WILLS POINT, TX – GFA World (Gospel for Asia) one of the largest global mission agencies now in both Africa and Asia, has seen significant growth in the reach of GFA Minute, its rebranded radio program – now on 250 radio stations across the U.S.
The minute-long program features K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), sharing his heart about biblical discipleship and the many “lost souls around the world who need the love and salvation that Jesus offers.”
“My desire is that listeners walk closer to God and strengthen their reliance on faith that comes from having a heart for missions, Jesus, and the lost world,” said Yohannan, also known as Metropolitan Yohan, who started the mission agency over 40 years ago.
Gospel for Asia (GFA World), which is experiencing unprecedented growth with the global ministry’s move into Africa in addition to its original mission to Asia, is using GFA Minute to share Yohannan’s message with the social media generation.
“We hope GFA Minute encourages listeners to reach their lost world, pray for the world, build up their faith, and make the sacrifices necessary to see the world come to Christ,” said Yohannan. “It’s a simple and unique daily challenge to listeners to walk away from mediocre Christianity.”
Plans for additional growth include reaching Canadian radio outlets and additional outlets in the U.S. For information about where to tune in, or for updates on new outlets, visit www.GFAMinute.org.
About GFA World
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national missionaries bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide — reflects on the missionary zeal and sacrifice of Doubting Thomas and how God interweaved his story to South Asia and Gospel for Asia (GFA World).
Doubt.
As believers, it’s not something we want to dwell on.
But we’ve all been there. Myself included.
July 3 is St. Thomas’s Day, commemorating Thomas the Apostle, the disciple who famously doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead.
For centuries, he’s been known as “Doubting Thomas.” But Thomas was actually the first disciple to declare to the risen Christ: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NIV).
Here’s where the story of St. Thomas gives me goosebumps. In AD 52, about 20 years after Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, Thomas journeyed 3,000 miles to India, where he planted seven churches in the South.
One of those churches was in the village of Niranam — one of the 600,000 villages throughout India today. Those first churches were among the earliest expressions of pure, untainted Christianity anywhere in the world. In Niranam, there’s a stone with an ancient Ethiopian script memorializing the spot where St. Thomas established the first church in India.
Why does that give me goosebumps?
Niranam is the village where I was born, 72 years ago.
Of all the villages in India, St. Thomas came to mine! If St. Thomas had not come, had not brought the gospel, and had not established a church in my home village — 3,000 miles from Jerusalem — would I have come to faith in Christ? Would God have planted in my heart the seed that gave birth to Gospel for Asia (GFA World), now one of the largest mission organizations on earth? And would untold millions have had the opportunity to experience the love of Christ as a result?
St. Thomas’s Day — July 3 — also happens to be the anniversary date of the founding of Gospel for Asia (GFA World). Because St. Thomas was obedient to travel all the way to India, the gospel came to the subcontinent, and — nearly 2,000 years later — Gospel for Asia (GFA World) was launched on St. Thomas’s Day in 1979.
Coincidence? I highly doubt it!
I don’t know for sure if God arranged that on purpose. But I believe He did!
We owe much to the courage and faith of St. Thomas, who — according to tradition — was martyred in India after bringing the gospel to my home village. I’m amazed the Holy Trinity — looking down through the centuries — allowed the missionary story of Doubting Thomas to intersect with my own.
Over the years, God has trained me to depend on His often-unseen hand in my life. Like all of us, I’ve had my share of doubts and discouragement. Like Doubting Thomas, I’ve wanted to see “the proof” before I’ve taken the next step of faith. But, looking back on my life, God has always been patient with me — and, even in my own frailty of faith, He’s never let me down.
In my most despairing moments, the victory of the cross of Christ swept away the fear and discouragement as I focused on the One who gave up everything for me — me, K.P. Yohannan, a skinny boy from one of India’s obscure villages.
Feeling Unworthy?
When he arrived in my home village, I wonder if St. Thomas felt the same as me — unworthy, inadequate for the task God called him to? Perhaps you feel that way sometimes, too?
As I reflect this month on the missionary zeal and sacrifice of Doubting Thomas — and the incredible way God interwove his destiny with mine — I’m called back to the pure, untainted, mission-driven faith of those earliest churches the Apostle planted in India nearly two millennia ago.
Centuries later, GFA World’s workers share the same holy, apostolic ministry — sacrificing their personal comfort to share Christ’s love with the untold millions, the poor, the forgotten, the outcasts, the widows, and those disfigured by leprosy.
One of my biggest regrets is that I wish I’d risked more for Jesus in my life. If I could do it over again, I’d take more risks for the gospel. I’d give more. I’d sacrifice more. I’d strive to be more like St. Thomas.
Perhaps God is placing something radical on your heart that He wants you to do for him. Maybe it seems “too risky.” Perhaps there’s that niggling doubt in your mind: “What if I take the plunge — and fail?”
Could I humbly offer you some advice?
Follow the example of St. Thomas. Cast aside your doubt. Believe that God keeps his promises. Take a risk for the gospel. Live 100 percent for Jesus!
About KP Yohannan
KP Yohannan, founder and director GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, has written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than four million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan – Gripping account of K.P. Yohannan’s spiritual journey set for release April 28 as nearly half of Americans cite COVID-19 as ‘last days’ warning
The leader of one of America’s largest faith-based organizations reveals how his own faith in God and spiritual journey carried him through a “forest fire of grief and pain” in a “brutally honest” new book set for release April 28, 2020.
‘NEVER GIVE UP’: Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and director of Texas-based missions organization Gospel for Asia (GFA World), says God led him through a “forest fire of grief and pain” in a classic new book titled Never Give Up: The Story of a Broken Man Impacting a Generation, published by GFA Books and set for release April 28. Pre-order at www.nevergiveupbook.org.
Global missionary statesman Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and director of Texas-based missions organization Gospel for Asia (GFA), recalls how God led him through “the most difficult and loneliest time of my life” in a classic new book titled Never Give Up: The Story of a Broken Man Impacting a Generation.
The book release happens to come at a time when nearly half of Americans say they believe COVID-19 is a “wake-up call” to turn back to God and that the biblical “last days” are coming, according to a new poll by The Joshua Fund.
“My heart for this book is to strengthen the people of God for these last days,” said Yohannan, whose ministry has served the extreme poor in Asia for 40 years. “The closer we get to our Lord’s return, the more uphill the journey will become.”
The veteran leader — considered one of the most influential missionary figures of the past half-century — said: “We must reevaluate our priorities and become the people who will have the strength to stand. I hope and believe this book will help people to do that with new-found resolve.”
Yohannan’s previous books include Revolution in World Missions — which launched a groundbreaking movement of supporting national workers and has more than four million copies in print.
In Never Give Up, 70-year-old Yohannan openly discusses a grueling four-year legal battle and how it drove him to the depths of despair. Yohannan describes how great trials produce perseverance — and how he emerged from his brokenness inspired to show God’s love to a new generation.
The Choice: Not to Give Up
“The choice not to give up is mine — and it is also yours,” says Yohannan in Never Give Up. “I am certain you, too, have gone through, or are even now going through, your own Gethsemane,” Yohannan says, referring to the garden where Jesus agonized before his death. “Please believe me, the sun will rise. Hold on. Let us not forget God’s unchanging promise, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV).
Calling Yohannan a leader with “a pure heart, great passion and vision,” George Verwer, founder of Operation Mobilization (OM) International, described Never Give Up as a “history-making” account that will inspire and help others during troubled times in their lives.
“Without question, Gospel for Asia (GFA) is one of the greatest works of God in our generation,” said Verwer.
‘Brutally Honest’
Calling Never Give Up “brutally honest and refreshingly candid,” Skip Heitzig, senior pastor of Calvary Albuquerque, said: “I’ve known K.P. Yohannan for three decades. I’ve seen him in great triumph, and I watched him endure in great pain. His passion for untold millions of people is undeniable, and his passion for honoring Christ is equally so.”
Like the lion Aslan, a “Christ figure” in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, God shows up to encourage people during their most desperate moments, Yohannan says in Never Give Up.
“When you walk through grief and pain, you will see the Invisible One, and he will see you through,” said India-born Yohannan, whose ambitious vision is to bring physical and spiritual hope to 500,000 of Asia’s poorest children.
“One of the most encouraging things the Lord has said to me is: ‘At the end of your journey, I am going to be there, and you are going to meet me,'” Yohannan said.
Gospel for Asia (GFA) is a leading faith-based mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,000 clean water wells drilled, over 11,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 200,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.
WILLS POINT, TX — The founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, K.P. Yohannan, issues the following urgent statement calling for global prayer on behalf of Afghanistan’s small Christian minority:
“As an Indian, I am a child of this region. I’ve also spent my entire life supporting the persecuted church in various ways throughout many countries in it. Most of that work—made possible by our supporters—I can never speak of. But, I can tell you now that many secret Christians are likely going to die very soon in Afghanistan and in other countries at the hands of emboldened terrorists. These brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers more than ever before. Churches in every country of the world must unite their hearts in intense prayer for all those Christians in harm’s way. They are relying on us. I pray that no church in the world worships like normal over the coming weeks while Christians in Afghanistan await the Taliban’s knock on their door.”
About GFA World
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In GFA World’s latest yearly report, this included thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching providing hope and encouragement available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
Join the GFA World Prayer Team as we lift up in prayer the people of Asia and their needs. Receive prayer requests for Asia with a special focus each month. You can have a part in ministering to those in need—through our most powerful tool: prayer.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World) founded by K.P. Yohannan, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, releases new video featuring Francis Chan, Hank Hanegraaff, and K.P. Yohannan – three of the best-known and most influential Christian leaders in the western church, calling for an end to bickering and bitter conflict in the church — warning that it’s tearing apart the “family of God.”Francis Chan, best-selling author and former California megachurch pastor, cited a surge in blogs attacking fellow believers online, as well as acrimonious church splits over non-essential differences.“It looks like this family is in shambles, and who would want to join (it)?” he said.Urging believers to “get back to love,” Chan — author of Crazy Love — said segments of the church in America are “at war” and “screaming at each other” instead of seeking to be “in one accord,” like the early church in the Book of Acts.
Roundtable Discussion: Chan, Yohannan, Hanegraaff
Taking part in a new roundtable video discussion — Why Is There So Much Division in the Body of Christ?: And What Can We Do About It? — Chan, Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder and Never Give Up author K.P. Yohannan, and ‘Bible Answer Man’ Hank Hanegraaff agreed fighting within the church flies in the face of Christ’s prayer in John 17 for his followers to “be one, even as (I and the Father) are one.”
Yohannan, who launched Texas-based Gospel for Asia (GFA World) four decades ago, drew attention for his groundbreaking book Revolution in World Missions that shook up the traditional Western approach to overseas missions. Some have accused him of being too critical and judgmental of the Western church.
Love: ‘Greatest Doctrine’
“My place in life is no more to even think (judgmentally) towards other people,” Yohannan said. “Love is the greatest of all doctrines. When that is violated, we become (like the) Pharisees.”
Hanegraaff — author of Truth Matters, Life Matters More and a well-known radio show host, stirred up a hornets’ nest when he converted to Eastern Orthodox Christianity three years ago — said: “It can boil down to… in essentials, unity; non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.”
In the wake of stinging criticism aimed at him, Hanegraaff said he’s learning humility. “I’m often labeled the ‘Bible Answer Man’… but I am not the authority.”
The three leaders have been heavily criticized online and in other venues for challenging the status quo of modern Christianity, which Chan says focuses too much on “charismatic personalities” and “popularity contests.”
As a result, Chan says, some in evangelical circles have branded them “heretics.” “Many lovers of Christ, that are part of his true church, are misunderstood,” said Chan. “All of us know in part and see in a mirror dimly. How do we become ‘perfectly one’?”
About Gospel for Asia
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.
WILLS POINT, TX – Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of a major faith-based humanitarian agency, which inspired numerous charities like Gospel for Asia Canada, has warned that a new COVID-19 surge could cause catastrophic starvation in poor nations.
Widespread hunger across Asia caused by the pandemic is proving to be “worse than the disease itself,” said KP Yohannan, president of GFA World.
Yohannan’s warning comes as some countries face a “second wave” of COVID-19 infections, increasing fears of mass starvation as people are unable to go to work.
COVID-19 ‘STARVATION WARNING:’ The leader of a major faith-based humanitarian agency has warned that a new COVID-19 surge could cause catastrophic starvation in poor nations. Widespread hunger across Asia caused by the pandemic is proving to be “worse than the disease itself,” said K.P. Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia (GFA World).
Massive numbers of day laborers — the poorest of the poor — are especially vulnerable, along with the legions of children who beg on the streets of Asia’s megacities.
“Many, surprisingly, do not fear the virus; they fear the hunger that will come,” said Yohannan, whose Texas-based organization has helped feed nearly 200,000 people since the pandemic began.
160 Million Could ‘Plunge Deeper Into Poverty’
A resurgence of COVID-19 “could push (up to) 160 million people deeper into poverty and hunger,” he said. “As followers of Jesus we need to think deeply about what we can do to help.”
“It’s so easy for us to get caught up in COVID-19 anxiety and overlook the problems that existed before the pandemic,” Yohannan said. “But these problems — such as starvation and homelessness — have only become greater.”
Across Asia — the world’s most populated continent, home to six out of every 10 people on earth — GFA World workers are handing out rice, cooking oil and other food items to help stave off hunger for thousands.
“This is sometimes the only food they’ll get in three days,” Yohannan said. “When people see they’re not alone, that there are others willing to give so that they may live, it gives them hope and shows them that God really cares about them.”
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) asked for prayer for its workers and for “those who are facing this crisis, as we seek to do all we can to help.”
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
WILLS POINT, TX – Former California megachurch pastor and bestselling author Francis Chan — who has moved to Asia to serve the poor — has revealed how his view of “true” faith was turned upside down by founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada) and mission pioneer Dr. K.P. Yohannan.
FRANCIS CHAN’S REVELATION: In a recent video conversation with Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), author Francis Chan shares how learning from Yohannan’s life has led him into a “true walk with Jesus,” serving the poor. Yohannan’s new book Never Give Up: The Story of a Broken Man Impacting A Generation (www.nevergiveupbook.org) is now available.
Chan says his dramatic shift from well-known pastor in affluent Southern California to “anonymous” ministry in the slums of Hong Kong was inspired by Yohannan’s modest lifestyle and humble faith, described in Yohannan’s new book, Never Give Up: The Story of a Broken Man Impacting A Generation (www.nevergiveupbook.org).
“I’ve learned more about a true walk with Jesus and what leadership should look like from (Yohannan’s) life,” said 53-year-old Chan in a recent video conversation with the 70-year-old missionary statesman whom Chan referred to as his mentor. “My life has been totally shaped by (him).”
Chan — founder of Cornerstone Community Church in California’s Simi Valley and author of Crazy Love — said Yohannan’s “passion for getting the gospel to the ends of the earth” challenged him to live a life serving the poor and marginalized without fanfare. He’s currently living in one of Hong Kong’s poorest neighborhoods.
Chan said he was “very excited” about the release of Never Give Up – one of the latest books by Yohannan, president of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) and author of Revolution in World Missions with more than four million copies in print.
“A lot of people are wrestling right now… a lot of people have questions,” Chan said. “It always comes back to Christ being central… people are not enjoying Jesus as much as they could be.”
Left Broken, in ‘Spiritual Agony’
Yohannan penned Never Give Up after a soul-searching four-year battle that he says left him broken and in “spiritual agony.” God took him on a journey through pain and persecution to refine his character and draw him closer to Christ, Yohannan says in the video.
“(God) asked me: ‘Are you willing to die to your reputation?'” Yohannan said.
The mission leader issued a fresh challenge to the church to transform the world with the love of God. “(God) is looking for a mighty minority that knows Him to turn the world upside down,” he said.
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA World and affiliates like Gospel for Asia Canada, founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan) releases new video featuring Francis Chan, Hank Hanegraaff, and K.P. Yohannan – three of America’s high-profile influential church leaders – urging Christians to shun divisiveness and work towards greater unity and humility in the church.Christians everywhere need to place less emphasis on “charismatic personalities” and “popularity contests” and focus more on humility and unity, agreed the three influential leaders, who’ve often challenged the status quo.The trio — author and pastor Francis Chan, Gospel for Asia founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan, and radio show host Hank Hanegraaff, known as the “Bible Answer Man” — are featured in a new roundtable video discussion, titled The Keys to Christian Unity Unlocked.
LEADERS CALL FOR CHURCH HUMILITY, UNITY: Three of America’s high-profile influential church leaders are urging Christians to shun divisiveness and work towards greater unity and humility in the church. The trio — author and pastor Francis Chan, Gospel for Asia founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan, and radio show host Hank Hanegraaff, known as the “Bible Answer Man” — are featured in a new roundtable video discussion, The Key to Christian Unity Unlocked.
Former California megachurch pastor and best-selling Crazy Love author Chan, who now lives and ministers in one of Hong Kong’s poorest neighborhoods, acknowledged “sound bites” from the nearly hour-long discussion would likely ignite controversy.
“(People will say) Francis is teaching some weird stuff, and K.P. is dressed really weird, and Hank… we all know (he) went off the deep end,” Chan said, referring to Hanegraaff’s embrace of Eastern Orthodox teachings.
Quest for ‘Deep Faith Beyond Personalities’
Describing the church in America as “splintered,” Chan said he’s being challenged to discover a deeper faith beyond 21st century American evangelicalism — which, he said, often focuses on personalities and theological squabbles.
Yohannan — who describes his own personal trials in his new book Never Give Up: The Story of A Broken Man Impacting A Generation — challenged believers of all theological stripes to practice humility and follow the example of the early church in the Book of Acts.
The mission pioneer — whose Texas-based organization Gospel for Asia (GFA World) transforms millions of lives across Asia with God’s love — said God was teaching him humility and “to die to my reputation.”
“(In America), we think we are the ch\urch, and we’re to sit on the top of the mountain and lead the whole world,” Yohannan said.
The church, Yohannan said, should not consist of fragmented groups following charismatic individuals. “The early church fathers taught not to (the) individual, but to the Body (of Christ).”
Hanegraaff, author of Truth Matters, Life Matters More, agreed the church today has much to learn from the early church’s teachings and practices. “Christ is building his (church) and the gates of hell will not prevail upon it,” he said. “We are new creations in Christ. Because the Holy Spirit has empowered me for service, I have the ability by God’s grace to be a transformational agent in the world.”
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear about the love of God. In GFA’s latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news.
Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.
WILLS POINT, TX – KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia), which inspired numerous charities likeGospel for Asia Canada, and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, to assist the poor and deprived worldwide— shares on the impact of George Verwer, his life and ministry, radically changing lives.
George Verwer and K.P. Yohannan on a prayer walk together January, 31, 2020, in London, England.
“I invite you to come, die, and live.”
Those eight words! I’d never heard anything like it.
As a 17-year-old from a village in India, I listened open-mouthed at a mission conference as George Verwer issued that unforgettable challenge to 400 young people like me.
That night, I tossed and turned, agonizing over George’s invitation. I knew the Lord was calling me to go to places where people had never heard the name of Jesus, and the consequences could be persecution, sufferings, even death. These were the places George was always burning with readiness to go to.
On April 14, when George — radical evangelist and founder of Operation Mobilization (OM) — went to be with the Lord Jesus, the mission world lost a giant role model, and I lost my life mentor and one of my closest friends.
My life was fashioned, mentored, by one human being more than any other, George Verwer. I cannot think of anyone in my life journey that lived such an authentic, humble, broken life and showed such passion for the lost. I’ve studied the life of the Apostle Paul, and I watched George live out that same passion and focus. He showed me what it means to be both passionate about Christ and compassionate toward a hurting, lost world. George was among those incredibly rare believers who — like the Apostle Paul — could have said: “Follow my example, as I follow Christ’s.”
So Human, So Real
And follow George I did! In those early years, George would lead our youthful band of missionaries on the streets all day, handing out gospel tracts. At night, he’d lead prayer meetings that sometimes went on until 6 a.m. I’d never even heard of some of the places we were praying for, but George had such a genuine love for every nation. He was so human, so real.
When George came to India, he instilled in us the passion to reach our own people with the gospel at a time when everyone else was sending American and European missionaries. He showed us we could be missionaries. We could take the love of Christ to our people — and beyond.
George knew how to share Christ’s love like no one I’ve ever known. He loved people, and I experienced this personally. During a crisis in my own life, George flew from England to Texas to spend two days with me, praying with me and encouraging me. When others abandoned me, George stayed with me to the end.
And George was never interested in material comforts. He could have run a global empire. He could have lived like a king. Instead, he chose to live in a small house in England and drive a clunky, old car. When I showed up to visit, underdressed for the English weather, he gave me his scarf to keep me warm. That was the type of person George was.
George was among those incredibly rare believers who—like the Apostle Paul—could have said: “Follow my example, as I follow Christ’s.”
Catalyst That Launched A Global Movement
George Verwer and K.P. Yohannan at the Set Apart Retreat at GFA World in 2022.
Looking back, George’s invitation to “come, die, and live” was the catalyst that God would use to begin Gospel for Asia, now GFA World, the global mission I started and have been privileged to lead for almost 45 years.
During that sleepless night more than a half-century ago, I responded to George’s challenge: “Lord, I have nothing to offer you,” I prayed, “but if you want me, I give you everything I am.”
The Lord heard my prayer and used this skinny teenager from an unknown village. Over the past four decades, GFA World has trained over 100,000 young people in the knowledge of God, teaching them to serve millions of Asia’s poorest people through Christ’s love in word and deed, and is now expanding into Africa. All this through the incredible life and influence of one man — George Verwer.
George’s life was a real life, a radical life, a life lived for the nations of the world, a life completely given over to the will of Christ.
That’s why when people ask me, “Who’s been the greatest influence on your life?” there’s no hesitation. George Verwer walked a very narrow road. By God’s grace, I will walk that road, too.
And now I think about George in heaven. He is not dead; he is just departed to be with Christ. I can see him now busy talking with the saints like St. Paul and St. Thomas who planted a church in Niranam, India, where I was born. Lord, please help me to run my race and finish as George did, holy unto the faith.
About KP Yohannan
KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), has written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than four million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.
About GFA World (Gospel for Asia)
GFA World(Gospel for Asia) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 880 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 163,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through broadcast ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news/.
A good friend and well-known Christian theologian visited our work in Asia. He came to one of the leprosy colonies, filled with people who are in horrible pain and suffering. They are so alone, rejected by everyone, without any hope of relief. Then, he was invited to share something to those who had gathered, share a word of prayer. He told us he stood there, numb, not knowing what to say.
Let me ask you—faced with a congregation who is familiar with every kind of suffering, what would you have shared? What could possibly be said? Speak of health, wealth, and the possibility of a great life by faith?
Standing in that desolate place, this Bible teacher opened his mouth and spoke of the Resurrection, our great enduring hope. For with Christ’s Resurrection comes the assurance that all in Christ shall be made alive, and bearing the image of Christ (1 Cor 15:22,49).
No One is Exempted
Suicide rates reveal that even the affluent, prestigious, famous, and highly educated ultimately give up on life. What do we make of that? As successful as their lives may appear, on the inside they are crippled by comparison, rejection, abuse, greed, loneliness, helplessness, despair. More money is not the elixir we’re led to believe.
One absolute reality for all humanity—whether rich or poor, sick or healthy, in the center of the public eye or on the fringe of society—is death. All will die, and you are dying now, and so am I.
A cheap gospel of prosperity and positive-thinking is not the answer; it just doesn’t cut it.
Hope That Supersedes Suffering
The faith given to us by the Holy Church asserts, in this world we will have trouble, but take heart, Christ has overcome the world. The healing balm they offer to us is a suffering-with-hope. The hope is the journey to restoration, the original creation as God intended, and that hope is the answer to the suffering we have to endure.
Christ’s Resurrection is our hope—and that hope so far exceeds any momentary circumstance. Christ and His resurrection are the only hope for healing and life. Through our faith in Him, we can overcome death as He rose from the dead. This hope is not mere respite in the here-and-now, but it goes beyond that and is the guarantee of eternal triumph, glory, rest. As Paul told us, “If in Christ we have hope for this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Cor 15:19). His Resurrection is hope for us today and forever.
Because Christ rose from the dead, resurrection for us is guaranteed. He is why we have hope. So in the end, we can look into the face of death and shout, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:33)
Our Guiding Hope
This hope, of course, is not free license to set our spiritual journey on cruise-control. Instead, we ought to be all the more invigorated in our commitment to Him. Think: Olympians train in their sport for maybe 16 hour days to cross the finish line; every decision from food to social engagements is made in light of its impact on reaching that finish line. So, too, we see the Apostle Paul living with undivided dedication as he looks forward to the crown awaiting Him—the very crown that awaits us all, those who would live for Him.
What is your reaction to this thought? What is one area in your life where you can remind yourself that Christ and His Resurrection are your hope? It could be in sickness, a difficult relationship issue, loss or fear. Consider in what area you can let Christ’s Resurrection bring new life and the hope of Easter into your daily life.
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), has written more than 250 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 4 million copies in print. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) is a leading faith-based global mission agency in Wills Point, Texas, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 260,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.
The minute-long program features K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World), sharing his heart about biblical discipleship and the many “lost souls around the world who need the love and salvation that Jesus offers.”
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