Children in Crisis: Send! Magazine

8/4/2019 Children in Crisis: Send! Magazine

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october 2009 | volume 29 | number 3

{GOSPEL FOR ASIA NEWS MAGAZINE }

3

{www.gfa.org

+ Free, after nine years in prison
http://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/


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{GOSPEL FOR ASIANEWS MAGAZINE}

EDITORINCHIEFK.P. Yohannan

MANAGING EDITOR Heidi Chupp

CONSULTING EDITOR Larry Jerden

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Gisela Yohannan

WRITERSTerri Beers, Michelle Jimenez,

Rachel Kornman, Ellen McConnell, Shelly Moon

PROOFREADERTricia Bennett

DESIGN DOXA

PRODUCTION Linda Gonzales

send! SEND! VOLUME 29, NUMBER 3SEND!is published four times per year byGospel for Asia, Inc., 1800 Golden Trail Court,

Carrollton, Texas 75010. 2009 Gospel for Asia, Inc.

No part of this periodical may be reproduced without

permission. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken

from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982

by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All

rights reserved.

Many of the names and places in the stories have

been changed for security reasons.

One hundred percent of all missionary support

is sent to the mission eld. Please visit us:

www.gfa.org

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

In the United States: 1800 Golden Trail Court,

Carrollton, Texas 75010. Phone: 972-300-7777.

Fax: 972-300-7778. Email: [email protected].

In Australia: P.O. Box 3587, Village Fair,

Toowoomba QLD 4350. Phone: 1300 889 339.

In Canada: 245 King Street E, Stoney Creek,

ON L8G 1L9. Phone: 905-662-2101.

Fax: 905-662-8447. Canadian publications

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Port Elizabeth 6008. Phone: 041 360-0198.

In the United Kingdom: PO Box 166,

Winterscale House, York, YO10 5WA.

Phone: 01904 643 233.

Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission

organization that trains and equips native

missionaries to share the love of Jesus Christ

across southern Asia with those who have never

before heard His name. These missionaries have

proven extremely eective because they are

already familiar with the language and culture,

and they live at the level of t he people they

serve, thus removing many social barriers.

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT K.P. Yohannan

Recently the Lord once again brought to

my heart the harsh reality of little boys

and girls all across Asia who are being exploited

by the very adults who should be their protectors. Young,

helpless, innocent and nave, these children are forced into

virtual slavery for the sake of greed and power.

But Jesus Christ looks at children differently. During

His earthly journey, He always defended the vulnerable and

the downtrodden, the orphans and the widows. As His

followers, let us feel the sorrow He feels, and in His name

let us care for the abandoned ones and love the neglected

ones. It is our awesome privilege to welcome them into our

livesand as we do so, we welcome our Lord Himself.

from the editor-in-chiefe

K.P. YOHANNAN [Editor-in-Chief]

Please turn to page 6 to read how one

little girl experienced the love of God

and how it transformed her entire family.
http://www.gfa.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.gfa.org/


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insend!departments:4 gospel for asia + youYou can impact the mission fields of Asia.16 in focusHow your partnership is changing lives.In this issue, we highlight womens

ministry and the effectiveness of native

missionaries.

20 short reportsBrief glimpses of what God is doing

all across Asia.

october 2009 | send! | 3

october 2009 | volume 29 | number 3

22 proleAs a young man, Ram Jeeta joined a

violent rebel group, but today he pours his

life into more than 100 young people who

are preparing to tell others about Jesus.

23 ve minutes with K.P.God has a blueprint for our journey withHim! Even if He doesnt show it to us ahead

of time, we can trust Him completely.

6 children in crisisWith millions of children in Asia suffering from neglect,

malnutrition, poverty, abuse, abandonment and forced

labor, the challenge to reach them with Gods love and help

meet their needs is monumental; some would say hopelessly

so. But K.P. Yohannan disagrees. Positive change ishappening, he declaresone child at a time.

12 on both sides of the doorOn either side of a prison door, two worlds exist. Gospel

for Asia missionary Manja Tamang has lived in both of

them. Falsely accused of murder, he served a nine-year,

nightmare sentence. Today, Manjas life behind bars is past.

But his impact in the prisons of Nepal continues.

O N T H E C O V E R

Asian childrenjust like this little girlare precious to Jesus.

featured:

22

20

16

18

Free, after nineyears in prison

pg 12


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letters

4 | send! | www.ga.org

gospel or asia + you {You can impact the mission felds o Asia}+

Bonding with OurBridge o Hope Childv

I was given an inheritance and

wanted to do something meaningul

with the tithe rom it. I was looking

or a girl whose birthdate was the

same as one o my girlsso they

may eel more bonded and eager to

communicate through mail. I ound

a girl that was pretty close!A.N., Barrie, Ontario

Blessing Two Four Mothersv

In celebration o Mothers Day, we

donated sewing machines in honor

o our mothers. Both our moms are

terrifc at sewing. They can know

that our love or them was expressed

in a lie-blessing git to two other

mothers halway around the world.

D.U. and M.U., Calgary, Alberta

You Go!v

Its been on my heart or several

months now to give a bicycle, buttoday I just sat down at my computer

and did it. I love giving to this

ministryIm believing God will

allow me to give more. You go GFA!

S.M., Clinton, Mississippi

Moved to Act bythe Revolutionv

My sister gave me a copy o your

book. As I read it, I was so movedand convicted to act. I am honored

to join you in completing the

Great Commission.

H.T., Slidell, Louisiana

Last year my wie and I were honored

to visit GFA in Carrollton, Texas,

and given a tour. I was also given

a copy o the book Revolution in

World Missions. It has aected me

deeply and changed my thinking

about missions. Thank you or the

work youre doing. Its my pleasure

to donate a small sum . . . and Ill

tell others!

D.J., Sachse, Texas

Making a Diferencein Orissav

Even though the economy is tough,the Lord has still blessed my amily.

I thank the Lord or all that GFA

is doing, and I really believe it is

making an eternal dierence. Thank

you or making the needs known

to us, especially the needs in Orissa.

When you look at the costs to rebuild

a house there, it is not very much

and can make a huge dierence to

the amilies there. I elt compelled

to help.B.B., Woodstock, Georgia

How has God connected your

life with Gospel for Asia?

Wed love to hear your story.

Please email us:

[email protected]

Or write:

Managing Editor,

SEND!Magazine

1800 Golden Trail Court

Carrollton, TX 75010

You can make free donations to Gospel for Asia

while checking off your holiday to-do list! Just checkout these helpful, easy-to-use websites:

GoodSearchEvery time you use this search engine, you can give a

portion o its advertising profts to GFA.

GoodShopThis site partners with more than 1,000 retailers and donates

a percentage o all purchases to GFA and other charities.

Its a ree and easy way to make a daily impact on eternity. Visit

www.gfa.org/goodsearch andwww.gfa.org/goodshopto learn more.
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Now on Our Website

You dont have to go to Asia to reach thousands with the love

of Christ. Make a difference right where you are! Read on for

three opportunities, or visitwww.gfa.org/getinvolved

Share the Book

You can help start a revival in your town! Simply give out free

copies ofRevolution in World Missions, the book that has

impacted thousands of hearts:www.gfa.org/share-the-book

Five Minutes for Asia

If you are involved in a church or small group, you can make a

difference that will last forever. Give your friends the chance to

change childrens lives through Bridge of Hope:www.gfa.org/5

Push the Pedal

Help native missionaries go farther and faster to spread the

Gospel by collecting donations for new missionary bicycles!

Visit:www.gfa.org/pedal

News and Features

Frustrated and desperate, Gangas husband and father threwher down on the doorstep of a church at midnight. They had

nowhere else to go and no one else to ask for help. The demons

attacking Ganga had power beyond any of their attempts to

deliver her.

Pastor Amitesh heard something outside his church. He

came out to see Ganga lying there, almost unable to breathe.

Amitesh prayed, realizing it was demonic attack . . .

Visitwww.gfa.org/thrown-at-the-doorstep to read the

rest of the story! And sign up atwww.gfa.org/latestnewsto

receive more exciting news from the mission fields of Asia.

New:www.gfa.org/getinvolved

>www.gfa.orgIn Memory of

> Al Kristy from Fernand Sr. and

Aline Mireault

> Anita Kovac from Fernand Sr.

and Aline Mireault

> Annette Uhrin from Fernand Sr.

and Aline Mireault

> Anthony and Maria

Nieczyporukfrom Olga Mitic

> Beatrice Miller from Bill and

Donna Kolbe

> Bev Krieger from Kay Seivert

> Brian Allan Tenny from

Janet Mugford

> Ellis E. Epps from W.E. HaydenLease Service Inc

> Eva P. Whitbeckfrom Dale and

Beverly Schrag, Dave and Maxine

Whitbeck, Joe and Sue Cacka,

Lowell and Sheila Buswell

> Gene Blankenship from

Emily Blankenship

> Glora Strickett from

Kathy Kennedy

> Jane Gilbert from Larry Gilbert

> JohnBurks father from Dr. and

Mrs. Jerry Dickson

> John Squires from Bonnie Squires

> Judie Koerselman from

Don R. Klein

> Keith Smith from Mike and

Pamela D. Conklin

> Lindsay Coelds mother

from Baptist General Convention

of Texas

> Margaret Carter from Alvin and

Phyllis Sigafus

> Margaret Davis from

Wendell Alan Davis

> Marie Hibbard from Claudia

Edwards, Eric Gates, Jim and Gwen

Wharton, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L.

Horrom, Mr. and Mrs. Small

> Robert Engelking from

Morehead Pools

> Robert Marshall from Fernand

Sr. and Aline Mireault

> Ruth Swartzendruber from

Ruth Dutcher

> Sherri Grubbs from Ken Grubbs

> Sue Coeld from Baptist General

Convention of Texas, Tom and

Debbie Kader

> Trace Morgan Jackson from

Nathan and Jennifer R. Oates

In Honor of

> Betty Porter and DonnaJohnson from Mary Hill

> Christine Pridie from Greg and

Heidi Croal

> Cody Sylvester from Larry and

Margaret Sylvester

> Dr. Raj Nelson from Just Give

> Grace Bible Joint Heirs Sunday

school class from Tania Shwetz

> Harold Marr from Harold and

Rhoda Marr

> Jim Blankenship from

Emily Blankenship

> Jodie Jennings from

Medine Watson

> Mari-Anne Loades from

Judy Adams

> The marriage of Jamie and

Dawn Eggers from Joseph and

Barbara Muench

> Patrick and Angela Miesner

from Rebecca Hertwig

> R. Zollings from Mrs. Diane Jarrett

> Tracy, Keely, Tyler, and Hannah

from Keith Newman

{ }This list is a partial representation of many generous friends who havegiven to Gospel for Asia in memory or in honor of loved ones. If you wishto make a donation, please contact GFA in your country (see back cover).
http://www.gfa.org/getinvolvedhttp://www.gfa.org/getinvolvedhttp://www.gfa.org/share-the-bookhttp://www.gfa.org/share-the-bookhttp://www.gfa.org/5http://www.gfa.org/5http://www.gfa.org/pedalhttp://www.gfa.org/pedalhttp://www.gfa.org/thrown-at-the-doorstephttp://www.gfa.org/thrown-at-the-doorstephttp://www.gfa.org/latestnewshttp://www.gfa.org/latestnewshttp://www.gfa.org/latestnewshttp://www.gfa.org/getinvolvedhttp://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/latestnewshttp://www.gfa.org/thrown-at-the-doorstephttp://www.gfa.org/pedalhttp://www.gfa.org/5http://www.gfa.org/share-the-bookhttp://www.gfa.org/getinvolvedhttp://www.gfa.org/getinvolvedhttp://www.gfa.org/


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7/24


Afew years ago, if you were to ask young Ahanti Kapoorto describe her daily life, she would tell you about the

little hut she shared with her parents and sisters, its

wood-and-mud walls, dirt floors and thatched roof. She would

tell you how, in the small, tent-like shelter next door, her mother

and father earned their livelihood each day by blacksmithing,

pumping the oversized bellows into the makeshift forge until thecoals glowed. While the sun blazed through the rough fabric

above their heads, they beat red-hot metal into axes and sickles

and hoes. Selling these simple tools to local farmers would earn

their family close to US$20 a monthnot much to live on, but

enough, Ahanti knew, if it werent for her fathers drinking. >>


8/24

8 | send! | www.gfa.org

Ahanti would recall how

the nights all ran together in

her mind, indistinguishable

from one another. First, her

father would come home

drunk; then an argument wouldquickly escalate between her parents with anger boiling over

from both sides. Ahanti and her sisters worried and wished the

tension would end.

Ahanti would talk about the neglect she suffered and the

distance that grew between her and her parents. She spent an

increasing amount of time away from home, avoiding her mother

and father, showing little respect or obedience. She often

aimlessly roamed the neighborhood, neglecting both schoolwork

and housework, looking for something to amuse her. And if she

were at home, arguments and quarrels would inevitably erupt

between Ahanti and her next-oldest sister, Krupa.Not even 10 years old, Ahanti Kapoor had come to the place

in her young life where she had run out of hope; she hurt too

much to care any more. She lived in a tiny village surrounded by

fields and hills, but she might as well have been a child

wandering any one of Asias sprawling cities.

A Nightmarein Real LifeNeglected or abandoned by parents, suffering under the

weight of poverty and crippled by family dysfunction, tens of

millions of street children live in South Asia today. More than

300,000 live in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Indian cities of Mumbai,

Delhi and Calcutta are home to at least 100,000 each (some

estimates run as high as 500,000). And up to 30,000 can be

found in Burma (Myanmar).1

Gospel for Asia President K.P. Yohannan witnessed the

destitution of these children first-hand when he lived in Bombay

(now Mumbai) during his years as a young missionary on a

Gospel team.

I remember going into the slums of Mumbai, he states.

Some of us actually started throwing up because of the stench.

Looking at little boys and girls, totally naked, playing in the

sewage and the open latrines. And then walking on the streets tofind thousands of kids who are begging.

It absolutely gripped and devastated me.

Decades later, Dr. Yohannan watched in shock as scenes of the

slums, the poverty, the destitutionand the childrenunfolded

before his eyes once again. Someone had loaned him a copy of

the movie Slumdog Millionaire, and what he saw was too real to

be entertaining.

Its like you have a horrible nightmare that scares you to

death, he recalls, but then 10, 15, 20 years go by, and all of a

1 newint.org, issue 37

Let my heartbe broken byhe thingshat break the

heart of God.
http://www.gfa.org/http://newint.org/http://newint.org/http://www.gfa.org/


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sudden everything you saw now is reality, and you can hardly breathe.

For many people it is the movie o the yearbut or me, it

was something I saw and lived with!

The reality is that multiplied millions o little kids like

the children you see in that movie are wandering the streets o

these nations.Most o these children are involved in work o some sort.

The boys usually beg; most girls are tracked. They range in age

anywhere rom 3 or 4 to 18 (the ocial age o adulthood).

It is said that there are young 5,000 Nepali girls living and

working in the red-light districts in Bombay and elsewhere, says

Dr. Yohannan, selling their bodies, making money or those

who are using them.

You go to the carpet-making actories, Dr. Yohannan states,

and you will nd little kids tied up to steel posts like animals,

working rom morning till night. Just recently hundreds o children

were killedthey were all working in the recracker actories.Some children will never see the inside o a school building

or learn their alphabet. Poverty orces others out o school at an

early age, either because parents have no extra unds or simply

because they need every available hand to help eke out a living.

Some children are AIDS orphans. Others are on the run

rom abusive amily environments, with a percentage who have

actually been kicked out by parents or step-parents. Lost and alone,

they orm amilies o their own or sni glue to take the edge

o their suering, never nding the love and stability they seek.

one Cid a a timeAhantis story happens every day, over and over, all across

South Asia. With millions o children in the cities and tens o

thousands more in the rural areas who suer under loads such as

malnutrition, poverty, abuse, abandonment and orced labor, the

challenge o these children in crisis is monumental; some would

say hopelessly so.

But K.P. Yohannan disagrees. Positive change is happening,

he declares, slowly but surelyone child at a time. And it all

begins on the inside, by understanding and sharing the heart o

God or these boys and girls.

In Matthews Gospel, chapter 18, he observes, Jesus saidvery, very careully, Take heed that you do not despise one o

these little ones, or I say to you that in heaven their angels

always see the ace o My Father who is in heaven.

This tells me that God has incredible passion and concern

or these children. When I saw this [movie]and I am not a

person who easily criesI couldnt help but weep. I said, What if

this was my children or my grandchildren?

The only way I think people can begin to understand it is

to have the heart o God.

Ahanti and the rest o the children in her Bridge o Hope center

are divided into classes based on age (below), and a teacher

helps each group with homework (center). The younger

students (top) recite the Hindi alphabet, led by a classmate.


10/24


True Christianity breaks our heart and makes us willing to

embrace the inconveniences and pain and suering or the people

that Jesus cares about. And I think, more than anything else, it is

the children that Jesus cares about.

Established in 2004 and ueled by Christs compassion,

Gospel or Asias Bridge o Hope program is one agent o changethat God is using to reach these children with His love. The

programs centers help provide boys and girls with a quality

education, school uniorms, annual medical care, a daily

nutritious mealand the message that Jesus loves them dearly.

K.P. Yohannan explains what is at the heart o this outreach:

We believe that Jesus said, What you do or these little

children, i you embrace them, i you welcome them in My name,

then you are inviting Me and My Father also.

So the key is thisnot only do we want to see millions o

these children rescued rom poverty and abuse and early death, but

we want to make sure that rom the rst day, they hear about theLord Jesus Christ, that He loves them, that He cares about them.

They have nobody to care about them, but Jesus loves them

so much. And we do what we do because o Jesus.

brinin hme e lve f gdAhantis home is one example o how a Bridge o Hope

center made a lie-changing dierence in a little girls heartand

in her entire amily.

It all began three years ago, when Ahantis parents enrolled

her and her school-age sister, Krupa, in the Bridge o Hope

program that began in their village. As the weeks went by, some

hopeul changes began to take place.

For one thing, the tutorial sessions improved the girls grades

in school.

In their education they are now getting good marks, their

mother, Unma, says. And the amilys nancial burden was

lightened when Bridge o Hope committed to providing or the

girls tuition, books and uniorms.But that was only the beginning o what the girls were

learning at the center. All o a sudden, she remembers, her

daughters were getting along.

They are no longer ghting, their mother reports. They

have this sisters love between them, and they are totally changed.

The center was also having a positive infuence on Ahantis

attitudes at home. Obedience and respect gradually became the

norm rather than the exception.

But there was something more the girls brought home each

aternoon that, over time, transormed every heart inside their

simple little hut, beyond what anyone could have ever imaginedor hoped or. It was the love o God.

Ater I started sending my children to the Bridge o Hope,

they would come home and tell us about Jesus, how Jesus loves us

and answers our prayers, Unma remembers. So I started to pray

to Jesus, and when my girls read the Bible, I would listen to them.

So what I did, I just completely put my trust in Jesus. And

Jesus gave me peace. I used to live in total despair; Jesus brought

me hope and joy.

Today every member o the amily has experienced new lie

in Jesus. Ahantis parents still sweat over the bellows and tongs,

working hard to provide or their amily. But the nights are no

longer ull o tension and conficts. Ahantis worry over her

parents has evaporated. Fights and arguments have been

banished by love.

Peace has come to Ahantis amily (let)everyone now knows the lo

o Jesus. Her sister Krupas assigned essay (right) bears testimony to t

positive infuence o Bridge o Hope in their lives.
http://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/


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AN INVITATION FROMT HE HE AR T O F A B RI DG EO F H OP E S PO NS OR :

My Bridge of Hope child is not just a photo on

a card; he is a real living child. He used to have

a hopeless future. Now I imagine he has hopefor his future and for eternity because of my

small sacrice.

These children are normal kids who like

to have fun. They laugh and cry. They need

love and give love. If you arent sponsoring a

Bridge of Hope child, now is your chance. Make

a dierence in the future of a child in Asia!

Terry, Bridge of Hope sponsor of Stephen

SEEING CHILDRENT HR OU G H T HEE YE S O F J E SUS

Whoever receives one little child like this in My

name receives Me.

Matthew 18:5

It is not the will of your Father who is in heaven

that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18:14

Let the little children come to Me, and do not

forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not

receive the kingdom of God as a little child will

by no means enter it.

Luke 18:1617

Come, you blessed of My Father,inherit the kingdom prepared for you

from the foundation of the world:

for I was hungry and you gave Me food;

I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;

I was a stranger and you took Me in;

I was naked and you clothed Me;

I was sick and you visited Me;

I was in prison and you came to Me. . . .

Assuredly, I say to you,

inasmuch as you did it to one of

the least of these My brethren,

you did it to Me.

Matthew 25:3536, 40

The Greatest OpportunityThat is the story of 53,000 children we have right

now in Bridge of Hope centers in Nepal and Sri Lanka

and India, says Dr. Yohannan. Bridge of Hope is truly

one of the most significant things God has given us to do to

touch the lives of these children.

And, he says, there is plenty of room for growth.

The opportunity the Lord gave us is huge. Our hope is that

as God enables us, we will be able to help at least 500,000

children in the years to come. Immediately, our dream is for

another 50,000 children; this is what we are praying for and

crying out to God for.

Why cant we believe this is the greatest opportunity God

gave us to go to children, especially those in poverty and trouble,

without any hope?

Ahanti also remembers what life was like before she knew

about Gods love for her.

I was not at all obeying my parents, she says. I was

wandering here and there, only interested in playing. I was just

like a street child.Now Ive changed a lot. Sometimes I am helping my father

with his blacksmith work. Now whatever my mother and father

say, I obey and do it.

And I love the Lord.

More on the Web: Visitwww.gfa.org/childto learn more

about how you can make an eternal dierence in the life of a

child through Bridge of Hope sponsorship.

one at a tiand so wehelp themat a time.

Dr. Larry Ward,

founder of Food for the Hungry
http://www.gfa.org/childhttp://www.gfa.org/childhttp://www.gfa.org/childhttp://www.gfa.org/child


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13/24


O utside, the sunrise lit up lush and misty mountain paths leading to villages waiting for theGospel. Inside, the morning light revealed bloodied bodiesmore victims of riotingprisoners. These two worlds exist, one on either side of a bright blue door. Gospel for Asia

missionary Manja Tamang has lived in both of them. Falsely accused, he was taken from his

mountain mission field for nine years to serve a nightmare sentence. His life behind the blue

prison door is past. But Manjas impact in the prisons of Nepal will not end anytime soon. >>

{The Story of a Prisoner Missionary}


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F R A M E D A N D A R R E S T E D

Manja was with riends on March 30, 2000,

when he discovered a dead body and reported it tothe local police.

The murdered man was a oreigner, so

authorities were eager to announce that the killer was

in custody. Because Manja had ound the bodyand

because people were suspicious o his Christian

activitieshe was the easiest target.

The next ew weeks were riddled with arrest,

alse accusation, torture, betrayal and a verdict o

guilt. Suddenly, a 20-year sentence was staring Manja

in the ace. It started sinking in that he wouldnt go

home anytime soon.

I couldnt imagine spending 20 years in jail,

he says. We were stued in cells like animals. Each

o those days was like a year.

I have a wie and two children, and I couldnt

do anything to take care o them.

GFA leaders immediately stepped in. They took

care o Manjas amily that was suddenly let alone.

At the same time, they worked tirelessly to nd

justice, taking his case all the way to Nepals Supreme

Court and then to the king. Over and over, they

heard, No, but try again.

But Manja wasnt consumed with gainingreedom. It was becoming apparent to him that the

prison was not just a place where he was locked up.

It was his mission eld.

W H AT H A P P E N E D I N S I D E

Kneeling and praying by the toilet, the only

place he had to be alone, Manja ound strength. He

had opportunities to share Gods love with captured

Maoist rebels. When he became very ill, he was

transerred to the blue-doored central prison in

Kathmandu. As the new resident o the toughest

neighborhood in his country, Manja broughtsomething to the prison that no one expected.

Even while he aced emotional and physical

hardships, Manja relied on his aith, something the

other prisoners did not have.

The inmates questioned me, How could your

God let this happen to you while you served Him?

Manja remembers. I told them that though injustice

was served to me here, God knows me and my

situation. He denitely has a better tomorrow.

Prisoners started gravitating toward his

unswerving aith.

Even though we are imprisoned as criminals,

Manja told them, God hears our prayers. And God

did hear. One o Manjas ellow inmates asked or

prayer or his wie, who was ill. From within their

cell, they prayed, and they soon heard that she had

been healed.

Slowly, Manjas time with the Lord became

small gatherings o 5, then 10, then 15 believers. And

as his trustworthy reputation grew, ocials gave him

responsibilities and with them, the chance to reach

more o the inmates.

I was assigned to count the prisoners in theircells every evening, he says. I was in charge o 150

prisoners. With dierent temperaments and attitudes,

there were many prisoners who ought. But I mediated

with love, and they never raised a nger against me.

He even had opportunities to work in the prison

school and hospital. There, he met hundreds o men

who were paying the price or their crimes. The news

o Jesus love and orgiveness meant that in prison,

these men ound a pardon that set them reer than i

they had been released.

Outside the prison door or the rst time in nine years, Manja

walks to reedom with a GFA leader (let). Later he celebrates

his release with his jubilant amily (ar right)his wie, Rati,

and their children Tabita and Andreasand with the local

body o believers (right).


15/24


Over the nine years Manja served, thousands of

men came and went from the prison. Between 200

and 300 found new life in Christ through Manjaswitness. From there, the prisoner missionarys impact

spread further. When one of the new believers reached

the end of his sentence, he asked for a Bible so he

could take it to his village and start a fellowship there.

Others whom Manja led to the Lord chose to pursue

ministry once they were released.

Even though I was in jail, God worked in me

and through me! Manja rejoices.

He was also well-known as someone who would

listen and help with many problems, and this even

helped protect his life.

In 2006, there was a revolt within the prison,

Manja remembers.

While the world read of Nepals dethroned king

and the new democracy, prisoners decided that their

jail terms should be forgiven.

Revolting prisoners fought each other; they

would come at night and smash the heads of other

prisoners sleeping next to me.

God protected His servant, and Manja was

never injured.

G O I N G H O M E

At last, news came.

On the third anniversary of Nepals new republic,

it was announced that a number of prisoners would

be released.

Rati, Manjas wife, their children and numerous

GFA leaders and staff members gathered near the

familiar entrance to the prison, wondering if this

would really be the day. With vivid memories of the

violence on that day three years before, Manja

walked out of prison on Democracy Day.

All the pain I had to go through yesterday, I

have forgotten today, he told them.

Almost in disbelief, Rati laid traditional flower

garlands around her husbands neck to honor him

and welcome him home. Manja embraced his son,

who had grown taller than him. At home, everyone

celebrated, catching up on more than nine years

apart. His daughter, two years old when he was

jailed, made tea for her daddy.

After all that has happened, Manja is looking

forward to continuing his ministry on both sides of

the prison door. He wants to make sure that the

believers still in confinement arent left alone and

plans to keep discipling them any way he can. And he

desires to continue to share the hope he has in Christ

that sustained him through years of injustice.Had I lost hope, my life would have been

ruined, he explains.

I did not allow anything to quench the fire

of hope.

More on the Web: You can reach thousands in

Asia with Gods love by linking your life with a

missionary like Manja! Visitwww.gfa.org/sponsor

to learn more.

How does Manja feel today about the

nine years that were taken away from him?

I had friends in jail who wanted to keepthe pictures of our jailers and get revengesomeday. But I prayed to God and askedforgiveness for all those who made me suffer.I pray that one day they will know Jesus.

More about Manja . . .Read Manjas full storyatwww.gfa.org/manja
http://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/manjahttp://www.gfa.org/manjahttp://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/manja


16/24


in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}f

N A T I V E M I S S I O N A R I E S

A Modern-DayMissionary Journey

It was 4:30 in the morning when the alarm

sounded for Deepak to wake up and begin his

day. There was no time to waste; he and his

friend Shriram Tamang were looking forward to

finally being able to see with their own eyes what they

had been reading in the reports they often received

from their Christian brothers and sisters on the

mission field. They just barely made it to the station

in time, grabbing the last seats on the packed bus

headed for their first destination.

The roads were bumpy, sometimes jolting them

out of their seats. Landslides from the previous day

left the roads damaged and hard to drive through. It

took them 13 hours and three bus changes to finally

reach their first stop.

As daylight settled in the following morning,Deepak and Shriram greeted Pastor Aastik, who leads

a church of 50 believers. They spent the majority of

the day with him until evening approached, when it

was time to catch another bus.

The end of the line only took them halfway to

their second destination, leaving them with a three-

hour walk. They rested that night, only to be back up

at 7 a.m. the next day to continue on.

The Roads Less TraveledOnce they reached the village, Deepak and

Shriram were able to meet with other missionaries

and learn of the work being done to further spread

the name of Jesus.

There was sharing from each missionary,

Deepak says. It was great to hear what the Lord

has been doing in and through them. This time was a

great blessing for all of us.

The next day, Deepak and Shriram resumed their

journey to a neighboring village. The plan was to

leave early in the morning, but the day proved to be

more of a challenge than expected. Heavy rainfalldeterred them, making the roads slick and leech-

infested. When the rain slowed a few hours later,

Deepak and Shriram started their seven-hour walk.

It was a joy for them to meet up with Pastor Suk

Rai and the 65 believers in his church. Deepak

rejoiced in their excitement and firm faith.

The believers are very strong in the Lord and

ready to do anything for Jesus, Deepak recalls.

They stayed with Pastor Suk and the Christian

brothers and sisters the entire day, excited to see what

the Lord was doing.

Gospel for Asiasupported missionary Deepak Gurung recently

went on a weeklong journey across northern Nepal. During

his arduous walks to reach the scattered villages, he metbelievers glowing with the joy of their faith. He also took

time to encourage his fellow native missionaries, who are

making tremendous sacrifices to continue to reach the lost.

DAY

1

DAY

2

DAY

3

DAY

4


17/24


The next day, at 6 in the morning, Deepak and

Shriram set off to visit another village where Pastor

Hardik serves. The journey there was grueling, and

the path was often narrow and steep.

It took us 13 hours to reach the village,

Deepak remembers. In many places we had to crawl.The only respite they had was in the villages

along the way where Christians lived, where they

could rest for a short time and pray for the believers.

Deepak and Shriram were exhausted when they

finally arrived at Pastor Hardiks home, but they

still made time to meet with a few Christians and

encourage them.

The Sweet Perfume of PraiseThe following day was Saturday, the day of

worship for all Nepali Christians. Deepak, Shriramand Pastor Hardik were busy preparing for the arrival

of about 100 believers. Some people came from villages

far away, traveling on foot for hours. Because the

congregation has no church building, they worshiped

in a room that quickly overflowed to the front porch.

After the service, Deepak and Shriram visited the

homes of their Christian brothers and sisters and

prayed for them. They spent hours that evening

teaching the believers new songs of worship and praise.

It really inspired us as we saw the believers

interest to learn something new for the glory of God,

Deepak says.

It wasnt until 10 p.m. when the joyous voices

dwindled down, and the missionaries were able to

rest for the night.

Their journey home the next day took 15 hours.

They encountered a transportation strike and heavy

rainfall that soaked Deepak as he rode on the roof of

a crowded bus, but they arrived home carrying the

news of what God was doing in northern Nepal.

We walked those trails once, but our

missionaries have to walk on the same trails every day

as they serve Jesus, Deepak observes. Let us praythat God will give them His grace to keep up their

strength and shine for Him.

Native missionaries are indispensable to bringing

the Good News to the lost in Asia. Visit

www.gfa.org/sponsorto learn how you can help

them on their mission.

DAY

5

DAY

6

DAY

7

Did You Know?It only costs $30 a month to help

support a native missionary.
http://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/sponsor


18/24

in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}f


Ashok Gupta really should not have lived

through the accident. After all, the two

people on the bike with him had died. Yet

somehow, Ashok had survived. As he stood there and

marveled at this miracle, he suddenly had a vision in

which he saw Jesus standing before him. Right then,

he put his trust in the Lord.

The news of Ashoks salvation was a wondrous

answer to the fervent prayers of his wife and the

members of a Gospel for Asia Womens Fellowship

team. When Sarita Gupta came to faith in Christ after

listening to a GFA Radio program, she wanted to

share her new hope with her husband. But Ashok

refused to listen to his wifeand even prevented herfrom becoming involved in church.

Then a local GFA Womens Fellowship team

visited Sarita, and she asked the women to pray for

her husbands salvation. They gladly agreed and

began fasting and praying for Ashok.

After Ashok became a Christian, they witnessed

a radical change in the lives of this couple. Ashok and

Sarita were now growing in their love for one another

and their love for the Lord.

Chanda and her family were also touched by the

prayers of the same Womens Fellowship team. Chanda

had a serious heart condition that did not improve

with medical treatment. She had suffered two heart

attacks, and her family was deeply worried.

When the women heard of Chandas condition,

they lifted her up in prayerand the Lord completely

healed her. As Chanda and her family witnessed the

power of God and His love for them, they all joyfully

received Christ and began regularly attending church.

Each Womens Fellowship group is a part of

Gospel for Asias Womens Ministry. The groups exist

to disciple the women in local congregations, equip

them to share Christs love in their communities andimprove their lives by providing literacy and

vocational classesall in the name of Jesus.

And Saritas and Chandas families are just two

among thousands of families that have been given new

life through the ministry of Womens Fellowship teams.

You can help bring hope to women in Asia! Visit

www.gfa.org/womento learn more about GFAs

Womens Ministry.

Cultural restrictions

n parts o out s a

make it dicult formen to reach women

as eectively as other

women can.

W O M E N S M I N I S T R Y

NEW LIFE FOR WOMEN& THEIR FAM ILIES
http://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/womenhttp://www.gfa.org/womenhttp://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/women


19/24

100 percent of your sponsorship

goes directly to the Bridge of

Hope centersnothing is taken

out for administrative or

fundraising costs. For each child

you sponsor, you will receive a

sponsorship packet that includes

your childs picture and information.

Show her sheis worth saving.Sponsor a childtoday for only$28 a month.

Gospel for Asias Bridge of Hope

centers provide each child with:

> An education,> School uniforms,

> A nutritious meal each day,

> Yearly medical checkups,

> And the message of hope

found in Jesus Christ.

SPONSOR ONLINE:

www.gfa.org/child

CONTACT US:

Gospel for Asia



1-800-WIN-ASIA

(1-800-946-2742)

Will you help?
http://www.gfa.org/childhttp://www.gfa.org/child


20/24


short reports {Brie glimpses o what God is doing all across Asia}r

these churches are known or their vibrant liestyle,inspiring worship, loving ellowship, unity and active participation

in the development o the community and the nation.

Read more news online:

www.gfa.org/latestnews

A Little GirlStands and Walksv

Kalini was born with a handicap that made her unable to walk

or sit up. Paralyzed rom the waist down, she was not developing

properly either. Her parents tried to fnd a cure or Kalini, butnow, at age 7, she continued to suer.

Kalinis parents were deeply distraught to think she would

have to live with her handicap or the rest o her lie. But they

had heard about a missionary named Nihal, and so the couple

decided to take their daughter to him or prayer. Nihal gladly

prayed or Kalini.

Two days later, amazing things began to happen: Kalini could

move her legs. Soon she was able to stand and walk on her own.

Given new hope through this miracle, this amily eagerly

chose to ollow Christ.

Phone Booth Evangelismv

When Pastor Paramjit requented a shop to make long distance

calls in its phone booth and purchase groceries, he began

building a riendship with Dechen, the shopkeeper, and shared

Christs love with him.

Dechen came rom a traditional religious background, but asParamjit showed care or him, his heart began to open to Christ.

As the riendship between the two men progressed, Paramjit

invited Dechen to church. Dechen accepted the invitation and

started attending.

During a worship service one day, the Holy Spirit touched

Dechens heart, and he decided to ollow the Lord. As Dechen

grew spiritually over the next ew months, he yearned to study

the Scriptures in depth.

Paramjit directed Dechen to a Bible college where he enrolled

and began studying Gods Word and preparing or ministry.
http://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/latestnewshttp://www.gfa.org/http://www.gfa.org/latestnews


21/24


More Powerulthan Her Godsv

When one missionary was paid a visit by his non-Christian

amily, it became a ruitul opportunity to witness about Jesus.

Pastor Maniks mother and siblings stopped at his home one

day while he was out. They brought an idol into the house and

began observing their usual custom o oering meals to their

deities and later eating the ood. But Maniks wie, Janya,

reused to eat with them, which angered her mother-in-law.

When Manik returned home, Janya relayed to him what

had happened. When he removed his mothers idol rom thehouse, she was shocked and told him her deities would surely

pour out their wrath on him. But Manik responded in aith,

assuring his mother that the God he served was more powerul

than any o her deities.

Maniks troubled mother was convinced that the gods

would surely harm her son during the night. The next morning,

she was amazed to discover that nothing had happened, and

Manik took the opportunity to tell his mother about Jesus. She

expressed a desire to hear more about this God who she now

realized was more powerul than her gods.

Thousands Thirstor Gods Wordv

Earlier this year, more than 7,000 believers gathered or a

three-day convention. M.A. Lalachen, a Gospel or Asia

leader, was one o the speakers at the event.

We were privileged to minister the Word o God to a

group o enthusiastic believers who have a deep thirst or

His Word, Lalachen says. We ound out that the people

had been contributing or a year or this convention and or

their transportation. The desire or ellowship and to listen

to the Word o God persuaded them to make such sacrifces.Many o these believers are simple armers and laborers,

yet they gladly saved out o the little they had so they could

travel to the gathering. Even as Indias northeastern region

aces insurgency and ethnic violence, Christians are

aithully worshipping, and the Lords work is growing.

It was clearly evident, Lalachen notes, that these

churches are known or their vibrant liestyle, inspiring

worship, loving ellowship, unity and active participation in

the development o the community and the nation.


22/24


prolep

GFAFIELDL

EADER

N A M E :

Ram Jeeta

L O C A T I O N :

South Asia

Joyfully Learning and LeadingWhen Ram Jeetas older brother embraced Jesus Christ and became a

pastor, Ram turned in the opposite direction. At 16, he joined a rebel

group that used violence to further its political agenda.

R

am eventually became involved in a plot to

destroy a church building. But then a

Christian friend talked to him about the God

people worshipped in that church.

I was deeply convicted of my lost state and

realized my need for the Savior, Ram recalls. He

chose to follow Jesus that day.

Today, some 14 years later, Ram is the principal

of a Bible college in South Asia. His days are filled with

administrative duties and the education of 122 young

people who are giving their lives to tell others about Jesus.

I lead, guide and encourage them to win the lost

at any cost, Ram says.

Most of the 65 men and 57 women who study at

the college are in their late teensabout the same ageas Ram was when the Lord radically changed him.

Ram understands what their lives were like before

Jesus became the focus.

Ram is the youngest of five children. His parents

were staunch followers of their traditional religion

and named all of their childrenincluding Ram

after the gods and goddesses the family worshipped.

When Rams older brother chose Christ, it rocked the

family. Rams decision was another crushing blow.

When my parents came to know of my conversion,

they became angry, Ram remembers. However,

I steadily grew in the Lord and experienced His divine

guidance and protection upon my life.

His students tell similar stories. Dozens of them

have given up the most important part of their identity

in Asian societytheir familyto serve the Lord.

The pressures of Rams job are great, but he

knows exactly where to find his daily strength.

I am a fragile human being, but I have a God

who is strong, and His grace is sufficient for me,

Ram says.

At the end of each dayeven the long, difficult

onesRam can reflect back and know for

certain that pouring his life into these students willimpact eternity.

The best part of being the principal of a Bible

college is the privilege to touch the lives of many

young students. It gives me great joy to train these

future pastors and leaders, Ram affirms.

Through this, I can impact hundreds of lives.

I lead,

guide and

encourage

them to win

the lost at

any cost.


23/24

5ve minutes with K.P.

A Journey ofFaith


God has a timetable when He deals with humanity. Solomon

tells us that there is a time to be born(Ecclesiastes 3:2).

Thats true not only for all of Gods creation but also for the

work He wants to do in each generation.

The Journey BeginsDuring the last year of my pastorate, I received a burden and call

from God to give the rest of my life to reach the millions of unreached

people in the nations of Asia with the Gospel. The year was 1979.I prayed and fasted for Gods specic leading and timing, and as a

result, our Tuesday evening prayer meeting was born. The main purpose

for this prayer meeting was to seek Gods guidance for every new step

on this journey of faith we had just begun. Our Tuesday evening prayer

meeting still continues today in all the nations where we work, both in

the East and West.

Back then, it was my wife, Gisela, our little boy, Daniel, and a handful

of Gods people. Today, tens of thousands around the world join us as a

family and as a community of Christ called to impact this generation.

Three Decades into the JourneyOur journey of faith took us beyond anything we could have

imagined. I am astonished and grateful at what God has allowed us to

do over these past 30 years. Today, thousands of Christian workers serve

the Lord in 11 Asian nations. Several thousand students are training for

the Lords work in 67 Bible colleges. At least a dozen churches are born

every day. Gospel radio broadcasts in 103 languages are heard by

millions, and over 30 million pieces of Gospel literature are produced

and distributed each year. More than 53,000 of the poorest children are

cared for in Bridge of Hope centers. And our dedicated workers bring

hope and social development to slums, leper colonies and other

desperately needy communities.

Space will not allow me to share about the dozens of otheroutreaches that are making new strides.

Often I ask myself with amazement, How did it all happen? From

Gods side, it was His presence, mercy and grace that went before us and

sustained us. And from our side, it was following Him by faith, one step

at a time.

God Has a Blueprint for Our Journeyand for Yours!Today, people around the globe are shaken by the economy and

politics. They live in fear of the future and with uncertainty about their

private lives. Fear also seems to be the reason why so many of Gods

people hesitate to embark on their own journey of faith, especially when

He asks them to trust Him for each step they take. They would gladly be

willing to invest their lives in winning the lost world for Christ, if only they

could seebefore they starthow this journey unfolds and ends. In other

words, Gods promise, I will never leave you nor forsake you(Hebrews 13:5),

looks far too vague of a guarantee to risk all and follow Him by faith.

Let me encourage you from Abrahams life.

The Lord told Abraham to leave his home and fulll a specic

purpose. God did not spell out the details of his journey or show him a

blueprint of the future. Yet Abraham had the God of the future as Hisfriend and guide.

And so it has been for us at Gospel for Asia in our journey of faith.

God has a blueprint for our journey and for yours! Even if He

doesnt show it to us ahead of time, we can trust Him completely. Jesus,

who purchased us with His own blood and made us His sons and

daughters, will also take care of usfor we are His own.

The Journey ContinuesLooking at the Great Commission, there is still so much left to be

done. Until Jesus returns, these are the dreams I will live for: First, I want

to see thousands of workers trained and sent out among the unreached.

Especially in light of the recent elections in India, sharing the love of

Christ with the nearly 300 million Dalits has become an extremely

signicant opportunity.

And secondly, I want to help at least 500,000 children from the

slums and the Dalit and backward castes receive hope for this life and

the life to come. The movie Slumdog Millionaire accurately described the

plight of child laborers in India who come almost exclusively from these

communities. (With India having the majority of about 250 million child

laborers worldwide, that comes to millions of these children!)

It is worth it to continue this journey of faith and give our all to

reach those who are lost, for whom Jesus died.

Come with me. Let us continue with Him who gave His life for us.Dont stop. Let nothing hinder you from running the race and completing

your journey of faith.

This battle will not be very long. He will wait for us at the nish

line. We will see Him, and He will embrace us, and then we will be with

Him forever.

K.P. Yohannan is founder and president of Gospel for Asia.

Visitwww.gfa.org/5minutesto read more Five Minutes

with K.P. articles.
http://www.gfa.org/5minuteshttp://www.gfa.org/5minuteshttp://www.gfa.org/5minuteshttp://www.gfa.org/5minutes


24/24

Make sure more people know. For many peoplein Asia, their only chance to hear that Jesus loves them might come

when you sponsor a native missionary.Just $30 a month will help

take this Good News to hundreds of lost souls for the first time.

Sponsor a nativemissionary today!

SPONSOR ONLINE:

www.gfa.org/sponsor

CONTACT US:

Gospel for Asia



1-800-WIN-ASIA

(1-800-946-2742)

100 percent of your support

goes to provide for missionary

work on the mission eld; nothing

is taken out for administrative

expenses. For each native

missionary you help support, you

will receive a sponsorship packet

that includes your missionary s

photo and testimony to help you

Golf balls have 336 dimples.Women blink twice as much as men.More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.8% of Americans twiddle their thumbs.There is a lot of information

you can live without. But not this:

Jesus loves you.
http://www.gfa.org/sponsorhttp://www.gfa.org/sponsor

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Children in Crisis: Send! Magazine