquito kills more people worldwide every year than any other creature, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as it marks World Mosquito Day, Aug. 20. Organizations like Gospel for Asia (GFA World) distribute mosquito-repelling bed nets, saving thousands at risk of malaria and other deadly mosquito-borne diseases.

World Mosquito Day, observed every year on Aug. 20, marks the breakthrough discovery in 1897 that infected female mosquitoes transmit malaria between people.

Globally, around 435,000 people, mostly children under five, died from malaria in 2017 — equivalent to wiping out the entire population of Oakland, Calif. The mosquito’s bite also spreads other killer diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis.

While fatalities are rare in the U.S., severe cases of West Nile surged 25% in America in 2018. And every year about 2,000 American travelers catch malaria overseas, the CDC reported.

Itchy Pest Or Deadly Nightmare?

“For most of us in America, a mosquito bite is an itchy annoyance,” Yohannan said, “but for families across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, it’s a sheer nightmare as they watch agonizingly as their child’s life hangs in the balance.”

Organizations like Gospel for Asia (GFA World) are on the frontlines, distributing mosquito-repelling bed nets in even the most isolated places. Sleeping under a net every night greatly reduces the risk of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) missionaries climbed a mountain on foot to reach a remote community caught in a malaria death cycle. They gave out medicine and some 200 nets they’d carried up the mountain for an entire day, showing the local people how to halt the deadly spiral. “Their actions transformed the entire village,” Yohannan said.

A mosquito net costing only $10 can “change a community and show people that God really cares about them,” said Yohannan. “So far, our local missionaries have given out more than 1.3 million nets, and we hope to give out millions more as a practical expression of the love of Christ. Surely this calls to mind Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'”

About GFA World

GFA World (Gospel for Asia) 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 a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 880 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 163,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through broadcast ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.

Read more blogs on Malaria, Mosquito Nets, and the Christmas Gift Catalog on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

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

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

Source: GFA World Digital Media News Room, GFA World Invites Young Generation to Join ‘Greatest Adventure’

Set Apart Retreat Retrospective: Yes, Your Hunger for God CAN Be Satisfied!

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 9:23 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, shares a retrospective piece on the recently concluded GFA World Set Apart Retreat 2022, a satisfying week for hungry souls.

How many times have you longed to spend time with God — real, quality time — but then life happens?

Exams, work, chores — even our phones — so easily come between us and the intimate, one-to-one relationship that God yearns to have daily with me and with you.

Have you ever wondered if you’d ever find that place of quiet rest where you could truly meet with God, feed on His Word, and hear His still, gentle voice?

Many did find that place in the heart of Texas!

My Perspective on the Set Apart Retreat

A group of young people — passionate about meeting with God — made their way to a small town 50 miles from Dallas to spend a week at GFA World’s campus for Set Apart Retreat 2022. This retreat was a satisfying week for hungry souls.

Twice a day, we experienced a focused time of worship and quietness called “Kyrie Eleison” (translated Lord, have mercy). These were times of meditation in song and silent reflection; a purposeful positioning of ourselves in the Lord’s Presence with the ability to rest in the flicker of candlelight.

The Holy Spirit was my companion in the silence as I reflected on the words we’d sung or the Scriptures we’d read. I started to look forward with great anticipation to this intentional stop in my day and quiet refocusing on the Lord.

Throughout the week, I soaked up the godly wisdom of three of the Lord’s humble and faithful servants: Francis Chan, George Verwer, and K.P. Yohannan. It was amazing to see how these mission-driven leaders were generational mentors to one another — George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization (OM), mentored KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), who in turn was a mentor to Bible teacher Francis Chan. What a legacy!

Set Apart Retreat: Tapping the Depths

These three generations of godly teachers tapped the depths of the Holy Scriptures, challenging me to love God completely and walk into the life for which He’s called me. Their absolute love for the Lord, and anticipation and hunger for more of Him, was contagious.

As we all gathered together for meals, it was amazing to sit and talk with everyone, hear why they’d come to Set Apart, and share what we’d been learning. I loved seeing the fire in people’s eyes as we talked.

Coming out of Set Apart, I was excited to know that as everyone headed back to their homes and communities, they were taking that fire for the Lord with them.

Their hunger, like mine, was satiated.

But an even deeper hunger has been awakened for others to know this deep love of God.

As Joshua told the people before the miracle of the Jordan River crossing: “Sanctify (set apart) yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5, KJV).

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

Bicycle Restores Joy of School, Life for Seventh-grader

Last updated on: August 29, 2022 at 11:53 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Sasa, the long distances she has to travel to go to school, her family in poverty, and the life-changing gift of a bicycle through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Christmas gift distribution program.

For Sasa, going to school was a chore. Each day she walked nearly 4.5 miles to school and 4.5 miles home. Her only mode of transportation was her legs, and after repeatedly walking the long route to school, even that mode of transportation was starting to give out as she began to experience pain in her legs.

An All-day Affair

Discussing Sasa, the long distances she has to travel to go to school, & the gift of a bicycle through GFA World Christmas gift distribution — Thanks to the gift of a bicycle and a faster commute, Sasa (not pictured) now enjoys school and a happier life.

Attending school became drudgery, an all-consuming task. Sasa often arrived late because of her lengthy commute. Furthermore, as a seventh-grader—a challenging time for any adolescent—Sasa faced the added embarrassment of arriving at school drenched in sweat. The beads of perspiration on her face seemed magnified by the stares of her classmates.

Once the school day ended, Sasa retraced her steps home. By the time she arrived, she was exhausted and had little patience to answer her family’s questions. Irritation bubbled inside of Sasa when she was recruited to assist with household chores. All her energy had been spent walking the nine miles.

Sasa often went to bed early, without even taking time to complete her homework. When she woke up the next day, the saga would repeat itself.

Request Not Granted

A bicycle would help, Sasa thought. Even though her family was not rich, perhaps her parents could buy her a bicycle so she could make it to school on time and not spend every day exhausted. She decided to ask her father.

Unfortunately, his response was not the answer Sasa hoped to hear. Her father made it clear the family of five could not afford to buy her a bicycle with the meager income he and his wife earned as farmers. As he described the family’s financial situation, Sasa felt sorry for her father and resolved to never ask him to buy her such a luxury again.

As best she could, Sasa continued her daily trek. But sometimes, when no one was looking, Sasa allowed mingled tears of exhaustion, frustration and shame to fall as she made her way to and from school.

Life-changing Gift

On Sundays when Sasa didn’t spend the day walking to and from school, she and her family attended the local church led by Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Akio. One day, they were met with a big surprise: The church provided all the school-aged girls with a bicycle, made possible through GFA World’s Christmas gift distribution program. Sasa was overjoyed. She was now the proud owner of a bicycle!

Sasa and her father rejoiced in the generous gift. Her father had felt hurt when he was unable to buy a bicycle for Sasa as she requested. When Sasa received the bicycle, he was relieved his daughter now owned the transportation he knew she needed. Both father and daughter were grateful for God’s provision through their church.

Life changed dramatically for Sasa.

“Each day I am excited to go to school now,” she said. “Before getting a bicycle, I felt that going to school was very boring. When I walked to school and returned from school, sometimes on the way I cried without anybody’s notice as I was tired and discouraged. But now, I am very happy and am ready to go to school on time.”

With her new bicycle and faster commute, Sasa spends less of her day walking and is exhausted. She can now enjoy learning at school and has more time to complete her homework. She is also able to spend more quality time at home with her family.

Sasa’s future is brighter because a bicycle provides the opportunity for academic growth and a richer community, both of which are important as she grows into adulthood. Most importantly, Sasa’s gifted bicycle is a reminder of God’s faithful provision in her life.

Read the story of another student who was blessed with the life-changing gift of a bicycle.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Bicycle Restores Joy of School, Life for Seventh-grader

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