WASHINGTON – Earlier this month, we reported that confirmation of President Trumps nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador-at-Large, Kansas governor, Sam Brownback had been stalled in the Senate. The president had nominated Brownback in July 2017. The nomination expired when Congress adjourned for the holidays without voting on the matter. President Trump resubmitted Brownback’s… Continue reading [UPDATE] Brownback Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
Tag: GFA
[Update] Vice President Pence Confirms U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem
JERUSALEM – U.S. Vice President Mike Pence assured the Israeli parliament today that “In the weeks ahead, our administration will advance its plan to open the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem – and that the United States Embassy will open before the end of next year.” The U.S. decision to begin the move of the embassy… Continue reading [Update] Vice President Pence Confirms U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem
Missionaries or Ambassadors
The Western world has traditionally held the word “missionary” in high esteem, largely unaware that leaders of Eastern nations have often regarded the idea skepticism. That skepticism has grown over the past century, following the end of World War I and, even more so, since the end of the Second World War. Why the disparity?… Continue reading Missionaries or Ambassadors
Wycliffe Associates Goal – Bibles in Every Language by 2025
ORLANDO, Florida – Wycliffe Associates has a goal of translating the Bible into every language by 2025. During 2018, the organization expects to begin translations in 600 languages, a task that was once unimaginable. Wycliffe is embracing advances in technology previously unavailable to translators. It was not all that long ago that translation of the… Continue reading Wycliffe Associates Goal – Bibles in Every Language by 2025
Mission India Celebrates 40th Anniversary
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – A visit to India in 1971 led John DeVries to pray, “God, I will serve you anywhere you want. Just, please, don’t send me back here again.” At the time, DeVries did not realize that what he was seeing was the Lord’s way of opening John’s eyes and heart to the… Continue reading Mission India Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Trump Administration Extends FEMA Aid to Texas Churches
By Greg Henshall from FEMA photo library – public domain via Wikimedia Commons WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump Administration has revised the language in FEMA Relief Fund rules to include local churches. The action follows a lawsuit filed by three Texas churches damaged during Hurricane Harvey. The three Houston-area churches filed a complaint in federal… Continue reading Trump Administration Extends FEMA Aid to Texas Churches
Church Health Preschoolers Help Mumbai Children
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Commercial Appeal) – Church Health, a medical clinic with a Christian mission, operates the Perea Preschool in the poorest of poor neighborhoods of North Memphis, Tennessee, where 90% of the population lives below the federal poverty level. Using Abeka teaching materials, the preschool introduces three-to-five-year-old children to basic educational needs and how to… Continue reading Church Health Preschoolers Help Mumbai Children
K. P. Yohannan
Dr. KP Yohannan has been crisscrossing the globe for the past 40 years, challenging the Body of Christ to discipleship. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—has left its impact on nearly every continent. To the Church caught up by the tidal waves of compromise and self-preservation, Yohannan’s life message is… Continue reading K. P. Yohannan
Bolivia’s Article 88.11 May Curb Evangelism
LA PAZ, Bolivia – The National Association of Evangelicals in Bolivia (NAEB) has formed a National Energy Commission in response to the inclusion of Article 88.11 in the country’s new Penal Code. “Whoever recruits, transports, deprives of freedom or hosts people with the aim of recruiting them to take part in armed conflicts or religious… Continue reading Bolivia’s Article 88.11 May Curb Evangelism
Refuge Ranch to Reach Sex Trafficking Victims in Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – Where exactly is the mission field? It’s wherever there is a need. It may be in India, or it may be in Indiana. It might be in Thailand or it might be in Texas. It could be in Asia, or it could be in Austin. According to a study from the University… Continue reading Refuge Ranch to Reach Sex Trafficking Victims in Texas
Nkhoma Hospital Brings Healing to Malawi
By Lt.j.g. Matthew Stroup [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons NKHOMA, Malawi – The African village of Nkhoma, its mission community, and hospital are located 60km south of Malawi’s capital Lilongwe, 15km east of the main road running from Lilongwe to Blantyre. What was established as a missionary base of operations with a single doctor in… Continue reading Nkhoma Hospital Brings Healing to Malawi
Gospel for Asia Relentlessly Focused on Helping Poor Overcome the Cycle of Poverty
For more than 11 years, Gospel for Asia has published a Christmas Gift Catalog filled with opportunities for people in the West to be involved in helping transform the lives of families in Asia who live in poverty. Since that time, more than 1 million families have been helped and many reports about how Gospel… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Relentlessly Focused on Helping Poor Overcome the Cycle of Poverty
January Proclaimed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2017 /The White House / — President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The proclamation calls upon “industry associations, law enforcement, private businesses, faith-based and other organizations of civil society, schools, families, and all Americans to recognize our vital roles in ending… Continue reading January Proclaimed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
18 States Increase Minimum Wage for 2018
Nearly 80 million people in the U.S. workforce are paid on an hourly basis. About 700,000 who are currently paid the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will be getting an increase as 18 states raise their minimum wage effective January 1, 2018. Minimum Wage Increase The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since… Continue reading 18 States Increase Minimum Wage for 2018
Operation Rescue Names President Trump 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2017 — Operation Rescue has presented its 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year Malachi Award to President Donald J. Trump. The Malachi Award is given by Operation Rescue every year to recognize individuals who sacrificially work to advance the cause of protecting the pre-born. “Operation Rescue is grateful to President Trump for… Continue reading Operation Rescue Names President Trump 2017 Pro-Life Person of the Year
France Takes in Libyan Migrants
On Dec. 19, the first refugees from Libya arrived in Paris after France made a declaration to help those caught in a present-day slave trade. CNN reported that the French government “stepped up its fight against slavery as the first group of refugees rescued from Libya touched down Tuesday in Paris from Niger.” France is… Continue reading France Takes in Libyan Migrants
Indonesia’s Christmas Gifts for Christians
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian government extended protection for Christians throughout the country and reduced jail sentences for Christians currently confined in penal institutions. Over 180,000 officers were deployed by the National Police and Indonesian Military (TNI) to protect Christians as they gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ. Reports indicate that believers were able… Continue reading Indonesia’s Christmas Gifts for Christians
FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl
On Dec. 8, a 6-year-old girl was abducted while she slept beside her family. In the minutes that followed her abduction, she was brutally raped and murdered. It wasn’t until the next morning that her mom noticed she was missing. The rape and murder came as a shock to everyone in India, as she was… Continue reading FBOs offer Women in India Hope Despite News of Recent Rape and Murder of 6-Year-Old Girl
Religious group serving the community where it resides
Gospel for Asia (GFA) moved its offices from Carrollton, Texas to Wills Point, Texas in Kaufman a few years ago. This moved placed the nonprofit ministry on a campus where staff and people helping to fulfill the mission of Gospel for Asia can be housed. Gospel for Asia (GFA) is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with… Continue reading Religious group serving the community where it resides
Gift Catalogs Makes it Possible for Christmas Gifts to Transform Lives
As U.S. families prepare for Christmas expenses and holiday giving, Gospel for Asia’s Christmas Gift Catalog is helping people find joy through giving practical gifts that produce income for families in need. WILLS POINT, Texas—This year as some families attempt to navigate the Christmas season of gift giving, often times exchanging items no one… Continue reading Gift Catalogs Makes it Possible for Christmas Gifts to Transform Lives
Prayers Interrupted by Mob in India
A Hindu woman, Anita Masih, traveling to Delhi with six other Christians, stopped in Mathura at the request of her sister Valmiki. She had asked the group to pause on their journey to come to her home to pray for her sick husband. While the Valmiki was gathering water for her guests, a mob of… Continue reading Prayers Interrupted by Mob in India
More than 300 People Dead in Deadly Mosque Attack
On Nov. 24, a mosque in Ismaila, Egypt, was filled with Sufi Muslim worshipers. All the sudden, while they were saying their Friday prayers, an Islamic extremist came in started shooting at people. They didn’t stop until they thought everybody was dead. There were over 300 people who died from the shooting. Abdel Fattah el… Continue reading More than 300 People Dead in Deadly Mosque Attack
List of Trusted Nonprofits for #GivingTuesday Donations Released
Faithit.com and ChurchLeaders.com released their lists of trusted nonprofits for impactful #GivingTuesday donations. Gospel for Asia (GFA), Save the Storks and Children’s Hunger Fund were listed among others. Which Trusted Nonprofits Made the List? According to this list written by Jesse Jackson of Faithit, there were quite a few that made the list. FaithIt’s article… Continue reading List of Trusted Nonprofits for #GivingTuesday Donations Released
Gospel for Asia and Other NGOs Serve the Hungry for World Food Day
On World Food Day, Gospel for Asia-supported field partners joined other NGOs around the world to meet the needs of the hungry. As part of the World Food Programme’s goal of #ZeroHunger around the world, many NGOs jumped into action to meet the needs of the hungry, especially in India. Notably, India’s Global Health Index… Continue reading Gospel for Asia and Other NGOs Serve the Hungry for World Food Day
Church in Philippines Opposes Birth Control
Photo by GIAHS Initiative In the Philippines, the Catholic Church opposes birth control. In the meantime, President Duterte is pushing for more free access to birth control. Per Fox News, “President Rodrigo Duterte mandated free birth control for women in an effort to decrease poverty rates in the country and help economically stricken communities. Duterte… Continue reading Church in Philippines Opposes Birth Control
Somalia Drought
Photo by Oxfam East Africa The country of Somalia is in a drought. In a 48-hour period, over 100 people died from hunger. Per Fox News, “Somalia’s prime minister says 110 people have died from hunger in the past 48 hours in a single region as a severe drought threatens millions of people across the… Continue reading Somalia Drought
United Nations Investigates Rohingya Treatment
The United Nations is doing an investigation to see whether the treatment of the Rohingya amounts to human rights violations. Per CNN, “Tens of thousands of members of Myanmar’s Muslim minority have left in this fashion, and their treatment may amount to ‘crimes against humanity,’ warns UN Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee.” About 70,000 people have… Continue reading United Nations Investigates Rohingya Treatment
Child Poverty Rate Expected to Rise After Brexit
Photo by Andrew Dunn When Brexit happens, about 30% of children will be living in poverty, because of welfare cuts. Per CNN, “The number of children living in poverty in the U.K. will spike to around 30% over the next five years because of government welfare cuts, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.” This… Continue reading Child Poverty Rate Expected to Rise After Brexit
Wives Abandoned by Foreign Husbands
Photo by Ekta Parishad In India, many people come for tourist reasons. Per BBC, “Their husbands come from all over the world, but mainly countries with a large South Asian diaspora, like the UK, the US and Canada.” The motivation for these husbands is not love but to get rich through their dowry. Dowry is… Continue reading Wives Abandoned by Foreign Husbands
Michigan to Pay to Replace Lead Pipes in Flint, Michigan
Photo by Blueskiesfalling (Connor Coyne) After a lawsuit was placed on Michigan and the city of Flint, both decided to help the citizens of the city by replacing the lead pipes that were infecting the water that’s flowing through them. Per Fox News, “Michigan and the city of Flint agreed Monday to replace thousands… Continue reading Michigan to Pay to Replace Lead Pipes in Flint, Michigan
South Sudan Farmers Have No Food in Midst of Civil War
Photo by Oxfam East Africa South Sudan has been in a civil war for three years. This has caused an economic crisis and has caused a lack of farming, meaning they had no food to feed their families with or sale in the markets. Per Fox News, “South Sudan’s three-year civil war and economic crisis… Continue reading South Sudan Farmers Have No Food in Midst of Civil War
Malaria Vaccine to be Tested in Three Countries in Africa
Photo by Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods The World Health Organization (WHO) got the go-ahead to do the first human-trial next year on the eve of World Malaria Day of the Malaria vaccine. CNN reports, “The World Health Organization announced Monday that it has the go-ahead to try the first malaria vaccine in the field in… Continue reading Malaria Vaccine to be Tested in Three Countries in Africa
Pope Apologizes for Church’s Role in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide
Photo by TSGT. MARVIN KRAUSE In 1994, the Rwandan Genocide started. On April 6, a plane carrying the then-President, a Hutu. The Hutu extremists blamed a Tutsi rebel group, which started a slaughter of the Tutsi. Per BBC, “Hutu extremists blamed the Tutsi rebel group the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and immediately started a well-organised… Continue reading Pope Apologizes for Church’s Role in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide
Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse
Photo by TonySKTO President Xi Jinping came to power in China late 2012. In this time, religious persecution has increased. Per CNN, “Since President Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012, Freedom House said, the scale of religious oppression has increased at all levels of society, despite widespread resistance from believers of all stripes.”… Continue reading Chinese Persecution of Religious Groups Getting Worse
Rohingya Children Disappearing
Photo by Firdaus Latif The children of the Rohingya are disappearing off the street. The Rohingya are one of the most oppressed people, who have no homeland. Voice of America reports, “A spate of disappearances among the children of displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh is raising fears the children have been abducted into the region’s human… Continue reading Rohingya Children Disappearing
Yemen Cholera Outbreak
Photo by ai@ce An outbreak of Cholera started in October in Yemen. Tens of thousands of people have been infected with the illness. Per BBC, “Some 26,000 people have now been affected since October by the outbreak, which subsided over the winter.” The disease is spread through food and water that has human feces in… Continue reading Yemen Cholera Outbreak
Lagos, Nigeria Floods
Prise par Zouzou Wizman In early July, Lagos, Nigeria was hit by torrential rains and thunderstorms. This caused flooding in the city. Per CNN, “Lagos, one of Africa’s most populous cities, has been hit by torrential downpour and thunderstorms over the weekend that has left many parts of the city flooded.” The thing that caused… Continue reading Lagos, Nigeria Floods
Human Trafficking at Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is known for the horse racing and gambling. Yet, something more sinister looms around the time of the Kentucky Derby. It is human trafficking. Fox News reports, “Authorities are seeking help in cracking down on sex traffickers trying to cash in on the huge crowds converging for the world’s most famous horse… Continue reading Human Trafficking at Kentucky Derby
Sudan Floods in 2016
In the summer of 2016, Sudan flooded and more than 100 people died in the Sudan floods. Per Al Jazeera, “Thousands of houses have been destroyed and several villages submerged after flooding triggered by torrential rainfall killed 100 people across Sudan, according to an aid group in the country.” There have been 14,000 homes that… Continue reading Sudan Floods in 2016
Nigeria Famine
Photo by Unknown CDC employee People are returning to their homes in northern Nigeria after Boko Haram raided in 2014. One of the farmers hid under maize crops with the rest of his family. Per CNN, “Jafiya Nuhu, a 52-year-old commercial farmer, hid under maize cobs in his farm with his wife and two children… Continue reading Nigeria Famine
Rohingya Hungry and Mistreated
Photo by Samoano One child named Rosmaida Bibi was born in a Rohingya refugee camp. She is malnourished and hasn’t grown like most children her age do. Per Fox News, “Ever since she was born in this squalid camp for displaced members of Myanmar’s ethnic Rohingya minority, Rosmaida Bibi has struggled to do something most… Continue reading Rohingya Hungry and Mistreated
European Union’s Libya Migrant Policy
There has been resistance in Italy to migrants trying to enter the country from Libya, despite pressure from the European Union to allow those migrants to enter the country. Part of the reason Italy doesn’t want to allow Libyan migrants to enter the country, is to keep smugglers from coming in. Per Fox News, “Italy… Continue reading European Union’s Libya Migrant Policy
Myanmar Government Holds Peace Talks with Ethnic Groups
Photo by Steve Evans In May, the Myanmar government held a peace talk with ethnic minority groups in the country. They hoped to find common ground between the military and the minority groups that were trying to defend themselves. Per Fox News, “Representatives from Myanmar’s ethic rebel groups and the government gathered in… Continue reading Myanmar Government Holds Peace Talks with Ethnic Groups
Emergency Aid Running Out in Ethiopia
Photo by USAID Africa Bureau In Ethiopia, there has been a massive emergency for Ethiopia. They’re in a drought and many of their crops and cattle have been destroyed and killed. Millions of people will be affected by lack of food. Per BBC, “The UN’s World Food Programme said 7.8 million people affected by… Continue reading Emergency Aid Running Out in Ethiopia
Nepal Earthquake Two Years Later
Photo by Punya On April 25, 2015, a massive earthquake hit Nepal, creating destruction to buildings around Nepal. This killed thousands of people nationwide. Per Fox News, “Nearly everything was lost on April 25, 2015, when a terrifying earthquake shook the Himalayan nation, killing more than 9,000 people and toppling nearly a million homes… Continue reading Nepal Earthquake Two Years Later
Tropical Cyclone Hits Vietnam and Philippines Last Fall
Photo by European Commission DG ECHO Last October, Typhoon Sarika hit Vietnam and the Philippines, causing flooding to the region. It had the strength of a Category 3 hurricane. Accuweather explains, “The powerful typhoon made landfall in Luzon with sustained winds over 180 km/h (112 mph) on Saturday night, local time. This strength is… Continue reading Tropical Cyclone Hits Vietnam and Philippines Last Fall
Migrants in Libya Being Sold into Slavery
Photo by Roberdan Migrants who are trying to reach Europe are caught and sold into slavery in Libya. Per The Guardian, “The north African nation is a major exit point for refugees from Africa trying to take boats to Europe. But since the overthrow of autocratic leader Muammar Gaddafi, the vast, sparsely populated country has… Continue reading Migrants in Libya Being Sold into Slavery
Jerusalem Celebrates Unification of City in 1967
Photo by Mujaddara Jerusalem celebrated the 50th anniversary of the capture of East Jerusalem. On May 25, 1967, East Jerusalem was seized by the Israeli military. Fox News reports, “Israel is marking this week the 50th anniversary of its capture of east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war — an event it celebrates as… Continue reading Jerusalem Celebrates Unification of City in 1967
Flint, Michigan to Start Home Delivery of Water Due to Judge’s Ruling
Blueskiesfalling A few years back, Flint, Michigan was found to have water that was mixed with a bunch of lead. It is not until last November though, that a judge made a mandate allowing for home delivery of water bottles. Fox News reports, “A judge on Thursday ordered delivery of bottled water to lead-tainted homes… Continue reading Flint, Michigan to Start Home Delivery of Water Due to Judge’s Ruling
Gospel for Asia Provides 580 Relief Packets in Sri Lanka; Cleans Wells
Photo by Indian Navy In late May, Sri Lanka monsoon rains began and soon after that, flooding and landslides. Many villages were set off from relief teams being able to come in. In one village, the villagers told The Guardian, “‘All access to our village is cut off. A landslide took place inside the village and… Continue reading Gospel for Asia Provides 580 Relief Packets in Sri Lanka; Cleans Wells