Gospel for Asia

With our headlines screaming about one disaster after another—fires in the California hills, hurricanes, flooding, drought and warming seas rising—and with the increasing incidents of gun violence here in the States and of terrorism activating itself in the Middle East, the near East and in Europe, it is easy to forget there is good news happening beyond this barrage of warnings, distress signals and red flags flying. One of the great news notices a majority of people have missed is that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced in March 2016 that in the last 30 years, extreme poverty around the world has been reduced by half . This information was based on a United Nations assessment following its goal-setting at the dawn of the new millennium: to eradicate poverty by 2030 . This initiative was included in what was titled The Millennium Development Goals , which included eight international goals for the year 2015 that had been established following the Millenn...

Madin’s story began when he left his impoverished rural village and found himself navigating the challenging urban slums. Let us delve further into his remarkable journey, empowering impoverished communities, and the transformative power of God’s mercy. [1] In the midst of the squalor, Madin encountered Amaan, a compassionate first-year Bible college student. Amaan, deeply moved by the dire living conditions in the slums, sought to make a difference. Despite his own limited means, he was determined to bring hope and improve the lives of those around him. When Amaan crossed paths with Madin, he shared the message of God’s boundless love and forgiveness. Madin, a discouraged father, listened intently as the Bible college student spoke of a God who accepted them, countering their long-held feelings of worthlessness and disposability. Amaan’s dedication extended beyond words. He faithfully conducted weekly literacy classes in the slum, striving to empower the community through education. D...

In South Asia, poverty and unhealthy living conditions continue to afflict rural villages and urban slums. Gospel for Asia’s (GFA World) slum ministry has been at the forefront, addressing these challenges and making a significant impact on the lives of impoverished neighborhoods. Through their holistic approach and various initiatives, GFA World aims to bring hope, transformation, and practical assistance to those living in the most vulnerable circumstances. Since its inception, GFA World has been dedicated to serving slum communities. In 2015, missionary workers, including pastors and Sisters of Compassion, were actively engaged in 865 impoverished communities across South Asia. [1] Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, GFA World’s urban ministry expanded to 1,226 disadvantaged neighborhoods by 2018, representing a remarkable 50 percent increase. [2] Holistic Approach to Slum Ministry GFA World’s slum ministry encompasses a range of programs designed to address the various n...

Slum rehabilitation remains a pressing concern in many cities around the world, and particularly in South Asia. Various city governments in South Asia have established slum rehabilitation authorities with the aim of replacing selected impoverished communities with high-rise apartment complexes resembling the chawls. However, the mere construction of alternative housing does not guarantee the desired outcome. Let us analyze the challenges faced in slum rehabilitation efforts and explore the progress made thus far. Understanding the Historical Context Since the early 1970s, rehabilitation of impoverished communities in South Asia has evolved significantly. Initially, a demolition-focused approach led to the uprooting and dispersal of residents, a process described by the Slum Redevelopment Authority in one of the major cities as “inhuman.” [1] However, the approach soon shifted towards recognizing slum structures as a housing solution and began efforts to provide civic amenities. The 19...

In the realm of global development, the endeavor of slum rehabilitation highlights the needs of impoverished residents, reflecting the broader needs of humanity. At the heart of their requirements lies a profound desire for spiritual nourishment and compassionate assistance. To authentically convey the message of Jesus’ love, it is essential to embody a heart of compassion and actively engage in addressing their immediate challenges. Meeting Spiritual and Earthly Needs While recognizing the eternal significance of a personal relationship with Jesus, it is crucial to understand that impoverished neighborhood residents are more likely to embrace faith when their pressing physical and emotional needs are also addressed. To genuinely demonstrate the love of Jesus, mere words are insufficient; practical support must accompany the proclamation of His message. By sacrificially serving others, we become living examples of His transformative love. Offering clean drinking water and meeting indiv...

A poverty mentality contributes to the hopelessness of poverty and perpetuates the cycle from generation to generation. Major life events can drastically change a person’s mindset. When Neela’s husband died, she became the sole provider for herself and her five children. In some cultures, widows face incredible challenges. Through GFA, Neela was invited to attend a tailoring class where she learned how to sew. After completing her class, she was given a sewing machine as a Christmas gift. It was a great gift and provided a way out of poverty. Neela began a sewing business in her home and can now see hope for her family’s future. Bhrithi became a widow at just 28 years old. She sold vegetables on the side of the road, but never earned quite enough to meet her needs and the needs of her children. When the city decided to expand the road, she was no longer able to sell her vegetables nearby. She struggled to find a new location close enough to her home. She felt hopeless. A GFA worker lea...

Families in many parts of Asia and Africa are breaking the cycle of poverty. This is a difficult goal, but it is possible! Through the help of GFA and our partners, some of the most impoverished people in the world are learning how to break the cycle even though many have been entrenched in generations of poverty. Take Tavleen for example. She was born into poverty, later married, and then became a widow at 55-years-old. She got a job cleaning, but couldn’t fully support her family. Her son and daughter even dropped out of school to help bring in income. Then someone showed up at Tavleen’s door and brought hope to her situation. Pastor Chintan, a GFA pastor, thought differently of Tavleen than others did. Widows are often looked down upon, but the pastor knew that God loves widows in a special way. The pastor saw how much the family was struggling and worked out a way to help break that cycle of poverty. He arranged for Tavleen and her family to receive a water buffalo! It would provid...

It is difficult to break the cycle of poverty without outside intervention. When this poverty cycle is not broken, the consequences will continue generation after generation. To know how to break the cycle of poverty, consider these key points: Support education When children go to school, learn to read and learn how to think, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty. Education is important to create hope for the future. In many cultures, children are pulled out of school so they can work or beg. When education is valued, children gain skills and confidence. Don’t forget about education for the adults as well. When parents learn to read and participate in their own lifelong learning, they often gain the skills needed to earn more money in their jobs. They are also more likely to encourage their children’s education. Provide income-generating skills training This is essential. Teaching someone who is living in poverty a new skill that they can use to provide for their family, ...

Poverty is often viewed as a set of circumstances, but the poverty mindset is a huge part of poverty. The generational poverty mindset is described as a hopelessness that comes from the cycle of poverty. If your grandparents grew up in poverty, followed by your parents, and now you are also living in poverty, there is often a poverty mentality which believes that you cannot escape the hardship that surrounds you. Without hope, the blinders are set and it is difficult to remove them without a change in mindset. For many, generation after generation have been trapped within this cycle. It’s all they have known. So the pertinent questions are these: How to break the cycle of poverty and change the course of a life? At GFA, we have learned that these are the most effective keys to breaking this poverty mindset: Child Sponsorship Child sponsorship through our GFA World tells a child how important he or she is. Children understand that someone across the world is investing in them, sending...

If you’re considering donating to a poverty relief organization, you’ll likely want to know a little more about the organization, its history and its track record before you do so. You likely want to make a wise investment with your charitable giving and give to an organization that is making a significant difference. Consider the following about GFA World: Founded by K.P. Yohannan, GFA World (previously known as Gospel for Asia) has been serving “the least of these” since 1979, first in Asia and now also in Africa. GFA World serves in 16 Asian nations and in Rwanda, Africa. A well-established international mission organization, GFA World is deeply committed to seeing lives and communities transformed through God’s Word and compassion. GFA World’s focus and goal as a ministry is to serve and minister to children, families and entire communities that are underserved and impoverished in places such as Asia and Africa. GFA World’s national missionaries serve as the hands and feet of Chris...

If you’re seeking to help your fellow man, you may be wondering how you can donate to a poverty organization. With millions living below the poverty line, the needs around the world are substantial. You can help these men, women and children by giving to numerous organizations that are making a difference. Today, most organizations accept online donations, whether they’re one-time gifts or monthly support. Typically, you can also give over the phone or via mail. For monthly donations, you can often even set up automatic contributions that make giving easy. Not all gifts need be cash offerings. Many organizations accept gifts-in-kind or other non-cash gifts. If you are giving monetarily, some employers offer matching programs for charitable giving, so you may be able to multiple your impact. Though there are many standard ways of giving, the specific methods and options will vary from organization to organization. A quick online search of your desired organization will likely yield a li...

There are numerous organizations that help poverty worldwide. With 736 million people living below the poverty line, the need is great. 1 While some organizations focus on helping impoverished people in America or other developed countries, other organizations focus on the dire needs within developing countries. For example, GFA World serves impoverished people in places such as Asia and Africa. Poverty is a common force that fuels many major global concerns, such as health care, education, equality for women and protection for endangered children. 2 When individuals are fighting just to survive and feed their families, they often can’t afford to expend time or resources toward more advanced concerns. 3 According to a GFA World special report, “Lacking adequate housing, hygiene, health care and education because they simply don’t have enough money, they pay a high price: disease, discrimination and, often, early death.” 4 But when organizations such as GFA World help families rise o...

Worldwide, there are approximately 736 million people living below the poverty line, earning $1.90 a day or less. 1 Many of these people are entrenched in cyclical poverty, handed down from one generation to the next. They lack the resources they need, such as education and health care, to succeed in life and break free from this vicious cycle. To help these people escape poverty, organizations such as GFA World assist and empower the poor in various areas of need. Founded in 1979, GFA World, a poverty relief organization , has been serving “the least of these” for more than four decades. GFA World empowers impoverished people in places like Asia and Africa to improve their lives and overcome poverty. It is transforming lives and communities through practical help given with the tangible love of Christ. This work is accomplished through four main avenues: sponsoring national missionaries to minister to people’s needs, sponsoring children, investing in community development, and helpi...

Globally, around 736 million people live in extreme poverty. They often lack sufficient housing, hygiene, health care, and education. While the trend is going in the right direction, 1 in 10 people are still left below the extreme poverty indicator of earning $1.90 per day. These “chronically poor” are mainly found in South Asia 1 —where GFA World, a poverty relief organization is active. How can you help? Check out these examples of how GFA World is helping families in Asia and Africa: Animals Two chickens can make the difference to help a family out of extreme poverty. The eggs can be sold or hatched to provide ongoing income for the family. A lamb, cow, or goat can provide milk for drinking or to sell and dung for fuel or fertilizer. Work Supplies When a woman is gifted a sewing machine and some training, she is equipped for a new career as a tailor. Or when someone is given a pull-cart to make selling their vegetables more efficient, lives are changed. Educational Opportunities Per...

When you donate to poverty organizations that give income-generating gifts, you are making a lasting impact. These gifts provide an opportunity for a person struggling with poverty to have income in the future. The simple gift of an income-generating animal or item can be a big turning point for a family. Oftentimes, a simple gift enables families to afford education, nutritious food, health care, and other necessary items. Animals Cows, goats, pigs, lambs, and chickens are helpful income-generating gifts. For example, cows produce calves, which can be sold. They also provide milk for a family to drink or sell to neighbors. Cows can also help cultivate and fertilize their fields. Sewing Machines When a family is gifted with a sewing machine and trained in tailoring, it opens a myriad of income-generating possibilities. The gift offers more than skills, it offers hope. Pull Carts This may seem like a simple gift, but it can be life-changing. When a gardener needs to transport produce t...

GFA World, one of the organizations that help poverty, has used local workers instead of foreigners for over 40 years. This proves to be an enormous advantage for a myriad of reasons. Locals are Free to Serve Since we have historically worked in Asian countries, it is important to note that over 85 percent of Asian countries don’t allow western missionaries to serve freely. Our local workers aren’t held to this restriction. These faithful people serve without interruption. Locals are One with the People In the eyes of the local people, national workers don’t represent a foreign land or strange religion. National workers are one of them. They know the language and the best ways to communicate effectively. They are sensitive to the needs of their neighbors and family. Locals are Able to Help Local workers are available to serve in a variety of locations—slums, villages, cities, etc. They are trained to readily see the needs of the people, step in with solutions and help. Locals are Cost ...

There are many poverty organizations tackling the causes and results of poverty around the world. These organizations focus on different missions and purposes. While the basic definition of extreme poverty is earning less than $1.90 a day, 1 the economic definition is only a portion of the equation. Many organizations that help poverty also help people overcome spiritual poverty, educational poverty and generational poverty to name just a few. What should you investigate when considering which poverty organizations to support? Here are some questions to ask, followed by GFA World’s response as an example of how a poverty relief organization might respond: In what regions of the world does the organization work? Do I have a heart for a particular region of the world? Do I want to support a poverty organization near me? Consider whether you’d like to support organizations that help with poverty in your local community or one that concentrates on a specific region of the world. GFA Wor...