They Placed Their Hopes in the Prayers of a Gospel for Asia-Supported Stranger

Last updated on: July 14, 2022 at 10:13 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan– Discussing Kalpa’s family, the sickness and poverty, and their hope brought forth by God who heals and provides through national missionaries and the GFA Christmas Gift Catalog.

Kalpa lay numb on the hospital bed. His whole body was swollen, and no medications changed his condition. Being the oldest of five children in his family, Kalpa knew he needed to care for his family. They needed him, especially since his father, Iham, was extremely ill too. But how could he help if he stayed in the hospital—or died?

Family in Deep Sickness

Kalpa and his family were poor. They lived in a two-room home, with one room devoted to their livestock. When his father got sick, Kalpa, his mother and his younger siblings had to work to survive. Because of this, some of Kalpa’s siblings had to drop out of school early. But Kalpa was determined to finish, so he divided his time between school and work.

To add to his difficulties, Kalpa suffered from a sickness for three years. When it took him to the hospital it brought sudden despair. Discouragement filled the family’s hearts as they thought Kalpa was bound to die—until Iham spoke up. Muffled by the sores on his mouth, he shared of how he had seen another villager healed from a tumor because of a pastor praying.

With a sprout of hope, Kalpa and his family left the hospital and traveled to the church where they met Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Haatim.

Pastor Prays

Pastor Haatim listened to their pleas for help and began praying for Kalpa.

For a month, Pastor Haatim and the other believers prayed, and as a result, Kalpa was completely healed. This miracle confirmed the truth of God’s love, and the entire family opened their hearts to Jesus.

Now that Kalpa was healed, he could devote more time to studying and helping his family. But even with the extra hours of work, their meager finances left them struggling and still caring for Iham’s boil-ridden face.

Son and Father Healed, Receives Gift

Though their financial struggles were prominent, they once again saw God’s healing touch: He healed Iham’s sickness.

Then Iham could help in the field, but the family still barely met their daily needs. When Pastor Haatim saw their condition, he requested a gift that would help generate much-needed income for the family.

Through a Christmas gift distribution, Kalpa received a sewing machine, which he rejoiced over. With much diligence and excitement, Kalpa learned how to sew from an in-town tailor. He became skilled in sewing women’s clothing. He started stitching the villagers’ clothing and earned a reputation of being an excellent tailor among the community. Through his earnings, he was able to help provide for his family’s needs. He even helped save the family some money by sewing clothes for his mother and sisters.

With the extra income Kalpa received, he was able to build a small shed next to his home that has his own sewing shop. He keeps a Bible and songbook next to him so he can meditate on the promises of God while he works.

Just as God used a sewing machine to provide for Kalpa and his family and grow their hope, all gifts are able to provide families with a means of living and fill them with a lasting joy that continues into many generations. Today, you can fill another family’s home with joy by providing a gift through Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog.

See other gifts for the poor

*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 Reports, They Placed Their Hope in the Prayers of a Stranger

Learn more about how generosity can change people’s lives and grow their hope. 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.

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

Gospel for Asia Becomes a Tool in God’s Hands

Last updated on: July 15, 2022 at 4:24 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Discussing the national missionary life of Rahi, the oppositions, discouragements, the breakthroughs by humbly becoming a tool in God’s hands, and the power of His saving grace.

The sun had not yet illuminated the day, but Rahi was awake and on his knees. Every morning, he spent an hour talking with the Creator of the universe, His Savior, about all the things stored in his heart: family, ministry, personal needs and desires, the believers in his churches. Then he spent another hour in God’s Word, meditating and seeking the Lord’s will for his day and ministry.

In those sacred hours of the very early mornings, Rahi drew strength.

Sense of Urgency

Rahi has been serving the Lord as a GFA-supported worker for about 15 years. — Rahi had a longing to be a tool in God’s hands

Rahi has been serving the Lord as a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker for about 15 years. He started off as a film-team member, going from village to village in his home state to show movies about the life of Jesus.

“I had that sense of urgency in my heart that I should go and [share Christ’s love] to many people,” Rahi says.

He watched the Lord touch people’s lives as they saw Christ’s love for humanity displayed on the screen. People would weep and confess their sins; a few even decided they wanted to serve the Lord full time. Seeing how the Lord used him in a powerful way encouraged Rahi.

Throughout his time serving in film ministry, he and his team faced opposition for showing movies about Jesus, but Rahi believed doing the Lord’s work far surpassed any momentary afflictions.

On the Brink of Giving Up

After four years of serving in the film ministry, he spent the next three years in seminary, learning how to become a leader in ministry.

But after graduating from seminary, Rahi struggled in his new ministry location. He knew no one, and he had difficulties understanding the language. He struggled to communicate; people made fun of him when he mixed up words and accidentally used his mother tongue.

Discouragement settled in Rahi’s heart. He would call his leaders to ask if they would transfer him to a different place.

“I cannot survive here,” Rahi would say. “I cannot do ministry here because of my language problem. There is no one I can talk to.”

Every time he wanted to give up, his leaders would pray for and encourage him.

“You have gone with a purpose,” they told him. “God has called you to serve there, and He will do wonders and miracles. Just be patient and persevere through these little inconveniences, and definitely the Lord will use you mightily.”

Breakthroughs in Ministry

Eventually, instead of being overwhelmed by his challenges, Rahi fixed his eyes on Christ. He knew God’s work should not stop despite his own weaknesses, so he wrote a tract called “God’s Kingdom Is at Hand,” had it translated into the local language and distributed it to the villagers. People responded; they’d call him up wanting to know more about Jesus.

“I was very encouraged to see people interested to know about Jesus,” Rahi says.

As Rahi stepped out in faith, he saw God going before him. The language he once thought was incomprehensible became easier to understand and speak.

“I started to listen to people keenly, and I started to force myself to learn the language,” he says.

Karun, a villager, remembers the first day he met Rahi. His brother had invited the pastor to his house and had told all his relatives, “Come, let’s listen to him. He’s telling us about who Jesus is.”

While Karun and his family listened to Rahi share about Christ and His compassion, hearts began to stir.

“Although [Pastor Rahi] was speaking in mixed language—his mother tongue, which is … very similar to [our language]—we all could understand most of it,” Karun said. “We liked what he said. I really was impressed and interested in knowing more about Jesus.”

Ministering to People by Becoming a Tool in God’s Hands

As Rahi persevered through the little inconveniences, the Lord drew people to Himself.

Today, Rahi oversees 12 churches with around 600 believers. His wife and a group of Sisters of Compassion and Bible college students help him in ministry because it has grown so much in five years.

Every day, they visit people and share about God’s love for them and about Jesus’ life and sacrifice. When they see people in need, they find ways to help them. So far, Rahi has helped distribute income-producing and quality-of-life gifts to more than 1,500 people.

“We distribute things that are needed for these people,” Rahi says. “We encourage them to trust in the Lord and pray that the Lord will meet their needs. ” We distribute things among both believers and non-believers so everyone in society will benefit.

Drawing Strength from the Lord

Throughout the many seasons of Rahi’s ministry and journey with God, he’s seen God’s faithfulness to use him despite his inabilities. And his heart still holds that sense of urgency for many people to know God’s love and grace personally. Every day, he lays his needs bare before the Lord and trusts Him to work.

“I draw my strength … from the Lord when I come to Him in His presence and thank Him and seek His guidance and blessings,” Rahi says. “God, in His mercy, has worked in the hearts of [the people I minister to]. I am just a tool. I go and share about Jesus, … but it is Christ and the Holy Spirit who actually bring these people to His saving knowledge.”

Sponsor a National Missionary.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, A Tool In God’s Hands

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways and allowing themselves to be a tool in God’s hands.

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

Believers Rejoice Over New Church Buildings from Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: July 20, 2022 at 2:13 pm By GFA Staff Writer

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.

Gospel for Asia A community of believers gathers in celebration of the opening of their new worship place. — 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.

Please take a moment to learn about the additional benefits a place of worship provides. Your support of an effort to provide church buildings is an answer to prayer for a group of believers in need of a church home.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Believers Rejoice over New Church Buildings

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

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

Gospel for Asia Spotlight: Mountaintop Missionary

Last updated on: July 20, 2022 at 2:35 pm By GFA Staff Writer

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.

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Mountaintop Missionary

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

The Power of Christ: Gospel for Asia and a Peaceful Sleep

Last updated on: July 22, 2022 at 1:58 pm By GFA Staff Writer

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.

The Power of Christ: Gospel for Asia and a Peaceful Sleep - KP Yohannan — 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.

You can help make it possible for more families like Gomin’s to be restored by the grace of Jesus Christ. Sponsor a national missionary.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, No Better Than His Father

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

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

Boy Tormented by Evil Finds Christ on Film through Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: July 22, 2022 at 2:06 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Jayant and his family, tormented by evil he and his family found the true life and deliverance through Jesus Christ even through means like film ministry.

Jayant lay on his bed in complete stillness, but his mother, Aesha, knew it would only last for a moment. He soon would be thrashing under the covers uncontrollably and shouting—tormented with fear and anxiety. Jayant’s sickness was destined to get only worse, but Aesha would try anything to find him relief.

Family Seeks New Life in the City

Boy Tormented by Evil Finds Christ on Film through Gospel for Asia - KP Yohannan — Discussing Jayant and his family, tormented by evil he and his family found the true new life and deliverance through Jesus Christ even through means like film ministry.

Jayant was 15 years old when he realized there was no peace in his parents’ religious ritual. Even though he had participated in the traditional religion since childhood, he knew there was emptiness in the words. One only had to look at his family’s condition to see.

Jayant worked hard as a mason with his father, Mahavir, and his siblings, earning daily wages so his family could survive. But their condition never changed.

The family decided to move to a new city, hoping to find relief from their struggles, and though they found only similar work, it paid more in the city. Their quality of life increased, and they experienced hope as they enjoyed their new location—until Jayant fell ill.

Son’s Illness Upsets New Life

Jayant’s parents took him to the hospital where the doctors were baffled by his condition. He struggled every day with deep fears and grew weak no matter how much he ate. He even became violent at times. Taking Jayant from one doctor to the next quickly wore out his family’s finances.

Still, Mahavir and Aesha continued to take Jayant to the hospital as his condition worsened, hoping to find the true source of his illness. The doctors began testing Jayant’s brain and determined he had a psychological disorder. His parents would just have to keep him home.

That answer was not good enough for Mahavir and Aesha. With no medical help, they decided to carry Jayant to a local witch doctor. For the first time, they were informed that their son was being attacked by an evil spirit.

Days Turned into Years

Mahavir and Aesha tried many things to get the evil spirit to leave Jayant, but their hope of deliverance fell into the bottomless pit of their god’s silence.

Jayant continued to grow skinnier, yet he had supernatural strength that came in outbursts of violence. For four years Jayant remained inside his home, unable to work. This completely discouraged Jayant’s parents, and they gave up faith in the gods they once relied on.

Mahavir and Aesha were in complete despair when a strange group of men came to their village. The men announced that they were going to show a film nearby, and out of curiosity, Mahavir and Aesha decided to go.

As the sun set, the couple was amazed as the life and healing power of Christ were pictured in front of them. Each moment the film showed Jesus healing the lepers and raising the dead, Mahavir and Aesha grew in faith that their son could be healed.

Son Finds Deliverance through Film Team’s Prayers

When the film ended, Mahavir and Aesha spoke with the Gospel for Asia (GFA) mobile team and shared the condition of their son. They asked the team to come to their home to pray for Jesus to heal Jayant just as He had healed people in the film.

When the film team arrived at their home, Jayant looked at them with a deathly silence that ended as soon as the film team began to pray. As they earnestly cried out in Jesus’ name, Jayant began screaming. Gradually, though, the evil spirit left Jayant, and he was calm and able to speak.

In the days that followed, Jayant experienced full healing and peace. He and his family reached out to a local Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor who told them more about Jesus. At the end of the visit, the whole family accepted the freedom of Christ into their hearts, and they now worship with other believers.

Every day, families just like Jayant’s are transformed by seeing Christ’s life and power portrayed on film. You can send out even more teams equipped to show this film and spread the freedom of Christ.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Boy Tormented by Evil

Learn more about Film Ministry in Asia, as films on the life of Jesus have proven to be one of the best ways to let people in Asia know about the sacrificial love and deliverance of God.

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

Gospel for Asia Disaster Relief: Rebuilding The Rubble

Last updated on: February 22, 2023 at 8:20 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the GFA-supported Compassion Services teams comprised of national workers and missionaries, and their commitment to bring disaster relief to where it’s most needed.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Compassion Services teams grew in the wake of natural disasters, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, that pummeled areas where Gospel for Asia-supported workers were ministering. National workers had always responded in times of crisis, but as the ministry grew—and disasters seemed to increase in ferocity—the need for coordinated relief effort took form.

Present the Moment After Tragedy

In the hours following a cataclysmic event such as a tsunami, cyclone or earthquake, stunned silence punctuated with grief-soaked sobs hangs heavy in the air. Compassion Services teams—often the first to arrive—bring provisions for survivors and listen to those who endured such horrific experiences.

These relief workers quickly erect emergency shelters and distribute food rations. Along with provisions for basic needs, survivors are given comfort and hope.

Kalei, a mother and grandmother who survived 2013’s Cyclone Phailin, which ravaged the coastal shore of Odisha, India, escaped the storm with nothing but the clothes on her body. Her family’s mud hut was washed away by torrential rain, along with all their possessions. Compassion Services came to her village with groceries and clothing to help the immediate need.

Then there were the side-by-side earthquakes in Nepal during the Spring of 2015. It was the worst disaster in the nation’s history. The 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes, occurring two weeks apart, toppled cities and villages across the rugged landscape of the nation, whose northern border runs through the Himalayan Mountain range.

With a wide reach of established pastors and national workers in the country, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported disaster-relief teams partnered with the government of Nepal to search for survivors and rescue people stranded in the mountains.

Committed to Long-term Rebuilding

Fast forward one year: Displaced victims of the Nepal earthquakes returned to their villages and schools. Compassion Services teams switched from food rations to household items and school supplies. Simple items like mugs, buckets and salt brought relief and hope. Villagers who did not have the means to replace what the earthquake stole rejoiced at gifts of warm blankets and coats.

In 2013, the receding flood waters from Cyclone Phailin revealed the full impact of the storm. Homes and farms that were completely washed away left hundreds of thousands of people like Kalei without permanent shelter or a means to support themselves. National workers surveyed the damage and committed to the long-term rebuilding needed in decimated villages.

Christmas gift distribution programs provided survivors with sewing machines, carpentry tools and livestock—the means to build a new source of income. Plans developed to rebuild more than 1,000 homes—houses made of brick and cement and able to weather future storms.

Kalei stood at the door of her newly constructed brick-and-cement home with tears in her eyes.

“We were not able to build a house [for ourselves, especially one] made of bricks and cement,” Kalei said. “We are so thankful to our God for his mercy and to our church for their help.”

My Neighbors: Disaster Relief Specialists

When catastrophic disasters strike Asia, national workers are in the perfect place to respond immediately. Already part of the culture and community, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported response teams arrive on the scene within days or even hours, providing hope and relief.

In August 2018, floodwaters deluged the South Indian state of Kerala. Across the state, roads became rivers, and hundreds of thousands of people were stranded on rooftops, searching for higher ground.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers—filling the ranks of Compassion Services teams—cruised flooded streets in boats, rescuing those surrounded by rising waters. In the boat, team members gave bottled water and food to passengers and took them to emergency shelters.

“Because we have brothers and sisters living and serving in Kerala, we will be with these flood survivors for the long haul,” said Dr. K.P Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA).

“We will help them clean their homes, rebuild their houses and provide them with income-generating gifts to restore their lost livelihoods. We will minister hope in the name of Jesus and share His love in word and deed.”

Offering hope and help in the name of Jesus during great suffering is the heart of Gospel for Asia-supported ministry. Compassion Services teams are present in the tragic moments following catastrophe with the love of Christ to help survivors journey into joy.

Learn more about the need for Disaster Relief Work, Gospel for Asia’s “Compassion Services” with relief teams who love the Lord who are focused to help victims of natural disasters find a firm foundation.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Rebuilding The Rubble

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

Gospel for Asia Brings Good News in a Winter Coat

Last updated on: August 26, 2022 at 9:44 pm By GFA Staff Writer

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-supported worker gave him protection from the cold. — 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.

Support the faithful men and women who risk their lives in cold climates and also help bring winter coat and blankets to needy families across Asia today.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Good News Travelling in a Winter Coat

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

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Gospel for Asia: The Many Blessings of a Cow

Last updated on: September 3, 2022 at 6:46 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Rajvi and her husband, Parash – the all to common story of a family gripped by poverty – and the untold blessing a cow brings to lift an entire family from poverty.

Discussing Rajvi and her husband, Parash – the all to common story of a family gripped by poverty – and the untold blessing a cow brings to lift an entire family from poverty. — Much like the cow with this woman pictured, the cow Rajvi and Parash received at a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported gift distribution blessed their family in significant ways, providing milk to sell or drink and manure to fertilize their crops.

A dilemma lay before Rajvi and her husband, Parash: either sell their cows—a significant part of their livelihood—or endure sicknesses without medicine. Ultimately, Rajvi and Parash sold their cows, but the consequences of that decision would haunt them for years to come.

A Family in Need

Rajvi and Parash lived as farmers along with their four young children in a rural Asian village. After illness forced them to sell their cows—a primary source of money for farmers like them across Asia—just to afford medical care, their income suffered. Rajvi and Parash took up any labor jobs they could find in tandem with farming. Yet still, the money the couple earned couldn’t feed the entire family. Each passing day, poverty tightened its grip around the family.

Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Mairava, serving in the local village, knew of Rajvi and Parash’s struggles. The family was part of his church, having attended services for quite some time. But Pastor Mairava didn’t know how he could help them.

A Life-Changing Gift of a Cow

After much prayer, the Lord provided Pastor Mairava with a solution for Rajvi and Parash’s struggles. Through a Gospel for Asia-sponsored gift distribution, Rajvi and Parash received a cow!

The couple was ecstatic. This cow was a chance for them to bring much-needed income back into their household.

Almost immediately, the cow brought blessing to Rajvi and Parash. The cow provided fresh milk for the family, as well as dung to use as fertilizer for their crops and vegetables, saving money they typically spent on chemical fertilizer. In addition, the cow further blessed the family by giving birth to two calves!

No more shortages of food or income—through one cow, an entire family was lifted from poverty.

Learn more about how Gospel for Asia helps provide income-generating gifts to break poverty’s hold on families.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, The Many Blessings of a Cow

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

Child Labor Today: Not Gone, But Forgotten (Part 3 by Gospel for Asia)

Last updated on: November 26, 2022 at 6:52 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) Special Report on forced child labor today: Millions of Children Trapped between Extreme Poverty and the Profits of Others

New Developments to End Forced Child Labor

Supply Chain Enforcement

If this special report accomplishes nothing else, even though it is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, it should make readers aware that every effort to eradicate child labor has failed. That is substantially the reason for the title being “Child Labor: Not Gone but Forgotten.”

Despite consistent failures, new proposals continue to be set forth. The two most recent propose supply chain management solutions.

A number of countries that are major importers, including the United States, have launched campaigns that place the onus on prohibiting the importation of products that have been produced using child labor and all forms of forced labor or debt bondage. The U.S. program is operated under the auspices of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Forced Labor Program.

The results of the program thus far indicate that in FY 2017, ICE:

Spent $12,682,597 investigating cases of international forced child labor.
Spent $16,660,000 investigating cases of domestic forced child labor.
Made 150 domestic and 66 international arrests related to forced child labor.
Obtained 120 domestic and two international indictments related to forced child labor.
Obtained 73 domestic and no international convictions related to forced child labor.
Seized a total of $626,327 in assets from domestic and international investigations on forced child labor.

You do the math. Is there any better way to spend nearly $30 million to aid the cause of child labor?

Blockchain Enforcement

In an effort to combat forced labor, major corporations, including IBM, Ford and Coca Cola, are advocating the use of the current poster child of rapidly evolving technology: blockchain. It is a potentially effective means of ensuring that the products they market do not include child labor or any kind of forced labor from the beginning to the end of the entire supply chain process.

Blockchain proposes to be a secure and accurate digital ledger for recording assets, how and where they were obtained, and by whom.

Theoretically, companies would refuse to purchase from suppliers at any point in the supply chain who use child labor. All assets, locations and employees would be required to be “tagged” so they could be identified as a legitimate part of the supply chain. Miners like Lukasa and indentured fishermen like James Kofi Annan would not be able to work because they would not be registered in the blockchain.

Products sourced from conflict zones or that were created using child labor would not be able to enter the global market.

Exhausted and broken, these children carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Already, more than 152 million children worldwide have exchanged their futures for only a few dollars, and more join them every day. Enslaved in forced labor with no hope of a better future is no way for a child to live. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IGO / © ILO/Joseph Fortin

What Can We Do About Child Labor?

The answer to that question will depend upon who answers it. Well-meaning individuals from the philosophical to the practical will take positions on both sides of the argument of whether or not the practice of child labor can be eradicated. Even the philosophical and the practical will be divided in their opinions.

One thing we do know is that nothing has succeeded thus far. That does not bode well for future success.

But this report does not propose the eradication of child labor. Rather, it is intended to draw readers’ attention to its continuing existence. The issue of child labor is a Gordian Knot, the size of which cannot be cut even with the sword of Alexander the Great.

“…Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me..” —Matthew 25:40

The problem of child labor is inexorably linked to the poverty that enslaves nearly half the world’s entire population. We must take God at His Word; Jesus reminded His disciples that there will always be people living in poverty (see John 12:8). When Jesus referred to the poor, He used a word that specifically describes people who are destitute, helpless and powerless.

Three billion people in the world live on less than the equivalent of $2.50 USD per day. More than 84 percent of those living in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $5.50 per day.

3 billion

people live on less than $2.50 USD per day

While various and sundry organizations and institutions attempt to solve the child labor problem, the church’s task remains what it has always been: Be the hands and feet of Jesus to “the least of these” (see Matthew 25:40).

The Lord never called us to eradicate either child labor or poverty. He will do that someday when He returns to earth to rule and reign. In the meantime, we are called to serve.

Ours is not a race to eradicate child labor. It is a journey to provide and care for those who are relegated to the lowest positions in life. Relentlessly ministering to the needs of “the least of these” is visible evidence of the love and grace of God in action.

These GFA-supported Bridge of Hope students are getting ready to begin class after breaking for lunch. As children’s lives are transformed in Bridge of Hope, they bring new aspirations and knowledge home with them, and their families benefit as a result. Even beyond this, GFA’s Bridge of Hope program does much to uplift the communities it serves.

God’s Grace in Action at Gospel for Asia

For 40 years, the singular focus of Gospel for Asia (GFA) has been “to take the love of Christ to people who have never heard His name before.”

We must understand that Jesus looked upon people with such compassion that He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see. He didn’t just tell them that He loved them; He demonstrated His love in ways that changed their lives.

Representing Christ on earth requires that we demonstrate the same love and compassion that He did while He was here.

We are, from a heavenly perspective, blessed to be able to feed the hungry, tend to the sick and give a cup of cold water to the thirsty in Jesus’ name. These are people who know they have great needs. The Lord has granted us the high honor to love them and to serve them as His representatives. As He came to us as the “express image” of God the Father, so should we reach out to others in the express image of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:3).

Poverty Alleviation

Poverty, as we have shown, is at the root of the child labor problem. Regardless of any other peripheral factors, poverty is always the driving force behind either willing or forced child labor. Therefore, much of Gospel for Asia’s work among the people of South Asia is related to rescuing families from the clutches of poverty.

Literacy and Vocational Education

The inability to read and write is a major hindrance that, unless addressed, becomes a generational curse. Illiterate people lack essential tools needed to rise above a subsistence-level existence. Furthermore, illiteracy leaves people in a position where others can easily take advantage of their situation, including entrapping them and their children in bonded labor.

Gospel for Asia’s field partners host literacy classes and vocational training classes for adults and youth, equipping them with skills that can break them out of the cycle of poverty. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers guide class members through an understanding of basic entrepreneurial skills to empower them to create a better future for themselves. In addition, gifts such as sewing machines, fishing nets and rickshaws are just a few of the income-generating resources distributed among families who are in dire need of an income.

Farm Animals

Gospel for Asia (GFA) sponsors around the world give generously to provide farm animals for families in rural Asian villages. Chickens, goats, and cattle produce products like eggs, milk and meat, which can be sold for a good price or used to feed the family. Breeding the animals also allows the owners to expand their businesses, continually increasing their incomes to better serve their families.

Jesus Wells

Clean water is taken for granted by Westerners. However, in Africa and South Asia, women and children spend hours fetching water —not from a faucet, but from a ground source several hours away. In some cases, they must make the journey multiple times each day in order to meet their family’s needs.

By installing and maintaining Jesus Wells within poverty-stricken villages and communities, Gospel for Asia (GFA) provides a source of free clean water that can supply as many as 300 people with clean water for up to 20 years.

Not only do these people now have clean water, but it is also readily accessible. The women who fetched the water gain up to six hours a day that can now be used to obtain literacy and vocational training or to tend to their homes and children.

Bridge of Hope Centers

Children who formerly had to fetch water are now able to attend school, thereby avoiding the illiteracy and vocational poverty their parents and grandparents had suffered.

Enrollment in Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope centers is offered freely to children whose parents commit to keeping their children in school. The Bridge of Hope Program is a continuation of the school day, in which the children received enhanced and advanced training.

GFA’s Bridge of Hope Program provides backpacks and school supplies, relieving students’ parents of the pressure of those expenses. Children also receive a nutritious meal each day and free health checkups. As they experience holistic growth through the program, students gain a vision for a life away from the cheap labor in brick kilns and factories—and they are equipped to fulfill that vision.

God’s Grace in Action Through You

None of Gospel for Asia’s efforts to free families from poverty and their children from child labor would be possible without people like you. The prayers and financial support of Gospel for Asia (GFA) friends drill wells; open Bridge of Hope centers; pay for literacy classes, vocational training and farm animals; and equip all of the ministries of national missionaries who are sharing Christ’s love through practical ways that change lives both now and for eternity.

We may never end child labor, but we must never forget it or those working to combat it—and we must remain relentless in being the only Jesus some will ever see.

Child Labor: Not Gone, but Forgotten: Part 1 | Part 2

Source: Gospel for Asia Special Report, Child Labor: Not Gone, but Forgotten

Learn more about the children who find themselves discarded, orphaned and abused, and the home and hope that they can be given through agencies like Gospel for Asia.

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