Photo by DFID – UK Department for International Development In early October of last year, Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti. This caused massive destruction and disease to break out in Haiti, Cholera, which is caused by drinking infected water. Per CNN, “Thirteen people have died from cholera since Matthew hit Haiti, he said. This tragedy —… Continue reading Hurricane Matthew Hits Haiti; Causes Cholera Outbreak
Tag: GFA
Last September’s India Water Crisis
In September 2016, India was in a drought after the monsoon rains came in. There was a water sharing deal between two of the states, and this caused much protests. CNN reports, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to protesters to exercise restraint and follow the law as a heavy paramilitary presence was deployed Wednesday. Protests… Continue reading Last September’s India Water Crisis
Fire at Guatemalan Children’s Home
Photo by Willyman In March, a children’s shelter in Guatemala’s capital was set on fire during a riot. Per BBC, “Guatemalan media report that the riot erupted as a result of alleged sexual abuse by staff and frustration with the poor conditions.” While they were rioting, mattresses in the home caught fire. The Guardian reports,… Continue reading Fire at Guatemalan Children’s Home
More Than 5,000 People Freed from Boko Haram
Photo by Sandrine Dole In Cameroon, 5,000 people have been freed from Boko Haram. This includes women and children. Per Fox News, “More than 5,000 people, including women and children, have been freed from extremist captivity and at least 60 Boko Haram fighters have been killed by Cameroonian and Nigerian soldiers in operations since the… Continue reading More Than 5,000 People Freed from Boko Haram
Earthquake in Indonesia
Photo by AusAID In early December, there was an earthquake that hit the Aceh Province in Indonesia. According to Fox News, “Maj. Gen. Tatang Sulaiman, chief of the army in Aceh province, said at least 97 died while four people were pulled from the rubble alive. Another four or five are known to be buried,… Continue reading Earthquake in Indonesia
Cyclone Debbie Hits New South Wales
Photo by Rexness In late March, Cyclone Debbie hit New South Wales, Australia, causing flooding. Per BBC, “In many towns floodwaters are continuing to rise after the category four cyclone saw some areas experience three times their average monthly rainfall on Thursday alone.” Several towns were declared disaster zones. News.co.au explains, “Several flood-affected northern NSW… Continue reading Cyclone Debbie Hits New South Wales
Avalanches in Afghanistan and Pakistan Kills Over 100 People
Image by NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan In early February, there were avalanches in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which killed over 100 people. CNN explains, “At least 156 people have died along the Afghan-Pakistani border after three days of heavy snowfall caused a series of deadly avalanches Sunday.” The deadliest avalanche was in a village on the… Continue reading Avalanches in Afghanistan and Pakistan Kills Over 100 People
Sri Lanka Flood Kills over 200 People; Displaces over Half a Million
Sri Lanka is facing their worst floods since 2003. In it, over 200 people have been killed. Per The Indian Express, “The death toll in Sri Lanka’s floods has climbed to 202 with 94 people still missing in the country’s worst torrential rains since 2003 that displaced nearly half a million people. The Disaster Management… Continue reading Sri Lanka Flood Kills over 200 People; Displaces over Half a Million
Thai King Endorses 20th Constitution
Photo by archer10 (Dennis) The new Thai King endorsed the 20th Constitution of Thailand in early April. Per Fox News, “King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun endorsed the document in an elaborate ceremony at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall attended by senior members of the country’s military government as well as foreign diplomats.” The military had seized control… Continue reading Thai King Endorses 20th Constitution
Well installations and filter distributions bring relief
Wed April 19, 2017 – Gospel for Asia Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers provide disease-prevention systems and lessons to improve health, offer hope in World Water Day effort WILLS POINT, Texas—Fresh water sources are freeing impoverished families in Asia from sickness and disease. GFA (Gospel for Asia)-supported workers dedicated new Jesus Wells in series of… Continue reading Well installations and filter distributions bring relief
Only 1/3 of Venezuelans Eat One or Two Meals Per Day
Photo by Unukalhai Venezuela used to be an oil-rich nation, but since Maduro took over, things have been going downhill. Fox News reports, “The once-wealthy oil producing nation has fallen on hard times since Nicolás Maduro took power following the death of socialist leader Hugo Chávez in 2013. A drop in global oil prices has… Continue reading Only 1/3 of Venezuelans Eat One or Two Meals Per Day
Easter Rabbits Can Help Give Families a Future
Image by Gospel for Asia Farm animals can provide income to those who are in need. These animals may provide milk or their young may be sold for a price that will take care of the family. Either way, people may wonder why this kindness was shown to them and it provides opportunities for Christians… Continue reading Easter Rabbits Can Help Give Families a Future
Gambia’s President wouldn’t step down
CC BY-SA 3.0 President Jammeh, wouldn’t step down despite his defeat in Gambia’s election. According to CNN, “Jammeh, who took power in a 1994 military coup, suffered a surprise election defeat in December to Adama Barrow, who won 45% of the vote. Jammeh originally conceded the presidency, but then announced his ‘total rejection of the… Continue reading Gambia’s President wouldn’t step down
Yemen facing the ravages of war and malnourishment
By Bernard Gagnon (Own work) Since the war hit Yemen, there has been a rising amount of poverty and malnutrition in the country. AP reports, “International agencies have classified Hodeidah among nine of Yemen’s 22 provinces that are a step away from famine. A U.N. report in June said that in Yemen, ‘the highest… Continue reading Yemen facing the ravages of war and malnourishment
Rohingya in Bangladesh Moved to Uninhabited Island
The Rohingya of Myanmar is one of the most persecuted group in the world. They have no home. Per Fox News, “Some 300,000 Rohingya Muslims have lived in Bangladesh for decades after fleeing there from neighboring Myanmar in the face of persecution by its military and majority Buddhists.” Many of the Rohingya are forced into… Continue reading Rohingya in Bangladesh Moved to Uninhabited Island
6 Tornados hit San Antonio and Austin
By Mugchee On Sunday, February 19, six tornados touched down in San Antonio and Austin. According to KTRK, “At least six tornadoes hit parts of San Antonio and Austin area, damaging dozens of homes but causing no major injuries.” Not only was there tornadic activity, but also flooding in San Antonio. Fox 29 San Antonio… Continue reading 6 Tornados hit San Antonio and Austin
Brexit to Include Close Relationship with EU
CC BY-SA 3.0 Brexit, which is Britain splitting from the European Union, will include a close relationship with the EU. Per BBC, “The UK will withdraw from the single market and seek a new customs arrangement and a free trade agreement with the EU.” Immigrants are worried they will be deported from Britain because of… Continue reading Brexit to Include Close Relationship with EU
Chile water crisis due to flooding
PizarroContreras Chile is undergoing a water crisis due to the flooding there. This is located in the capital city of Santiago. The BBC reports, “Rainstorms and landslides in Chile have contaminated a major river forcing the authorities to cut off drinking water to at least four million people in the capital, Santiago.” These homes… Continue reading Chile water crisis due to flooding
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
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
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
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
Asia Bibi’s appeal court date pushed back again
By Farhan from Karachi, Pakistan – Are they independent – Karachi Jail, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4292206 Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy, has had her appeal before the nation’s supreme court delayed pending a new hearing, after one of the judges recused himself from the case. The Bibi case has… Continue reading Asia Bibi’s appeal court date pushed back again
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
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
Privatization seeks to boost Uganda’s failing education system
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s ministry of education is looking toward low-cost private schools to counter the failure of the public school system caused by teacher absenteeism, poor facilities and high dropout rates. According to the BBC, 68 percent of Ugandan students do not complete elementary school. Teachers are ill-prepared for their careers, with 78 percent… Continue reading Privatization seeks to boost Uganda’s failing education system
South Africa bans American pastor
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba withdrew the visa exemption of controversial American Pastor Steven Anderson calling the American an “undesirable person.” This is an unusual move, as Americans typically receive entry visas from South Africa without problems. Gigaba acted following input from South Africa’s LGBT leaders who objected to Anderson’s endorsement of the… Continue reading South Africa bans American pastor
Faith-based organizations help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew
Multiple faith-based humanitarian organizations are responding to the disaster in Haiti caused by Hurricane Matthew. Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has focused on long-term needs of the hurricane victims, helping 16,643 people and partnering with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) to reach 10,000 people. NCA distributed hygiene kits with water purification tablets, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste… Continue reading Faith-based organizations help Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew
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
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 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
Turkey detains thousands of citizens after failed coup attempt
Turkey’s federal government has detained nearly 80,000 military, police and civil service employees after a failed coup attempt this summer that resulted in more than 270 deaths and the shutdown of more than 130 news outlets. The purge, ordered by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, included military, media, education and justice sectors, as reported by The… Continue reading Turkey detains thousands of citizens after failed coup attempt
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
Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope Program Unveils New Center in Mumbai
WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope Program has opened a new center in Mumbai, where sponsored children receive education, school supplies, a daily meal, medical checkups and more. “Many families often struggle to earn enough money to provide food for their table each day, let alone earn enough to send their… Continue reading Gospel for Asia’s Bridge of Hope Program Unveils New Center in Mumbai
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
‘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
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
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
Quote of the Day
“God gives some people more than they need so that they can be channels of blessing to others. God desires equity between His people on a worldwide basis. That is why the early church had no poverty.” ~ K.P. Yohannan, Revolution In World Missions ~
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
More than 330 million Indians facing water shortage and heat
Nearly 25 percent of India’s vast population is facing a severe water shortage and extreme heat that is claiming lives and threatening livelihoods as temperatures reach 42C/107.6F in the shade, virtually wiping out agriculture in three states. Agriculture represents an estimated 15 percent of India’s gross domestic product, according to The Guardian, which also reports that… Continue reading More than 330 million Indians facing water shortage and heat
DRC unrest leaves citizens unsettled, and lacking basic needs
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the most mineral rich nations on earth, capable of great economic gain for its people. But decades of corrupt political leadership and war with neighboring countries currently has displaced an estimated 775,000 Congolese in the North Kivu province, according to the United Nations, leaving the country… Continue reading DRC unrest leaves citizens unsettled, and lacking basic needs
Quote of the Day
“The only weapon that will ever effectively win the war against disease, hunger, injustice, and poverty in Asia is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” ~ K.P. Yohannan, Revolution In World Missions ~
Zika virus now documented in Vietnam
What started in Brazil and quickly spread to most of the Americas has now appeared in Vietnam where two women have reportedly been infected with the Zika virus. One is a 64-year-old woman and the second is 33 years old and eight weeks pregnant. Government health officials have quarantined the families of each. Zika is… Continue reading Zika virus now documented in Vietnam