See God’s amazing power through GFA’s reports from the mission field. Several field reporters cover multiple countries in South Asia to bring you news, inspirational stories and prayer requests that will enrich your life.
Seventeen-year-old Sandun lived with his family in a small village on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. His father, Pasindu, a fisherman, worked hard to provide for his family. Sandun felt very lucky: His family had everything they needed; his father didn’t smoke or drink alcohol like many of the other fishermen; and he and his siblings were getting a […] Read more »
When Gunav was just a young boy, his father passed away. The family was left without a head of the home, and Gunav was left without a father’s guidance. Consequences of Poor Choices As he grew older, Gunav fell into bad company. He turned to drinking, which later led him to a drug addiction. Though Gunav’s mother, Aaja, had believed […] Read more »
In December 2004, a tsunami struck Navodya and Vimukthi’s village in Sri Lanka, destroying their home and all of their possessions and forcing them to live in a refugee camp for a few years. Eventually they were able to move into a government-owned apartment complex for tsunami survivors. Vimukthi and Navodya rarely left their apartment: Vimukthi was ill much of […] Read more »
Kinnari’s alcoholic and belligerent husband, Mahvandad, had just passed away from liver damage. The couple had no children and no relatives nearby; at 59-years-old, Kinnari was alone. No Love in Their Marriage GFA pastor Brirar had met with Kinnari and Mahvandad several times the three years before Mahvandad passed away, seeking to bring harmony and peace to their marriage, but […] Read more »
Karpoor watched as dozens of his fellow tea garden workers plucked leaves under the blazing sun. The 40-year-old father of five saw, scattered amongst the verdant bushes, children of various ages working alongside their parents. Too poor to afford school, their children ran around the village or helped pick tea leaves. But Karpoor wanted more for his children; he wanted […] Read more »
For Huna and his family, attending church was little more than a ritual. They attended inconsistently for seven years, but they did not allow the words they heard to penetrate beyond their ears and influence their actions. Huna as much more devoted to gambling; he hungered for quick riches. This addiction caused him to neglect his family and sometimes even […] Read more »
Talak, 45, operated his own roadside business as a key maker, but for it to be successful, he had to overcome a mound of difficulties. In Asia, making keys can provide a decent income. However, with no guiding regulations in the industry, it is up to each individual key maker to display integrity and discern whether a potential customer is […] Read more »
It was a day like any other for Kaneila. She completed her household tasks, attended to her children’s needs and did what she could to prepare for her husband’s return home from working in the Philippines. As she settled in to listen to her radio, she was drawn by the message of Bishop Antonius Mor Eusebius on a GFA radio […] Read more »
As a lonely fisherman, it seemed life had little to offer Khanjana besides hard work and the derision of society. Khanjana adopted the worth others had assigned to him, which was diminutive. The rejection and isolation he and his family faced crushed his spirit. Khanjana wanted more for his two sons, but it seemed no one cared about, or even […] Read more »
Her son was murdered. Her daughter-in-law and husband both succumbed to illnesses. Ruhae was the last living relative for her grandchildren but at 77-years-old, she knew she wouldn’t live much longer. Who would take care of her young grandchildren, only 12 and 8 years old, when she passed? Hardened by the World That question kept Ruhae up at night as […] Read more »
In December, 24 families, all members of a GFA church in Sri Lanka, watched in horror as their homes were flooded by nearly three feet of water. The flood waters raged for 10 days, leaving those affected unable to work and provide for their families. The situation looked uncertain and scary, but through the compassionate care of fellow believers, these […] Read more »
In the heat of midsummer, GFA pastor Madhukar traveled to a neighboring village where some members of his church resided. He wanted to visit fellow believers and connect with other villagers. However, when Pastor Madhukar arrived, he realized the Lord had much more for him to do than just meet new people and make conversation. A Thirsty Village Deep in […] Read more »
Syon’s family knew he needed help. His drinking had become unbearable; he couldn’t go a single day without alcohol in his system. Syon’s wife, Badriya, feared for her family. She was tired of the fighting, frustration and abuse Syon inflicted on them. At his worst, Syon had tried to kill her, and she worried that, unless something changed, he would […] Read more »
Light strains of music could be heard outside the building. Inside, dozens of children sang and danced, following their teacher’s, Parbatie, lead. As Parbatie swept her eyes across the singing children, they paused on one boy in particular. Was Satyesh really singing? Surprise mingled with joy filled Parbatie, and she rushed to call Satyesh’s mother and the local GFA pastor. […] Read more »
Manraj looked out from the walls of his small wine shop to see GFA pastor Dinshah walk past. Just the sight of the pastor made Manraj’s blood boil. “Why are you often fooling the villagers by sharing about your foreign god, whom we never adopted from our forefathers?” Manraj sneered, forcing the pastor to stop in his tracks. The 58-year-old […] Read more »