Bicycle Restores Joy of School, Life for Seventh-grader

July 27, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

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

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

An All-day Affair

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

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

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

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

Request Not Granted

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

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

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

Life-changing Gift

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

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

Life changed dramatically for Sasa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, gifts like pigs, bicycles and sewing machines break the cycle of poverty and show Christ’s love to impoverished families in Asia. One gift can have a far-reaching impact, touching families and rippling out to transform entire communities.

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

Bicycle Helps Young Girl Follow Her Dreams

June 17, 2022 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide, discussing Moira and her dream to be a teacher hindered by distance and exhaustion, relieved through GFA World gift distribution of a bicycle.

Finally, Moira had made it to school through the day’s deluge of rain. Many days the young teenager arrived at school either soaked from the pouring rain or exhausted from walking in the hot sun. The five-mile trek hindered Moira’s ability to make it to school on time. There were mornings that, as the sun rose, Moira wondered if the agonizing trip was worth it.

Continue in School, Continue in Exhaustion

Discussing Moira, her dream to be a teacher hindered by distance and exhaustion, relieved through GFA World gift distribution of a bicycle. — Moira, pictured here with her bicycle, no longer worries about having to walk to school.

At 14 years old, Moira was well on her way to completing her secondary education. She wanted to be a teacher, and education was the only way she could attain that goal. But walking to and from school every day was taking its toll. Sometimes, in the evenings, Moira would fall asleep without eating dinner, exhausted from her trek home and from completing her homework assignments.

Some of Moira’s friends biked to school, and Moira had long wanted a bicycle. But she could only watch as her friends sped by.

Moira’s father, Anrai, saw his daughter’s struggles. The fact that he couldn’t afford to purchase a bicycle for his daughter distressed him. A farmer by trade, Anrai earned barely enough to both feed his family and send Moira to school as it was.

So Moira could only watch her friends on their bicycles and dream of how much easier it would be to go to school with one, how much time and energy it would save her. Her drive to continue her education slowly waned.

A Simple Gift to Help Achieve Her Goal

Then something amazing happened. Moira, along with several other school-age girls in her area, received a bicycle. Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Seeley, after having been made aware of Moira’s struggles, shared with his leaders about the young girl’s need and asked that she be included in the distribution. Thanks to him, Moira attended the gift distribution and received what she had wanted—and needed—for so long.

After Moira got her new bicycle, the burden that had weighed on Anrai for so long finally lifted. Moira was ecstatic. Now she could join her friends riding their bicycles to and from school, saving both time and energy for her studies.

“My dream has come true,” Moira told the pastor. “I cannot explain how happy I am now to have my own bicycle. … Now, I can concentrate on my studies.”

Now that Moira’s dream of owning a bicycle has been achieved, her goal of becoming a teacher can become ever more realistic. The bicycle was a small but helpful step to attain Moira’s dream.

Read how a bicycle helped another girl attend school after a devastating accident.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Bicycle Helps Young Girl Follow Her Dreams

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of a Bicycle — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

Learn more about the GFA World 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.

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

A Weary Man’s Prayers Were Answered When He Received a Bicycle from a Gospel for Asia Gift Distribution

November 1, 2021 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, whose heart to love and help the poor has inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to serve the deprived and downcast worldwide – Discussing Abid, his struggle against poverty for his family, and the answered prayer of a bicycle received from a GFA World gift distribution.

Discussing Abid, his struggle against poverty for his family, & the answered prayer of a bicycle received from a GFA World gift distribution. — Abid (not pictured) celebrates the gift of a bicycle, which significantly cut down his travel time to work and afforded him more time with his family.

Day in and day out, Abid walked a long path to work to provide for his wife and their six children. Nearly five miles to work and another five miles home, it took him hours to walk the distance. In between this trek, Abid worked hard for a small daily wage, but he frequently arrived late to work and faced reprimands from his boss.

The disapproving comments from his boss weighed on Abid. The 46-year-old man, known for his smiling face, would return home completely exhausted and agitated by his boss’s scolding.

By the time Abid’s family saw him at the end of the day, he had no energy left and was easily irritated, creating discord at home. When Abid didn’t collapse from exhaustion as soon as he crossed the threshold, he complained about the pain in his body, weary from the hours-long commute.

On Sundays, church was also a lengthy distance from Abid’s home. He often arrived late there as well, his steps slow from fatigue. Soon, Abid stopped attending the worship services altogether.

He was tired of being late everywhere he went, and he was tired of being tired.

Enough Is Enough

What could Abid do? He knew he couldn’t afford to purchase a different mode of transportation or a bus ticket, but something had to change.

Abid decided to pray about his situation. He asked God for a bicycle so he could make it to work and church on time.

Meanwhile, Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Bahari heard about Abid’s difficult commute. He learned of the toll it took on Abid’s body, his family relationships and even his ability to attend Sunday services. Pastor Bahari felt compassion for Abid’s struggles and decided to submit Abid’s name to receive a gift from a GFA gift distribution. Pastor Bahari excitedly presented the two-wheeled treasure to Abid, who received the bicycle with great thankfulness and a joyful heart.

God had answered Abid’s prayers! He was now the proud owner of a new bicycle, just as he had requested.

“I have a big family,” Abid explained. “I get money from the daily [wage] work and buy provision for home. Due to that, I could not buy [a bicycle]. But I thank the church for understanding my need and providing me a good cycle. Now I am on time to work and even for church. Thank you very much.”

The gift of a bicycle has truly changed Abid’s life. With a shortened commute, the bicycle affords him more time with his family and more energy to enjoy their time together. He has no trouble getting to work, and his boss is pleased Abid arrives on time. In addition, Abid now regularly attends church, and he helps family members and neighbors by using his bike to run errands.

Across the globe, countries annually celebrate World Bicycle Day on June 3rd. For Abid, every day he mounts his bike is a good day to thank God for the life-changing gift of the bicycle.

Read Kagiso’s story about a gratefully received gift of tin.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, Mother Receives Skills, Tools to Feed Her Family

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of a Bicycle — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

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

How Gospel for Asia’s Gift of a Bicycle Changed a Man’s Life

April 23, 2021 By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide – Discussing GFA Pastor Lanzo, a national worker traveling on foot visiting many villages to share the love of Jesus, and the Gospel for Asia gift of a bicycle that became a channel of transformation and change.

Discussing a national missionary travelling on foot who visits many villages to share Jesus, and the Gospel for Asia gift of a bicycle that brought change. — The gift of a bicycle, like this one, helped Pastor Lanzo traverse rugged terrain and share the message of hope with Teetonka. Man on bicycle that was a gift from Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Lanzo mounted his bicycle, prepared for the hour-long journey before him. He pedaled through jungle and thick woods, only stopping to get off his bicycle and carry it over the shallow, washed-out roads. Though his trip was difficult, Pastor Lanzo was motivated by his love for the villagers he was traveling to see; that love propelled his bicycle through the most difficult segments of his journey. The people needed his help—and the hope found in Jesus.

Gift of a Bicycle Meets A Village in Need

Pastor Lanzo ministered in a small village and prayed that one day he would be able to visit many other villages to share Jesus’ love with others. His primary form of transportation, however, was walking, which often made visiting other villages quite difficult. Pastor Lanzo longed for a bicycle, which would make traveling much easier and more villages accessible.

When Pastor Lanzo received a bicycle through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) Christmas gift distribution, it was an answer to prayer. He immediately began visiting and sharing God’s love with nearby villages that had been too far to travel to on foot. One village he visited contained only 15 houses and had no proper roads. But Pastor Lanzo knew that, despite the few houses, the people of this village still needed love, care and encouragement. So with the help of his new bicycle, he traversed the treacherous roads to bring Jesus’ message of hope to the people who needed it.

Critic’s Heart Opened Through Dreams

One day, Pastor Lanzo met a 65-year-old man named Teetonka in this remote village.

Teetonka had a wife, three sons and one daughter. He and his family worked in the fields doing jhum cultivation for their livelihood, a type of agriculture comprising a “slash-and-burn” technique and frequent moves to different locations for harvesting.

All Teetonka’s life he had faithfully participated in the traditional religion. He had never heard about Jesus—nor did he want to.

Pastor Lanzo was not welcome in Teetonka’s village—at least not around the older man— and Teetonka made sure he knew that. Whenever he’d see the pastor, Teetonka would criticize him and God.

Pastor Lanzo remained steadfast throughout the opposition, continuing to show God’s love to Teetonka and the other villagers through word and deed. And then something unexpected happened.

“I believe you have God-given power,” Teetonka told the pastor one day.

This wasn’t Teetonka’s usual tirade.

“Whenever I speak words against you and Christianity,” the older man continued, “I used to see a bad dream. Is this magic?”

Pastor Lanzo immediately understood the Holy Spirit had been working in Teetonka’s heart and explained God’s mysterious ways to the mystified man.

Teetonka listened intently to the pastor share about life in Christ. He even allowed Pastor Lanzo to pray for him and visit his house.

Teetonka’s understanding of Jesus and life in Him deepened. Before long, Teetonka put his trust in Jesus and experienced God’s love for himself.

Hope for His Family

Teetonka could not make the six-mile journey to attend Pastor Lanzo’s church, but because of his bicycle, Pastor Lanzo was able to continue visiting and praying with Teetonka regularly. Encouraged in his spirit by learning about God’s love, Teetonka shared Jesus with his family members, too, encouraging them with the message of hope found through Jesus. And though his family remained firm in their faith and his fellow villagers opposed what he had to say, Teetonka remained hopeful that God would open their hearts, just as God had done in his own heart.

“I have hope,” Teetonka said, “that my family members and villagers will come to Jesus Christ one day.”

Read how a bicycle built Shakurah’s faith.

Source: Gospel for Asia Field Reports & Updates, How the Gift of a Bicycle Changed a Man’s Life

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of a Bicycle — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

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

A Gospel for Asia Bicycle Prepares the Way

October 19, 2020 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 labors national missionaries, the constant difficulties and opposition, and God’s work through them, and through a Gospel for Asia (GFA) bicycle gift.

Pastor Gobi knelt on the ground while the sound of his prayers filled the air. Soon he would begin his ministry distributing literature and praying for the sick and needy. On his knees he would find victory. Gobi didn’t know it then, but a long journey of faith and endurance awaited him.

Village Opposes the Good News

Early in the morning, Pastor Gobi felt the Lord’s prompting to share His love in one particular village, so he made his way there. But when he arrived, the pastor faced utter rejection. The villagers were worshiping their traditional deities, trying to find joy and peace in their hearts. They offered sacrifices to them, hoping to receive blessings, and they had no room for Pastor Gobi’s message of hope in Christ.

Some villagers snatched the literature Gobi offered them and tore the booklets. With threatening words, they told him to leave and not return.

The villagers snatched the literature Gobi offered them and tore the booklets. With threatening words they told him to leave and not return.

A Heart Committed to Prayer

Even though it was difficult, Pastor Gobi prayed and sought God’s face, asking Him to prepare the soil of the villagers’ hearts and minds to know the Lord’s grace. Because this matter burdened his heart, he began to fast and pray every Friday for the village—something he would do for three years.

As time went by, Pastor Gobi felt full of the Lord’s courage, so he once again visited the village that had harshly rejected the Good News. Gobi passed out literature and shared God’s love with the villagers. At the end of the day, he met a man named Tosa.

Tosa was known as the poorest man in his village. He struggled finically. Though Tosa and his wife both worked as much as they could, they were barely scraping by. If they couldn’t work, they didn’t eat that day.

Meeting a Troubled Man

As Pastor Gobi conversed with Tosa, he heard the man’s story in detail.

Tosa was known as the poorest man in his village. He struggled financially. Though Tosa and his wife both worked as much as they could, they were barely scraping by. If they couldn’t work, they didn’t eat that day.

Tosa knew that if he could get to the city, he would find better work and be able to feed his family. But there was a problem: His family owned only one bicycle, and his children needed it to get to school each day. There was no other means of transportation he could afford. So he stayed in his village—sometimes walking by foot to nearby villages—looking for work so his family could live.

Doors Begin to Open

Tosa was presented with a Gospel for Asia bicycle by Pastor Gobi. With this useful gift, Tosa travels to the city and earns a better living. — Tosa was presented with a bicycle by Pastor Gobi. With this useful gift, Tosa travels to the city and earns a better living.

Whenever Pastor Gobi visited the village, he made it a point to check in with Tosa and his family. As they saw the genuine love and care Gobi shared with them, they decided to learn about Jesus by attending church.

When it came time for Pastor Gobi to organize a Christmas gift distribution, he requested that Tosa be added to the list of recipients. Two months later, Tosa was presented with a bicycle. With this useful gift, Tosa traveled to the city and began to earn a better living. Soon his family could enjoy three meals a day, and he was even able to purchase more clothing for his family, including school uniforms for his children.

As Tosa and his family’s lives began to transform, the villagers watched them closely. Slowly their hearts began to soften. Their ideas about Pastor Gobi and God began to change. The villagers began to take the literature Pastor Gobi offered, and they read it with curiosity. They have begun to ask Pastor Gobi for prayer when they are sick or in need of peace.

As Pastor Gobi faithfully prayed, the Lord listened and answered the cries of his heart. Now Christ’s love is freely shared in a village that once rejected it. The bicycle was just one tool the Lord used to prepare the soil of hardened hearts!

Gospel for Asia bicycle prepared the way: As Tosa and his family’s lives began to transform, the villagers watched them closely. Slowly their hearts began to soften. They wanted to take the literature Pastor Gobi offered. — As Tosa and his family’s lives began to transform, the villagers watched them closely. Slowly their hearts began to soften. They wanted to take the literature Pastor Gobi offered.

The gift of a Gospel for Asia (GFA) bicycle can help break the bondage of poverty for a family just like Tosa’s, and a bicycle can also be given to a missionary to help him or her share the love of Christ farther and faster. Help many others to hear about the love of Christ by giving the gift of a bicycle.

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of Bicycles — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

*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 Featured Article, A Bicycle Prepares the Way

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.

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 Helps Provide a Bicycle for the Long Haul

August 25, 2020 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 hardships of Narottam, the daily heavy labor, and Gospel for Asia (GFA) who helped provide a bicycle that now helps him support his family without overstraining his body.

Beads of sweat formed on Narottam’s forehead as he walked the long road to his destination. The heavy loads of bamboo and firewood that he carried day after day made his 37-year-old body ache. Deep down, Narottam wondered how much longer his body could withstand the strain, but he forced himself to keep going. His family depended on him.

A Tired Body and Weary Mind

Narottam sold wood and bamboo in addition to his work as a farmer to provide for his family’s basic needs. With no vehicle to transport the heavy loads, he had to carry them by hand and on foot wherever he went—a slow and grueling task. Yet for all the effort Narottam put forth, he couldn’t afford to send his children to a good school, and his unreliable income made it impossible to pull his family out of poverty.

Then one day, a simple gift changed Narottam’s future. When the struggling father attended a Gospel for Asia (GFA) gift distribution, he received a bicycle, and his joy knew no bounds. Now he is able to carry and sell larger loads of wood without straining his body, and his mind is at ease, knowing he’ll be able to provide for his family in years to come. Narottam is thankful to those who sponsored a gift in his time of need—he has received help for his weary body and found peace in God’s hands.

Giving People a Living Hope

Maybe you’ve given a bicycle, a sewing machine or a flock of chickens to someone in Asia when they needed it most. Or maybe you provide a Bridge of Hope child with education and medical care and pray for them on a regular basis. Whether you give financially, pray regularly for a specific area of ministry, or volunteer your time to bless people like Narottam, we are grateful for your commitment and sacrifice. Thank you for partnering with Gospel for Asia (GFA) to transform lives and give people hope that lasts.

Learn more about how generosity can change lives. Through Gospel for Asia (GFA World and it’s affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) and its Christmas Gift Catalog, gifts like pigs, bicycles and sewing machines break the cycle of poverty and show Christ’s love to impoverished families in Asia. One gift can have a far-reaching impact, touching families and rippling out to transform entire communities.

Source: Gospel for Asia Featured Article, A Bicycle for the Long Haul

Learn more about the GFA 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 Gospel for Asia Special Report: Poverty: Public Enemy #1 – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable

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

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

Bicycles Lift Burdens through Gospel for Asia

January 1, 2020 By GFA Staff Writer

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.

Bicycles Lift Burdens through Gospel for Asia - KP Yohannan — 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.

Learn more about bicycles, and how lives are blessed and changed through them.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Bicycles Lift Burdens

Learn more how to demonstrate God’s love through the gift of Bicycles — to Missionaries, school children, farmers and daily laborers. Through these gifts, people experience Christ’s love.

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

A Bicycle in Asia Means So Much More

February 8, 2018 By GFA Staff Writer

Gospel for Asia (GFA) Report, Wills Point, Texas

My excitement and anticipation had never reached such a climax in all my eight years of life. I had seven birthdays already under my belt, but none would compare with this one. This birthday was sure to be archived in my future memory as the best birthday of my childhood; the story I would retell time and time again.

I confidently opened gift after gift, sure one of them would lead me outside to a long-asked-for-patiently-awaited bicycle. My parents had never been able to afford one before, and even though monetarily nothing had changed, I could feel in my bones that this was the year my dream would become reality. My senses tingled; a bicycle was close.

As I came to the last present, I held my breath as I tore open the wrapping. What? No bicycle? No note telling me to look behind the garage? No first clue to a treasure hunt ending in my parent’s room with a gleaming, two-wheeled beauty, hopefully in pink?

As doubt crept from my gut to my heart, I scanned the faces of my family assembled around me. As I searched from face to face in desperation, I landed on the smiling eyes of my aunt and hope sprang to life in my heart once again. She told me to close my eyes as she carefully led me out the front door. My heart pounded with each step on the gravel drive. My aunt uncovered my eyes, and I saw my beaming uncle come around the corner of the garage pushing the ugliest bike I had ever seen!

The giant pink bow on the handle bars could not hide the atrocity of the banana-seat bike before me. The bright yellow frame made the multi-colored giant daisies on the seat pop out. Giant daisies?! Something a 4-year-old would want?! As soon as I saw the bicycle, I burst into tears. Not only was my dream dashed, but I knew I would be stuck with the worst bicycle on the block for the rest of my childhood!

Now you may be wondering why I am sharing at such great length this painful childhood memory. As I remember and re-live the longing I had for my first bicycle, I am able to enter into the longing and anticipation of our brothers and sisters in Asia who dream of one day getting a bicycle of their own.

For me, a bicycle meant freedom, independence, maturity and neighborhood swagger. For those in Asia, a bicycle means something completely different.

Sandeep on his way to encourage believers with his wife and child - KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia — Sandeep on his way to encourage believers with his wife and child.

Take Sandeep, for instance, a GFA-supported missionary serving in Asia. Several nights a week, Sandeep travels by bicycle to different villages to hold prayer meetings, teach believers and encourage them in their faith. In one village, Sandeep meets with a family who are the only Christians in their village. Everyone listens intently as Sandeep shares a message from the Bible. The message challenges the family to keep pursuing Christ even though they are not always accepted.

Sandeep also prays for the family. Their son, Patag, recently went blind. Sandeep prays that the Lord will heal Patag and that his testimony will have a great impact on the village. Without a bicycle, Sandeep might not have been able visit this village, as it was a long walk.

There are many other GFA-supported workers with similar stories like Purnendu, Raji and Dhumal. All three of these brothers are dependent on a bicycle provided by GFA’s field partners to fulfill their call from God.

Another way bicycles can significantly impact lives in Asia is enabling school children to get to school. Paramita was often late for school because of the four-mile walk from her home. Because of her tardiness and inconsistent attendance, she was demoted from eighth grade to seventh grade. Then, in 2015, Paramita received a bicycle at a GFA-supported Christmas gift distribution. Paramita was overjoyed,

“All my friends go to school by bicycle, and I wanted to have a bicycle like my friends. But I knew the difficulties that my parents have financially, and so I dared not ask them. But sometimes when I am alone, I used to feel discouraged and cry for my life. Now, my life is changed after getting the bicycle, because every day I go to school regularly, and I am not late, neither do I get tired. I am very happy.”

Paramita arrives at school on time with her new bicycle - KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia — Paramita arrives at school on time with her new bicycle.

Bicycles also help daily laborers earn a living and support their families in a way that would simply be impossible otherwise. Rajbir is a lean-framed farmer who carried vegetables to sell at the market on his back to provide for his family. Like Paramita, he was given a bicycle at a Christmas gift distribution.

“The Lord has been so gracious to me and provided me this [gift] free of cost,” Rajbir says. “I am so happy. Now I can carry all my vegetables from my garden to the market on this bicycle. I will be able to carry more. … I also will be able to take my children to school on this bicycle.”

A bicycle in Asia means so much more than here in the states. It can be the difference between a village hearing of the love of Jesus or remaining in ignorance of His coming. It can be the vehicle to a bright future for a child that might otherwise sink into uneducated poverty. A bicycle can enable a daily laborer to put bread on the table and clothes on his children.

The longing and hope for a bicycle is a longing for a tangible need that will dramatically improve daily life for the recipient. It is a gift that is truly appreciated.

I did end up living with the ignobility of that banana seat bicycle for years. While I never got over the slight embarrassment I felt every time a new friend saw it, I relished the adventures I was able to have with it. And while a bicycle was and is an object of recreation for me, I rejoice to know the practical blessing of a bicycle for our friends in Asia.

At GFA, we are motivated by a deep love to provide practical things like bicycles to radically impact an individual’s life. We are encouraged by the stories we hear of people like Sandeep and Paramita who praise God for His provision and care. We praise God with them, sometimes even from the seats of our bicycles.

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How Do Bicycles Help Poor Families in Asia Achieve a Better Quality of Life?

January 10, 2018 By GFA Staff Writer

How worried would you be if your children had to walk two hours to and from school every morning and afternoon? Maybe you’d be concerned for their safety and well-being. That’s the case for many mothers and fathers in Asia.

Shamita had no other choice but to send her 16-year-old daughter, Sudipti, on foot to a school located more than four miles away from their rural village. Though Shamita herself worked as an uneducated daily wage laborer, she wanted her daughter to go to school.

Ever since Shamita’s husband died five years ago, life had been very difficult for her, and she struggled hard to care for her two children. Her only hope was that Sudipti’s education would make life better for them in the future.

But Sudipti had to get up early in the morning to make it to school on time. There were times when she ended up being late for class because her legs hurt so badly from all the walking. Sudipti wished so much to have a bicycle to ride to school, but she knew her mother, being a widow, could never afford to buy her one.

Yet God did not forget this poor widow’s family. When Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Bhajan and his church from a neighboring community held a special gift distribution to needy families, Sudipti was chosen to receive a new bicycle. The young girl was so excited and grateful for this valuable gift.

“Now I won’t be late to school,” she said. “I am excited to ride my bike to school.”

Sudipti stands beside her new gift: a bicycle! - KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia — Sudipti stands beside her new gift: a bicycle!

Moreover, because the bicycle saves her many hours of walking, she now has far more time to help her mother at home and take care of her younger sister.

When Pastor Bhajan and some believers visited this dear family, Shamita welcomed them gladly. She was so touched by what they shared with her about the love of Christ and by the kindness and help the church extended to her family.

“I knew that my daughter needed a bicycle,” Shamita said, “but I could not afford to buy a bicycle for her, as I hardly manage my daily needs. … You saw the need of my daughter and provided a bicycle for her; I am very happy.”

In a society where millions live far below the poverty line, people like Shamita struggle just to survive another day. They will take any job they can get or resort to begging to earn a few pennies to buy food for their families. Without the safety net of a welfare system, a parent’s sickness or death can plunge the family into further poverty or destitution.

How do gifts like a bicycle immensely help poor families achieve a better quality of life?

For many, it’s a game changer ! Beyond helping children attend school, this simple but effective transportation opens up many new job opportunities:

A father can take a higher paying job in a place that is farther away,
A farmer can transport his produce to the market
A vendor can sell his goods from village to village
A launderer can expand his laundry service to new customers
A fisherman can sell his daily catch in town
A son or daughter can go to school or job training even if it’s more than four miles away from home.

Throughout the year, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported missionaries seek to help poor families in their communities by providing gifts that will enable them to earn a living. Bicycles are included in those gifts.

Gospel for Asia (GFA) –supported workers see the needs of those around them and want to help in whatever ways they can. By giving away a gift like a bicycle, they’ve seen lives change in big and small ways—even if it’s just the joy on people’s faces when they realize how much they are looked after by the God who created them and loves them.

This is what motivates us to do what we do—to see people and communities transformed!

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Bicycles Still Game Changers for Workers in Asia Says Gospel for Asia

October 19, 2017 By GFA Staff Writer

It’s Throwback Thursday, y’all! So Gospel for Asia is going to take you back to the ‘80s now—without the acid-wash jeans or VCR.

Ready for it?

Check it out.

I believe that beneath that stoic face and stately posture lived a passion to see lives changed by the love of Jesus. This brother in Christ, like every other Gospel for Asia-supported missionary, most likely made it his life’s purpose to serve the people God placed in his life. That included the people in neighboring communities.

I don’t know how many miles this national worker had to travel. I don’t know if he experienced long journeys walking in the scorching sun, trying to visit the nearest village. But I do know that bicycle he’s holding on to most likely made it possible for him to do more ministry than before. I believe that’s true because, besides people’s ages, not much has changed in 30 years.

Gospel for Asia still gives away nearly identical bicycles to national workers. Those bikes are simple but sturdy, built to endure the tough terrain of Asia. They’re quality. They’re dependable—just their like owners.

Often, national workers request bicycles so they can minister in the neighboring villages. They know people are waiting to hear the good news of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for them. But their feet can only take them so far. In cases like these, bicycles are still game changers for those who receive them!

These are the words of one Gospel for Asia-supported missionary after receiving a bicycle in 2013:

“Every single outing I used to ask to borrow a bicycle from my believers. I have been praying to have a bicycle of my own for the work of God … But after a long-awaited prayer, God answered my prayers, and now I [have] a bicycle in my hands. My problem is solved now because I got the needed equipment from the Almighty God.”

We’re thankful that for more than 30 years, the Lord has given us the privilege of equipping our brothers and sisters in the Lord with the tools they need to serve and to serve well.

If you’d like to see some more throwback photos of Gospel for Asia’s ministry, check out Dr. David Mains’ post about the day he met a young KP Yohannan who had a wild dream.

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

Go here to know more about Gospel for Asia: GFA.net | GFA Wiki | GFA Flickr