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
Results for "World Missions"
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
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’
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
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
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
The First Protestant Missionary to Korea: Robert Jermain Thomas
In the face of death, Robert Jermain Thomas remained faithful in his mission to share the Good News with people of Korea even though it was not open to the Gospel. Life as a Student As Robert grew up, his relationship with the Lord thrived, being the son of a preacher. At the age of… Continue reading The First Protestant Missionary to Korea: Robert Jermain Thomas
21st Century Slavery & Human Trafficking: Stories, Statistics and Solutions
Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Special Report on Slavery & Human Trafficking Written By Palmer Holt of InChrist Communications Around 10 million people are currently behind bars somewhere in the world. Some have yet to face trial, a few have been wrongly convicted, but most are prisoners for a crime they have committed. Meanwhile, four… Continue reading 21st Century Slavery & Human Trafficking: Stories, Statistics and Solutions
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
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
[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
GFA Launches Disaster Relief Effort to Aid Victims of ‘Grave’ Kerala Flooding
WILLS POINT, Texas — GFA (Gospel for Asia) has issued an urgent appeal for help in responding to some of the worst flooding in almost a century that has claimed several hundred lives and displaced nearly a quarter of a million people in southern India. Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers have already begun distributing emergency… Continue reading GFA Launches Disaster Relief Effort to Aid Victims of ‘Grave’ Kerala Flooding
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
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
The Nations Are Coming to Us
I travel at least once a month between where I live and where my parents live. Every once in a while, as I wait in airports, I see people who are foreigners and do not know the God who loves them. It really breaks my heart, because according to God’s Word, they’re heading to hell… Continue reading The Nations Are Coming to Us
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
TeenStreet 2018 – 3,200 Drawing Closer to the Father
OLDENBURG, GERMANY – A total of 3,200 attended Operation Mobilisation’s (OM) TeenStreet 2018 during the last week of July and ending on August 4th. The theme of this year’s six-day conference was “Drawing Closer to the Father.” Enthusiastic teens from 19 different countries were led through a different element of Christian living, each of which… Continue reading TeenStreet 2018 – 3,200 Drawing Closer to the Father
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
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
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
Shocking New Report on Clean Water from WaterAid
LONDON – WaterAid, the international NGO that is driving the United Nations sustainable goal to provide clean water for the entire global population by 2030, has just released a shocking new report. Based on current status and progress, the report claims that the goal is unreachable within the allotted time. Using data provided by the… Continue reading Shocking New Report on Clean Water from WaterAid
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
Prayer and Praise for Rescue of Thai Boys
BANGKOK – Ardoon Sam-aon is a talented 14-year-old. He plays the piano and the guitar and participates in the youth program and praise team at Mae Sai Grace Church where he accepted Christ in March 2018. He has a 3.94 GPA as an eighth-grader at Ban Wiang Phan School. He is an avid volleyball and… Continue reading Prayer and Praise for Rescue of Thai Boys
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
Monsoons or Showers of Blessings in Bangladesh?
DHAKA – Imagine it is a rainy Sunday morning. You wake up, you consider the downpour, and you decide that the weather is too bad for anyone to go to church. And you are the pastor! Now imagine that you live in a country like Bangladesh and that it is the monsoon system, which it… Continue reading Monsoons or Showers of Blessings in Bangladesh?
New Service Offers Nonprofits ‘Better Bottomline Through Better Online’
InChrist Communications adds Journity ‘digital engagement’ expertise, enhancing website visitors’ experiences to suite of services CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christian marketing and public relations agency InChrist Communications (ICC) is partnering with internet engagement expert Journity to help faith-based clients improve the online engagement of website visitors — and their bottomline. ICC is adding Journity’s “digital engagement”… Continue reading New Service Offers Nonprofits ‘Better Bottomline Through Better Online’
You’ll Be Amazed to Learn Where Most Christians Live
HAMILTON, MA – The estimated total population in the world is between 7.3 and 7.6 billion people. (It’s hard to keep an exact count. The number keeps changing!) It is probably even more difficult to assess how many Christians there are and where they live. First, by the time a count is determined, it has… Continue reading You’ll Be Amazed to Learn Where Most Christians Live
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’