LA PAZ, Bolivia – Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales Ayma, addressed a national television audience on January 21st, following protestations by representatives of the country’s National Association of Evangelicals opposed to a section of a new penal code that would have made it a crime to evangelize. Section 88.11 of the code stated, “whoever recruits, transports,… Continue reading [UPDATE] Bolivia’s President Requests Repeal of New Penal Code
News
Why President Trump Cut Funding to UNRWA
Palestinian refugees in 1948 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Soon after President Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the nation of Israel, he also announced that he would cut U.S. funding of aid to Palestinians. The funding of which he spoke is channeled through the UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency. The U.S. has… Continue reading Why President Trump Cut Funding to UNRWA
[Update] Vice President Pence Confirms U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem
JERUSALEM – U.S. Vice President Mike Pence assured the Israeli parliament today that “In the weeks ahead, our administration will advance its plan to open the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem – and that the United States Embassy will open before the end of next year.” The U.S. decision to begin the move of the embassy… Continue reading [Update] Vice President Pence Confirms U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem
Missionaries or Ambassadors
The Western world has traditionally held the word “missionary” in high esteem, largely unaware that leaders of Eastern nations have often regarded the idea skepticism. That skepticism has grown over the past century, following the end of World War I and, even more so, since the end of the Second World War. Why the disparity?… Continue reading Missionaries or Ambassadors
Wycliffe Associates Goal – Bibles in Every Language by 2025
ORLANDO, Florida – Wycliffe Associates has a goal of translating the Bible into every language by 2025. During 2018, the organization expects to begin translations in 600 languages, a task that was once unimaginable. Wycliffe is embracing advances in technology previously unavailable to translators. It was not all that long ago that translation of the… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Goal – Bibles in Every Language by 2025
Mission India Celebrates 40th Anniversary
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – A visit to India in 1971 led John DeVries to pray, “God, I will serve you anywhere you want. Just, please, don’t send me back here again.” At the time, DeVries did not realize that what he was seeing was the Lord’s way of opening John’s eyes and heart to the… Continue reading Mission India Celebrates 40th Anniversary
[Update] Pakistan House Churches Reopen
PAKISTAN – Earlier this month officials in Abbottabad closed six unregistered house churches within the district for security reasons. It had not been clear what those security issues were. Meetings between officials and members of the All Pastor Association Abbottabad have clarified the security issues. As a further result, officials agreed to re-open the churches… Continue reading [Update] Pakistan House Churches Reopen
Officials May Close All House Churches in Pakistan
PAKISTAN – Earlier this month officials in Abbottabad closed six unregistered house churches within the district for security reasons. Abbottabad is located about 75 miles north of Islamabad, the district captured the attention of Americans when it was discovered that Osama bin Laden had been residing there. The district is home to the Pakistan Military… Continue reading Officials May Close All House Churches in Pakistan
[Update] US Embassy Will Move to Jerusalem Consulate Location
WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, during his visit to India, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that the United States would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem much earlier than previously anticipated – “Much faster than people think, within a year.” President Trump’s affirmed in December that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and… Continue reading [Update] US Embassy Will Move to Jerusalem Consulate Location
Anchored North Comes Under Attack for Video Testimony
UPLAND, California – Anchored North is making a global impact, reaching Millennials around the world with digital evangelism. The organization is reaching out to a mission field that no one even knew would exist 25 years ago. Statistics say that more than 56 million Millennials are leaving the church. Just as Gospel for Asia (GFA)… Continue reading Anchored North Comes Under Attack for Video Testimony
Belize Man Prays for Bibles – God Answers
BELIZE – In November 2017, a team from Mission Cry in Fowlerville, Michigan was visiting Belize to deliver Bibles to school children. One morning, they arrived at the next school on their schedule only to discover that their meeting had been canceled. While the group was discussing how to proceed, one of their Belizean hosts… Continue reading Belize Man Prays for Bibles – God Answers
[Update] Netanyahu in India: US Embassy Will Move to Jerusalem Soon
NEW DELHI – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters today on his flight from Delhi to Gujarat that it is his “solid assessment” that the United States will move its embassy to Jerusalem much sooner than most people think. President Trump announced the move in December when he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of… Continue reading [Update] Netanyahu in India: US Embassy Will Move to Jerusalem Soon
Audio Version of Jesus Film Available in 51 Languages
International (MNN/TWR) – Cru, the U.S. arm of Campus Crusade International produced the original JESUS film in 1979. Nearly 500,000 people have reportedly accepted Christ as a result of watching the film which is now available through the JESUS Film Project® in more than 1,500 different languages. Cru and TRW (Trans World Radio) have teamed… Continue reading Audio Version of Jesus Film Available in 51 Languages
Trump Administration Extends FEMA Aid to Texas Churches
By Greg Henshall from FEMA photo library – public domain via Wikimedia Commons WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump Administration has revised the language in FEMA Relief Fund rules to include local churches. The action follows a lawsuit filed by three Texas churches damaged during Hurricane Harvey. The three Houston-area churches filed a complaint in federal… Continue reading Trump Administration Extends FEMA Aid to Texas Churches
Seeking the Opportunities to Serve
Gospel for Asia (GFA), WILLS POINT, Texas – We understand that it is reasonable for people to infer from our name, Gospel for Asia (GFA), that our only area of service is in Asian countries and that our only service is to share the Gospel. While that assumption is reasonable, it is not entirely accurate.… Continue reading Seeking the Opportunities to Serve
Church Health Preschoolers Help Mumbai Children
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Commercial Appeal) – Church Health, a medical clinic with a Christian mission, operates the Perea Preschool in the poorest of poor neighborhoods of North Memphis, Tennessee, where 90% of the population lives below the federal poverty level. Using Abeka teaching materials, the preschool introduces three-to-five-year-old children to basic educational needs and how to… Continue reading Church Health Preschoolers Help Mumbai Children
K. P. Yohannan
Dr. KP Yohannan has been crisscrossing the globe for the past 40 years, challenging the Body of Christ to discipleship. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—has left its impact on nearly every continent. To the Church caught up by the tidal waves of compromise and self-preservation, Yohannan’s life message is… Continue reading K. P. Yohannan
Bolivia’s Article 88.11 May Curb Evangelism
LA PAZ, Bolivia – The National Association of Evangelicals in Bolivia (NAEB) has formed a National Energy Commission in response to the inclusion of Article 88.11 in the country’s new Penal Code. “Whoever recruits, transports, deprives of freedom or hosts people with the aim of recruiting them to take part in armed conflicts or religious… Continue reading Bolivia’s Article 88.11 May Curb Evangelism
Christian Worship Revived in Iraq City of Qaraqosh
QARAQOSH, Iraq – The names of Asian cities are often unknown to most people in the western world. Qaraqosh is one such city. Its connection to Biblical accounts of history dates to hundreds and even thousands of years before Christ as it lies within the Nineveh Governate and close to the ruins of both Nineveh… Continue reading Christian Worship Revived in Iraq City of Qaraqosh
Refuge Ranch to Reach Sex Trafficking Victims in Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – Where exactly is the mission field? It’s wherever there is a need. It may be in India, or it may be in Indiana. It might be in Thailand or it might be in Texas. It could be in Asia, or it could be in Austin. According to a study from the University… Continue reading Refuge Ranch to Reach Sex Trafficking Victims in Texas
Scientists Plan to Map Quake-Prone Regions in Asia
KUALA LUMPUR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – A group of more than 30 researchers from six countries is preparing to create the first detailed images, maps, and monitors of earthquake-prone regions of Asia. The project will cover 435 square miles of an onshore subduction zone that is an extension of the one the caused the 2004… Continue reading Scientists Plan to Map Quake-Prone Regions in Asia
Breaking the Cycle of Prison for Abandoned Sierra Leone Children
Wikimedia Commons, TKnoxB FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Crossroads Prison Ministries International provides resources, training, and support for ministry leaders in over 20 countries across the globe, to help share God’s love to the imprisoned people in their respective countries. “In developing countries, deplorable prison conditions present added challenges. Severe overcrowding, limited food rations, poor sanitation,… Continue reading Breaking the Cycle of Prison for Abandoned Sierra Leone Children
Nkhoma Hospital Brings Healing to Malawi
By Lt.j.g. Matthew Stroup [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons NKHOMA, Malawi – The African village of Nkhoma, its mission community, and hospital are located 60km south of Malawi’s capital Lilongwe, 15km east of the main road running from Lilongwe to Blantyre. What was established as a missionary base of operations with a single doctor in… Continue reading Nkhoma Hospital Brings Healing to Malawi
Gospel for Asia Relentlessly Focused on Helping Poor Overcome the Cycle of Poverty
For more than 11 years, Gospel for Asia has published a Christmas Gift Catalog filled with opportunities for people in the West to be involved in helping transform the lives of families in Asia who live in poverty. Since that time, more than 1 million families have been helped and many reports about how Gospel… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Relentlessly Focused on Helping Poor Overcome the Cycle of Poverty
January Proclaimed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2017 /The White House / — President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The proclamation calls upon “industry associations, law enforcement, private businesses, faith-based and other organizations of civil society, schools, families, and all Americans to recognize our vital roles in ending… Continue reading January Proclaimed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Churches in Algeria Express Concern Over Inspections
ALGIERS, Algeria (Middle Eastern Concern/ SIGHT) – Three believers were arrested in Chlef, 200 km north-west of Algiers, during the third week of December. They were visiting from Tizi Ouzou and had arranged to meet a contact at a café. Police entered the café, found they were in possession of Christian literature, and took them… Continue reading Churches in Algeria Express Concern Over Inspections
AWANA Cofounder, Art Rorheim, Dies at Age 99
Heaven’s doors opened on January 5, 2018, to receive AWANA Cofounder, Art Rorheim. He was 99 at the time of his passing. Rorheim collaborated with Lance Latham to create and establish the AWANA as a youth and children’s ministry in a Chicago church in 1950. The ministry concept was based on a paraphrase of II… Continue reading AWANA Cofounder, Art Rorheim, Dies at Age 99
18 States Increase Minimum Wage for 2018
Nearly 80 million people in the U.S. workforce are paid on an hourly basis. About 700,000 who are currently paid the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will be getting an increase as 18 states raise their minimum wage effective January 1, 2018. Minimum Wage Increase The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since… Continue reading 18 States Increase Minimum Wage for 2018
Operation Rescue Names President Trump 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2017 — Operation Rescue has presented its 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year Malachi Award to President Donald J. Trump. The Malachi Award is given by Operation Rescue every year to recognize individuals who sacrificially work to advance the cause of protecting the pre-born. “Operation Rescue is grateful to President Trump for… Continue reading Operation Rescue Names President Trump 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year
Wildfires in Southern California 88 percent Contained
On Dec. 4, a wildfire, now dubbed the Thomas Fire, broke out in the southern part of the state of California. It covered thousands upon thousands of acres in the state. The wildfires broke a five-year record for the most number of acres burned. CNN explains, “For the past five years, wildfires scorched an average… Continue reading Wildfires in Southern California 88 percent Contained
UPDATE: Egypt Extends State of Emergency after Coptic Church Attack
Police in the aftermath of the attack. (Source: BBC, EPA) CAIRO (MENAFN – Jordan Times) – Egypt will extend its nationwide state of emergency for three months from January 13th to help tackle ‘the dangers and funding of terrorism,’ state news agency MENA said on Tuesday. Egypt first imposed the current state of emergency last… Continue reading UPDATE: Egypt Extends State of Emergency after Coptic Church Attack
France Takes in Libyan Migrants
On Dec. 19, the first refugees from Libya arrived in Paris after France made a declaration to help those caught in a present-day slave trade. CNN reported that the French government “stepped up its fight against slavery as the first group of refugees rescued from Libya touched down Tuesday in Paris from Niger.” France is… Continue reading France Takes in Libyan Migrants
President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
News from the nation’s capital has Americans attuned to the battles between Republican and Democrats and liberals and conservatives over immigration, tax reform, healthcare, and government spending. Regardless of the subject at hand, until the recent passage of the tax reform bill, issues that many believe should be of major importance to America and the… Continue reading President Trump’s Nominee for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Stalled
Guatemala Follows United States in Declaring Jerusalem the Capital of Israel
On Christmas Eve, Guatemala’s president announced they will follow the United States in declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel and moving their embassy to Jerusalem. There is some speculation that Guatemala will be the first country to move their embassy. Guatemala refuted these speculations, saying they will follow the lead of the United States. Per… Continue reading Guatemala Follows United States in Declaring Jerusalem the Capital of Israel
Indonesia’s Christmas Gifts for Christians
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian government extended protection for Christians throughout the country and reduced jail sentences for Christians currently confined in penal institutions. Over 180,000 officers were deployed by the National Police and Indonesian Military (TNI) to protect Christians as they gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ. Reports indicate that believers were able… Continue reading Indonesia’s Christmas Gifts for Christians
Evangelical Entrapment Growing in India
Hyderabad, India – When Jesus told his disciples that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church, He didn’t say that the church would never come under attack. The concept of prevailing implies attack. Christianity has been under attack for 2,000 years. There is no indication, from the Bible or from current events,… Continue reading Evangelical Entrapment Growing in India
The Church’s Role in Eradicating Poverty [UPDATE]
The Church tries to build healthy communities in impoverished areas, often times through hand-outs or one time gifts that do not help families out of poverty. By providing work opportunities, the Church can build communities and help eradicate poverty. Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are most often supported by the Church and its congregants in such a… Continue reading The Church’s Role in Eradicating Poverty [UPDATE]
Pontiff Cites Pressing World Problem of Fake News
In an address to Catholic media on December 16th, Pope Francis evaluated the dissemination of fake news as a pressing world problem. Calling it a “grave sin that hurts the heart of the journalist and hurts others,” he set the stage for the inclusion of the issue in his upcoming annual address. We remember the… Continue reading Pontiff Cites Pressing World Problem of Fake News
President Trump Declares Jerusalem Capital of Israel
On Dec. 6, President Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel. He also ordered the US Embassy in Israel to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The New York Times reports, “President Trump on Wednesday formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing nearly seven decades of American foreign policy and setting in motion… Continue reading President Trump Declares Jerusalem Capital of Israel
Iraqi Religious Leaders Call for Restoring Religious and Social Cohesion
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 15, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ — More than 40 religious leaders from Iraq gathered in Beirut, Lebanon under the auspices of the World Council of Churches for three days of constructive interfaith dialogue to identify and analyse opportunities and challenges related to cohesion and highlight the role of religious leaders in restoring inclusive… Continue reading Iraqi Religious Leaders Call for Restoring Religious and Social Cohesion
FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl
On Dec. 8, a 6-year-old girl was abducted while she slept beside her family. In the minutes that followed her abduction, she was brutally raped and murdered. It wasn’t until the next morning that her mom noticed she was missing. The rape and murder came as a shock to everyone in India, as she was… Continue reading FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl
Honor Killing of Dalit Man Leads to Death Penalty of Six Men
Last year in Tamil Nadu, India, six men attacked and killed a Dalit man in broad daylight for marrying a woman of another caste. Marrying outside your caste is unheard of and goes against traditional norms in India, which is why they killed a Dalit. Many times, Dalit cases will go unresolved in court. This… Continue reading Honor Killing of Dalit Man Leads to Death Penalty of Six Men
As UK Leaves European Union, Question of Irish Border Still Up in Air
A year ago, the United Kingdom decided to split from the European Union. They’ve been discussing what this split is. Throughout the process, the fate of Ireland and North Ireland has been up in the air, especially with regards to how open the border will between the north and south. This is a huge obstacle… Continue reading As UK Leaves European Union, Question of Irish Border Still Up in Air
Nine Dead, 50 Injured in Pakistani Church Bombing
Quetta, Pakistan – “We heard a big bang. Then there was shooting. The prayer hall’s door broke and fell on us.” Kal Alaxander and his family were attending a worship service with about 400 others at the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta when at least two suicide bombers attempted to destroy the building and… Continue reading Nine Dead, 50 Injured in Pakistani Church Bombing
2017 Abortion Facility Survey: Abortion Clinic Numbers Keep Dropping
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ — In a year that abortion businesses attempted to expand in America, the actual number of abortion facilities decreased by 27 clinics over 2016 totals. Closures far outpaced newly opened abortion facilities in 2017. In all, 49 abortion facilities – 35 surgical and 14 medication only clinics – closed or… Continue reading 2017 Abortion Facility Survey: Abortion Clinic Numbers Keep Dropping
Gospel for Asia Staff Volunteer at Operation Christmas Child Processing Center
Wills Point, Texas On Saturday, December 2, 23 representatives from Gospel for Asia (GFA), including staff members, children of staff, and students in GFA’s School of Discipleship program, volunteered at the Dallas-area processing center for Samaritan’s Purse’s annual Operation Christmas Child outreach. Operation Christmas Child is an outreach ministry of Samaritan’s Purse in which people… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Staff Volunteer at Operation Christmas Child Processing Center
Religious group serving the community where it resides
Gospel for Asia (GFA) moved its offices from Carrollton, Texas to Wills Point, Texas in Kaufman a few years ago. This moved placed the nonprofit ministry on a campus where staff and people helping to fulfill the mission of Gospel for Asia can be housed. Gospel for Asia (GFA) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with… Continue reading Religious group serving the community where it resides
Nate Saint
“People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.” – Nate Saint His Early Life… Continue reading Nate Saint
Gift Catalogs Makes it Possible for Christmas Gifts to Transform Lives
As U.S. families prepare for Christmas expenses and holiday giving, Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog is helping people find joy through giving practical gifts that produce income for families in need. WILLS POINT, Texas—This year as some families attempt to navigate the Christmas season of gift giving, often times exchanging items no one… Continue reading Gift Catalogs Makes it Possible for Christmas Gifts to Transform Lives
Prayers Interrupted by Mob in India
A Hindu woman, Anita Masih, traveling to Delhi with six other Christians, stopped in Mathura at the request of her sister Valmiki. She had asked the group to pause on their journey to come to her home to pray for her sick husband. While the Valmiki was gathering water for her guests, a mob of… Continue reading Prayers Interrupted by Mob in India