WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder by Dr. KP Yohannan – Discussing the power of prayer amongst believers and national missionaries, the answered prayers for new church buildings, filling hearts with thanksgiving to the God who hears.
A community of believers gathers in celebration of the opening of their new worship place.
In six short days, God chose to answer the prayers of three groups of believers with a resounding yes. Each group had been praying for a place of worship to gather in for times of prayer, adoration and learning from the local pastor. One December, around Christmastime, these groups of believers received incredible gifts as their new places of worship opened their doors for the first time.
Church Outgrows Meeting Place
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Baru led worship services and prayer meetings for several believers, but they lacked enough space for them to gather. Some were deterred from coming regularly to prayer meetings because the space was too small to comfortably hold the number of people who attended.
At the inauguration of their place of worship, the believers were excited for the new building and thankful for the space it allowed. They expressed their gratitude, saying, “We had been praying for a long time to have a church building of our own.”
Community Constructs New Building
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Meli spent much of his time traveling throughout his village and the surrounding areas, meeting his neighbors and praying for healing from sicknesses. Soon, there was a group of 45 believers from various villages in need of a place to meet.
They prayed diligently for a permanent place of worship, and God provided them with the opportunity to build one. Construction of the building went smoothly, and the believers were soon celebrating the opening of their new church home with grateful hearts.
Donated Land Provides for Believers’ Needs
The third place of worship was an answer to prayer for Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Bahaj and 39 other believers. They had quickly discovered their need for a larger worship space and had been praying for a building that could fit their growing gatherings and accommodate more ministry functions.
After much prayer, the believers were blessed with a building on land donated by a fellow believer. They joyfully marked its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a worship service and a celebratory feast.
For each of these communities of believers, the opening of their new worship place—one that meets their needs now and for the future—was an answer to faithful prayers.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. KP Yohannan – Discussing a woman’s family torn apart and persecuted for her faith, the healing ministry of national missionaries, and the restoration through the gift of a Jesus Well by God’s grace.
The house was in chaos. Fists pounded flesh, blood poured from a head wound and nothing could be said to stop the gang from destroying Laghuvi’s family. Led by Laghuvi’s husband, the group had come for revenge, for punishment, and they would take their due. Beaten herself, Laghuvi tried to protect her newborn son, but she was no match for the men. Her husband forcibly took the child and left. She hasn’t seen either one since.
Mother Suffers Seven Months after Hysterectomy
Laghuvi’s parents, Chandrabhan and Tanima, couldn’t have known the violent turn their son-in-law would eventually take. On the day of their arranged wedding, Nadir was a nice young man who followed a traditional religion—a good match for Laghuvi and for her family. Over the next year, however, medical hardship changed the family.
Doctors diagnosed Laghuvi’s mother, Tanima, with uterine problems and ordered a hysterectomy, which led to severe abdominal pain and swelling all over her body. She suffered seven months without a cure until someone suggested she go to the local church.
During the service, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Haatim and his congregation prayed fervently for Tanima, and a month later, she was healed. In response, the entire household decided to follow Christ. Nadir took the news of his in-laws’ decision as a blow. Still, he maintained a tolerable relationship with them.
God is still in the business of answering prayer, just like He healed Tanima through the prayers of local believers.
When Laghuvi became pregnant with the couple’s first child, Nadir followed cultural tradition and sent her to stay with her parents for the final trimester and birth. It was a decision he would soon come to regret.
Daughter Visits Parents, Learns of Christ
When Laghuvi arrived at her parents’ house, she quickly saw the difference Christ had made in their lives. Every night, her parents, siblings and grandfather gathered to read the Bible and pray, and they regularly attended church.
In response to his wife’s new faith, Nadir (not pictured) brought a gang to beat up her family and take his newborn son.
Laghuvi asked her mother about the changes, and Tanima eagerly shared about Jesus Christ. As Laghuvi began joining her family for church and evening prayers, she realized she wanted to follow Christ, too.
When Nadir found out about his wife’s decision, he grew nervous and wanted to take Laghuvi home, but their tradition held that a woman stays in her parents’ home for 15 days after a baby is born. By then, Laghuvi was fully committed in her relationship with Christ—even asking the church to pray for their new son.
Furious, Nadir decided he didn’t want his wife to return home after all. Instead, he hatched a plan to take back his son. The gang of religious fanatics he recruited was all too happy to help.
The group stormed into the house, with Nadir by their side, and began beating the family, demanding that they renounce Jesus Christ. While Chandrabhan suffered a dangerous blow to the head, Nadir forcibly removed his son from the house.
Later, Laghuvi watched her father be taken away by ambulance while the question of her son’s welfare still filled the air. The persecution was only beginning.
Neighbors Blame Family for Persecution
Chandrabhan came home with 12 stitches, but as word spread about the incident, it was he and Tanima who were seen as villains. Nadir had filed for a formal divorce, and in the villagers’ eyes, the couple had chosen a new religion over their daughter’s wellbeing. It was foolish and even cruel.
“What is there in Jesus more than a son-in-law?” the neighbors asked. “Don’t they care about their daughter’s life?”
Carrying heavy pots of water is a common sight in many Asian communities—a task made even harder the farther the distance one has to walk.
Despite their neighbors’ protests, the family continued to trust God, and their frustrated friends eventually cut ties.
“If they don’t want to compromise with their daughter’s life, we will not have fellowship with them,” they said.
Just in case social isolation wasn’t painful enough, the community took its punishment one step further by physically blocking the family from the public well. Whenever a member of the family even approached the well, the villagers harshly scolded them.
The next closest water source was at a school over half a mile away, and they often couldn’t draw enough for the family and their livestock. Their community made it clear: Receive the Living Water and we will reject you.
A Jesus Well Restores Family’s Wellbeing, Reputation
In the midst of the family’s turmoil, Chandrabhan turned to Pastor Haatim and asked him about getting a well that would be open to everyone. Pastor Haatim talked to his leaders, and later that year, a well was drilled behind Chandrabhan’s house.
Because of that one simple move, the village completely changed its attitude toward Chandrabhan, Tanima, Laghuvi and their family. Instead of condemnation, the community showed them appreciation and respect, and the family has returned the good will.
Through the gift of a Jesus Well (pictured), Tanima’s family and their neighbors now have free access to clean water in the name of Jesus.
When the summer’s heat dried up the village’s two older wells, Chandrabhan and his family welcomed their neighbors at the Jesus Well, which was still going strong. Now, more than 30 families use the well regularly, and some people even came to know Christ’s love by talking to Chandrabhan over buckets of water.
As for Laghuvi, she still hasn’t seen her son or the husband who divorced her, but the Lord gave her a new husband from the church. And when they start their family, Laghuvi knows their future will be one marked not by violence but by the joy of Jesus Christ.
By giving a Jesus Well, you can help provide for fellow believers, quell persecution and provide clean water in more villages—all in the name of Jesus. Give toward a Jesus Well today and see how God will transform lives.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by KP Yohannan – Discussing the impact after-school program, Bridge of Hope, bring to the lives of children and entire families, opening opportunities for learning, growth, and even alleviation from poverty.
Ever since Zakif was a boy of just 6 years old, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope center was like his second home. Now, at the age of 13, he is a testimony to the center’s important work in benefiting the children, families and communities it serves.
Zakif (pictured) thrives under his tutoring and overall care through the after-school program Bridge of Hope.
When he first began attending Bridge of Hope, Zakif suffered from poor health. His family largely depended on his mother’s meager income, while the money his father earned was often used to support the man’s addiction to strong drinks. As a result, Zakif’s poor diet mainly consisted of lentils, wheat bread and some vegetables. He also lacked proper clothing and shoes.
A New Opportunity Through a Special After-school Program
When the Bridge of Hope staff in his village learned of Zakif’s condition, they offered the boy the opportunity to attend the center. Soon, he was frequently found at the center after his day at the local school. Though he was shy at first, it was clear Bridge of Hope was becoming a haven to the young boy.
During his time at the center, Zakif received tutoring in all his school subjects, as well as in nutrition, hygiene and how to make friends. Most importantly, he experienced God’s love for him through the Bridge of Hope staff.
In addition to the lessons he was taught, the Bridge of Hope center regularly provided Zakif with nutritious food, supplies for school, clothing and household items the entire family could use. For instance, one winter, Zakif received an extra blanket that helped his family stay warm in the freezing temperatures.
As a result of the center’s provisions, Zakif grew physically, mentally and spiritually. His schoolteachers spoke highly of his academic progress during monthly consultations with Bridge of Hope staff, and even the community noticed a change in the boy. Zakif also found he enjoyed playing sports, drawing and participating in cultural programs.
No longer the shy boy who began attending Bridge of Hope, Zakif befriended all of the nearly 100 children who joined him in the center’s programs.
Not only were the staff pleased with Zakif’s progress, but his parents were also. Whatever Zakif learned at Bridge of Hope he relayed to his parents when he returned home. When Zakif’s little brother also started attending Bridge of Hope, both boys’ needs for food, clothing and school supplies were often met at the center. As a result, the family’s financial situation improved.
While Zakif has just one year left before he graduates, the lessons he has learned at Bridge of Hope and in school will continue to shape his bright future. Please pray for Zakif and his brother as they continue to grow into adulthood.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Pastor Malay, a national missionary, investing in the lives of people even on a mountaintop, that they may know and place their trust in Jesus.
Way up in the mountaintops of Asia, Pastor Malay’s heart overflows with love for those who have not yet met their Heavenly Father. He began to pray, investing in the lives of people, building relationships with them, and expressing his love through his words as well as his actions.
One of those people was Siraj, a struggling barber. Earning less than $10 (USD) a month, he and his family barely had enough to survive.
After talking with Pastor Malay, Siraj and his family decided to place their trust in Jesus. Seeing the family’s need, Pastor Malay began to pray for a way to help Siraj in his financial situation. Soon, through Gospel for Asia’s community development program, Pastor Malay was able to present Siraj with a barber kit. This talented barber is now able to provide for his family and is growing in the Lord.
Pastor Malay continues to share with the small group of believers at the top of this mountain, however, there are still thousands who haven’t heard Jesus’ name.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Sabitha and the journey of her faith – from encountering Jesus, the trials that await those who call on His name, and the promised hope and answered fervent prayers for those who trust Him.
Sabitha, 16, burned with curiosity to hear more about Jesus. The truth that God loved her was almost impossible for the teenager to believe. A seed of faith sprouted in her heart.
Sixteen-year-old Sabitha (pictured) lost her home and family when she followed Jesus. Then, through fervent prayers, God restored to Sabitha what she had lost.
Sabitha knew that Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Ajoy, who first told her about Jesus, held a prayer meeting every day at her friend’s house. She could go there to hear more about the God who became a man.
Once she began attending prayer meetings, Sabitha realized Jesus was the only path for her. She decided to follow Him wherever He might lead.
While attending worship services, Sabitha grew in her faith, and she learned to trust Jesus. Grateful to have a friend at the church, Sabitha watched her friend’s example of how to follow Jesus.
Parents Throw Sabitha Out
Then the bubble burst.
Sabitha’s parents found out she had begun worshiping Jesus. They became incensed at their daughter’s betrayal of their traditional gods. They heaped shame and abuse on her. In a fit of rage, they chased her out of the house.
Heartbroken, Sabitha fled to her friend Anisa’s house. Sabitha knew Anisa could help her through the difficult road that was before her. Sabitha’s friend encouraged her to pray for her parents every day, but Sabitha didn’t even know where to begin. They were so mad at her. How could she pray for them? She had been betrayed and abandoned, and now she was supposed to ask for God’s blessing for them?
As Sabitha struggled to know what to say, she listened to Anisa pray. Every day Anisa and Sabitha prayed for Sabitha’s parents. Praying together, Sabitha learned from her friend how to forgive. Starting to believe that God can work miracles, Sabitha’s prayers became bold.
“God, please do a miracle in the hearts of my parents,” prayed Sabitha, “so that they will allow me to stay in my home with them.”
God Restores What Was Lost Through Fervent Prayers
One day Sabitha’s phone rang. As it buzzed, panic gripped her chest. It was her father calling. Stomach twisting and turning, Sabitha answered.
Her voice squeaked out a trembling “hello.”
The familiar voice of her father filled the speaker. He told her she could come home. Hope sprang to life in Sabitha’s heart.
“But,” her father said, “do not try to pray in my home.”
Amazed that God heard her simple prayer, Sabitha moved back home. Undeterred by her father’s warning, she silently prayed even more often than before. She prayed for her parents to be open to the love of the Lord. Seeing now God had worked a miracle when her father invited her back home, she knew there was nothing God couldn’t do!
She prayed every day,
“Lord, please change my parents’ hearts so that they will not rebuke me or say bad words to me. Let them love me.”
Sabitha noticed her parents’ harsh comments begin to trail off. They rebuked her less. Then, one day, they told her, “You can pray at home; there is no problem.” Hearing these words, her heart almost exploded with joy! She thanked the Lord over and over for what He had done in the lives of her parents.
Sabitha goes to worship Jesus freely now and can live openly for Him. She rejoices that God has restored her to her family, and she continues to pray for her parents to know God’s love as she does. Through her painful trial, Sabitha learned she can trust Jesus, no matter where He leads her. As she is faithful to Him, He will be faithful to her.
“I will not leave Jesus,” Sabitha says, “whatever problems come in my 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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Gomin and his life of alcohol and abuse, and the transforming power of God’s grace through national missionaries sharing the hope and love of Christ.
Gomin didn’t know what to do. He had tried caring for his sons as best he could, but they wanted their mother. Shame washed over him at the thought of trying to bring her back. The whole community knew it was he who had run her off and proved once and for all that he was no better than his father.
Discussing Gomin and his life of alcohol and abuse, and the transforming power of God’s grace through national missionaries sharing the hope and love of Christ.
Mother’s Suicide Leads to Alcohol Addiction
Gomin had grown up with parents who closely followed their traditional Asian religion. Their house was filled with images of their god, and every month they traveled to their place of worship to receive blessings.
Gomin’s parents encouraged him to participate in their rituals to receive blessings and peace, but Gomin didn’t see any peace or blessings in his parents’ lives. His father was addicted to alcohol, and his mother tried in vain to break his habit.
Gomin, 27, had no use for his parents’ religion, and neither did his brother, who had abandoned the religion to follow Jesus Christ. This pain, added to their father’s addiction, caused anguish so great that his mother threatened to commit suicide. When nothing changed, she followed through.
Gomin was devastated by his mother’s death and lost all interest in life and hope for his future. His father dealt with the death by drinking even more. Slowly Gomin began to turn to alcohol as well.
Man Gets Married to Fix Problems
Gomin’s relatives suggested he get married to help make him happy. He took their advice and married Ronelle. Gomin and Ronelle were soon blessed with two beautiful sons, which brought Gomin happiness, but he did not stop drinking.
His wife tried to counsel him saying, “It is not good for your health, and it’s a bad habit. Please stop drinking.”
Gomin faithfully promised, “OK, from tomorrow onwards, I will not drink.” But the next day nothing changed.
Gomin’s problem with alcohol increased, and he began to beat Ronelle. The violent turn drove her to return to her parents and leave the boys with Gomin, as was culturally expected.
The boys were distraught at their mother’s departure, but Gomin could do nothing for them.
Meanwhile, strange things began to happen at night, and though he couldn’t get his wife back, it became clear Gomin had a new resident in his house who had no intention of leaving.
Tormented at Night
It started one night while Gomin and the boys were in bed. Gomin felt like someone had entered the room. He got up to see who was there but found no one. This continued every night. Once it felt as if someone was tickling his entire body.
These nightly torments left Gomin unable to sleep at home, so he began to sleep at his brother’s house. He sought help from witch-doctors and offered sacrifices in hopes of deliverance, but he continued to face the same problems. Finally, he was so discouraged he lost all hope and decided to leave his house forever.
Desperate Man Talks with Pastor
In the midst of Gomin’s trials, a Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor named Atish came to Gomin’s brother’s house. Gomin had met the pastor before, but at that time, he hadn’t been interested in what he had to say. Now, with his wife gone and his nights filled with terror, he was ready to talk with the pastor.
Pastor Atish listened to Gomin as he shared all his problems. Then he shared the love of God with him and encouraged him from the Bible. Gomin asked Pastor Atish to pray for him.
“Everything is possible with Jesus, but you have to believe in Him,” Pastor Atish said, “then He will deliver you from this demonic affliction.”
“Yes, I believe in Jesus. I want to welcome Him into my life,” Gomin replied.
Pastor Atish prayed for Gomin’s family and also gave him some literature about Jesus, including a New Testament.
Pastor Atish continued to pray for Gomin, and after a week of praying, Gomin was completely freed of the demonic attacks at night.
Family Reunited
Over the next six months, Pastor Atish continued to visit and pray with Gomin and his sons. Gomin became a completely different man—even the community took notice. He no longer drank any alcohol, and there was peace in his house.
Gomin even got the courage to go with Pastor Atish to his in-laws’ home to ask Ronelle for forgiveness. Seeing his new life, Ronelle forgave him and went back home.
“I want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ who has changed my husband’s life and has made him a new person,” Ronelle soon told Pastor Atish.
Now Gomin’s entire family has come to know the love of Christ, and they regularly attend Pastor Atish’s church. They all desire to live for the Lord as long as life endures.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the ministry of national missionaries, the physical challenges they endure, and the impact a simple gift as bicycles can make in the transformation of villages, touched with the love of God.
Limited. That’s how Pastor Jachin felt. The members of his congregation live in several different villages that were some distance from his church. Whenever a believer was sick or in need of prayer, Pastor Jachin tried to be there. There was one problem, however: He had no personal form of transportation. Taking the public bus was costly, and it took a toll on his finances because he had to visit and encourage the believers nearly every day. The miles grew longer and larger as his finances became smaller.
Pastor Jachin (pictured fourth from the right) and 11 of the 12 other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers pose with their new bicycles.
Blessed by a Bicycle
Pastor Jachin’s leaders saw his need and organized a bicycle distribution. In total, 13 Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers, including Pastor Jachin, received bicycles to aid them in their ministry. Like Pastor Jachin, they lacked a vehicle of their own and had to use public transportation whenever they needed to travel. Each worker expressed thankfulness for this blessing, recognizing their ministry would be less hampered by having the physical strain they previously endured be diminished.
Pastor Jachin was particularly excited that he was now able to more easily visit believers and further his ministry.
“I am so thankful for this bicycle, which is truly helpful in the ministry,” he says. “I can now immediately visit the believers for prayer when they call me.”
Their Burdens Eliminated
Like Pastor Jachin, thousands of other Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers have been blessed with a bicycle. They, too, were overwhelmed by the monetary or physical burden of travel and often felt their time and energy were consumed by the constant moving from place to place, leaving less for ministry.
Giving these workers bicycles alleviates their burden and also widens their scope of ministry, allowing them to touch more lives with the love of God. That is the impact of a gift so simple as a bicycle. Lives are transformed when one worker receives a bicycle, and now, many more will be touched with the love of God.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the power of the Gospel through national missionaries, humbling hard hearts proud of knowing about God, and bringing true life eternal in Christ.
Jasveer poses with his Bible in front of the church where his life changed.
At the ripe old age of 17, Jasveer knew everything there was to know about God. Growing up in a village where Christianity was common, he knew to attend church and to talk to God right before eating a meal or before drifting off to sleep at night. He knew how God wanted him to behave and how to judge others who didn’t live in the same righteous way. And he knew that while others struggled with sin, he did not. Jasveer had God all figured out—or so he thought.
One day in April 2017, Jasveer’s youth group held a four-day revival event. Jasveer volunteered to help with hosting the revival. Even with his familiarity with teachings about Christ, he persisted in his belief that he was not a sinner and that the message of hope found in Christ Jesus was for others. He didn’t need it.
Ears to Hear
One night during the revival, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Taizeen Ved read Matthew 7:21 from his Bible. For the first time, Jasveer recognized that the “good” behavior he supposed would get him into heaven would not be considered good enough by God. He learned he was indeed a sinner and desperately in need of the same mercy and grace as those whom he had previously judged.
After the message, Jasveer spoke with Pastor Taizeen, who showed Jasveer through God’s Word that though he was a sinner, he could receive God’s free gift of forgiveness.
New Life, New Mission
Jasveer was so moved by this message, he decided to begin a personal relationship with God. From that moment, Jasveer’s life changed. He discovered he could talk to God even when the topic of conversation wasn’t the food in front of him. He enjoyed learning more about God’s character as he began to read the Bible.
The more Jasveer learned about God, the more he wanted others to experience a personal relationship with Him as well. Jasveer stopped condemning those around him and began serving in the youth group at his church. Today, he is committed to sharing the life-changing news of Jesus with the younger generation.
Please pray for Jasveer as he continues to grow in his relationship with the Lord and as he encourages others to read God’s Word.
Check out Romir’s story here to learn how reading the Bible transformed another young man’s life.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing national missionaries like Balaark who brave through the difficulties of poverty and winter to share God’s love, and the tangible demonstration of His love through a winter coat.
Shutting the front door behind him, Balaark hugged himself tightly and pressed his thin, worn jacket to his torso. The icy wind stung his ears, painting them bright red. He felt the muscles in his entire body contract in a fruitless effort to ward off the invisible assailant. Balaark walked into the wind and began his course through the cold.
Balaark (pictured) serves the Lord near the village where he grew up as a poor outcast.
A cold wave had descended on the village where Balaark, a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported national worker, served. Each day, the bite of the wind and the falling temperature goaded the missionary to stay indoors, to postpone sharing God’s love for a warmer day.
Many picture Asia as hot and humid, with residents sweating rather than shivering. While that is true of some areas, particularly during summer, many other regions experience extreme winters with snow and ice. In the shadow of the Himalayas, where Balaark ministers, winter temperatures often drop below freezing. Kirpal, another Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported missionary serving in a cold place, explains the impact of winter temperatures.
“The winter is severe in my ministry place since it is surrounded by mountains,” shared Kirpal. “The cold wave affects our health. Visiting believers and doing [ministry is] difficult during winter without the proper warm clothes.”
In these bracing winter conditions, it is common to see national workers like Kirpal and Balaark sharing God’s love with people huddled around outdoor communal fires.
No Stranger to Difficulty
Balaark is not a stranger to the harsh winters experienced in the area where he serves the Lord; he grew up in a village nearby. Nor is he a stranger to difficulty; Balaark grew up poor and marginalized.
Neighbors looked down on young Balaark’s family because of their heritage. But when Balaark suffered from a mysterious illness, the neighbors were convinced evil spirits tormented the boy. Rumors spread and malicious talk drove the family further into isolation.
Poverty stalked the harassed family. It was not long before school was a forgotten childhood memory for Balaark. He worked day-labor jobs to help his family survive.
Trapped in a hopeless situation, Balaark’s parents reached out to a pastor with their troubles. The pastor shared from God’s Word, and the family found peace in the hope of Christ. Jesus became the anchor that secured them through the storms of life.
Balaark gradually felt the Lord calling him to serve in ministry full time. After equipping himself at seminary, Balaark began his ministry in a village near his home. The wounds of rejection Balaark received as a child were healed by the love of the Lord, who accepted him unconditionally. But one childhood difficulty continued to hound Balaark: poverty.
Despite Balaark’s adequate support, life continued to throw unexpected financial burdens across his path. Balaark’s mother suffered from several health complications and couldn’t work, and his father could not afford her treatments. Balaark paid for his mother’s medical expenses out of his own pocket, often neglecting his own needs. The stress of family concerns and their lack of resources frequently inhabited Balaark’s prayer.
“During the winter season, I was going through tension because my mother was also very sick,” Balaark shares. “Day by day, the cold wave was increasing. I had no sufficient amount to buy a new jacket.”
Unable to purchase warm clothes for the looming winter months, Balaark made do with what he had.
Winter becomes a threat to the poor who cannot afford heating or appropriate clothes. This homeless man faced sickness or death during cold snap in December 2014—which is why a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker gave him protection from the cold.
Poverty, a Marker for Winter-related Suffering
Many people in the cold regions of Asia find themselves in a similar situation. To cope with the cold, people often stay in bed later and go to bed earlier, only venturing out when the weak rays of the winter sun are high in the sky. Groups gather around fire pits and layer all the clothes they own. Grappling with the cold becomes a daily occupation, often to the neglect of work—a huge sacrifice for those whose dinner is paid for by what they earned that day.
The Kathmandu Post reports that the lack of proper shelter, warm clothes and nutritious food are among the factors that cause poor and disadvantaged groups to suffer from cold-related conditions. In the article, Rameshwor Dangal, chief at the Disaster Management Division in Nepal, states the sobering truth, “The mortality is increasing every year.”
This pastor is overjoyed at the gift of a winter sweater. It will help him continue ministering on the coldest days to those who are eager to hear about the God who loves them.
Heaven-sent Winter Clothing Packets
Despite the obstacles, Gospel for Asia-supported workers regularly brave the inclement weather to share the hope found in Jesus.
“Ministry doesn’t stop—even if it is snowing like crazy,” shares Mark, a Gospel for Asia (GFA) photojournalist who frequently travels to chilly locations in Asia.
Gifts of winter coats, blankets, sweaters, hats and gloves have armored national workers all throughout Asia. They have also blessed countless homeless people who spend winter on the streets and victims of natural disasters who have lost everything. These practical gifts enable the love of God to be verbalized, demonstrated and felt.
One Bible college student who received a winter clothing packet said,
“From the depths of my heart, I am grateful to God, who blessed me and allowed me to enjoy the winter with a shawl, sweater, socks and woolen cap. For me, it was not possible to buy it. I even had nothing in my bag when I came to study here. But God is so good.”
Wrapped in a New Winter Coat
As winter deepened, Balaark faithfully ministered to the people around him. Each morning, he spent time with the Lord before heading out. He asked for God’s help in the ministry work ahead of him and laid his needs and his burdens at the Lord’s feet. Trusting the Lord to go before him in all things, Balaark wrapped himself in his old coat and forged ahead, full of faith. He had no idea the Lord had already prepared a winter coat for him.
Balaark poses gratefully in the new winter coat he could not afford himself.
Ministry leaders on the field, prompted by the Lord, arranged a winter clothing distribution in Balaark’s area. The day Balaark received his new coat, joy filled his heart. God answered his prayers in an unexpected way.
“I was thinking that I will adjust with my old jacket this winter season too,” Balaark shared. “But, [ministry leaders] provided a new jacket. I am so grateful to our leaders … for their kind help.”
Invigorated by experiencing God’s provision and care, Balaark eagerly engages in his ministry. He talks with people on frigid streets and holds prayer meeting in unheated homes. Each morning, before heading out, Balaark thanks God for His provision and protection. Warmed by God’s love during his prayer times and his new winter coat, Balaark braves the cold to spread the warmth with others.
*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.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the struggles national missionaries face in the mission field. This is a story of the impact of a bicycle as a channel of God’s blessing to reach God’s flock and the lost who wouldn’t otherwise have been reached.
Pastor Jahansuz (pictured) with his wife and two sons.
Pastor Jahansuz was the pastor of six fellowships in six different villages. The Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor tried to visit every believer, but the villages were in some of the most remote regions. As such, there was no form of modern transportation. Pastor Jahansuz had to walk almost everywhere. The pastor felt burdened when believers asked him to visit their home for prayer and encouragement but couldn’t make the journey.
Although Pastor Jahansuz tried to encourage every believer, it was impossible at times. One particular village was located five and a half miles away from his home. The pastor began to pray for the Lord’s provision, and he even asked the believers to pray with him.
The Great Provider
The Lord listened, and He provided after six years of persevering prayer. Pastor Jahansuz was given a heavy-duty bicycle through the generosity of people like you! Finally, the pastor was able to do what he wanted: minister to his flocks.
“Since the pastor did not own a bicycle, he struggled a lot,” Abarja, one of the believers said.
“We live in far places, and due to that, he could not visit us. But now, by God’s grace, the pastor is able to visit us and is encouraging us to grow in the Lord.”
Pastor Jahansuz’s bicycle brought immediate blessing, both to his ministry and life. Before, the pastor was only able to visit those within a six-mile radius, but now that range has almost doubled!
Not only does he provide transportation for any in need, but Pastor Jahansuz has also been able to visit and minister in five additional villages with the bicycle’s help. Now, many more people are hearing of God’s love.
Pastor Jahansuz is able to use his bicycle to travel much further than before. He is now able to share about the love of Christ with more people and give out gospel literature (as seen in this picture).
Through this bicycle, Pastor Jahansuz can more easily minister to the believers in his area and bring the love of God to so many more. Supporters like you made this story and countless others like it possible. Thank you!
*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.
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