People in Myanmar in desperate need of help during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Today, untold millions in Myanmar (population 55 million) live with indescribable suffering. The pandemic and a civil war have gripped the land, leaving people stranded. Shootings, bombings, killings and the burning down of houses have become continual. The heartbreaking situation is only worsening, and families from GFA World churches are not far from it.
A few months ago, more than 600 of these families in one district were driven out by force; houses and church buildings were destroyed. Thousands of precious believers are scattered in forests and other hiding places to survive. By God’s mercy, GFA missionaries continue to provide rice and other basic needs to sustain these believers and their families. We thank God for the generous help that is given to relieve the untold suffering in this land. Pray for God to intervene and bring peace to this nation.
As COVID-19 and political upheaval have taken lives, GFA missionaries in Myanmar have been providing vitally needed food and medical supplies to suffering communities (pictured).
In South Myanmar, GFA World churches have actively helped distribute COVID-19 kits containing items such as PPE uniforms, gloves, hand sanitizer, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, face shields, surgical caps and masks to hospitals and communities. Through the COVID Care Center, hundreds of COVID-19 patients are receiving care. Vaccinations are also provided as they are available.
These women were among 12 who received packets of food from GFA missionaries.
As cases of COVID-19 rose and lockdowns kept people at home, impoverished families found themselves struggling to survive. Without work, many feared starvation. In response to the growing desperation, thousands of GFA missionaries took the initiative to feed and encourage those in need.
Caring for the Vulnerable
Among those particularly struggling have been widows and single mothers, who are often the sole breadwinners for themselves and their children. The pandemic has prevented many from earning income. In one mountainous region, GFA missionaries and pastors identified 12 women who desperately needed help during the pandemic, providing bags of rice, lentils, oil, salt and other basic supplies to fight hunger. Many of the women also had been personally affected by the virus.
One recipient, Prue, and her husband had both tested positive for the virus. Prue survived, but her husband didn’t.
“The first wave of COVID-19 took my husband from me forever,” Prue shared. “… He was very much supportive of me. But after his death, I was loved by the local church. I want to thank the church family from the bottom of my heart for the relief items I received.”
The Cries of the Helpless
These women were among 12 who received packets of food from GFA missionaries.
Many women like Prue faced similar situations of helplessness and loss during the pandemic. When a cyclone swept through an area under lockdown from the pandemic, GFA missionaries distributed food supplies to nearly 100 needy widows.
“During the storm … the river water was overflowing, and it came all around my house,” said Palmira, one of the widows. Jesus answered Palmira’s prayer and spared her home from destruction.
“I hoped and had confidence that I will get some help from the church,” Palmira said. “I was waiting for the great God to provide [for] me. Finally, God provided [for] me.”
Other mothers had simply been abandoned.
When one GFA pastor distributed large bags of rice to 50 impoverished individuals in his area, he happened to meet Macey, who lived by herself. Her children had left her all alone, even taking her ration card for themselves.
When the pastor presented her with the rice, Macey wept.
“God has sent you to my house to feed me when I am hungry,” she said. “I now have enough rice for the whole month.”
Young adults from Pastor Daine’s church (pictured) distributed groceries to families in need.
In the area where Pastor Daine serves, COVID-19 lockdowns prevented impoverished families from making a living. No money meant little to no food. Hearing of their plight, Pastor Daine and the youth in his church wanted to help.
Like many other GFA pastor-led churches across affected countries, Pastor Daine and his congregation gathered food to distribute to the poor and needy. But first, they needed permission from local officials.
When the officials heard what Pastor Daine’s group planned to do, they granted permission immediately, grateful for the young adults who wanted to help people in need. Pastor Daine and the youth then identified five families most in need and provided bags full of rice, dal, sugar, oil and salt.
The families gratefully accepted the food kits and profusely offered their thanks.
“People are afraid to visit or talk to each other,” one recipient said. “My neighbors also do not talk to me, and in this situation, you are risking your lives and happily reaching out to people with help. I believe your God is protecting you and guiding you to show His love to poor people like us.”
Young adults from Pastor Daine’s church (pictured) distributed groceries to families in need.
GFA missionaries distribute food and hygiene supplies to families affected by the pandemic.
Due to the current pandemic, millions of people in Asia have lost jobs and are plunging into poverty. Rejection, fear and a lack of food supplies have left many people in utter despair. They have no hope to dream for a better tomorrow.
Some missionaries left meals, groceries and hygiene supplies outside the doors of people in home isolation due to the coronavirus. In another region, workers distributed hygiene kits to more than 100 families. Missionaries in two other locations also gave groceries to people in need.
GFA missionaries distribute food and hygiene supplies to families affected by the pandemic.
One woman who received groceries told the team in tears, “I am pregnant, and it is my sixth month of pregnancy. But I am able to eat only one-time meal a day. Due to the lockdown, my husband does not have work, and we are unable to meet the family’s basic needs.”
Believers gather to pray at the dedication for Yitta’s new home (pictured).
Surrounded by stark hospital walls, Yitta received devastating news: Her home was no more. While she had been undergoing medical treatment, an electrical fire incinerated six houses, including Yitta’s. The news sent bolts of shock through her mind. Still, the widow held on to her faith.
Leaving the hospital, Yitta returned to a mound of ashes where her house had once stood. A relative provided temporary housing, but Yitta had nothing to survive on, no funds with which to rebuild. Hurdles encumbered any path to recovery. Still, Yitta did not lose faith.
Instead, she utilized it, enlisting fellow believers to join her in prayer. Surely, God would provide.
When GFA pastor Taden learned of Yitta’s dilemma, his heart went out to her. He sought help from church leaders, and the church aided Yitta with funds to construct a new house. Yitta obtained other needed items, and within two months, construction was complete!
Joy and gratitude filled Yitta’s heart as she beheld her new home, thankful for her church and their support. She had held on to her faith, and the Lord had answered, providing for her needs and proving Himself faithful once more.
When calamity strikes, GFA workers step in and compassionately provide aid to people in need, like Yitta. Thank you for helping workers tangibly show the love of Christ to hurting people.
GFA World child sponsorship workers helped provide groceries to sponsored children, their families and their communities.
Last year, the coronavirus pandemic sparked a series of economic setbacks—especially for impoverished families. In South Asia, GFA workers rose in response and ensured families had provisions in their time of need.
Because of lockdown restrictions, however, GFA World’s sponsorship programs could not operate as normal, so staff and other GFA workers partnered with local officials to organize food distributions for students, their families and their communities.
“Due to the pandemic, all the schools and the [sponsorship centers] were shut down,” said Pallis, a sponsored child. “Therefore, my studies had a great setback during this time. There was [also] no work, and as result, my family had to face great difficulty.”
GFA World child sponsorship workers helped provide groceries to sponsored children, their families and their communities.
Pallis wasn’t alone. Many other children faced similar situations.
“Due to the pandemic, my father and mother are jobless,” said Saverio, another sponsored child. “No one has any work to earn a living, and my family had to go through lots of hardship.”
Like millions of others affected by the pandemic, these children’s families faced financial adversity, but GFA workers were able to step in and provide more than 30 pounds of rice, lentils, cooking oil, biscuits, soybeans and soap to help alleviate hunger and the burden of not being able to care for their families.
GFA World child sponsorship workers helped provide groceries to sponsored children, their families and their communities.
These children, and dozens of others, were thankful the workers were there for them in their most desperate hour of need.
“I and my family are greatly benefited and happy to receive the ration kits from [GFA World],” said Saverio. “May God bless the [people] who came and helped us.”
GFA workers have distributed much-needed groceries and meals to thousands of families during the pandemic.
Phaedra felt helpless.
Work had run out. Government assistance had run out. Phaedra dreamed of a better future for her children, but now she couldn’t even feed them. Hope flickered on the brink of extinction.
Seeking Provision
After her husband’s untimely death, Phaedra left the only village she had known in search of work to provide for herself and her two teenage children. With little education, Phaedra’s options were few. But Phaedra worked hard as a janitor in the local primary school, for a meager salary, while her children went to school in hopes their lives could be better.
Suddenly the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, and due to the ensuing lockdown, the school authorities ran out of funds to pay their employees. With no income, Phaedra and her children turned to government assistance for a daily meal. Weeks later, the family’s funds ran out, their meals ran out—and so did Phaedra’s options. Charitable neighbors sometimes provided food, but obtaining a daily meal became increasingly difficult.
A Visit of Providence
In her home village, Phaedra had been part of the church led by GFA pastor Damek. Concerned for her welfare, Pastor Damek shared her situation with Bakare, a GFA pastor in Phaedra’s new village.
GFA workers have distributed much-needed groceries and meals to thousands of families during the pandemic.
Hearing of Phaedra’s crisis moved Pastor Bakare to action. He and some of his church members visited Phaedra, showing her Christ’s love in the form of rice, salt and lentils. The timely aid filled Phaedra’s heart with joy and rekindled the hope within her.
“I had almost lost my hope during this dark time,” Phaedra said. “My children were hungry, and we had no one to approach for help. The Lord sent His people and helped me with my needs. I am so grateful to Him and [the church] for providing me these aids.”
The lockdown had been going for some days when Radinka heard a knock at her door. When she opened it, there stood a masked man and woman, holding a package of food to help keep Radinka and her family from going hungry. Radinka’s heart soared as a great weight lifted.
A God-given Meeting
Radinka and her husband, Padrai, lived with their 16-year-old son in South Asia, while their two eldest children were both married and out of the house. Radinka suffered from high blood pressure, and a significant portion of Padrai’s modest income as a salesman funded her medical treatment.
A few months before the lockdown and before the pandemic was in full swing, Radinka rose early for her routine doctor’s appointment to check on her high blood pressure. The early time meant she could not eat breakfast. The clinic sometimes provided food, but it was at a cost Radinka couldn’t afford.
When Radinka walked into the clinic that day, she noticed something different. Three women mingled among the patients, offering tea and snacks. One of the women, Binta, came to Radinka with her hands filled with refreshments.
How much for a cup of tea, Radinka asked.
The food and tea were free, Binta responded, and encouraged Radinka to let her know if she wanted more.
Hearing the kind words and seeing unconditional love, Radinka knew there was something special about these women who were giving willingly of their own resources. After Radinka visited with the doctor, she walked toward Binta. Why were these women doing such a kind act, Radinka asked. She discovered Binta was the wife of the local GFA pastor, Kilan, and she had a monthly ministry to serve the people at the medical clinic.
Binta promised to visit Radinka at her home. True to her word, Binta visited Radinka later that week. Question after question, Radinka asked and Binta answered. Binta also shared that the Lord can heal all sicknesses because he cares for all people and their well-being.
Radinka paused at that. Hearing those words had somehow strengthened her and brought encouragement. Could this Jesus heal her of her high blood pressure? Binta seemed to think so. Radinka decided to visit Binta’s church. After much prayer from the congregation, Radinka received the healing she had longed for.
Pastor Kilan, pictured with his family
Providing for the Family
In March 2020, a month after Radinka began attending the church and rejoicing in Christ’s love, COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect across Asia. For two months, the pandemic kept them stuck in a day-to-day survival. The family’s finances thinned, and their food supply diminished by the day. Radinka grew ever more worried.
But despite her fear, Radinka had faith. Over the phone, Radinka joined in prayer meetings, staying encouraged through fellowship with other believers. Even Radinka’s husband and son joined the times of prayer.
Then came the day Radinka heard that knock at her door. It was Binta and Pastor Kilan, holding a bag filled with fresh vegetables and dry goods. She thanked the pastor and his wife profusely. Nobody else had checked in on them or offered them food.
“God has blessed me and provided all our needs in a miraculous way,” Radinka said. “I thank Sister Binta and Pastor Kilan for their love and kindness towards us, which made me believe and trust that God cares for all people.”
The boys and girls pictured above are some of thousands of children who have received free food at GFA World Bridge of Hope centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though lockdowns in Asia prevented GFA’s World’s Bridge of Hope centers from holding their normal activities last fall, Bridge of Hope and other GFA workers continued to impact children, their families and entire communities as they offered helping hands in a time of great need.
In just a few months, tens of thousands of food kits were distributed, which included essential items such as rice, lentils, flour, beans, cooking oil and sugar. These distributions focused on children enrolled in Bridge of Hope but also included other local families in need.
“When we heard the center is closed, we were sad,” said Lalia, a 14-year-old student. “But you did not forget us; rather you remembered us. Thank you for showing your love by providing these valuable ration items during this crisis.”
Numerous children, parents and other recipients expressed gratitude for the GFA workers’ concern and care in their time of need, giving them “hope for living” in this time of crisis, as one student said.
Cadia is a widow with five children, one of whom is enrolled in Bridge of Hope. Unable to earn money as a domestic worker, Cadia was struggling to feed her family.
“There were days when we had nothing to eat,” said Cadia. “This ration kit has come as a relief to us. I am thankful to all the leaders for providing this to us.”
Pagyel’s parents are among the many daily laborers who have been unable to work.
“During this pandemic, my parents are really struggling to meet even one-time meal at home,” he said. “Today, I am deeply grateful to [Bridge of Hope] center for giving me and my family the ration kits.”
Taboras and his family (pictured) earn a living collecting and selling rags and garbage.
Poverty surrounded GFA pastor Vasek. One day, the pastor happened to meet two young boys—two young boys who should have been in school. When the pastor asked them how they were doing, the boys shared with him about their lives and invited him to their home. A few minutes later, they arrived at a ramshackle tent made of plastic bags and strips of fabric that were held together by sticks.
Pastor Vasek then met the boys’ 55-year-old father, Taboras, their mother and nine siblings. As they conversed, Pastor Vasek asked if any of the children went to school. No, Taboras responded. They helped him by scouring small hills of refuse for bits of rags and other sellable pieces of garbage. It was their livelihood, the only way they could sustain themselves. Sending his children to school would mean the family could lose wages needed for survival.
A Future Beyond a Garbage Heap
But Pastor Vasek knew an education would open avenues for a successful future that would otherwise be closed to them. Should they not attend school, they would forever be stuck in poverty.
The pastor explained to Taboras the benefits of an education. His children would learn things that could help shape a better future, one that didn’t include picking rags the rest of their lives.
Every day, Taboras’s children went to school instead of to a garbage heap, and they tackled the new lessons set before them. Taboras thanked the pastor for helping him send his children to school. Now, Taboras and his wife know their children have a chance to embrace a brighter future beyond the garbage heap.
Children in need received food through the efforts of Pastor Tarik’s and Pastor Marut’s congregations
Pastor Marut’s phone kept ringing. The prime minister had declared a lockdown over the whole nation, and a chorus of voices echoed from Pastor Marut’s phone, one-by-one, each with a similar concern: “I can’t get home, and my family doesn’t have enough food for the lockdown. Please help!”
Threatened and Jobless
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, it created a crisis not only in health care but also in the economy.
Concerned for their citizens’ health, governments in South Asia imposed lockdowns starting in late March. While preventing the spread of disease, these lockdowns hurled many people into a sea of financial uncertainty. Work stopped for millions of people, including daily wage laborers and other low-paid workers who already struggle to put food on the table. They, along with millions of homeless people and people who beg for a living, didn’t know how their families would survive.
During this pandemic, GFA workers in Asia have been ministering to the most vulnerable in their congregations and communities in every way possible. With the permission of government officials, GFA pastors and Sisters of Compassion have been working to provide food to hungry families, promote awareness about COVID-19, encourage social distancing and help those who are struggling for basic survival.
Children in need received food through the efforts of Pastor Tarik’s and Pastor Marut’s congregations
Prayer and Provision
Most of the people in Pastor Marut’s church work as domestic helpers, housekeeping staff, vegetable sellers or rickshaw drivers. When the lockdown began, many couldn’t get home, and they didn’t know if their families had enough food stocked.
When they asked for Pastor Marut’s help, he didn’t know what to do—except pray. He sat down with his wife and children, and they asked God to intervene.
Afterward, his wife contacted women in the Women’s Fellowship, and they gathered money to help the neediest in the church. A few days later, Pastor Marut and some of the believers provided groceries to 12 families, three families from the church and nine other needy families in the community. Each family received rice, flour, dal (lentils) and oil.
Driving to the Hungry
Pastor Tarik, who serves in a slum in the same city, saw many people living along the street with no food to eat during the lockdown. Like Pastor Marut, he wanted to help.
On April 1, Pastor Tarik and six church members cooked and packaged food. With police permission, they drove through the city to distribute food to the needy. First, they found people living under overpasses and along roadsides. Many begged for a living, and some suffered from mental illness, and they had no access to food or water. Pastor Tarik’s team handed them water and packets of food, and the grateful recipients blessed them for the help.
Children in need received food through the efforts of Pastor Tarik’s and Pastor Marut’s congregations
Children in need received food through the efforts of Pastor Tarik’s and Pastor Marut’s congregations
Children in need received food through the efforts of Pastor Tarik’s and Pastor Marut’s congregations
Afterward, as they entered a slum area, the team beheld wandering children. The pastor and believers called out to the hungry children and gave them food. Altogether, Pastor Tarik’s team distributed 300 packets of food.
A Team Effort
On the same day, GFA pastor Marty also shared food—and compassion—in this city’s slums. For years, he has served Christ in a hurting slum community like the one he grew up in.
In partnership with Christian leaders, a non-profit organization and the local police, Pastor Marty and his team distributed food to people living in the slums, many of whom are migrant laborers from other states. Together, while observing social distancing guidelines, the team helped 150 families.
These three pastors in one city represent thousands of GFA workers who have ministered the love of Christ in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your prayers and support have enabled them to bring physical and spiritual help to thousands of people—many of whom were in danger of starvation—during these challenging days. Thank you!
Pastor Jaitra (pictured in red) joyfully presented sewing machines and other helpful gifts to the inmates of a local prison.
Pastor Jaitra prayed out loud, surrounded by a group of prisoners. Eight voices echoed Jaitra’s “amen.”
The small prayer meeting broke up. Walking out the prison doors, Jaitra held one prayer in his heart: that even more inmates would find new life.
One day, as Pastor Jaitra got ready for the prayer meeting at the prison, inspiration struck him. Not only had God provided His only Son, but He could also provide for the inmates’ practical needs!
Pastor Jaitra arranged for a gift distribution at the jail. Two sewing machines were given to the inmates: one to the men and one to the women. Inmates also gratefully received free medicine, water and New Testaments. The director of the prison expressed his thanks for the care and generosity of the church.
“We wish for the growth of [the church] constantly,” he said. “No matter what people say … do good service for the people as you are doing now.”
In this slum community, many people suffer from severe health problems they cannot afford to treat. Pastor Tarik arranged a free medical camp to provide the care they needed.
Tarik, a GFA-supported pastor, serves in the heart of one of the largest cities in Asia. Looking up from the squalor and poverty of the slums, he can see towering skyscrapers and landmarks, like pristine mountains rising above a murky swamp. The people he ministers to are among the most impoverished and underprivileged.
As Pastor Tarik serves this community, one thing has grown increasingly clear: People’s health is suffering. Heavy pollution, exposed sewage and lack of awareness about hygiene have caused breathing problems, heart disease and many other sicknesses to ravage the community, sometimes resulting in death. Families struggle every day just to survive, and they can’t afford to visit the doctor.
Seeing this need and determined to help these precious people, Pastor Tarik knew exactly what to do: He organized a free medical camp.
An Obstacle Removed
Although medical events had been held in the village before, they had seen little attendance. But a crowd showed up to Pastor Tarik’s medical camp, which was open and free for everyone.
In this slum community, many people suffer from severe health problems they cannot afford to treat. Pastor Tarik arranged a free medical camp to provide the care they needed.
Darasha, who attends Pastor Tarik’s church, was especially looking forward to the camp. Multiple health problems had taken their toll on the man. He suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy. Darasha attended the medical camp hoping he would find some form of relief.
In this slum community, many people suffer from severe health problems they cannot afford to treat. Pastor Tarik arranged a free medical camp to provide the care they needed.
While there, Darasha saw Sisters of Compassion visiting with the attendees, offering a helping hand and gentle smiles. Soon, it was Darasha’s turn to see the doctors.
The medical team listened to Darasha and offered treatment, advice and appropriate medicines to help him combat his illnesses. When they finished, Darasha sought out Pastor Tarik.
“Thank you for conducting such a helpful event,” Darasha said. “Please continue to have [these] events in our area so that many people like me can find a solution to their health problems.”
Around 186 people received treatment at the camp. Many of the attendees expressed interest in learning about Christ, whose love made the medical camp possible. One person told Pastor Tarik they would help the church with any future needs.
In this slum community, many people suffer from severe health problems they cannot afford to treat. Pastor Tarik arranged a free medical camp to provide the care they needed.
“I thank God,” Pastor Tarik says, “for the privilege to be a great help for the people in my neighborhood.”
Through literacy classes, women who had never before had the opportunity to be educated are learning to read and write.
At age 34, Pival had a husband and five children, but she was missing something that most people gain during childhood. With her days spent laboring tirelessly in the fields to provide for her family, it seemed she was too busy to learn something new.
But when two GFA-supported Sisters of Compassion told her they were teaching literacy classes for women, the words tumbled out.
“I do not know how to read and write,” Pival said.
Struggling for Subsistence
Without education and with no land of their own, Pival and her husband struggled to provide for their children through slash-and-burn agriculture (clearing forest to cultivate crops) and through daily labor jobs.
They were desperate to please their gods. Every Wednesday, Pival fasted, performed rituals and sought her god’s blessing, but that didn’t give her prosperity.
Two Sisters of Compassion, Jiya and Shari, lived nearby. One day, as they were visiting ladies in Pival’s village who attended their literacy class, they met Pival. As they talked, Jiya and Shari told Pival of God’s love. They also explained they taught a class to help women who couldn’t read or write. Pival asked to join.
Through literacy classes, women who had never before had the opportunity to be educated are learning to read and write.
New Skill, New Hope
Glad for Pival’s interest, the sisters welcomed her to the class, which included about five other women. As they taught Pival how to read and write, their friendship grew. They continued to visit Pival, encourage her and pray for her.
Attending the literacy classes faithfully and eagerly, Pival soon could write her own name. Excitement and gratitude filled her heart.
“With the help of Sisters of Compassion team, I am learning to read and write,” she said.
Not only did she learn to read and write, but she also was impacted by Jiya’s and Shari’s friendship. Seeing their commitment to Jesus, Pival desired to know Him and placed her trust in Him. She got involved in the local church and began growing in her faith.
Because Jesus sent two friends to demonstrate His love, Pival gained the valuable skill she longed for—and a gift even more precious.
For Sailik and many other families in Asia, an outdoor toilet facility such as this one is a treasured gift.
As GFA-supported pastor Shantiv walked the dirt streets, he saw a great need. Poverty reigned in this particular slum, and many residents lacked a bathroom.
Pastor Shantiv has been ministering in this slum for some time. One day the pastor met Sailik. This man and his family, like many others who live in slums, did not have a toilet facility.
The family was forced to relieve themselves outside, and Sailik worried for his daughters’ health and safety. No facilities meant unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Faced with this dilemma, and with no solution, Sailik despaired.
Seeing this need, Pastor Shantiv reached out to his leaders and told them of this family’s plight. The leaders approved the request and constructed sanitation facilities for Sailik’s family and three others in the slum. Sailik was particularly grateful—their new toilet meant he and his daughters no longer had to relieve themselves outside or find the nearest toilet.
Touched through this blessing, Sailik saw that God cares and provides, even for his family’s need for a toilet. Eventually, Sailik and his family wholly embraced the love of God. Because of the gift of a toilet, and the safety and dignity it brings, this family now worships Christ.
GFA-supported workers provided food and water to those affected by the floods in Kerala, India.
The 2018 flooding in Kerala brought sadness and destruction, yet in the wake of this disaster, many bonded together to help those in need. In these trying times the people of Kerala showed great resilience in the face of devastation. Funds from all over the world poured in, and many brothers and sisters in Christ walked the many refugee camps. Bringing food, water, hygiene items and medical supplies, these faithful workers shared help and healing with those affected by the floodwaters.
Relief for the Needy
Among those who took refuge in the camps were Sailesh and his family, who attend a church led by a GFA-supported pastor. When the rains came, Sailesh and his family were warned by their neighbor, whose house was already flooded. There was no time to quickly evacuate to higher ground.
Fortunately, Sailesh was able to contact a friend who was outside the flood zone. Sometime later, an army rescue team came to pick up the stranded family and take them to a nearby stadium, which was functioning as a relief camp for 300 people. They remained there for five days.
It was at this camp that Dr. K. P. Yohannan, founder of GFA, and a GFA-supported relief team handed out clothing, hygiene items and medical supplies.
GFA-supported workers provided food and water to those affected by the floods in Kerala, India.
Sailesh, among the many people helped, said, “We were so worried during the flood situation. It was a really difficult time in our life. We would have [been] washed away by the flood water. But by God’s grace, we were rescued and reached the nearby relief camp. ... We thank the Church for the help.”
A Birthday, Shared with All
Frontline relief work wasn’t the only thing believers did to help the flood victims. Believers across Asia joined together by participating in fundraisers and prayer meetings on behalf of those in need. One young boy saw fit to go further. Yuvaraj’s ninth birthday was on August 30, and his birthday party would have taken place a few days after the flood.
Hearing the plight of these people, the young boy decided not to have a party. Instead, the money he would have spent for his celebration went to those in need.
“I have my parents to celebrate my birthday,” Yuvaraj said, “but many children lost their parents in Kerala due to the heavy flood. Therefore, the expenses for clothes and cake, I would like to dedicate them for the suffering children in Kerala.”
Like Yuvaraj, many people have risen up and answered the call for help, both in Asia and around the world. Because of donations like yours, those affected by the 2018 floods in Kerala have experienced God’s love. Thank you!
Pranita, like the girl pictured, received a bicycle that will give her the reliable transportation needed to continue her schooling.
Pranita looked at her discouraging surroundings. Crowded houses, wailing children and hopeless adults greeted her tired eyes. She and her family live in one of Asia’s largest slums.
Fallen on Hard Times
Pranita’s family had moved to this slum because her father, a construction laborer, had struggled to find work in their previous village. But after years in the slum, every day was still a struggle. Despite their woes, Pranita and her siblings were able to attend a local school, even though this put a financial strain on their parents.
Pranita and her younger siblings needed to perform well at school, and this pressure to excel ate away at Pranita. Her fears of failure grew so much that she could barely study.
Fears Alleviated
GFA-supported pastor Tuya ministered in Pranita’s slum. As he saw the impoverished children, compassion filled his heart, and he started a Sunday School. Pranita joined not long after.
Within months, a change took place in Pranita. Pastor Tuya told stories of a God who could give peace to the anxious and comfort the brokenhearted. Taking these truths to heart, Pranita confided in the pastor about the fears she had about school. Pastor Tuya and the believers encouraged and prayed for her. For the first time, Pranita began to feel at peace.
Blessing After Blessing
God had answered the faithful’s prayers for Pranita. But another difficulty arose. As soon as Pranita entered 11th grade, she had to walk to school. Walking a long distance alone was not a desirable situation, especially for a young woman. Pastor Tuya noticed this and decided to do something.
A few months later, the local church distributed gifts. Much to her surprise, Pranita heard her name called. She had been chosen to receive a brand-new bicycle.
Now, Pranita has no trouble getting to and from school. Her future is bright, thanks to the Lord’s compassion shown by Pastor Tuya and the believers.
Like Pranita’s family, millions around the world live in slums, but many have been touched by the love of pastors like Tuya. Stories like Pranita’s are made possible through believers, like you, who give to the ministry. Thank you!
GFA-supported national workers respond to many natural disasters each year, delivering relief supplies even to remote areas.
“We were four members in our family when the water waves were increasing,” Tanish reflects. “We left our home to [go to] a safe place. ... Within a second, half of our house was in water, but we were saved.”
As floodwaters raced across the land, covering homes, fields and flocks with no distinction, men and women ran to save their lives and the lives of their children.
People moved to higher ground, seeking what shelter and safety they could find. Then, as the floodwaters that washed over Tanish’s village began to abate, nearby GFA-supported national workers set out to serve as emergency Compassion Services teams, bringing hope and help to all they could reach.
But getting to Tanish’s village wasn’t easy.
A Dangerous Road to Travel
A team of five traveled for six hours along a narrow road that many feared to travel. They carried rice, lentils, flour, oil, salt, spices and blankets—the barest essentials—along with the invaluable commodities of hope and peace. It wasn’t much, but it was more than most had.
“After losing our domestic things and half our home,” one man lamented, “we cannot live anymore. I am a poor person who depends on labor work for the survival of my family. Now there is not even money to buy food for my family.”
The team distributed relief supplies—supplies funded through the donations of GFA friends like you—and blessed 55 families in Tanish’s village.
“So far, no one reached with the provisions to our village,” Tanish shares, “but your church is the only one who came to our home and provided for us provisions. Thank you very much.”
Gratitude Transcends Disasters
GFA-supported national workers respond to many natural disasters each year, delivering relief supplies even to remote areas.
Losing your home is devastating, whether it’s through the sudden onslaught of water, a fire or an earthquake. When a disaster strikes, there is little most people can do but run.
We praise God for enabling our brothers and sisters to bring hope, comfort, some food and shelter to people during their deepest hour of need—many of whom have never heard John 3:16. Thank you for your part in these stories of hope.
Though Pallavini took local remedies for healing, nothing helped. Many of the so-called treatments only made her worse. For more than a year, her bleeding continued, leaving her weaker and weaker as the months drew on. Ekanga feared Pallavini would die.
To make matters worse, the family lived in a notoriously dangerous village—one populated by robbers, thieves and bloodthirsty men. Every month, villagers would hear a report of someone being killed and robbed by the people of Ekanga’s village.
Ekanga had good cause to be worried.
When They Met the Pastor
A few months before Ekanga’s wife became sick, he met Gospel for Asia supported pastor Jacob. Although Ekanga called himself a Christian, he and his wife hadn’t been living like it. As Pastor Jacob and Ekanga talked, Ekanga told him plainly he wanted to start going to church. In July, Ekanga started attending Pastor Jacob’s church in the nearby village, and by December, he moved the family to that village, further away from the danger of their previous town.
Pallavini, whose medical issues started the month before they moved, wasn’t happy with the idea of her husband going to church. But God was working in her heart, and a year later, she went with Ekanga to church.
“Now I understand that God still loves me and my family,” she shared in front of the congregation that day. “That’s why today we, as a family, came here and worshipped the Lord together with you all.”
At the end of her testimony, Pallavini asked the congregation to pray for her well-being.
Medical Camp Helps Bring Healing
The next day, the Women’s Fellowship team at Pastor Jacob’s church had planned a medical camp. Pallavini went with about 30 other women. They each received multivitamin tablets and learned a few basic things about health.
One week later, Pallavini could hardly contain her joy.
“Thank you for the medicine that you have given to me,” she said. “After taking those vitamin tablets, I feel better. I have started to feel hungry and eat more. The bleeding and pain have even gone from my body. From the day I took those vitamin tablets, I also could sleep well at night, without any pain.”
Praise God for moving in Ekanga’s and Pallavini’s lives! Their testimony is just one among many who have been touched and blessed through the
ministries of Gospel for Asia, which you are part of through your prayers and donations. Thank you so much for standing with us to impact lives around the world.
How are people living in this village? Gospel for Asia supported pastor Sadavir wondered.
The water in this remote village was filled with clay, iron and mud, plaguing residents with frequent fevers, colds and digestive problems. Although many people tried to make water filters, it didn’t help.
“In the summer, we suffered a lot due to the scorching sun,” a villager named Gatik shares. “We desire a glass of water, but by seeing the impure water, our thirst goes away.”
When he saw this great need, Pastor Sadavir and a team of Gospel for Asia workers organized an event to distribute BioSand water filters to needy villagers.
Those who have the water filters allow their neighbours to use them, so everyone now has access to pure water.
“Now we are drinking very good water,” Gatik says.
Village health has improved greatly since having the filters, and thankful for the gifts, people also have grown interested in learning about Jesus from the local pastor.
Kishori married when she was only 7 years old, not knowing her in-laws had a life-altering secret.
When Kishori began living with her new family, she found out her mother-in-law and father-in-law had leprosy—a disease physically devastating to those without access to treatment, as well as socially stigmatizing.
Instead of despising her in-laws, as the rest of her society would, Kishori took care of them, shouldering most of the household chores.
At 15, she gave birth to her first child; it was her second pregnancy, however, that impacted her life in an even more marked way.
Isolated by Disease
During the pregnancy, Kishori’s legs started to swell, and boils appeared. At the hospital, doctors confirmed her suspicion: She had leprosy.
Because Kishori was pregnant,
she couldn’t begin treatment. After her son’s birth, she started taking medication, but in the following years, three more pregnancies disrupted her treatment, and the disease spread.
After her last child was born, Kishori resumed her medicine regimen, but leprosy had already taken its toll on her hands, legs—and soul. Afraid others would hate
her because of the disease, Kishori stopped going to the market, attending social functions and spending time with friends. People even asked her husband why he didn’t
kick her out of the house, but he insisted he loved her and refused to abandon her.
Leprosy made Kishori’s life painful and more difficult. She spent all day begging in order to feed her family. She couldn’t afford to hire a rickshaw, so when she needed to go to the hospital for treatment, she walked more than three hours on marred feet.
Shocked by Love
Finally, those long journeys stopped one day—the day Gospel for Asia missionaries came to Kishori’s home. They asked if they could
clean her wounds. Shocked, Kishori couldn’t fathom why someone would freely offer a service most people
wouldn’t do even for money. While cleaning Kishori’s wounds, the missionaries prayed for her and told her of the Healer.
Every week, Kishori excitedly welcomed the missionaries into her home, and her family heard them share about Christ’s love. Even more people got to share in the blessing
as Kishori invited neighbours with leprosy to come have their wounds cleaned and hear the Good News.
Through the missionaries’ sacrificial lifestyle, Kishori realized God actually loved her and could heal her. As her wounds gradually began to heal, Kishori put her faith in Christ, and soon her husband and two of her children followed.
Now Kishori knows God not only as Healer but also as Provider. In 2012, Gospel for Asia opened a medical clinic near Kishori’s village. In addition to medical care, Kishori and many others in her leprosy colony get a nutritious meal each day. They also receive items like mosquito nets, shawls and special shoes for leprosy patients.
“God is providing so many things. ... I feel that God is my only father and mother,” Kishori says.
She knows that without His grace, she may have lost her fingers and legs. Instead, she has now almost completely recovered from leprosy, and she and her family worship Christ along with many others in the leprosy colony.
The flesh in his legs began to decay, and although doctors said his leprosy was curable, he couldn’t afford the necessary treatment.
Manpreet thought it was just a sting from a caterpillar, but the small, white spot on his body soon became like a boil. Although Manpreet took medicine, the spot spread all over his legs. When Manpreet couldn’t feel pain in his legs, a chilling question entered his mind: Did he have leprosy?
Diagnosed and Shunned
Manpreet’s fears were soon confirmed. The flesh in his legs began to decay, and although doctors said his leprosy was curable, he couldn’t afford the necessary treatment.
Upon hearing of the diagnosis, Manpreet’s children were frightened. Others then began looking down on him, scolding him harshly if he accidentally touched them.
As Manpreet faced a deteriorating body and painful social stigma, despair overwhelmed him. Then his grown children put the last nail in the coffin: They sent him away.
Deeply hurt by this rejection, Manpreet and his wife left their home for a small hut in a leprosy colony.
Hands of Healing and Acceptance
One day, four women came to the village with words of encouragement for Manpreet and the other leprosy victims.
“You still have hope,” they said, declaring that healing was possible.
These women were Gospel for Asia Sisters of Compassion, women missionaries specially trained and commissioned for hands-on ministry among the poor and neglected. They continued to visit the colony, and as the residents experienced the women’s love and acceptance, they began opening up to them. Hearing about the people’s sorrows, the women prayed for them and comforted them with God’s Word.
The Sisters of Compassion not only shared love and hope; they also brought medicine and dressed wounds. They regularly treated Manpreet’s wounds, and within two months, God healed him! Knowing this happened through the women’s prayers, Manpreet and his wife joyfully decided to follow Christ.
Through the sisters’ sacrificial love and concern, Manpreet and his wife have found healing—physically, emotionally and spiritually—and have even been able to share this good news with their children.
By supporting GFA missionaries, you are helping many more people to find new life and acceptance in the Body of Christ.
As the inauguration of Gospel for Asia’s new medical centre took place, the hundreds of people gathered saw it as a beacon of hope. This hospital will provide healthcare for 56 villages—including treatment and care to thousands affected by leprosy.
A Disease of Exiles
Leprosy, a bacterial disease that is easily cured if discovered and treated early, has dealt a devastating blow to these people. Shunned and ignored by society, they’ve had no treatment and little knowledge of how to properly care for leprosy. Because of this, many are disfigured or blind or have severe nerve damage. Others have lost loved ones to the disease.
Gospel for Asia began to work among the leprosy colonies in 2007. Through this ministry, leprosy patients receive a daily meal, tailor-made shoes, wound cleaning and education and awareness programs.
More than 30 workers serve the leprosy patients. Some come throughout the week and trim hair, nails and beards. They also bathe patients and do laundry for those who are unable to take care of themselves because they have lost their hands and fingers.
Gospel for Asia also opened a Bridge of Hope centre and 18 tutoring centres for the children of the leprosy patients. Through these practical and tangible expressions of Christ’s love, many are realizing and embracing the hope He gives.
These actions have not gone unnoticed by the government; several dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremonies and commended GFA for their compassion work. They also promised to help in the coming days.
Through your prayers and gifts to GFA’s Compassion Services, you are reaching the lepers, slum dwellers and those in need of medical and disaster relief.
Grishma had seen the slum where men earned their wages by collecting trash, where children had to beg instead of attend school, where women lived in agony as they watched their children starve.
When it came time for Grishma to decide where she wanted to serve the Lord, it hardly seemed like a choice. Grishma had seen the slum where men earned their wages by collecting trash, where children had to beg instead of attend school, where women lived in agony as they watched their children starve. She knew what she had to do. The slum would be her ministry.
Grishma knew how easily she could have been one of these slum dwellers. It was only by the Lord’s grace that she was raised in a Christian home, the youngest of four children. She was allowed to attend school, and she had parents who loved her. Shortly after completing high school, she attended a Gospel for Asia-supported Bible college. She was an excellent student and was eager to obey the Lord by fulfilling His call on her life.
So, when Grishma learned that she could serve in the slums, she quickly volunteered to go where the Lord was calling her. She was ready.
It is not hard to feel deep compassion for those who live in the slums. The poverty is shocking. Jobs are rare, which makes begging and trash-picking common vocations. Furthermore, many men waste what precious little money they earn on alcohol. Most families live without hope, without any means to escape. That is, until someone like Grishma comes along.
Knowing that she would be of no use without the Lord’s favor, Grishma prayed earnestly for wisdom. She decided to visit each house in the slum to build relationships, no small task in a community of 200 houses. She made a point to share with the families that there is a God who truly loves them, and then she would pray for their needs.
The people, so desperate and broken, listened to Grishma as she spoke of God’s love, a notion that was sometimes difficult for them to understand but often intriguing as well.
A Thriving Ministry
Grishma is already experiencing a great deal of fruit from her ministry. An adult literacy program was established, allowing some of the women from this slum the previously unthinkable opportunity for an education. In addition, Grishma has begun a ministry for children, keeping young ones off the streets and teaching them about the hope found in Jesus.
Recently, as the ministry has grown, two more young women have come to serve alongside Grishma. Now all three are teaching the women of this village about proper hygiene and distributing much-needed clothes to the residents. In the future, Grishma hopes to start a tailoring center where women can learn to make their own clothes and earn extra income for their families.
Grishma knows why her ministry has been blessed: “We three sisters are in God’s hands,” she explains. “Let God use us according to His desire for the expansion of His kingdom.”
Whenever there is a natural disaster in South Asia, Gospel for Asia-supported Compassion Services teams step in to provide support and demonstrate Jesus’ love to those in need.
Such was the case when flooding recently occurred in a western district of Sri Lanka.
Flooding is common in this district, and on this particular occasion, the overflow contaminated several wells in the area. So, five team members came with cleaning equipment—and hearts to serve.
For the first two days, the team managed to clean 17 wells. Then they traveled to another district and cleaned 33 more. The villagers were so thankful for the help they received, and what a delight it was when they even pitched in to help!
And because of their thankfulness, the residents are much more receptive to hear about the love of Jesus. Compassion Services teams fulfill a truly special calling by using their lives to demonstrate the servant attitude that Jesus showed to us: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
