WASHINGTON, DC — Dr. KP Yohannan, founder and director of GFA world and Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church, went to be with the Lord on May 8 following a serious accident in Dallas, Texas, on May 7. “KP Yohannan’s commitment to the gospel was steadfast throughout his lifetime,” said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “We may never know how many souls across the globe were won for Christ through his work and influence. He will be remembered as an impactful servant leader and evangelist.”
KP Yohannan aka Metropolitan Yohan (1950-2024)
In an obituary, GFA World describes Yohannan as “a missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with this world and to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.” He served as the director of GFA World for nearly half a century, leading the organization to carry out the Great Commission and see lives transformed through the love of Christ.
Yohannan was born in South India (Kerala) in 1950 in one of the villages where Apostle St. Thomas planted one of his seven churches in 52 A.D., and was raised in the St. Thomas Syrian Christian tradition. His mother dedicated her children’s lives to the Lord, fasting and praying that one of them would commit their life to ministry. As a young adult, Yohannan was inspired by testimonies from the mission field, and he experienced a clear and unmistakable calling from God. Filled with love and burdened for the lost, he gained courage to begin evangelizing to those around him.
In 1974, Yohannan moved to the United States and began his theological training at Criswell College, marrying his wife, Gisela, after his first term.
After pastoring a local church in Dallas for several years, Yohannan’s heart turned back to international missions. He and Gisela took initial steps to start an organization to support and pray faithfully for missionaries around the world. This commitment gave birth to what was eventually known as GFA World, one of the world’s largest missions organizations supporting Gospel workers in Africa and Asia and delivering critical relief to vulnerable poverty- and disease-stricken groups. In 2003, Yohannan was consecrated as the Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church, which today includes more than 12,000 parishes throughout Asia and Africa.
Yohannan published hundreds of books and received numerous distinguished awards and recognitions throughout his life. He served as a board member with the National Religious Broadcasters Association (NRB) from 2013–2015. In 2003, NRB presented Yohannan with its Individual Achievement in International Broadcasting award.
Yohannan is survived by his wife, Gisela, his son and daughter, and seven grandchildren. Details of his funeral and memorial services will be available in the days to come.
Together with Yohannan’s family members, loved ones, and his many co-servants for the Gospel, we grieve this sudden loss and celebrate his life of faithfulness to God.
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until he departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024, had 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.
About NRB
NRB is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. NRB’s mission is two-fold: To protect the free speech rights of our members to speak Biblical truth by advocating those rights in governmental, corporate, and media sectors; and to foster excellence, integrity, and accountability in our membership by providing networking, educational, ministry, and relational opportunities. Learn more at www.nrb.org.
WILLS POINT, TX — The public viewing for the late Dr. K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) on May 15 in Dallas, Texas, was attended by approximately a thousand mourners, including presidents of national Christian organizations; former dignitaries of the Indian parliament; bishops, priests and leaders of various Christian denominations; and many men and women who grew up listening to Yohannan on the radio overseas.
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“When I was very young, my mother, at 5:30 in the morning, would turn on the radio, and I would hear K.P.’s voice,” said one individual whose words were echoed by many who attended the public viewing.
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of GFA World, doing his Athmik Yathra radio recording during the coronavirus lockdown in April 2020.
Victor Abraham, CEO and president of Skypass Group, knew Yohannan for more than 30 years and handled most of his travel.
“There is a special anointment that we see,” Abraham said while at the public viewing. “[Yohannan] has blessed many across the globe. You know, today still people are talking about when they wake-up in India they listen to Athmik Yathra radio. … That’s how they connect to him. … That’s something we’ll cherish the rest of our lives.”
K.P. Yohannan started broadcasting radio messages in 1986. In an article published in GFA World’s magazine,[1] Yohannan shared how his radio program (Athmik Yathra) began through the encouragement of longtime friend David Mains, Chapel of the Air radio broadcaster.
“[Mains] was doing a radio program and wanted it broadcast in my native Indian language,” Yohannan wrote. “I told him, ‘No problem. As soon as you can find someone to pay for it, we can find someone to do it.’ I didn’t expect him to say, ‘No, I want you to do it.’ I told him I didn’t have the formal language to do that. When I tried, I found out I didn’t know the biblical words in my native language because in my formative years I had been away from home. But I agreed to try, and so I stumbled along and recorded those 50 programs as best I could.”
It was Yohannan’s simple, informal language that helped many understand Christ’s love for the very first time. In the first years of Yohannan’s radio ministry, millions of letters and phone calls poured in from those whose lives were changed because of his powerful messages.
Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters Association (NRB), traveled from Nashville to attended the public viewing of the late missionary stateman.
“K.P. and Gospel for Asia were longtime members of NRB and had a tremendous impact on our membership,” Miller said. “Many of our members have been encouraged, blessed and many people have gone into the ministry because of the work of K.P.”
Last year, Yohannan was on the international panel at the 2023 NRB convention and shared about what was happening around the world concerning missions.
“He brought that broader vision to the NRB audience,” Miller shared. “And of course, he was very much into broadcasting and used media to reach lost people and encourage and strengthen the Church. I think he was probably one of the early pioneers on that, particularly…across Asia.”
In 2003, NRB presented Yohannan with its Individual Achievement in International Broadcasting award in 2003.[2]
Today, K.P. Yohannan’s messages are aired in more than 110 languages across the world. In North America, people can listen to Yohannan’s radio program GFA Minute, which invites listeners to live in the light of eternity.[3]
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until he departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024, had 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.
CHARLOTTE, NC — I find it of no small significance that K.P. entered the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us between the Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Sunday of Holy Pascha and the Sunday of Saint Thomas—the disciple who first brought Christianity to India in AD 52. This constitutes a certain sign that the GFA World mission that began in India must continue until those who have not yet heard the name of Christ may say with Saint Thomas,
“My Lord and my God.”
How does one properly pay tribute to a saint?
Hank Hanegraaff with K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan)
I know Metropolitan K.P. Yohannan from many vantage points. First, as the most significant Christian leader of our generation—one committed to following truth wherever it leads. Then, as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and true friend.
As a Christian leader, K.P. personified vision, brilliance, and remarkable humility. Over the last half decade, we connected on average two to three times a week; and as I reflect on those interactions, our conversations were always seasoned by his passion to reach those who have not yet heard the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Long before I met K.P., I heard him characterized as extraordinarily gifted but also as a rather proud and authoritarian leader. In time, I came to know that nothing could be farther from the truth. While he was most certainly talented and consumed by a passion for the lost, above all else, he was humble, considerate, and extraordinarily selfless.
As a husband, he cared deeply about the well-being of his beloved Gisela. During one of our last conversations, K.P. spoke of his desire that her every need be attended to should he depart this earthly sojourn before her. He was obviously aware that his close-knit family would be there for his partner in life and ministry. Nonetheless, his expressed concern demonstrated the deep love and commitment he had toward the well-being of his bride.
K.P.’s prowess as a father lives on in the lives of his daughter Sarah and son Danny. Sarah is a godly mother, who along with her husband, Dr. Daniel, is raising children who are perhaps the ultimate testimony to their grandfather’s legacy. Bishop Danny, likewise, is a supremely talented and capable leader who not only provides positive leadership and direction to the mission of GFA World and Believer’s Eastern Church but is an exemplary husband to Erika and father to three beautiful and spiritually gifted children.
On a personal level, I am eternally grateful for K.P.’s friendship. From the first moment I met him, I loved him. And that love only grew stronger over time. I never had a better friend or role model. A man consumed by passion for the poor and downtrodden. A man who never disappointed me in character or behavior. A man who I genuinely consider to be a saint.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” —Hebrews 12:1–3
Hank Hanegraaff
President of Christian Research Institute (CRI)
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until his passing into eternity on May 8, 2024, had 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.
About GFA World (formerly 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 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 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.
MOORESVILLE, NC — KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) — founder of missions agency GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia) who died May 8 — once said to me: “I’m just a skinny kid from India who grew up to be a follower of Jesus.”
Genuine humility was the mark of the man — a man whom God would choose to launch one of the greatest missionary movements the world has ever seen.
KP Yohannan aka Metropolitan Yohan (1950-2024)
Born into obscurity in the village of Niranam in Kerala, South India, little “Yohannachan” — as he was known — was the youngest of six boys. His mother, a devout Christian, faithfully prayed and fasted for years that one of her sons would become a preacher of the gospel.
A shy, timid boy, KP would later say he was the most unlikely candidate to become an evangelist. He could barely speak to his neighbor, let alone preach to a crowd.
But, just like Moses in the Bible, God had made his sovereign choice of servant — a divine appointment that had its beginnings centuries earlier when St. Thomas, the Apostle, came to KP’s district and established the first church in India in A.D. 52.
Had it not been for St. Thomas — the “Doubter” turned fervent missionary — the gospel might not have come to Kerala; his mother might not have become a believer and dedicated her sons to God; and the story of KP Yohannan’s extraordinary life might have been very different.
‘Come, Die, and Live!’
Curious and excited, 16-year-old KP attended a local event where an American missionary named George Verwer, the leader of Operation Mobilization (OM), challenged the gathering of young people to a radical life of total abandonment to Jesus Christ: “I invite you to come, die to yourself, and live!”
From that moment, KP’s life was never the same.
His heart broke for the masses who’d never heard about God’s love for them, those living in poverty, widows, orphans, and children with eyes void of hope. An outrageous dream and vision grew in his mind: to share the love of Christ amid the villages across Asia, and throughout the entire world.
But how would this dream take flight?
When young KP came to America in 1974, fresh from the mission fields of India, he began to share his Holy Spirit-inspired vision with others. With an initial gift of $10, the vision grew fledgling wings. Gospel for Asia — now GFA World — was ready to fly.
Spurred by KP’s passionate preaching, churches in America and the West learned of those waiting to hear the message of God’s love and heavenly hope, multitudes eager for good news of Jesus. KP shared his dream: locally-trained native missionaries, supported by their brothers and sisters in the West, heading out on foot to the remotest villages, carrying nothing but the love of Christ and his life-transforming gospel.
Native — or national — missionaries, KP suggested, were better equipped and suited to reach their own people than Western missionaries who required years of language study and cultural orientation, and often faced obstacles and expenses that locals didn’t.
KP’s vision ignited a revolution in world missions — spawning a bestselling book of the same name. The resulting “national missionary” movement shook the missions world, turning the established Western missionary-sending model upside down.
His impassioned pleas on behalf of the suffering masses who’d never heard the gospel both challenged and rattled Western believers to the core. KP spoke with a compassionate authority. He told it like it was. While many Christians and churches in the West had slipped into lethargy and inertia, millions around the globe were sinking into eternity without knowing Christ.
‘Live in Light of Eternity’
“Live every day in light of eternity,” KP urged believers everywhere. “In 50 years’ time, nothing else will matter — only what you’ve done for Christ.”
As he passed his 70th birthday, KP’s focus on eternity — and his desire to “finish well” — only accelerated.
The last time we spoke, just weeks ago, he said: “I don’t have much time left. I want to serve the Lord more. I want to love him more deeply. To see his love transform the world.”
He even took time to pray with me.
A man full of grace. A man whose active compassion for others — no matter their station or position in life — shone with the love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
KP Yohannan. Gigantic dreamer and missionary statesman.
Spiritual mentor and inspiration to millions.
Humbly, gently, loving others all the way into eternity.
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Julian Lukins, InChrist Communications
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until his passing into eternity on May 8, 2024, had 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.
About GFA World (formerly 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 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 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.
It hasn’t been a full day yet since being told the news that K.P. Yohannan died.
As I sit at my desk and record my thoughts, I am fighting back tears. I sense I am still in shock.
I believe I am one of the few who still called him K.P. It’s how he introduced himself some decades back when we first met. As a young man he had asked me for time to share his dream of seeing Asia reached for Christ. He was also convinced that the mission strategy needed to transition from Western missionary leadership to one of national converts taking on that role in the near future.
What he excitedly talked to me about was later spelled out in detail in his groundbreaking book Revolution in World Missions.
He told me that he called his embryonic mission Gospel For Asia (now GFA World). “Why don’t you call it ‘Gospel for India’?” I suggested, sensing that his choice of name sounded a bit grandiose. He pushed back hard, explaining that his calling was bigger than just one country—even though his India homeland was soon to become the most populated nation in the world.
Before his death, he had characteristically added a second continent—Africa—where his thinking and actions would once again have a significant impact.
KP Yohannan and David Mains as young men some five decades ago
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He told his twelve disciples that their job was to take His Kingdom of God message to all parts of the world. How overwhelmed they must have felt. But that’s what they did!
K.P. was up for that same kind of challenge, and what he accomplished on behalf of his Lord was nothing short of mind-boggling.
I consider myself fortunate to have known this man for a span of five decades.
So, in a few words, how might I describe him to someone who didn’t have that privilege?
He was…
A most remarkable visionary
A speaker who could stir your very soul
A strategic thinker
Someone who still believed in miracles
A prolific writer
A truly remarkable fundraiser
A man who laughed a lot, but was also deadly serious
A friend of the poor and the powerless
A church founder and beloved leader
A modern-day prophet
A person of incredible faith
Someone who could think God-sized thoughts
A man of the Word and of prayer
A man of personal integrity
A faithful husband, loving father and happy grandparent
A loyal friend
An enemy the devil hated.
My list is getting long, and it seems like I have hardly started.
I know I am only one of many whose tears continue to flow today.
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until his passing into eternity on May 8, 2024, authored 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 (along with seven grandchildren), who both serve the Lord with their families.
About GFA World (formerly 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 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 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.
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.
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WILLS POINT, TX — The final services for K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), GFA World founder and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, were a bittersweet time for friends, family, fellow servants of Christ, and what seemed like much of the world.
After his tragic death in the United States, K.P. Yohannan’s mortal remains were transported to the Kochi airport in his home state of Kerala, India. The state of Kerala provided a full escort and state honors to the man that had done so much for his home state and country. Being carried in a vehicle designed for public viewing, people watched from the sides of the road to see him pass by one last time, and as he approached his final resting place, the numbers increased especially as they approached the church in his birth village of Niranam for the second of the final services.
KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) speaking at the GFA World “Renewing Your Passion” conference in March 2022
The funeral and burial on May 21st were preceded with a day-long memorial service that was attended by tens of thousands from all walks of society. The surviving Yohannan family members were surrounded by over 10,000 Believers Eastern Church (B.E.C.) leaders, clergy and other church members who silently kept watch in the conference center where the public viewing was held at the church headquarters.
The day was a testimony of a man whose life policy was to love people regardless of caste, creed or religion, of a man who labored tirelessly for over 50 years for the sake of others. Under his guidance, B.E.C. had grown to over 12,000 parishes in Africa and Asia who for decades also labored under his direction to serve the poorest of the poor and share Christ’s love with those often ostracized by others in society.
During the memorial, the line of mourners processed continuously hour after hour and reached close to a quarter mile long at times. They were from all walks of life: Christian ministry leaders, rickshaw drivers, nurses and doctors from the church hospital, radio listeners, members of Believers Eastern Church from across the country and around the world as well as political leaders and prominent leaders from other faiths. The leaders of every episcopal church of Kerala personally paid their respects, comforted bishops and family and prayed.
Tearful mourners listened for hours as political and religious leaders eulogized the man who had touched their lives personally and bettered so many of the people they led. The continuous condolences included sentiments by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, various Kerala Cabinet Members, Leader of Opposition in Kerala VD Satheesan, All India Congress Council General Secretary KC Venugopal and CPM State Secretary MV Govindan. A Sri Lankan member of Parliament shared and brought written condolences from many country leaders, including the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Many leaders throughout India, from other Asian nations, Africa and Europe who were not able to attend sent their written condolences, including the Prime Minister of India who shared on Twitter, “I am pained by the passing away of the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan. He will be remembered for his service to society and emphasis on improving the quality of life of the downtrodden. My thoughts are with his family and all devotees of the Believers Church. May his soul rest in peace.”
Memorial services were held in B.E.C. churches throughout the world as millions mourned the loss of their spiritual father.
The depth and multitude of sentiment expressed at the loss of K.P. Yohannan overwhelmingly testified to the life of service he lived and his single focus to care for others. One international Christian leader who also attended the services had also attended the late Billy Graham’s funeral and commented that he believed Metropolitan Yohan had touched more lives more deeply than even Graham.
Though the viewing had gone on for close to twenty-four hours, the procession had to be stopped for a final time of prayer followed by a government ceremony according to full state honors before a procession to St. Thomas Cathedral where the concluding rites and burial would occur.
An invitation-only group filled the cathedral to capacity as interim Metropolitan Bishop Samuel Mor Theophilus presided over the final funeral service. After which, the mortal remains of K.P. Yohanan, Metropolitan Yohan Mor Athanasius I, were laid to rest in a new tomb on the cathedral grounds during a tearful final ceremony.
On the wall in his personal study, K.P. Yohannan had a painting of a saint collapsing into the arms of Jesus as he entered heaven. The epithet on his grave starts with “Resting in the arms of Christ.” Nothing could be more fitting for a man who labored tirelessly for the sake of others as much as anyone in history. Those who were closest to him know that it was for Jesus that he labored, and the moment he looked forward to with all his heart more than anything else was when he would rest in His arm. No epithet could be more fitting.
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until he departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024, had 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.
About GFA World (formerly 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 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 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.
WILLS POINT, TX — K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, departed in the presence of God on May 8, 2024. He was a missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with this world and to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He reposed in Dallas, Texas, due to a sudden cardiac arrest while receiving treatment after being struck by a car while on his morning walk on May 7, the day prior.
KP Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan) (1950-2024)
His life was a ceaseless effort to live in light of eternity, sharing love and the hope of Christ with the masses and the individual. Millions across the globe were touched by his words and his example. Thousands experienced his personal care for them as he invested in their lives.
As director of GFA World for nearly 50 years, K.P. Yohannan led the missions organization to become a significant bridge to fulfill the Great Commission, which is deeply committed to seeing communities transformed through the love of Christ demonstrated in word and deed.
He was also the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, an indigenous church spread throughout 57 dioceses and more than 12,000 congregations throughout the world in 18 nations.
He had been crisscrossing the globe, challenging the Body of Christ to pick up their cross and follow Him. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—left its impact on nearly every continent. Yohannan’s life message was a fresh word to this generation, and yet as timeless as the scriptural mandate itself.
Born in South India in 1950 in one of the villages where Apostle St. Thomas planted one of his seven churches in 52 A.D., Yohannan was the youngest of six sons. His mother dedicated each of her children to the Lord and longed to see one of them commit their lives to ministry. She secretly fasted each Friday for three and a half years, praying, “Oh God, let just one of my boys preach!” Even as she prayed, her children were growing up, going into different kinds of work. Finally, the youngest, little “Yohannachan,” was left.
After Yohannan finished his schooling, he heard stories about mission fields from missionary statesman George Verwer, who was to become his lifelong mentor and friend. Yohannan’s heart was gripped and never the same. His mother’s faithful prayers were answered as he immediately decided to join a mission movement and go faraway from his home to help bring the Good News to the multitude of villages that had never heard of Christ. While preparing to go with this mission team, he was challenged by George Verwer again to live a life abandoned to Christ in radical discipleship. That night, Yohannan couldn’t sleep. What if God asked him to preach publicly in the streets? What if he was stoned and beaten?
Suddenly, God’s presence filled the room, and he knew he was not alone. “Lord God,” he prayed in surrender, “I’ll give myself to speak for You—but help me to know that You’re with me.”
The next morning, he awoke with a supernatural love and burden for the people around him. The Lord gave him courage to speak to the crowds he saw that day, and he continued to preach for the next seven years in that mission field.
In 1974, the Lord led him to the United States, where he received his theological training at Criswell College. He and his wife, Gisela, were married after his first term.
As a theology student, Yohannan began pastoring a local church in Dallas, where he served for four years.
Remembering the Millions in Asia
As the Lord reminded Yohannan of the millions in Asia still waiting to learn of His love for them, he resigned his pastorate, and he and Gisela began taking steps to start an organization to support national missionaries, which eventually became known as GFA World. They began meeting together each Tuesday night with a small, faithful group of believers to pray over world maps.
Because of Yohannan’s and Gisela’s faithful commitment to God and their passion to see others transformed by Christ’s love, GFA World is today one of the largest missions organizations in the world, coming alongside thousands of national workers in Africa and Asia through prayer and assistance as they bring hope to the neediest. GFA World is engaged in dozens of projects, such as caring for poor children, slum dwellers, and widows and orphans; providing clean water by funding wells; supporting medical missions; and meeting the needs of those in leprosy colonies. Through GFA’s Child Sponsorship Program, children are being rescued from the generational curses of poverty and hopelessness.
On February 6, 2003, he was consecrated as the Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church. Under his leadership, the church has grown over the last two decades, with more than 12,000 parishes established in Asia and Africa.
In honor of Yohannan’s decades of demonstrating the heart of a father to the fatherless, the members of the Christian Men’s Network’s Global Fatherhood Initiative awarded him the Reggie White Fatherhood Award in 2016. In 2003, he was awarded Alumnus of the Year from Criswell College for his influence in the work of God. He served on the executive committee of World by Radio from 2004–2012 and as a board member with the National Religious Broadcasters Association (NRB) from 2013–2015. In recognition of his service, NRB presented Yohannan with its Individual Achievement in International Broadcasting award in 2003.
Yohannan was a prolific writer with more than 250 books published in Asia and 12 in the United States. With more than 4 million copies in print, Yohannan’s landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, has helped change the course of missions history in our generation. Yohannan’s other titles include The Road to Reality; Come, Let’s Reach the World; Living in the Light of Eternity; Reflecting His Image; Against the Wind; Touching Godliness; Destined to Soar; No Longer a Slumdog; Dance Not for Time; Little Things that Make a Big Difference and Never Give Up.
Yohannan is survived by his faithful wife, Gisela; son, Daniel; daughter, Sarah; and seven grandchildren (David, Esther, Jonah, Hannah, Lydia, Naomi and Noah); along with the millions of believers around the world whose lives are forever changed because of his tireless passion and service on their behalf.
There will be a public viewing on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 4-8pm, at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. Following, the funeral will be held in Thiruvalla, India. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a special fund, “In Memory for Eternity”, to support the ministry projects that were closest to Yohannan’s heart these last few months.
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), a faithful servant of the Lord, ran his race faithfully and with much endurance to the very end. His life bears testimony to all of us of what Jesus said to us in St. Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” While our hearts are broken over the sudden loss of our beloved mentor, friend and leader, we rejoice knowing his love, example, faithfulness and joy in being received into the long-awaited presence of his loving Savior.
About K P Yohannan
K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan), founder and director of GFA World (Gospel for Asia) and Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church (BEC), until his passing into eternity on May 8, 2024, had 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.
About GFA World (formerly 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 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 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.
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