God’s Peace Comforts a Widow’s Heart through Gospel for Asia Pastor

Last updated on: April 8, 2021 at 5:42 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Ruhae, the grief and hardships of an aging widow, the last living relative for her grandchildren, and the Gospel for Asia Pastor that brought God’s peace and comfort.

Her son was murdered. Her daughter-in-law and husband both succumbed to illnesses. Ruhae was the last living relative for her grandchildren but at 77-years-old, she knew she wouldn’t live much longer. Who would take care of her young grandchildren, only 12 and 8 years old, when she passed?

Gospel for Asia (founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Discussing Ruhae, the grief and hardships of an aging widow, and the Gospel for Asia Pastor that brought God's peace and comfort. — Ruhae (pictured) had become her grandchildren’s sole caregiver, and she often worried for their futures.

Hardened by the World

That question kept Ruhae up at night as she agonized over the fate of her precious grandchildren. Even at 77 years old, she worked in the fields to scrape together enough money to feed her grandchildren. It was hard, menial labor, but Ruhae did it. How else would she provide for them?

The grief and hardships the aging widow had faced over the years hardened Ruhae’s heart. There is no place and no one who can give me peace, she thought.

Reigniting a Spark of Hope

Gospel for Asia pastor Shirom led a small fellowship of believers in Ruhae’s village. The temporary building his congregation met in was close to Ruhae’s home. Occasionally, the pastor and a few believers visited Ruhae, offering prayer and encouragement.

On one particular visit, Gospel for Asia (GFA) Pastor Shirom encouraged the widow to give all her cares and burdens to the Lord because He could give her the peace she was searching for. He could remove the anxiety she felt when she thought of her grandchildren’s future. He could lighten her burdens. The thought intrigued the widow, who had almost given up hope of finding relief for her and her grandchildren. Desiring to know more, Ruhae began attending services at Gospel for Asia (GFA) Pastor Shirom’s church.

Widow Learns The Peace That Passes Understanding through Gospel for Asia Pastor

Little by little, Ruhae’s heart opened up. The widow realized that no matter what had happened in her life and no matter what the future held, God loved her and He provided.

“I get peace worshiping the Lord,” Ruhae remarked. “When I worry, I tell everything to God. … Before knowing the Lord, I worried, but when I heard about the Lord, I began to call upon Him. In spite of all problems, I feel peace of mind and pray more and trust in the Lord alone.”

Ruhae embraced God’s love into her heart fully. The calm Ruhae now feels knowing her grandchildren will be looked after dwarfs the worries she felt before.

“I am not scared of what the future holds,” Ruhae declares. “God is there to take care of my grandchildren.”

Read a story of how one widow touched another with God’s unfailing love through Gospel for Asia.

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

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

Source: Gospel for Asia Feature Article, God’s Peace Comforts a Widow’s Heart

Learn more about how you can help alleviate the many struggles widows face through the Gospel for Asia supported Widows Ministry, providing them with basic essentials, sources of income and opportunities to find peace in Christ.

Learn more about the Widows Ministry, how you can help widows not only hear that Christ cares for them, but that they may also experience His love firsthand and see how He gives them dignity, peace and eternal life.

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

An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear — Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
Widows Face Uphill Battle After Losing Spouses — The plight of widows, whether in affluent or developing nations, can be a desperate struggle

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

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

Gospel for Asia Pastor Witnesses Mother’s Spark of Faith Lead to a Miracle

Last updated on: February 10, 2022 at 10:53 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Jany, the difficulties of widowhood, the sickness that plagued her village, and the Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor who saw her believe in God Who brings miraculous healing.

Sickness plagued the village. Too many lives had been lost already, and as Jany mourned the loss of her husband, she feared she would also lose her daughter. The villagers did not know the cause or the cure, but they knew something had to be done to fight the mysterious illness. When the doctor was unable to provide a medicinal remedy, the community turned to a local magician for answers.

Sacrifice Required

Discussing Jany, the difficulties of widowhood, the sickness that plagued her village, and the Gospel for Asia Pastor that saw her believe in God who brings miraculous healing. — As this woman smiles, Jany can now smile, rejoicing over her daughter’s healing and her newfound faith.

The magician suggested the deities of the traditional religion would have mercy on the town if they were appeased with sacrifices. He proposed each family provide such a sacrifice.

A group of five people were chosen to solicit the sacrifices from the village families. Jany was one of them. When they reached one man’s door, she saw him choose to pursue healing in a different way.

“You know every time I gave whenever the villagers collected something for the village purpose,” Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Bhari told Jany and the other collectors.

“However, I will not be able to sacrifice anything to gods and goddesses at this time because I worship the living God who can protect me from any harm.”

Pastor Bhari’s courage and bold faith caught Jany’s attention. She wondered what gave him such assurance—and if it was possible his God had the power to heal. Instead of continuing with the group, Jany chose to stay and learn more about this God from Pastor Bhari.

A Better Plan

Jany yearned to know more about the faith that made the pastor so confident. She was not convinced offering a sacrifice would be the answer to save her sick daughter, but she had a spark of faith that Pastor Bhari might know Someone who could. Perhaps, she thought, prayer to the God she’d heard the pastor speak of was a better solution for her daughter’s healing, which she so desperately wanted.

“Please come and pray for my daughter named Pareet who is having swelling and stomach problems for the last month,” Jany asked Pastor Bhari. “Now I will not sacrifice anything to gods and goddesses. I need your prayer until she gets healing.”

Although she didn’t realize it, Jany displayed the same bold faith as Pastor Bhari in her request, the same bold faith as the woman in the Bible with the issue of blood: She believed the One to whom Pastor Bhari prayed could heal her daughter.

Pastor Bhari readily complied. He regularly visited her family, praying for Pareet and sharing the hope he had for miraculous healing from a different Source.

Pareet soon recovered from the mysterious disease. The miraculous healing encouraged the faith of Jany, Pareet and Jany’s elder daughter, Saffi. Together, they continued to learn about the Great Physician and decided to begin personal relationships with Him.

Pareet and Saffi began to attend worship services at Pastor Bhari’s church. Though Jany is unable to attend due to opposition from other relatives, she continues to learn more about Jesus and hold family prayer at home.

Please pray for Jany and others like her who have seen the healing power of Jesus and are hungry to learn more about Him.

To learn of a woman Jesus healed from the brink of death, read Sahana’s story here.

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

*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 Report, Mother’s Spark of Faith Leads to Miraculous Healing

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

Jesus’ Servants Come as Servants Too: Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary

Last updated on: February 10, 2022 at 11:14 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the women in situations like Prutha’s who find hope when a Women’s Fellowship group tangibly demonstrates Christ’s love.

Prutha could still hardly believe her eyes. The woman, Lavangi, whom she had just met a few weeks earlier, was sweeping her floor. The woman helped Prutha with the dishes, the laundry … whatever Prutha needed. And Prutha didn’t pay her—Lavangi worked for free. Her kindness baffled Prutha, but she was grateful. Lavangi brought life and joy to the sorrowful woman’s heart, and they soon became fast friends.

Losing Hope in the Face of Pain

Before Prutha met Lavingi, the 26-year-old and her husband, Rutajit, lived a peaceful life with their three young children. Rutajit earned a steady and sufficient income for the family by selling vegetables. Then one day Prutha felt a sharp pain in her side that wouldn’t go away. When she made it to the hospital, Prutha discovered she had a severe kidney stone. Five visits, medication and a minor surgery quickly drained the family’s finances but didn’t bring a cure. Eventually, the doctor recommended a major surgery that the family couldn’t afford.

They needed financial help, encouragement and comfort, but no one gave it, not family, friends nor the gods they worshipped. Overwhelming sorrow and pain left Prutha unable to maintain her home or even sleep properly. What’s worse, she feared everyone hated her and her husband.

But she was wrong.

Practical Demonstrations

One Saturday, as Prutha sat at home feeling dejected and alone, Jesus sent His servants, a Women’s Fellowship group from a local church, to meet with Prutha. These women, including Gospel for Asia (GFA) woman missionary Lavangi, encouraged Prutha, and when she told them of her struggles, they prayed for her healing and told her of the peace and hope found in Jesus.

After that day, Lavangi started helping Prutha with her housework. As the two became friends, Prutha wanted to know more about Jesus—someone she had never heard about in her life—and even started reading about Him from the Word. Before long, she decided she wanted to commit her life to the One who sent His love to her in the form of a servant.

Thank You!

Your prayers and contributions help sustain women like Lavangi as they serve the needy in their communities, following the example of the One who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (see Matthew 20:28). Thank you for making a difference.

Learn more about the Women Missionaries and their heroic efforts, dedicating their lives to bringing hope and God’s love to the women of Asia.

Source: Gospel for Asia Newsletter, Jesus’ Servants Come as Servants, Too

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

Join in prayer for the many Women’s Fellowship groups who are reaching out to women in their communities.

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

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

Forsaken Mother Loved by Local Gospel for Asia Church

Last updated on: March 1, 2022 at 2:27 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing how receiving a blanket once seemed impossible for women like Nidhyana, or this woman pictured who suffers from leprosy, until the local Gospel for Asia supported church visited.

idhyana couldn’t stop shivering. With no blanket to retain her body heat, the 65-year-old woman found it difficult to stay warm when the winter weather blew in. She thought of her two sons, for whom she had cared all these years. Surely, they would remember their mother now.

But as the sharp wind cut into her skin, Nidhyana knew better. The children she loved had forsaken her. She was alone.

Abandoned by her sons, Nidhyana lived her days in sadness until some Gospel for Asia pastors visited her village. The believers distributed blankets to the poor and elderly, sharing with them the love of Christ. Nidhyana eagerly responded when she realized how much Jesus loved her. She thanked the pastors for their kindness among the downtrodden.

“My two sons did not give me a blanket in my old age,” she says, “but [the church] provides me with a blanket.”

Nidhyana knows she is loved because the Lord used someone like you to provide for her basic needs. Thank you for being a blessing to the people of Asia!

Learn more how to help GFA workers give a warm blanket in Jesus’ name to someone whose life is in jeopardy communicates a message of love, honor and hope.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Forsaken Mother Loved by the Church

Learn more about how a Gospel for Asia local church can make a difference in a community.

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

Getting to Know the ‘Crazy’ Woman – Gospel for Asia Church Becomes Family

Last updated on: March 14, 2022 at 8:48 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the difficult life of Mysie, a widow, despised, rejected and alone, and the Gospel for Asia (GFA) church that offered food, encouragement, acceptance, hope.

Pastor Surin noticed a woman sitting among the congregation as he led the Sunday worship service—the same woman who had been wandering around the village for some time. She was crazy, people said.

Now, for the second week in a row, she had come to Pastor Surin’s church. He decided he needed to meet her.

Unraveling a Painful Story

Discussing the difficult life of Mysie, a widow, rejected & alone, & the Gospel for Asia Church that offered encouragement, acceptance, hope — After suffering many hardships, Mysie (pictured) now knows peace in Christ. This all was made possible after a visit to the Gospel for Asia (GFA) church nearby.

As Pastor Surin carefully listened, he learned this woman, Mysie, wasn’t crazy; she just lived a difficult life. Mysie explained she was a widow and had no friends or family nearby. Filled with compassion, Pastor Surin encouraged her with the promise that God cares for the poor and brokenhearted. She had come to the right place, he told her. But Pastor Surin still didn’t know the extent of Mysie’s hardships.

Over the next few weeks, Pastor Surin continued to see Mysie wandering the village. When he asked Mysie where she lived, she unraveled more of her painful story: Her husband’s family had despised her, and after he died, they chased her out of the house. She had a daughter, but Mysie lost contact with her after the young woman ran away to elope.

Mysie had no place to live; she slept wherever she could. She earned a little money by finding daily labor work, and when she couldn’t find work, she begged for food.

The tragedies Mysie had experienced stunned Pastor Surin. He began to pray for the woman to know and understand her Creator’s love for her. He also prayed for a way to help her.

Widow Finds Friendship, Transformation

Pastor Surin often offered Mysie food, and he encouraged her with the words of Scripture. Soon, when members of his congregation learned about Mysie’s situation, they also looked for ways to help her.

Mysie’s story of being disowned by her family burdened the heart of Pastor Surin’s brother, Mahruy, and drove him to action. He built a two-room mud house for Mysie on his land. Now, after months of wandering, this widow had a place to rest, a place to call home! The love and compassion shown by Pastor Surin, Mahruy and the other believers overwhelmed Mysie. Although her own family had rejected her, she was now treated as a family member by the believers.

She wanted to know more about the God who displayed such kindness and acceptance through His children; she spent time with the women of the church and joined them for prayer and Bible study.

Through all of this, the love of Christ transformed Mysie’s heart. Now she knows His perfect peace and love, and she rejoices in Him as an active member of the church. Because Christ showed her compassion through His Body, this widow’s story is now a story of hope. Mysie has decided to worship Jesus, the God who redeemed her life, for the rest of her days.

Read how God saved another widow from death through a believer’s prayer.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Report, Getting to Know the ‘Crazy’ Woman

Learn more about how you can help alleviate the many struggles widows face through Gospel for Asia’s Widows Ministry, providing them with basic essentials, sources of income and opportunities to find peace in Christ.

The Gospel for Asia church Mysie visited had a huge impact on her life. Learn how you can become a part of building another church for a community in need.

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

Seeking Death but Finding Life Through Gospel for Asia Radio Ministry

Last updated on: March 22, 2022 at 2:46 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Jinsy, the trauma of abuse and the struggles with suicidal thoughts and deep despair, and the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought healing and transformation to her life.

Jinsy stared at the container of liquid fertilizer. It had failed her—she was still breathing, still living in shame and anguish, still looking for a way of escape. Her mind rolled through her options. Hanging herself seemed a guaranteed method of suicide, but could she steel her nerves enough to make a second attempt?

Abused Girl Tries to End Life

Jinsy’s family shared a house with her uncle’s family. Although she was the youngest of three children, she was far from being the doted-on baby of the family. By the time Jinsy was in her early 20s, she carried a heart filled with pain and agony.

For one year, Jinsy had repeatedly suffered sexual abuse from a relative. Filled with shame and humiliation, she hid the terrible fact from the rest of her family, too mortified to talk to anyone about her situation. In her helplessness, she tried to handle the problem herself, and she decided to end the overwhelming shame she felt by drinking liquid fertilizer. Somehow she survived—it seemed even death would not grant her plea for escape.

Discussing Jinsy, the trauma of abuse & the struggles with suicidal thoughts, & the Gospel for Asia radio program that brought healing & transformation. — This woman failed in her attempt of suicide, just like Jinsy did. Tragically, every year in Asia thousands of other women succeed in committing suicide.

But Jinsy would later realize that a compassionate God was watching over her during her attempted suicide and offered her the true path to healing.

Hope Instead of Suicide

In the midst of her agony, Jinsy still found enjoyment in listening to the radio, a favorite pastime of many in Asia.

One particular day, the loving God who saved Jinsy from the effects of poison also led her to a radio program she had not heard before. The radio speaker, Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Harichandra, spoke about the purpose of life. His words brought deep encouragement to Jinsy’s raw heart, and she felt God was speaking specifically to her. The light of hope pierced the darkness she was living in, driving out the thoughts of suicide that had plagued her so persistently.

Escaping Her Shame

At the end of each program, Pastor Harichandra gave a phone number for any listener who wanted to contact him in response to the program. Our radio broadcasters commonly share a phone number to provide people with an opportunity to request more information. As listeners narrate their heartbreaking situations, Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio staff do everything they can to help each person, whether that means praying for them, offering encouragement and counsel, or connecting them with pastors in their area who can meet with the listeners and pour into their lives.

Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Radio staff personally reply to communications received from radio listeners and help listeners in any way they can. — Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program staff personally reply to communications received from radio listeners and help listeners in any way they can.

As the program Jinsy listened to came to a close, she was unable to write down the contact number, so she tuned in another day to hear the next broadcast from Pastor Harichandra. That message was just as encouraging as the first broadcast she heard. This time, Jinsy excitedly dialed the number and talked with Pastor Harichandra.

After Pastor Harichandra prayed for her and offered more encouragement, Jinsy felt as though a heavy burden had rolled away. She kept in touch with the radio staff, and Jesus did His transforming work in her heart.

Jinsy’s shame melted away, and she found courage to talk about her situation. Moreover, Jinsy read literature and a New Testament she received from the radio staff, and her heart soon urged her to welcome Jesus as her Savior.

Transformation for the Family

Jinsy’s parents noticed the change in their daughter’s life. They wondered why she spent so much time listening to that specific radio program and talking on the phone. Jinsy introduced them to the radio program that ministered to her in her time of deep need, and soon her other relatives joined her in listening to the broadcasts. Through the radio messages, her relatives learned how they could start their own journeys of transformation.

Radio Team Provides Fellowship and Support

Like many villages in Asia, Jinsy’s village lacked a local fellowship of believers. No one who knew Jesus was present to comfort Jinsy during her time of anguish, but Christ’s love healed her heart through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) radio program.

Even though she had no mature believers nearby to speak into her life, Jinsy was equipped to grow in her knowledge of God through the broadcasts she and her family listened to and through her New Testament, which was given to her by the radio correspondents. The new friends at the radio station knew her story and helped her overcome shame and speak up about her abuse. The radio staff were always there for her, as was her compassionate Savior.

While Jinsy’s life story could have ended in tragic death, it is still being written today as she lives her life unto the Lord, free from shame and filled with hope. She knows she is valued in God’s eyes and rejoices in being called His daughter.

Gospel for Asia Radio Program Ministers to Millions

GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan — Uninhibited by social or geographical barriers, radio programs enable millions of people across Asia to hear of God’s love.

Each year, our radio teams receive more than 2 million pieces of correspondence from listeners like Jinsy, many of whom share about their struggles with suicidal thoughts or deep despair. Through your prayers and support, you can help provide life-giving programming for those needing hope in their darkest hour!

Learn more about the Gospel for Asia Radio Ministry in Asia, through which the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in the hearts of listeners, reaching across geographical and political barriers, establishing fellowships in isolated areas yet to be reached by missionaries.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Seeking Death but Finding Life

Learn more by reading the Gospel for Asia Special Report on An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

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

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

The Desperate Search: A Widow’s Need for Hope Led Her to a Gospel for Asia Church

Last updated on: April 15, 2022 at 5:17 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing Sadgati, the slander and rejection she experienced being a widow, and the hope and never ending peace she encountered after attending a Gospel for Asia (GFA) church.

Sadgati trudged down the road. She stopped in front of a building. She was tired—tired of having constant turmoil in her heart, tired of her endless search for answers. Sadgati had exhausted every option she knew, yet her gods and goddesses seemed silent to her tears. But as Sadgati stepped inside this building, she was surprised. Maybe her 20-year quest for peace had finally come to an end.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Widows in Asia — Sadgati and the woman shown in this photo are two of Asia’s 57 million widows. Sadgati was rejected and despised by her neighbors and had to raise her small children by herself.

Widow Receives Slander, Not Comfort

Sadgati became a widow at the young age of 29, left to be a single mom of a little girl and boy, without comfort or sympathy from anyone. Instead of condolences, Sadgati was shattered by the slanderous words of her neighbors. They mocked her as they watched her struggle to care for her small family. Because of their abuse, Sangati let her mind continually play with her solitary hope of escape: suicide. It looked like that was the only answer to end her agony-paved existence.

Life as a Widow: Rejected and Despised

Being a widow is never easy, but being a widow in Asia is especially difficult. In a culture where many widows are believed to be the cause of their husband’s death, due to her “sin,” widows are often shunned by society. This is how Sadgati was viewed and treated by her neighbors and others in the village. Day after day, this painful reality jaded every part of Sadgati’s life.

Sadgati wrestled through life alone and rejected. No one looked out for her or offered her any aid. Taking on the full responsibility of bringing up her children, Sadgati often resorted to borrowing money to keep her family alive. As the gossip pushed her spirits down, she felt she couldn’t go on any more. There was not an inkling of peace in her life, but she was desperate to find it.

Just like this woman is offering items to worship her gods, Sadgati served and worshiped many gods in order to find peace. She visited many holy sites, but always left without peace.

Sadgati began a frantic search for truth and peace. She visited every holy site she knew about, only to come out of each one empty handed and brokenhearted. She cried out to gods and goddesses, but she heard no response to her cries for help and her longing for love and acceptance. She was dejected and at the end of her rope. But God knew Sadgati’s story. He loved her and would bring her to a place where she could find out who He was and what He had done for her.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: GFA Church — One day, during her search for peace, Sadgati stepped inside a Gospel for Asia (GFA) church, much like this one, where believers meet to worship. For the first time, she experienced the peace she had long been searching for!

A Gospel for Asia Church Changed Everything

One Sunday morning, Sadgati got up and walked out of her house. Continuing her quest to find a place of peace for her miserable heart, she came to a Gospel for Asia (GFA) church lead by one of our pastors. She found herself sitting inside, surrounded by a group of believers who were worshiping Jesus. As the service went on, Sadgati felt something she hadn’t felt in many years: peace. A peace stronger than she ever knew before.

The next week, Sadgati attended the church service again, and soon she became a regular attender. It wasn’t long before her daughter and son joined her too. Sadgati began to see the love of Jesus transform her fragmented life. He was mending the places where she was broken and filling her emptiness with His peace.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

Finding Never-ending Peace

As she grew under the nurture and teaching of God’s Word, soon Sadgati realized Jesus heard her cries and is the giver of peace and comfort—comfort she never received from anyone else. The church family loved her and cared for her. She was not scorned or rejected; she was welcomed and loved.

Today, Sadgati is no longer weighed down by the remarks of the villagers. Though they haven’t changed, she has. She knows her worth and is secure in Christ. She holds on to the peace Jesus has given her heart.

Show Her She Is Priceless

Widows, like Sadgati, need hope. This hope is found in the arms of Christ. Brothers and sisters, both in Asia and individuals like you, are showing love to these precious women through their prayers, time and resources. You can show them they are loved today through your prayers and support!

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, The Desperate Search

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

“I Must Do the Work”: When Cancer Tries to Take Over a Gospel for Asia Missionary’s Life

Last updated on: April 16, 2022 at 12:19 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Woman Missionary named Munay, her encounter with Christ, the trials, the cancer, the answered prayers, and the enduring love for Jesus and others.

ears freely tumbled down Munay’s cheeks and spilled onto her already soaked pillow. It was so hard. Cancer raged inside her body even though Munay had underwent surgery and eight chemo injections. Now radiotherapy attacked her cancerous cells. Too sick to move, Munay lay on her bed. Thoughts raced in her head, moving her past the physical pain—her heart was breaking. She couldn’t die now, not yet. There was so much work yet to be done, and if she didn’t do it, who would?

Munay, a Gospel for Asia woman missionary — Munay (pictured) served the Lord in an area deeply resistant to Christ and His love.

Young Christian Finally Understands Christ’s Sacrifice

Munay grew up going to church and knew the Bible well. Her pastor even appointed her to be a Sunday school teacher, but she felt something was missing.

“I never committed myself freely into God’s hand,” she said.

Because of this, she had no peace. She searched for it by going to different prayer meetings, but “I always came back empty handed,” she said. “Yet there was hope in my life that one day God would touch me and fill my heart with His divine peace.”

That revelation came while attending a Christian convention. She was inspired by the believers and their passionate worship. It seemed they loved Jesus deeply. After hearing a message from Isaiah 44:22, Munay understood for the first time that Jesus had willingly laid down His life for her. When she took this to heart and personally accepted God’s love, everything changed.

“Peace and joy filled my life in abundance,” she said.

Munay was now entrusted with a deep yearning to help those who didn’t know Jesus, her Savior. She cried out to the Lord to use her, and He answered. After she graduated Bible college in 2006, she began serving the Lord in her home state. Munay, there on her knees, would find true victory amidst years of controversy.

Munay journeyed through many struggles. After five years of ministry she found out she had cancer.

A Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Finds Victory Through Prayer

During her ministry Munay didn’t experience an easy road. Because she was not an eloquent speaker it was difficult for her to convey to people the message of hope she carried. The individuals she served were highly educated and thought little of Munay, especially as she stumbled through her words. The youths also threw stones at her house as an attempt to scare her off. But no matter how much the locals looked down on her and treated her as lowly, she would not become discouraged. Munay was convinced she was called by God, and she was prepared to face all kinds of adverse circumstances on her knees.

It was an uphill climb, but the more difficult the situations Munay faced, the more she was willing to bow her head. As a result, the Lord in His mercy answered her prayers and blessed her ministry. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, she established a prayer fellowship with eventually 10 believers. The local people mocked them in their new journey with Jesus. They tried to discourage them with sarcastic remarks, but Munay encouraged the believers and fixed her eyes heavenward with them. Munay well understood what they were facing.

Cancer Threatens a Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Service

After five years of serving in this community, Munay’s life weathered yet another difficult season. In 2014, Munay found out she had cancer. This devastated Munay, but not for herself. She cried out to the Lord day and night, asking God to spare her life.

“Lord, please heal me, as I have much work remaining to do,” Munay prayed through her sobs. “I must do the work.”

After Munay journeyed through cancer and was healed, she became strong physically and testified before other missionaries of God’s grace in her life, encouraging them to keep serving the Lord with all their might.

However, even in sickness Munay was not deterred from loving and trusting Jesus. She believed God would heal her body. Her ministry didn’t stop either. Munay encouraged her brothers and sisters in God’s Word while on her sickbed, praying and longing to be with them daily.

After a time, the Lord answered Munay’s faith-filled prayers and brought her healing. Munay came through her terminal illness as one tried through fire, and her testimony in Christ appears golden.

There are many women, like Munay (not pictured), who are willing to display the love of Jesus to this generation. Will you strengthen them through prayer and support?

“When you are in good health, do as much as you can for the Lord. Do not take your life for granted,” Munay exhorted her brothers and sisters, managing to stand before them as her body grew stronger. “Let us not grow weary, but let us be zealous in serving the Lord. And may the Lord not [have to] put you in a position to make you realize how little you have done. We must do the work. If we do not do it, then who will? Make the most of the life that God has given us.”

Faithful Vessels for God’s Glory

God has called many vessels who are willing to give their whole lives so others may meet the Savior. Munay’s life is one testimony among many committed women who pour out their very lives for the love of Christ Jesus. Women like her are ready to stand in the midst of great trials and persevere with the end in mind. Will you partner with a sister and impact the world for eternity?

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, “I Must Do the Work”: When Cancer Tries to Take Over

Learn more about the Women Missionaries and their heroic efforts, dedicating their lives to bringing hope and God’s love to the women of Asia.

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

Too Poor for Suicide: Gospel for Asia Pastor Introduces Widowed Mother to New Life

Last updated on: November 25, 2021 at 2:06 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing widowed mother Chamudi, the sickness and hunger, sheer hopelessness unto thoughts of suicide, and the encounter with one of our pastors that God use to bring life.

Suicide. The thought pulsed in Chamudi’s mind as relentlessly as the hunger that gnawed in her stomach. Completely broken at the thought of her children’s suffering, Chamudi decided today was the day to end it all—for herself and for her children.

A Hole in the Broken Heart of a Widowed Mother

Twice in 10 years, illnesses turned Chamudi’s world upside down. First, her husband died from a brain tumor, thrusting her into the life of a single mother in a culture that often looked down upon widows. Second, Chamudi received terrible news: She had a hole in her heart.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Discussing widowed mother Chamudi, the hunger & thoughts of suicide, and the encounter with a Gospel for Asia supported pastor that God use to bring life. — Chamudi, like this widow, could not provide food for her children. Her heart broke over the suffering of her children.

The doctors told her she should not do hard labor or get tired, and unless she received an operation, she would soon die. Desperate for a way to provide for her children, but severely limited in what she could do, Chamudi searched for any light work she could find. She washed dishes and served as a maid, but hunger crept into her home and became a consistent part of life. If she was unable to regularly put food on the table for her precious children, then there was no way she could buy medication to help her condition.

Chamudi was in turmoil. She was going to die, and misery would taint however many more days she had left. Her stomach ached unbearably. She thought of her young children—if enduring hunger caused such agony for her, a grown woman, how much more difficult it must be for her young, confused children? And once she was gone, her children would suffer even more. They would be alone, vulnerable against any who would seek to exploit them.

As bleak as the present was, the future looked even worse to Chamudi.

Buying Death

One morning, Chamudi again found no food for her children’s breakfast and could bear it no longer. She knew of only one way to end all their pain—suicide. If she couldn’t help her children live with peace, she could give them peace through death.

They would drink poison and be free from pain together. Yes, that was the solution. She found no help from her gods, and she had no one to turn to. Better to end it all now, she thought.

Rather than face slow starvation, Chamudi decided suicide would be a better end for herself and her children.

Through her cloud of hopelessness, she realized she didn’t even have money to buy poison. Chamudi slumped onto the only bench she had in her house and thought about how she could earn enough to bring about her family’s death.

Life Comes Knocking

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: When our pastor Alak visited Chamudi's home, she revealed her decision to commit suicide that very day. — When our pastor Alak visited Chamudi’s home, she revealed her decision to commit suicide that very day. Pastor Alak (pictured here during his early days of ministry nearly 20 years ago) spoke to her broken heart and encouraged her to seek peace from Jesus.

From her position on her bench, Chamudi watched in surprise as a man dressed in black pants and a white shirt came walking toward her house. She didn’t recognize the middle-aged stranger. Rising from her seat, Chamudi curiously approached him.

He introduced himself as Alak, the Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor of a local congregation. He offered the disheartened woman some literature, which sparked a conversation about Jesus and the new life Christ offers.

As they talked, Chamudi shared about her poverty and hopeless situation, and she eventually disclosed to him her intention of killing herself and her children that very day. Taking the timely opportunity God provided to minister to Chamudi, Pastor Alak prayed earnestly for her and encouraged her to trust in Jesus.

Chamudi’s religious convictions forbad her from going to a Christian worship service, but as she learned more about God’s redeeming love and listened to Pastor Alak’s prayer, peace entered her heart. She found a dose of hope that day, and she decided to learn more about the One who sent someone to her to keep her from death.

The Restoring Power of God

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: Touched by God's mercy and kindness, Chamudi and her children underwent complete transformation at the hand of God. — Touched by God’s mercy and kindness, Chamudi and her children (pictured) underwent complete transformation at the hand of God.

Chamudi and her children started visiting Pastor Alak’s congregation, bringing their troubles and sorrows to the Lord. Soon, Chamudi found a small business she could run from her home! She received cloth from a factory and sewed children’s clothing. The work was gentle, and her new income enabled her to feed her children.

Hope filled Chamudi’s heart, as well as love for the God who provided for her family. She continued learning about the Lord through the local church, and her love for Jesus impelled her to ask Him to adopt her into His family and give her new life.

Finding work was just the beginning of the answers to prayer Chamudi received. When Chamudi went to the hospital to buy medication with her new earnings, the doctors said her condition had improved! And just as the Lord sent Pastor Alak to Chamudi’s house on the day she planned to die, He later sent another man to impact Chamudi’s life—except this one married her. Athula, who worked at the factory where Chamudi received her cloth, linked his life with Chamudi and her children, helping support them and walking alongside them as they journey closer to Jesus together as a family.

A Vessel for God’s Use

Chamudi experienced God’s restoring power in incredible ways, all because one national missionary made himself available to be used by God to touch lives.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: National missionaries minister to people in all walks of life, bringing news of hope and restoration to broken hearts. — National missionaries minister to people in all walks of life, bringing news of hope and restoration to broken hearts.

You can help send more missionaries who are ready to minister to hurting and disheartened families in Asia. Who knows, God may use them to hinder suicide plans, like He did through Pastor Alak.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Too Poor for Suicide

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

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

Rebuilding a House, Building Trust: Gospel for Asia Provides New Home for Widow

Last updated on: April 29, 2022 at 4:42 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing a despised widow Bidya and her daughter, the disaster that rendered them utterly helpless, and the Gospel for Asia Compassion Services teams that displayed Christ’s love in action.

Wind and rain swooshed across the Asian landscape, as a fierce cyclone raged through the village. A small bamboo hut collapsed. Now the poor and despised elderly widow, Bidya, and her unmarried daughter had less than they ever had before. Just as their dignity left them years before, now their shelter disappeared, too.

After Cyclone Phailin hit Bidya’s home, it was completely demolished, much like this home was destroyed by the cyclone in 2013.

Living Through the Worst Storm

In 2013, Cyclone Phailin devastated the southeast region of India. Around 38 people lost their lives and it left another million people wondering about their future. Cyclone Phailin was the worst storm the people of this region had seen in 14 years, but its destruction left a pathway of God’s mercy behind as Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services teams ministered to the suffering.

Workers provided cyclone survivors with food rations, clothing and cleaning supplies. They stayed behind for many months to help rebuild thousands of homes that were lost or greatly damaged. Together, they strived to bring relief to the victims of the disaster—people like the widow Bidya.

Rejected Widow Receives Aid

The villagers despised Bidya after her husband died. Impoverished and alone, she had to earn her living by working as a daily wage laborer. Because of her situation in life, no one would marry her daughter. They both toiled hard every day, finding whatever jobs they could to simply keep themselves alive. When Cyclone Phailin roared through their village, their bamboo house couldn’t withstand the high-speed winds. After it was destroyed, Bidya and her daughter were helpless. They had no means to build a new house for themselves.

Surprisingly, when a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services team surveyed their area, the entire community, even the leaders, requested that Bidya have her home rebuilt. The team went to work and built Bidya a more substantial home than she had in the beginning—a cement one.

Gospel for Asia founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan: A new home for a widow — Bidya was given this home after Cyclone Phailin ruined her bamboo house. She and her daughter are very poor and were unable to rebuild a home for themselves. But Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services built her a brand new one, this time one made of cement!

Villagers are Blessed by Gospel for Asia Compassion Services

When the villagers saw what the believers had done to help the poor widow, their minds began to change. Before, they strongly opposed Christians and were very unhappy when a church was built in their area. But now, they thought maybe Christians weren’t so bad after all. Maybe the God they worshiped really cared for the world, and maybe the church building in their village wasn’t the curse they once thought it to be.

Maybe Christians weren’t so bad after all. Maybe the God they worshiped really cared for the world.

Bidya and her daughter were so blessed by the new house. After her home was constructed, the villagers grew to respect Bidya, and her daughter has even received a marriage proposal. Bidya and her daughter also have grown curious about Jesus, and have attended special services at a local Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor’s church. They are learning more about the compassionate God who provided them with shelter and a sense of worth.

Christ’s Compassion Put in Action

God is using Compassion Services to extend hope to those who have endured much destruction and heartache. Just like Bidya was helped and the villagers were impacted through the love of Christ, many others in desperate need have observed the gentle and practical love our brothers and sisters pour out in Christ’s name to help alleviate their suffering.

Recently, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services teams provided food, pots and pans, cleaning supplies, tooth brushes and soap to flood survivors in Sri Lanka. You can be part of helping in times of crisis like this. By giving of your resources and by praying, you can be the hands and feet of Christ in troubled times.

Learn more about how to bring practical help in Jesus’ name to the suffering and needy, relieving the burdened, rescuing the endangered and revealing God’s compassion to the people of Asia through Gospel for Asia Compassion Services.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, Rebuilding a House, Building Trust

Learn more by reading the GFA special report titled “An Imaginative Exercise in Empathetic Fear: Think About Living in a Community with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women”

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

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

Hardened by the World

Reigniting a Spark of Hope

Widow Learns The Peace That Passes Understanding through Gospel for Asia Pastor

Sacrifice Required

A Better Plan

Losing Hope in the Face of Pain

Practical Demonstrations

Thank You!

Unraveling a Painful Story

Widow Finds Friendship, Transformation

Abused Girl Tries to End Life

Hope Instead of Suicide

Escaping Her Shame

Transformation for the Family

Radio Team Provides Fellowship and Support

Gospel for Asia Radio Program Ministers to Millions

Widow Receives Slander, Not Comfort

Life as a Widow: Rejected and Despised

A Gospel for Asia Church Changed Everything

Finding Never-ending Peace

Show Her She Is Priceless

Young Christian Finally Understands Christ’s Sacrifice

A Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Finds Victory Through Prayer

Cancer Threatens a Gospel for Asia Woman Missionary Service

Faithful Vessels for God’s Glory

A Hole in the Broken Heart of a Widowed Mother

Buying Death

Life Comes Knocking

The Restoring Power of God

A Vessel for God’s Use

Living Through the Worst Storm

Rejected Widow Receives Aid

Villagers are Blessed by Gospel for Asia Compassion Services

Christ’s Compassion Put in Action

Who prophesied swords would be beaten into plowshares?