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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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:
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:
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portion o its advertising profts to GFA.
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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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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. >>
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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
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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
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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.
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in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}f
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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
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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
1800 Golden Trail Court
Carrollton, TX 75010
1-800-WIN-ASIA
(1-800-946-2742)
Will you help?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5ve minutes with K.P.
A Journey ofFaith
october 2009 | send! | 23
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.
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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
1800 Golden Trail Court
Carrollton, TX 75010
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.
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