INDIA – September 8th was International Literacy Day. With so many days set aside to draw attention to causes, we rarely take a look back to recognize what we have done to meet the needs of the cause beyond memorializing the day. Illiteracy is a significant issue in South Asia and other areas of the… Continue reading Literacy Will Change Their Worlds
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Reaching a Captive Audience
IRAN – Mojtaba Hosseini was arrested for being a threat to the national security of his home country of Iran. His crime was being a leader of a house church group. When he was originally arrested, he was placed on probation and warned to cease his church activities. I wonder what I would have done… Continue reading Reaching a Captive Audience
Making Sense of Myanmar – The Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Wa States
YANGON – Myanmar, formerly Burma, may best be described a line from Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” in which the king exclaims, “It’s a puzzlement.” In a recent article, we related the story of a Christian pastor in a small village in the Chin state in northwest Myanmar. The gist of the story… Continue reading Making Sense of Myanmar – The Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Wa States
Insight into Being an Outsider – Christians in Myanmar
RANGOON – Most Western people still know Myanmar as Burma – a country somewhere in South Asia. Situated east of the Bay of Bengal, Myanmar borders Bangladesh, India, China, and Thailand. Myanmar, then Burma, was evangelized in the early 1800s by Adoniram Judson who also completed the first Burmese language Bible. In 1950, there were… Continue reading Insight into Being an Outsider – Christians in Myanmar
Humanitarian Agencies in India Open Grain Banks to Poor
ALLAHABAD – The monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are hard on the poor in India, particularly those who work in the fields. A consortium of over 400 humanitarian aid agencies has come together to help during these difficult times this year. The consortium has established grain banks in over 100 villages across northern India in expectation… Continue reading Humanitarian Agencies in India Open Grain Banks to Poor
Controversial ‘Third Wave Missions’ Book Marks Major Four-Million-Copy Milestone
Gospel for Asia founder KP Yohannan’s “Revolution in World Missions” has helped spark growth of indigenous-Christian-worker movement. WILLS POINT, Texas—A book first met with controversy but now widely credited with helping change the face of modern missions is marking a major milestone—more than four million copies in print. Since it was published in 1986, Dr.… Continue reading Controversial ‘Third Wave Missions’ Book Marks Major Four-Million-Copy Milestone
Harvest-time Spotlight for Texas Church’s Volunteer Garden Helping Plant More Feeding Programs
Congregations across country replicate Denton Bible Church’s Community Garden — nation’s largest — growing fruits and vegetables for the homeless and hungry DENTON, Texas — As fall harvest season approaches, a green-fingered Texas church is teaching other congregations how to be fruitful—literally—just as the Bible says. Churches across the country are replicating Denton Bible Church’s… Continue reading Harvest-time Spotlight for Texas Church’s Volunteer Garden Helping Plant More Feeding Programs
Wealthiest Man in Singapore Puts His Trust in Christ Alone
SINGAPORE – Matthew and Mark both record Jesus describing the danger of being a rich man. He told those gathered around him that “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) Jesus was explaining his previous… Continue reading Wealthiest Man in Singapore Puts His Trust in Christ Alone
Simple Story of Village Reconciliation Offers ‘Pathway to Peace’ for Divided World
GFA (Gospel for Asia) shares example of reconciliation to mark International Day of Peace and inspire more peacemakers to prayer and action WILLS POINT, Texas—As political and religious divisions widen and deepen around the world, GFA (Gospel for Asia) hopes that a simple story of reconciliation and forgiveness will inspire more people to pray and… Continue reading Simple Story of Village Reconciliation Offers ‘Pathway to Peace’ for Divided World
Humanitarian Aid Being Hindered in Yemen: Millions of People at Risk
SANA, Yemen – “More than 25 percent of children (1.8 million) are malnourished; 900,000 people in the governorate are desperate for food and 90,000 pregnant women are at enormous risk. Families need everything–food, cash, health care, water, sanitation, emergency supplies, specialized support, and many need shelter. It’s heart-breaking to see so many people who need… Continue reading Humanitarian Aid Being Hindered in Yemen: Millions of People at Risk
Outdoor Adventure Group Book Arms Parents, Teachers in Cultural ‘War on Boyhood’
As interest spikes in youth programs this fall, Trail Life USA leader challenges PC thinking BELTON, S.C.— With interest in enrollment in extra-curricular programs spiking nationwide as children return to school, Trail Life USA (www.traillifeusa.com) has released a special e-book outlining the unique learning and development needs of young males. Political correctness is failing America’s boys, according… Continue reading Outdoor Adventure Group Book Arms Parents, Teachers in Cultural ‘War on Boyhood’
Counting Toilets: Confusing Tasks with Completed Goals, by Gospel for Asia
NEW DELHI – The Swachh Bharat Mission has been receiving kudos from media outlets for being “The world’s biggest toilet-building spree” in the UN-affiliated global effort to eliminate open defecation. There is little debate over the progress that has been made in India. More than 80 million household toilets have been constructed since 2014 as… Continue reading Counting Toilets: Confusing Tasks with Completed Goals, by Gospel for Asia
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
Heartache and Discrimination in Widowhood Still Facing Millions of ‘Invisible Women’
Gospel for Asia (GFA) calls attention to plight of widows worldwide who need help to face tragedy and overcome the many indignations of widowhood. WILLS POINT, Texas — More than seven years after the United Nations formally called attention to the plight of widows, millions of bereaved women \still find themselves subjected to abuse, humiliation, ostracism… Continue reading Heartache and Discrimination in Widowhood Still Facing Millions of ‘Invisible Women’
GFA Makes ‘Loaves and Fishes’ Appeal for Help in Kerala State Flood Relief Efforts
Desperate need inspires sacrificial giving, as GFA-supported teams work through night to assist relief efforts of government officials ready emergency supplies WILLS POINT, Texas — Gospel for Asia (GFA) has issued a “loaves and fishes” appeal for support in bringing help and hope to some of the tens of thousands devastated by historic flooding in… Continue reading GFA Makes ‘Loaves and Fishes’ Appeal for Help in Kerala State Flood Relief Efforts
NFL Stars Team Up with Biblica for Sports-Themed Outreach, Game of Life, in South Asia
Former Chicago Bears back ‘Game of Life’ distribution to fans of ‘the other football’ COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four NFL veterans have teamed up with Biblica, the International Bible Society (www.biblica.com), to throw their weight behind a sports outreach that aims to score with thousands of young people in South Asia through “the other football.”… Continue reading NFL Stars Team Up with Biblica for Sports-Themed Outreach, Game of Life, in South Asia
Widows Worldwide Face Tragedy, Discrimination
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Special Report: Hope to Overcome the Challenges of Widowhood Written By Ken Walker of InChrist Communications Accounts of the humiliations, insults and indignations suffered by widows worldwide would make anyone cringe. Gulika, a widow in Asia, experienced helplessness after the people in her village turned their backs on her after… Continue reading Widows Worldwide Face Tragedy, Discrimination
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
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
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
Gospel for Asia Supported Workers Rescue Stranded, Provide Emergency Supplies for India Flood Victims
GFA-supported workers rescue stranded, provide emergency supplies for India Flood victims. WILLS POINT, TEXAS —Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers are stepping up efforts to help with rescue and relief efforts in India’s flood-stricken Kerala state, as the death toll and number of displaced people in the worst flooding in nearly a century continue to climb. Though… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Supported Workers Rescue Stranded, Provide Emergency Supplies for India Flood Victims
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
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
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
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
Fighting Malaria – a Chilling Disease
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Special Report on Mosquito Netting and Malaria Prevention Combat a Parasitic Genius Written By Ken Walker of InChrist Communications Fighting Malaria. Though eradicated in many developed nations, malaria still claims thousands of lives around the world. One victim who survived this mosquito-borne disease compared its chills to “lying down between… Continue reading Fighting Malaria – a Chilling Disease
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
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
Rwanda Exercising Strict Control of Churches
KIGALI – Thousands of churches across Rwanda look like this one. Empty. While government closure of churches has grown all too common in many countries where governments enforce state religions or cultural nationalism, nearly half of the population is Protestant, 43 percent are Catholic, and the remaining seven percent includes all other faiths. The KT… Continue reading Rwanda Exercising Strict Control of Churches
Churches & NGOs Activate to Aid Victims of Northern California Carr Fire
REDDING, CA – Witnesses to the devastation wrought by the Carr fire in Northern California have been describing the scene as apocalyptic. As of this morning, the fire is about 20 percent contained, but it has already consumed nearly 100,000 acres. Nearly 40,000 people have been evacuated. More than 500 buildings, including at least 300… Continue reading Churches & NGOs Activate to Aid Victims of Northern California Carr Fire
Peace in Eritrea and Ethiopia May Open Doors to Share the Gospel
ADDIS ABABA – The North African nations of Eritrea and Ethiopia have formally agreed to end the longest-running war on the continent. Christians in Ethiopia are praying that the agreement will present new opportunities to spread the Gospel. “With this new peace agreement, borders will be reopened and trade reinstated between the two countries. The… Continue reading Peace in Eritrea and Ethiopia May Open Doors to Share the Gospel
World Focus Can Help Awaken Stagnant Churches, Says Missions Agency
TMS Global outlines program to help move congregations from ‘vaguely spiritual Rotary Club’ to strategic outreach NORCROSS, Ga.—A wake-up call to sleepy churches has gone out from missions agency TMS Global, which wants to help revive inward-focused congregations through revitalized faith. The interdenominational organization offers a roadmap to renewal in the latest issue of its… Continue reading World Focus Can Help Awaken Stagnant Churches, Says Missions Agency
Pastored by Dr. Robert Jeffress, First Baptist Church of Dallas Celebrates Its First 150 Years of Worldwide Impact
The many reasons why First Baptist is often called “America’s church” and continues to be a spiritual and political force in the United States. First Baptist Church of Dallas, pastored since 2007 by Dr. Robert Jeffress, turns 150 this month, and its impact — both past and present — on our country, culture and world… Continue reading Pastored by Dr. Robert Jeffress, First Baptist Church of Dallas Celebrates Its First 150 Years of Worldwide Impact
55,000 Displaced Syrian Children Are in Danger
DAMASCUS – Hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been killed in the seven-year-long Syrian Civil War. An estimated 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, creating one of the greatest refugee crises in history. Over 270,000 people have fled to southern Syria during the month of July. The single largest displacement of… Continue reading 55,000 Displaced Syrian Children Are in Danger
More Than Half of Women in India and Pakistan Are Anemic
JAIPUR – According to a report by IndiaSpend, “Anemia . . . impacts half of Indian women of reproductive age, increases the risk of maternal mortality, infection, preterm delivery, poor fetal and infant health, and puts children at lifelong risk of issues involving cognitive development and physical growth.” The report summarized the results of a… Continue reading More Than Half of Women in India and Pakistan Are Anemic
Turkish Court Keeps Pastor Andrew Brunson Jailed
IZMIR – Despite heightened optimism that a Turkish court might release U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson from prison today, expectations were dealt a blow when the court ordered him to remain in custody. The next hearing, his fourth, is scheduled for 12 October 2018. Brunson, 50, a native of North Carolina, has lived in Turkey for… Continue reading Turkish Court Keeps Pastor Andrew Brunson Jailed
On Front Lines of Women’s Empowerment and Providing Clean Water, Gospel for Asia Celebrates Its 39th Anniversary by Releasing 2017 Highlights
In 2017, Gospel for Asia (GFA) and its worldwide affiliates working in 18 Asian nations addressed women’s issues by empowering more than 350,000 women through various ministry efforts and installed 4,673 clean-water wells. Wills Point, Texas, Discussing Women’s Issues in Asia — This month, 39 years ago, Dr. KP Yohannan founded the organization Gospel for… Continue reading On Front Lines of Women’s Empowerment and Providing Clean Water, Gospel for Asia Celebrates Its 39th Anniversary by Releasing 2017 Highlights
Released Boko Haram Captive Pinning Her Problems to the Cross
ABUJA – The militant African group Boko Haram has terrorized Nigerians for nearly 10 years, destroying churches, schools, and homes. The infamously mass murder entire villages of people before burning the villages to the ground. They have taken more than 3,000 women and schoolgirls captive and attempt to convert them to Islam. Those who refuse… Continue reading Released Boko Haram Captive Pinning Her Problems to the Cross
TMS Global leader’s move adds to ranks of African Americans serving in international cross-cultural mission
Richard Coleman stepping down as senior director of mobilization and candidacy to serve in Ethiopia NORCROSS, Ga.—A forthcoming leadership transition at missions agency TMS Global comes at a time when it is pursuing a heightened commitment to seeing more non-whites serving in world evangelization. After more than a decade recruiting others for service with the… Continue reading TMS Global leader’s move adds to ranks of African Americans serving in international cross-cultural mission
Residents Pledge Tobacco-Free Effort Following Health Awareness Drive
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers warn of dangers of tobacco to help demonstrate that ‘God cares for the whole person’ WILLS POINT, Texas—June 2017, residents of a community in northern India pledged to make it tobacco-free following a health awareness drive by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers. Carrying placards and handing out advisory leaflets about… Continue reading Residents Pledge Tobacco-Free Effort Following Health Awareness Drive
China Closes Beijing’s Largest House Church
BEIJING – Chinese officials successfully closed and barred the doors of Beijing’s largest house church on July 8th, occupying it with ‘thugs’ to prevent members from entering. The closure is yet another in a growing list of moves by agents of the government to either gain oversight of or close Christian churches in China. The… Continue reading China Closes Beijing’s Largest House Church
Algerian Christian ‘Free at Last’
ALGIERS – Idir Hamdad is a native Algerian. He was born into and raised in a Muslim home. In 2002, he and his family converted to Christianity which led to harassment from their neighbors. Islam is the state religion in Algeria, so conversion to any other religion is considered apostasy and is punishable by death.… Continue reading Algerian Christian ‘Free at Last’
Christian Aid Agencies Preparing to Help Victims of Japan Floods
HIROSHIMA – The death toll keeps rising by the in Hiroshima Prefecture and seven other prefectures in the south of Japan. More than two million people have been forced to evacuate after record rainfalls have inundated the area. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that 14.3 inches of rain had fallen within a period of two… Continue reading Christian Aid Agencies Preparing to Help Victims of Japan Floods
[ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People
International Day for the Unreached organizers emphasize need for whole church to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – United by a single goal, the champions of missions to the unreached follow a wide range of paths in taking the gospel to those who have yet to hear of Jesus. The breadth of… Continue reading [ICC] Diverse Projects Spotlight ‘Broad Challenge’ of the World’s 2 Billion Unreached People