By Qypchak In late August of 2016, Russia attacked Ukraine while it was celebrating its Independence from the former USSR. CNN reports, “On the day of his country’s 25th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants ‘the whole Ukraine’ to be part of… Continue reading Russia Attacks Ukraine on 25th Anniversary of Independence
Results for "New Year"
Zika virus causing microcephaly in Thailand
The Zika-related malady of microcephaly that has plagued Brazil and much of the Americas is now in Thailand where two babies recently born there have the birth defect, marking Asia’s first reports of the condition. While not all pregnant women infected with Zika deliver microcephalic babies, researchers say Zika is one of the leading… Continue reading Zika virus causing microcephaly in Thailand
Save the Children: Girls under 15 marry every seven seconds
More than 700 million women living today entered into forced marriages as children under the age of 18, according to a landmark report by Save the Children called Every Last Girl. The current rate of marriage worldwide for girls under 15 is one every seven seconds. These teenaged and pre-teenaged girls are not falling in… Continue reading Save the Children: Girls under 15 marry every seven seconds
What Was the missions world like the last time the Cubs Won the World Series?
The year is 1908. The cubs are playing in the World Series, and they win the final game, making them the World Series champions. In the meantime, God is working through missionaries around the world to spread the Good News. After 108 years the Chicago Cubs have finally won, this time against the Cleveland Indians.… Continue reading What Was the missions world like the last time the Cubs Won the World Series?
WHO certifies Sri Lanka as malaria-free
The World Health Organization (WHO) certified in September that the island nation of Sri Lanka off the southeast coast of India is malaria-free. Sri Lanka joins a list of 33 nations that have achieved that status, while 94 nations and territories still have malaria transmission. “It was a hard fight, [but] this is an example… Continue reading WHO certifies Sri Lanka as malaria-free
Teams Distribute Food, Shoes, Supplies to Afflicted on World Leprosy Day
GOSPEL FOR ASIA-SUPPORTED WORKERS GIVE HELP AND HOPE TO THOSE LIVING IN ISOLATION. WILLS POINT, Texas – People affected with leprosy throughout South Asia received food, shoes, blankets and household supplies as workers supported through Gospel for Asia (GFA) commemorated World Leprosy Day, held each year to promote awareness and prevention. Gospel for Asia (GFA)… Continue reading Teams Distribute Food, Shoes, Supplies to Afflicted on World Leprosy Day
Another Italy earthquake
By terremocentroitalia terremocentroitalia from Italia In late October of 2016, an earthquake hit Norcia, Italy (a town in the central part of Italy). A 6.6 earthquake was recorded. CNN reports, “A powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake rocked central Italy on Sunday morning, injuring at least 20 people, in the strongest tremor to hit the country in more… Continue reading Another Italy earthquake
Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Opponents of President Nicola Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela held mass demonstrations recently, demanding a recall election of the beleaguered president as the nation wallows in an economic crisis. Widespread shortages of common goods and medicines has led to increased crime, rolling blackouts and massive inflation. Economists predict 700 percent inflation this year and… Continue reading Venezuela protests call for ouster of President Maduro
Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
In a national vote, Colombians rejected a peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army, also known as FARC, which was intended to end 52 years of guerrilla warfare. The referendum’s failure to pass follows four years of negotiations between President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC, which Cuba hosted and facilitated. Colombians rejected… Continue reading Colombia peace deal with rebels rejected
Missing girls in China not because of One-Child Policy
In 1979, China put into law the One-Child Policy. Under this law, parents were only allowed to have one child and other babies were to be aborted. There were missing girls. The boys outnumbered the girls. CNN explains, “But in a new study, researchers suggest that around 25 million of these girls aren’t actually missing,… Continue reading Missing girls in China not because of One-Child Policy
Teams Perform Good Works Across India as Country Celebrates National Heritage
GOSPEL FOR ASIA-SUPPORTED WORKERS OFFER HELP AND HOPE TO NEEDY COMMUNITIES TO MARK REPUBLIC DAY As India celebrated its national heritage recently, some of the country’s neediest people were given help and hope by teams supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA). Hundreds of Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers in different locations went out into their… Continue reading Teams Perform Good Works Across India as Country Celebrates National Heritage
Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Introduction Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned and tortured for 14 long years in a Communist Romanian prison. After his release to the United States, he was the voice of persecuted Christians around the world. Early Life Richard was born in 1909 to a Jewish background family. Richard was a militant atheist who opposed all religions. Despite… Continue reading Rev. Richard Wurmbrand: Voice for the Persecuted
Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government
Two Presbyterian pastors are on trial in the Republic of the Sudan on charges of waging war against the state, espionage, and undermining Sudan’s constitutional system. Each faces the death penalty if convicted. Sudan is holding two others, Czech aid worker Petr Jasek and Darfuri human rights activist Abduelmoneim Abdulmawla, on charges… Continue reading Sudan pastors put on trial by Islamic-oriented government
Brazil passes law to get out of recession
In December of 2016, the Brazilian government made a law called the austerity law. The point of the law is to help get Brazil out of the recession they’ve been in. CNN explains, “Brazilian President Michael Temer — who assumed office in late August — praised the move, referring to the bill as the ‘first… Continue reading Brazil passes law to get out of recession
South Sudan at crosshairs
The newest nation in the world, South Sudan has been in a civil war in 2013. Not only have thousands of people been killed, but crops have been destroyed. South Sudan has had to call in aid agencies to take care of its people. According to The Guardian, “About half of the nation’s 11 million… Continue reading South Sudan at crosshairs
John Wesley
John Wesley was the co-founder of Methodism along with his brother, Charles. John rode thousands and thousands of miles around England on horseback in order to spread the Good News to the common people. John Wesley and the rest of the English crew were afraid of the storm on the open seas. John Wesley was… Continue reading John Wesley
John G. Paton: A Missionary of Courage
Introduction John Paton was a man of courage. Like his father before him, John Paton was strong in his faith and worked among the cannibals of the New Hebrides, which is the modern nation of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean. Early Life John Paton was born in 1824 in Scotland. His father was devoted… Continue reading John G. Paton: A Missionary of Courage
Leprosy
Introduction Throughout Jesus’s life, he met and healed lepers. He had compassion for them, because they were the outcastes of society. There was and is a stigma attached to leprosy. Christians continue the work of Jesus by caring for those who have leprosy and bringing healing to them. The Disease of Leprosy Leprosy is a… Continue reading Leprosy
Wildfires burn hundreds of acres in central Alabama as drought continues
LEEDS, Ala. – More than 900 wildfires torched about 200 acres in central Alabama, affecting homes and businesses and creating poor visibility on Interstate 20. The blazes produced plumes of smoke so thick they were visible on weather radar. Fed by a drought throughout the Southeast, the fires destroyed more than 100,000 acres in Alabama… Continue reading Wildfires burn hundreds of acres in central Alabama as drought continues
Demolition begins on France’s infamous ‘Jungle’ Camp
The migrant camp known as “the Jungle” is being demolished, even as Calais’ mayor warned the refugee crisis is not over. Protestors and police clashed as orange jumpsuit-clad workers tore down makeshift shelters in the camp. But Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart warned this will do little to resolve the refugee problem. “Migrants are continuing to… Continue reading Demolition begins on France’s infamous ‘Jungle’ Camp
6.2-magnitude quake rocks western Japan
TOKYO – A 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook western Japan, damaging homes and injuring seven people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Oct. 21 temblor struck west of Osaka near the city of Kurayosh, about 430 miles west of Tokyo. According to Japan’s meteorological agency, the area also experienced a 5.0-magnitude aftershock. No tsunami risk resulted.… Continue reading 6.2-magnitude quake rocks western Japan
FARC in Colombia Guerilla demands amnesty in peace deal
Ivan Marquez of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army, also known as FARC, said in September that unless the government offers amnesty to his guerillas, there will be no peace. The guerrillas have battled the Colombian government for 52 years, this the longest lasting civil war in the Americas. FARC is a Marxist-Leninist movement… Continue reading FARC in Colombia Guerilla demands amnesty in peace deal
Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
In the midst of a devastating civil war, Christian ministries continue to report thousands of Syrians are turning to faith in Christ. Numerous Christian groups and relief organizations are on the scene serving the Syrian war victims, and their work is having a dramatic impact. Indigenous missionaries are working up to 15 hours a day,… Continue reading Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
Brother Andrew
Introduction Brother Andrew’s real name is Andy van der Bijl. Brother Andrew lived for adventure. When he was younger, he never knew of the adventures he would be having as an adult. Never in a million years, would Brother Andrew think he was going to smuggle Bibles into a restricted country behind the Iron Curtain.… Continue reading Brother Andrew
Gladys Alyward
Introduction Gladys Alyward, standing at 4’10” was a small woman who did extraordinary things with God’s strength. Aylward was a determined woman. The China Inland Missions thought she was too old and would be unable to learn Chinese, but, Alyward would be a missionary to China no matter what anyone else said. No one would… Continue reading Gladys Alyward
Bring Dignity to Poor Through Work
Introduction There are millions of people around the world living in poverty and without the opportunity to earn a sustainable income. Some ministries give dignity to people through providing some people work. For example, Gospel for Asia (GFA) provides farm animals or other items that help people get to work, so they do not have… Continue reading Bring Dignity to Poor Through Work
Gospel for Asia Addresses Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
WILLS POINT, Texas – Gospel for Asia (GFA) joins with the international humanitarian community in commemorating today’s International Women’s Day. Gospel for Asia (GFA) partners will be offering special assistance to women in the areas where it serves in South Asia, celebrating the success of women and underscoring the wide gaps in gender equality that… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Addresses Gender Equality on International Women’s Day
Gospel for Asia Helps Vulnerable Children Get Ready for School
WILLS POINT, Texas – Responding to requests for help, Compassion Services Teams supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) recently visited poor areas in Sri Lanka to supply school children with book bags filled with school supplies and other items needed to continue their education. They also helped equip a particular school with much-needed musical instruments… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Helps Vulnerable Children Get Ready for School
2,300 Sewing Machines Given Away to Vulnerable Women by Gospel for Asia This Month
WILLS POINT, TX – The Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope Ministry has assisted struggling families in Asia by providing 2,300 sewing machines in March to graduates of its vocational training centers. The 280 centers across the region provide students with work skills to improve their employment and economic opportunities. “Escaping from poverty often… Continue reading 2,300 Sewing Machines Given Away to Vulnerable Women by Gospel for Asia This Month
Alleviating Poverty through Work
Alleviating Poverty By Providing Work Jesus promised we would always have the poor with us. This does not mean we should ignore the poor. But how can we help those in poverty? We should give income generating opportunities to the poor as we’re able to. Items from Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog help provide… Continue reading Alleviating Poverty through Work
Volunteers Supported by Gospel for Asia Distribute More Than 33,000 Nets on World Mosquito Day
WILLS POINT, Texas. – Workers supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) recently distributed some 33,000 mosquito nets to guard against insect-borne diseases, including yellow fever, malaria, dengue and Zika, to commemorate World Mosquito Day. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers held a variety of events to distribute the nets, including distributing 9,000 nets to students living… Continue reading Volunteers Supported by Gospel for Asia Distribute More Than 33,000 Nets on World Mosquito Day
White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
When Khaled Omar, a Syrian Civil Defense White Helmet volunteer in Syria, rescued a 14-day-old baby boy from debris following a Russian air strike, the world cheered and celebrated his heroism. The “miracle baby”, after being buried for 16 hours, was safe at last in Aleppo. “I thought I was being delusional because I was… Continue reading White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
Gospel for Asia Celebrates World Radio Day
WILLS POINT, TEXAS — Gospel for Asia (GFA) is celebrating World Radio Day on Feb. 13, acknowledging the value of a technology that brings the message of Jesus Christ to millions who may wait years to meet a Christian ministry worker in person. “We believe that everyone should hear the message of hope in the… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Celebrates World Radio Day
George Muller: A Man of Prayer and Great Faith
George Muller was originally a thief. Through his conversion, God made Muller a man of great faith and prayer. It just goes to show, that God can use anyone for His glory to be made known, even a thief. Early Life Muller was born in Prussia (modern day Germany) in 1805. His father was a… Continue reading George Muller: A Man of Prayer and Great Faith
Sisters of Compassion deliver gifts—and hope—to remote villagers in India
WILLS POINT, Texas —Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Sisters of Compassion recently delivered gifts to improve the lives of children and poor widows in a remote village in northeastern India. The Sisters of Compassion are specialized women workers trained to minister to the poor. The items they supplied included school supplies for the children and tin… Continue reading Sisters of Compassion deliver gifts—and hope—to remote villagers in India
Myanmar peace talks take place for ethnic groups
The new Myanmar government led by Aung San Suu Kyi is starting peace talks with ethnic groups they had been war with when the military was in power. Both the UN and China are helping Myanmar with the peace talks. According to Fox News, “Officials in Myanmar say United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will… Continue reading Myanmar peace talks take place for ethnic groups
‘Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value
Wed Oct. 12, 2016 – Gospel for Asia (GFA) The gift of a goat, bicycle, or even a blanket can make all the difference for people across the globe. WILLS POINT, Texas — Gospel for Asia (GFA) is launching its “Forgotten Christmas” campaign this year to encourage and show Christians how to make an eternal… Continue reading ‘Forgotten Christmas’ campaign promotes giving with eternal value
Cuban refugees pouring into Texas
CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1620441 Scores of Cubans recently fled the island nation on chartered flights to Central and South America, then trekked across Mexico to reach El Paso, Texas. The refugees were fleeing the repressive Cuban government en route to the U.S. where federal law treats them as legal immigrants. The Texas Tribune reports… Continue reading Cuban refugees pouring into Texas
Giving Gifts to the Poor Throughout the World
Christmas is a joyous time. It is accompanied by Christmas trees, Christmas carols, Christmas gifts, etc. Yet, we can get so caught-up in consumerism, that we become stressed and not focused on Jesus at that time. Many people (over 2 billion) have not had the opportunity to hear of Christ’s first coming for even one… Continue reading Giving Gifts to the Poor Throughout the World
South Asia monsoon floods claim lives, destroys homes
A relentless monsoon season has claimed an estimated 100 lives in Nepal and India while displacing more than 1.2 million people, according to government estimates. Water-induced landslides crushed buildings and caused many of the deaths. In one area of Nepal, rescuers were pulling bodies out of the debris and immediately handing those bodies to their… Continue reading South Asia monsoon floods claim lives, destroys homes
Prostitution rampant during Rio Olympics
As the world focused on Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics, prostitutes as young as nine years old poured into the city in hopes of cashing in on the influx of tourists and money. Prostitution is legal in Brazil, and so rampant that child prostitutes regularly work the 262 truck stops on the 2,800-mile… Continue reading Prostitution rampant during Rio Olympics
Atrocities mount against India’s Dalits
The 167 million “untouchable’ Dalits of India continue to face widespread abuse and discrimination with little hope for their human rights, according to the Dalit Network. This abuse and neglect has happened for 3,000 years as the rest of India view them “only to be slaves, to be broken and crushed.” In Chandigarh, a 21-year-old… Continue reading Atrocities mount against India’s Dalits
U.S. report ranks trafficking abuse; Myanmar among the worst
Myanmar called an annual report issued by the U.S. State Department “sad and regrettable” after being named among the worst human trafficking offenders. Along with Iran, North Korea and Syria, the report cited Myanmar’s negligence to meet “the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking.” Reuters reported that Myanmar’s ranking, which got downgraded from the previous year,… Continue reading U.S. report ranks trafficking abuse; Myanmar among the worst
Rwandan landslides claim 53 lives
Rwanda’s rainy season has caused higher than normal landslides that the nation’s disaster relief officials say have mostly claimed the lives of children among the 53 dead. Between January and April, landslides killed 67 others Rwandans. Rwanda incurred one of history’s greatest genocides in 1994 when 800,000 people died in about 90 days as rivals… Continue reading Rwandan landslides claim 53 lives
Monsoonal mudslides bury 200 families in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s heaviest rains in 25 years have caused massive mudslides resulting in about 63 confirmed dead and up to 200 missing families buried in 50 feet of mud. Officials estimate that 200,000 people have left Colombo, the nation’s low-lying capital, while 400,000 have fled to state-run relief camps. Deforestation meant to create more farmland… Continue reading Monsoonal mudslides bury 200 families in Sri Lanka
Jamaican authorities make arrest in murder of two American missionaries
Long-time missionaries Harold Nichols and Randy Hentzel died in April, apparent victims of a robbery attempt and murder in Jamaica. In June, Jamaican police arrested one man and were seeking a second suspect for questioning. Nichols and Hentzel were part of the US-based TEAMS for Medical Missions and had been in Jamaica since 2002. The… Continue reading Jamaican authorities make arrest in murder of two American missionaries
CDC confirms Zika-caused microcephaly
Following months of speculation, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the Zika virus can cause microcephaly in newborns, a condition that leaves the brain underdeveloped. Scientists are finding multiple mutations of the virus, which leaves open the possibility of other health outcomes. “The Zika virus has undergone significant genetic changes in the past 70 years,”… Continue reading CDC confirms Zika-caused microcephaly
U.S. suicide rate grows 24 percent since 1999
Recent studies of U.S. deaths show that suicide has increased significantly since 1999, affecting mostly middle-aged white males. Thirteen out of every 100,000 people committed suicide in 2014, the last year data is currently available. Only black males saw a decrease. Middle-aged men saw a 43 percent increase in the last 15 years. While males… Continue reading U.S. suicide rate grows 24 percent since 1999
Gospel for Asia supported Workers Join Relief Efforts as Monsoons Flood Asian Villages
At least 42 Killed, Millions Affected in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal WILLS POINT, Tex. – Workers supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) are distributing supplies, including food, mosquito netting, hygiene products and blankets, to villagers fleeing widespread monsoon flooding across certain parts of Asia. The monsoons have killed more than 42 people and driven millions… Continue reading Gospel for Asia supported Workers Join Relief Efforts as Monsoons Flood Asian Villages
Quote of the Day
“Among many who sought to deter me, was one dear old Christian gentleman, whose crowning argument always was, ‘The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!’ At last I replied, ‘Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by… Continue reading Quote of the Day