IRAN – You may have heard a story like this before. It’s a narrative about a man who devoted his life to persecuting Christians. He would have done anything in his power to eliminate them from the face of the earth. He traveled with orders to find, detain, and bring professing Christians before religious courts… Continue reading Former Persecutor Turned to Jesus Radically Changed
Category: News
Rat Fever Outbreak as Kerala Floodwaters Recede
With more than five confirmed deaths of leptospirosis, also known as “Rat Fever,” Kerala, India, suffers not only under the destruction of the floodwaters, but now a disease that is spreading across the state. Rat Fever is spread through contact with fluids from infected animals. With rotting carcasses and stagnant waters furthering the contamination, more… Continue reading Rat Fever Outbreak as Kerala Floodwaters Recede
Disease Devastating Kerala Deluge Survivors: Leptospirosis Spreading – Dengue Threatening
KOCHI – When floods are raging like the recent deluge in Kerala, survival is foremost on the minds of those trapped in their torrents. Flood survivors are often unaware they will continue to face post-inundation threats. In the case of Kerala, as we forecasted in an article on August 25th, Water and Vector-Borne Diseases [Have… Continue reading Disease Devastating Kerala Deluge Survivors: Leptospirosis Spreading – Dengue Threatening
6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Is Latest Disaster to Hit Japan this Summer
HOKKAIDO – While the monsoon and flooding in the Kerala state of India have received their share of attention in recent weeks, Japan has suffered a string of natural disasters, one following another, all summer long. The latest crisis is the damage done by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the island of Hokkaido early… Continue reading 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Is Latest Disaster to Hit Japan this Summer
Open Hearts Not the Same as Open Doors: The Existential Global Refugee Crisis
BRUSSELS – Asylum is an existential goal of every refugee. A refugee is a displaced person who has left his home country in hopes of obtaining asylum in another country. The numbers of people displaced by wars in the Middle East and Africa have created a refugee crisis of unparalleled proportions. So much so that… Continue reading Open Hearts Not the Same as Open Doors: The Existential Global Refugee Crisis
Bridge of Hope Students, Missionaries, Pastors, Locals Rally to Help Kerala
As the people of Kerala recover in the aftermath of the worst flooding in nearly 100 years, the reality of devastation is beginning to sink in—and so is the need to repair, rebuild and start over again. Many flood survivors in this southern Indian state have lost all their belongings—including their means to earn a… Continue reading Bridge of Hope Students, Missionaries, Pastors, Locals Rally to Help Kerala
India Celebrates Teachers’ Day
DELHI – For a great many people around the world, the most influential person in their lives has been a teacher. India celebrates Teachers’ Day every September 5th and has done so since its commencement in 1962. Scholar, philosopher, and teacher, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, suggested that the country establish the annual event. Dr. Radhakrishnan had… Continue reading India Celebrates Teachers’ Day
The Wedding that Happened at a Flood Relief Camp
They fled their flooded homes but the rains could not stop their love. The rains came down incessantly causing severe flooding in southern Indian state of Kerala. Whole villages and towns were destroyed in a matter of days. Partnered with the Indian government, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported relief camps provided food, shelter, and basic supplies… Continue reading The Wedding that Happened at a Flood Relief Camp
Merku Thodarchi Malai: Indian Movie Reveals the Plight of Tea Estate Workers
KERALA – Merku Thodarchi Malai is a made-in-India Tamil language film that chronicles the daily lives and the continuing plight of tea estate workers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The English title of the film is The Western Ghats. The Western Ghats is 62,000 square miles of the mountain range that runs parallel to the… Continue reading Merku Thodarchi Malai: Indian Movie Reveals the Plight of Tea Estate Workers
Firsthand Reflections of Flooding in Kerala, India
Dr. Daniel, director of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported medical ministry in Asia, reflects on the flood situation in Kerala and his trips to rescue people who were stranded. “It is easy for me to sit back at home and watch the television and see the different things that are happening. But on the first day… Continue reading Firsthand Reflections of Flooding in Kerala, India
“Churches’ Indispensable Role” in India Evident After Kerala Flooding
CHENNAI – Vijay Jayaraj holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia in Great Britain. He is a native of India and a resident of Chennai. In a recent op-ed to published by the Christian Post, he lauded the immediate and substantial aid by Christians following the Kerala… Continue reading “Churches’ Indispensable Role” in India Evident After Kerala Flooding
Presence in Time of Trouble | In Person at the Kerala Floods
KERALA – There is one emotion common to anyone caught in a major flood. Fear. It is a fear that comes, like the water, in waves. The first wave of fear begins with the initial awareness that a flood is possible. This fear is allayed by the hope that “Maybe it won’t affect me.” The… Continue reading Presence in Time of Trouble | In Person at the Kerala Floods
Handicrafts, Donation Boxes Aid Flood Relief
As flood relief efforts continually take place in Kerala, India, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers serving in various locations are raising funds for their brothers and sisters in immediate need. “When I heard the flood situation of Kerala, I felt very sad and immediately visited the mission fields to make contribution for Kerala relief work,”… Continue reading Handicrafts, Donation Boxes Aid Flood Relief
Indian Education Minister Discredits Darwin
MUMBAI – Satyapal Singh is India’s Minister of State for Human Resources responsible for Higher Education. He holds several post-graduate degrees, not the least of which is a Ph.D. in Chemistry. He is a member of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and is the former chief of police for Mumbai. In January of this… Continue reading Indian Education Minister Discredits Darwin
Food for the Hungry President Defends Child Sponsorship Programs
PHOENIX – Gary Edmonds, President of Food for the Hungry (FH) has responded to a recent study sponsored by Grey Matter Research and Opinions4Good (Op4G). The Donor Mindset Study provided many interesting insights, one of which is that 54% of child sponsorship donors think it is “mostly a gimmick to get donations” and that donations… Continue reading Food for the Hungry President Defends Child Sponsorship Programs
Rushing to the Rescue: A True Story from the Kerala Floods
KERALA, INDIA – No one can comprehend the terror of a major flood until they have been personally affected by one. This is especially true of those who lose their homes, their possessions, and their loved ones to raging waters that cannot be contained. This writer has been at the sites of four floods over… Continue reading Rushing to the Rescue: A True Story from the Kerala Floods
GFA-supported Workers Help Government Prepare, Sort Relief Kits for 14,000 Families
As the flood survivors of Kerala, India, recover from the devastation caused by the massive flooding, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers continue to diligently serve those in need. Congregations led by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastors are stepping in to help in various ways. A Women’s Fellowship located in one of the hardest hit places… Continue reading GFA-supported Workers Help Government Prepare, Sort Relief Kits for 14,000 Families
Flooding Kerala with Kindness
KERALA, INDIA – The latest news indicates that the known death toll from devastating floods in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 445 by Sunday, August 26th with the discovery of 28 more bodies as the waters recede and a massive cleanup gathers pace. Another 15 people are reported as missing. A million… Continue reading Flooding Kerala with Kindness
The IMM Heritage Project: Reaching North Africa for Christ
MADRID – International Media Ministries (IMM) was founded by the Assemblies of God World Missions (USA) in 1981 as it became apparent to forward thinkers that the ability to have and share information would become the essential and driving strategy for successful businesses. There was no reason to believe that successful business platforms built on… Continue reading The IMM Heritage Project: Reaching North Africa for Christ
Water and Vector-Borne Diseases Are Next Threat for Kerala Flood Survivors
KERALA, INDIA – The southern state of Kerala on India’s west coast has been inundated by monsoon-generated floodwaters that have destroyed 40,000 crore hectares of crops, destroyed countless homes, commercial buildings, and displaced more than a million people. Although the flood waters are receding, much of Kerala is still under water. State Agriculture Minister Sunil… Continue reading Water and Vector-Borne Diseases Are Next Threat for Kerala Flood Survivors
Video Update: Indira’s Story – Kerala India Flood Survivor
Indira is a mother of three who lost everything in the Kerala India Floods. Hear her heart-wrenching story and see what once was her home. Please continue praying for the recovery and rebuilding of these precious families. Give to the Disaster Relief Fund Help Disaster Relief teams serve survivors of flooding and other disasters. Donations… Continue reading Video Update: Indira’s Story – Kerala India Flood Survivor
Impoverished Community Gives Resources to Aid Ongoing Relief Work in Kerala
After hearing of monsoon rains ravaging the southern Indian state of Kerala and of the floodwaters that were destroying paddy fields and homes and claiming lives, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Jacob, living in Northeast India, immediately mobilized the national workers in his region to help. Although the disaster was thousands of miles away, compassion… Continue reading Impoverished Community Gives Resources to Aid Ongoing Relief Work in Kerala
Behind-the-Scenes Missionaries Respond to Kerala Flooding
After hearing about the monsoon flooding in Kerala, India, the Mission Support Team serving at GFA’s headquarters in Wills Point, Texas, sprang to action to help spread awareness of the timely need. Many shifted their schedules to work long hours through the weekend to bring awareness to the devastation many are currently facing. After receiving… Continue reading Behind-the-Scenes Missionaries Respond to Kerala Flooding
Syrian Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Deteriorate — Idlib in Imminent Danger
BEIRUT – According to the Thomas Reuters Foundation, “A Syrian army offensive in the rebel-held enclave of Idlib would have a “catastrophic” humanitarian impact and cause levels of civilian suffering unprecedented in the seven-year war, aid agencies have warned.” Joelle Bassoul from Care International said that a large-scale military offensive in Idlib would be catastrophic,… Continue reading Syrian Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Deteriorate — Idlib in Imminent Danger
Flooding Crisis in Kerala Worst in Over 100 Years
KERALA, INDIA – India is experiencing monumental meteorological and geophysical problems that constantly threaten the potential of the country’s efforts to raise itself to a position of global leadership. As governmental agencies, private companies, and NGOs work consistently to improve education, healthcare, and alleviating poverty and disease, circumstances beyond the control of mankind take one… Continue reading Flooding Crisis in Kerala Worst in Over 100 Years
Bridge of Hope Staff Steps in to Aid Kerala’s Flood-Relief Efforts
Along with many heroic efforts from the armed forces, various rescue teams, fishermen and locals serving as guides to the more remote areas in Kerala, India, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope staff members have stepped in to help families and children after the terrible monsoon flooding. Approximately 191 enrolled students in Bridge of… Continue reading Bridge of Hope Staff Steps in to Aid Kerala’s Flood-Relief Efforts
[UPDATE] Ebola Death Toll Climbing in the Congo
KINSHASA – The death toll from the latest outbreak of the Ebola virus has more than doubled over the last 10 days. In our last report, the estimated number of deaths was “at least 20.” Today the count has reached 55. Reports issued today claim that other cases of the virulent fever have been as… Continue reading [UPDATE] Ebola Death Toll Climbing in the Congo
Gospel for Asia: Rescue Teams Continue Constant Relief Work as Rains Subside in Kerala, India
The heavy rains have mostly subsided in Kerala, India, and now, the red alert has been lifted in all 14 districts. Even though the rains have stopped in most parts of Kerala, ongoing rescue operations continue, saving those who are stranded. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported relief teams have been hard at work, caring for the… Continue reading Gospel for Asia: Rescue Teams Continue Constant Relief Work as Rains Subside in Kerala, India
On-the-Ground Video Update from KP Yohannan on Kerala Flooding
“I visited two camps where those who are displaced by the catastrophic flooding in Kerala, India are staying,” says Gospel for Asia (GFA) founder KP Yohannan. “I was able to meet with and pray for many.”
Relief Teams Minister Aid to Those in Remote Areas
More than 300 deaths have now been reported from the monsoon rains and flooding that have devastated Kerala, India. Many rescue teams had to stop after dusk yesterday because the currents were too risky for teams to venture out successfully. According to the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, a total of 82,442 rescues were… Continue reading Relief Teams Minister Aid to Those in Remote Areas
Flooding Continues in Kerala, Homes Under 10 Feet of Water
Kerala, India, continues to face peril as the monsoon rains destroy homes, paddy fields and businesses. The death toll has risen, as reports are now estimating well over 100 lives have been lost, while some people are missing. Some houses are under 10 feet of water. Many people are still being rescued by helicopter after… Continue reading Flooding Continues in Kerala, Homes Under 10 Feet of Water
313 Humanitarian Aid Workers Attacked in 2017 | World Humanitarian Day
NEW YORK – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released its 2018 overview of the Aid Workers Security Report in time for the commemoration of World Humanitarian Aid Day. The observance is held annually on August 19th. The overview tells a story that we would rather not read. But it… Continue reading 313 Humanitarian Aid Workers Attacked in 2017 | World Humanitarian Day
Extreme Flooding in Kerala Results in Deaths, Destroyed Livelihoods
Kerala, India, is experiencing monsoon rains that have not been seen or experienced since 1924. Reports estimate that 70 to 100 lives have been taken due to the floodwaters. Many homes and businesses have been washed away by severe landslides and rivers overflowing because of the constant downpour. For the first time in its history,… Continue reading Extreme Flooding in Kerala Results in Deaths, Destroyed Livelihoods
Earthquake Aid and Evangelism in Indonesia
JAKARTA – The Indonesian island of Lombok was ravaged by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on 05 August. CBS News reported today that the death toll has reached 426 and more than 350,000 people have been displaced. Indonesia’s national disaster agency estimates that the cost to repair the damage to infrastructure and property will exceed $340… Continue reading Earthquake Aid and Evangelism in Indonesia
The Christian Bell in Belarus
MINSK – Belarus is a land-locked country in Eastern Europe, formerly a part of the now-defunct Soviet Union. Nine and a half million people live in the heavily-forested country of only 80,000 square miles. Belarus is about the size of Kansas, but with three times as many people. Although the majority of the population self-professes… Continue reading The Christian Bell in Belarus
Local Christians Help Dig Greek Cities Out of the Ashes
ATHENS – The Greek coastal cities of Mati and Rafina in the southeastern region of Attica have been devastated by the worst wildfires in decades that have spread into the small urban areas. As of August 12th, the death toll has reached 94, including men, women, and children. Many were trapped in the flames in… Continue reading Local Christians Help Dig Greek Cities Out of the Ashes
More Crop for Every Drop: Israel Shares Precision Agriculture with India
NEW DELHI – India is among the most inefficient agriculture producers in the world – and all major crops – wheat, sugarcane, cotton – consume large quantities of water. Agriculture consumes 83 percent of India’s water resources, leaving only 17 percent for domestic and industrial use, according to a recent report in The Hindu Business… Continue reading More Crop for Every Drop: Israel Shares Precision Agriculture with India
The Silent War Against Christianity in Scotland
EDINBURGH – While nearly the whole of Christendom is aware, at least to some extent – of the persecution being wrought upon the followers of Christ in many countries, the same are blissfully unaware of the attacks upon the church by humanism and secularism. These twin threats to the faith once delivered the saints are… Continue reading The Silent War Against Christianity in Scotland
“Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
WASHINGTON, DC – Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom open the first meeting of a three-day Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom conference in Washington DC sponsored by the U.S. State Department. In his opening speech on 24 July, he said, ‘ The lack of religious freedom anywhere is a threat everywhere.” His… Continue reading “Lack of Religious Freedom Anywhere Is a Threat Everywhere”
Happy India Independence Day
NEW DELHI – This year India will celebrate the 72nd anniversary of its independence, following two centuries of being subject to the domination of the British East India Company and, ultimately, the rule of the British Empire in 1857. In the 18th century Indian subcontinent consisted of an array of local kingdoms. As the British… Continue reading Happy India Independence Day
WHO at War with Ebola in Congo – Again
KINSHASA – The Congo has been at war for a very long time. Most people who live there have never experienced an extended period of peace. The inability to stabilize the government has turned a country with enormous economic resources into a graveyard for more than six million people. While rebels and militia continue to… Continue reading WHO at War with Ebola in Congo – Again
Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
INDIA – South Asia and the Indian subcontinent seem to be facing a perennial water crisis that may be getting worse rather than better. The problem is complex. It is not simply that there is too much or too little. While there is flooding in some regions there is a drought in others. Where there… Continue reading Too Much? Too Little? Too Late? South Asia’s Growing Water Crisis
On Eagles’ Wings
HARRISON, AR – Ron Hutchcraft Ministries (RHM) bears a strong similarity to that of Gospel for Asia (GFA) and many other faith-based NGOs in the 21st century. The ministry is a peer-to-peer outreach in which Indian people share the Gospel with other Indian people. By and large, both minister to the poorest of the poor… Continue reading On Eagles’ Wings
DHS Comes to Aid of Stranded Iranian Christians
WASHINGTON DC – The subject of immigration has become a tinderbox of contention among many Americans as well as Europeans and Australians. The substance of immigration issues is often obscured by a fog of conflicting opinions between personal compassion and the government’s responsibility to ensure the general welfare and domestic tranquility of its current residents.… Continue reading DHS Comes to Aid of Stranded Iranian Christians
24 Women in Nepal Graduate from BE Church Vocational Training
KATMANDU – The 14th graduating class of the Believers Eastern Church vocational training class in the Diocese of Pokhara, Nepal, completed their work on 14 July 2018. A total of 24 women received their tailoring certificates at the end of the six-month course. A century ago, sewing and tailoring was a necessity for women in… Continue reading 24 Women in Nepal Graduate from BE Church Vocational Training
Thousands Still Stranded in Sri Lanka Flooding
SRI LANKA – While, as we reported recently, parts of northern India are suffering from a major drought, southern parts of the country have been besieged by flood-producing monsoons. Either problem can generate both immediate tragedy and long-term suffering. India’s island neighbor of Sri Lanka is still suffering from the effects of monsoons that hit… Continue reading Thousands Still Stranded in Sri Lanka Flooding
Why India’s Identity Politics Should Not Be a Surprise
MUMBAI – A recent study conducted by the Azim Premji University (APU) and the Center for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) concluded that “There is a distrust of leaders from outside the community across all classes, and all caste-class intersections.” Put simply, the majority of Indians prefer leaders with whom they identify most. Voter… Continue reading Why India’s Identity Politics Should Not Be a Surprise
Is the Banning of Home Bible Studies Creeping into America?
SEWICKLEY HEIGHTS, PA – Christians in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have been struggling to keep churches open and maintain home Bible studies in the face of opposition. Not all of the opposition they face comes in the forms of physical abuse, assault, and terror attacks. Much of the opposition is coming now in… Continue reading Is the Banning of Home Bible Studies Creeping into America?
London Man Arrested for Reading the Bible Aloud on Church Property
LONDON – Imagine, if you will, a 55-year-old man reading the Bible aloud in front of a church. Imagine that it is not just any church, but the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Then imagine that the church staff asking him to stop reading the Bible and leave the property, after which he was… Continue reading London Man Arrested for Reading the Bible Aloud on Church Property
Thousands Homeless in Laos After Dam Collapse
VIENTIANE – At approximately 8:00 p.m. local time on 23 July, the Xepian-Xe Nam Noy dam on the Xe Pian River in Laos collapsed. Within minutes, eight Laotian villages were completely destroyed whilst others were inundated, making travel and escape impossible. Reports on the number dead, injured, or missing vary as time goes by. It… Continue reading Thousands Homeless in Laos After Dam Collapse