GFA World and Ministry Leaders Celebrate KP Yohannan Memorial

WILLS POINT, TX — At Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas on October 18, GFA World (www.gfa.org) led a special “Celebration of Life” service for its founder and leader, K.P. Yohannan, who passed tragically in May of this year. The service had over 250 attendees, including prominent Christian leaders and pastors such as Jack Graham, Francis Chan, Hank Hanegraaff, Johnnie Moore, David Mains, Frank Sontag, and Troy Miller.

As a pioneer of one of the largest mission movements in history, many leaders, friends, and family members reminded those in attendance of K.P. Yohannan’s impact across tens of thousands of communities in nearly 20 countries, thanks to his unwavering dedication to sharing the Gospel. During the service, attendees shared fond memories and reflections on K.P.’s legacy of humility, deep faith, and his genuine care for the hurting and those without Christ in this world.

“Metropolitan was a gift to all of us,” said Pastor Jack Graham. While recalling words to describe K.P., Graham said he considered him a revolutionary, visionary, man of God, passionate evangelist, spiritual leader, and a humble servant of Christ.

“I don’t know who I would be had I not met and known him,” Francis Chan said of his friendship with K.P. “Every time he saw me, he’d go, ‘You know Francis, I pray for you every single day. I really do.’ Here’s a person who is doing exponentially more than I’ve ever done, and yet somehow he could keep this deep communion with Christ, and he could look at me and tell me that he loved me, and he honestly prayed for me every day. And that example is what I’m striving for now.”

“Metropolitan was no ordinary Christian,” Johnnie Moore said in his remarks. “He was a once-in-a-century figure whose ministry will live on after him for generations. This great leader, this history-making Christian figure, had surrendered his life entirely to Jesus once and for all at the very beginning of his ministry, and he surrendered it again and again every day for nearly 60 years of Christian service. He was faithful, and he was consistent.”

“I loved him the first moment I met him,” Hank Hanegraaff told those at the memorial. “And I have loved him ever since. I can tell you I have never, ever seen a more selfless leader than K. P. Yohannan. I thank God for the inspiration he has been in my life, and I pray that we might carry on the task that Jesus Christ has given to us.”

Addressing the future of the ministry, K.P.’s wife, Gisela, said, “What will happen to GFA World after he is gone now? GFA World will remain the same. We will keep on [sharing Christ’s love] through training and sending out national missionaries. And we will do it with the same heart and the same values my husband has passed on to all of us.”

“The future looks very bright for GFA World as President Bishop Daniel takes on the responsibility of the ministry,” Gisela added. “We are grateful to God that he is bringing the same genuine faith and compassion for the lost that his father had for this world.”

Bishop Daniel, K.P.’s son and now GFA World’s President, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love he has personally received since the death of his father. He was thankful that K.P.’s friends took the time to share the many ways they were personally encouraged by his father’s ministry and friendship.

“It’s so clear to me that my wonderful father is leaving a legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, and genuine Christian love,” said Bishop Daniel. “Hearing his friends share how they were fundamentally changed by my father’s love and his sincere kindness gave me an incredible sense of joy and gratefulness. He blessed thousands of souls in need of Jesus, and yet, in his grand vision and bold missionary work, he never forgot to intentionally love his family and friends. Ten thousand miles away, or in his own home, he was the same Christ-like example wherever his feet were planted.”

For those looking to speak with Bishop Daniel to hear more about the life and legacy of K.P. Yohannan and the future of GFA World, please reach out to press@jdaworldwide.com.

About Bishop Daniel

Bishop Daniel is a global Christian leader who serves as President of GFA World. He is also a consecrated bishop of Believers Eastern Church. In his role as president, Bishop Daniel serves as a primary link between thousands of Christian workers and missionaries serving throughout Asia and Africa and the rest of the church worldwide. At a very young age, Bishop Daniel sensed his own personal calling from the Lord and he dedicated the rest of his life to those who had not yet encountered the hope of Christ. He has been in ministry for more than four decades. While traveling frequently, he resides at GFA World headquarters in Texas.

About GFA World

Since 1979, GFA World (www.gfa.org) has been committed to serving the “least of these” in Asia and Africa, often in places where no one else is serving, so they can experience the love of God for the first time. GFA World supports national workers serving as the hands and feet of Christ in four main ways: Sponsoring national missionaries to minister to people’s needs, sponsoring children, investing in community development, and helping families in need of care or during disasters. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.