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second quarter 2011 | volume 31 | number 2

{GOSPEL FOR ASIA NEWS MAGAZINE}

Women reaching Women

+ Spreading Jesus Light To Asias Children

LOVING THEIR NEIGHBORS, BUILDING CHRISTS BODY

{ www.gfa.org }

from the editor-in-chief

In male-dominated Asian cultures, difficulties are nothing new to women.

Traditional, cultural and religious currents are strong and have already set them up to be suppressed, beaten down, segregated, even destroyedsimply because they are female. Now just imagine how much greater the challenge is for women missionaries in these countries. In this issue of SEND! you will meet Anshula and Jasleen, two women who have risen to the challenge. Oh, they still face their share of struggles, but both are firmly convinced of Gods calling and of His strength to carry out that calling. And as a result, their lives are bearing fruit in amazing ways.

Please turn to page 6 to read how one woman is leading thousands more to testify of Gods love in their South Asian communities.

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

send!

SEND! VoluME 31, nuMbEr 2

SEND! is published four times per year by Gospel for Asia, Inc., 1800 Golden Trail Court, Carrollton, Texas 75010. 2011 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.

{GOSPEL FOR ASIA NEWS MAGAZINE}

Editor-in-ChiEf K.P. Yohannan Managing Editor Heidi Chupp Contributing Editors Hannah Chupp, Gisela Yohannan WritErs Michelle Jimnez, Susan Lawson, Shelly Moon, Sally Robbins ProofrEadEr Tricia Bennett dEsign DOXA ProduCtion Michele Alexander

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 field. 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: info@gfa.org. in australia: P.O. Box 3587, Village Fair, Toowoomba QLD 4350. Phone: 1300 889 339. in new Zealand: PO Box 302580, North Harbour 0751. Phone: 0508-918-918. in south africa: P.O. Box 28880, Sunridge Park, 6008. Phone: 041 360-0198. in the united Kingdom: PO Box 166, York, YO10 5WA. Phone: 01904 643 233.

gospel for asia is an evangelical mission organization that trains and equips national 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 effective because they are already familiar with the language and culture, and they live at the level of the people they serve, thus removing many social barriers. foundEr and PrEsidEnt K.P. Yohannan

insend!
second quarter 2011 | volume 31 | number 2

departments:
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4 gospel for asia + you 16 in focus

You can impact the mission fields of Asia.

How your partnership is changing lives. In this issue, we highlight our disaster relief efforts and Bridge of Hope.

Spreading Jesus Light to Asias Children

20 short reports
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pg 10

Brief glimpses of what God is doing all across Asia.

featured:

20

6 women reaching women 10 sunshine on the radio

Jasleens passion is to strengthen Christian women, both in their walks with God and in their witness to other women.

22 profile
22

When Sarika graduated from Bible college, she wanted nothing more than to share the Good News with her family even though they had been her harshest persecutors.

Through radio, Anshula shares with millions of Asias youngest citizens that Jesus loves them and can change their lives.

23 five minutes with K.P.

23

If we ignore Gods laws and safety measures found in Scripture, no audible sirens will automatically sound, but we are traveling a dangerous road.

ON THE COVER

As Jasleen Dasgupta speaks in a Bible college class, one young student learns how she can play a vital role in bringing the love of God to women just like her.
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gospel for asia + you {You can impact the mission fields of Asia}

Working and Loving v

Thank you for helping me make some important decisions about my life as I was getting ready to retire. I have decided to keep working; not just for myself, but for India. Right now the Lord has shown me I can help those who follow His commandment to go to a people who I love from afar.
W.g., Coldspring, Texas

Feedback from GFAs Live Streaming Prayer Meetings v

Im so thankful this is available. Im really standing in prayer with you all! I decided to make this a Facebook event. The GFA prayer meeting is so wonderful in many ways. I love you allwhat a great, true ministry. So glad to be renewed by God through this weblink. Listening to what God is doing in Asia has encouraged me to share news and requests with people in the church where I attend and serve. Im so grateful that I can participate at these prayer meetings. I started this with the intention to help a bit. I never imagined that I would be helped. God started to work in me and I see so many things in a different way. Visit www.gfa.org/prayer and pray with the GFA family via live streaming services each month!

A Legacy for the Downtrodden v

My mother died very unexpectedly, though she had lived a good long life of almost 86 years. The money enclosed is from my inheritance that she left me. I would much rather have her than the money, but I know she would be delighted that I am sending you an offering from her estate. She had such a heart for the downtrodden. If you can use this in the ministry for the women and girls who have been in the slave trade, please do so.
d.b., Overland Park, Kansas

Anniversary Gifts for Asia v

My husband and I used the GFA Christmas Gift Catalog for our anniversary gifts instead of buying gifts for each other (because were both impossible to shop for). We got some chickens, mosquito nets, Bibles, tracts and VBS materials. It was really fun picking things out.
a.W. and a.W., South Korea

How has God connected your life with Gospel for Asia? Wed love to hear your story.
Please email us: editor@gfa.org or write: Managing Editor SEND! Magazine 1800 Golden Trail Court Carrollton, TX 75010

Where There Is a

Your last will and testament isnt the end, but the beginning of the blessings you can impart to an untold number of liveseven after you have entered into eternity with Jesus.
Through your will, you can take care of your loved onesand you can ensure that men, women and children in Asia no longer live in continued

There Is a Way . . . to reach Asia.

darkness, but instead find lives filled with Christs love and peace.

Visit: www.gfa.org/wills or call us: 1-800-WIN-ASIA (1-800-946-2742)

www.gfa.org

in Memory of
> arthur William heighington from Elizabeth Gilbertson > bill Milby from Martin and Gail McLean > bob E. Edwards from Mark Edwards > bob Edwards, sr. from Mark Edwards > Christina lindquist hoehn from Sandi Dunbar > delores florio from Rosemarie Florio > donald schkade from Victor and Nancy Schkade > dorothy roy from Raymond and Marietta Roy, Violet Gerig > Edward and irene Juszkiewicz from Rick Juszkiewicz > fred Johnson from Dennis and Cynthia Clounch > gayle bytnar from Robert Bytnar > harold raverty from Charles Austin, James and Bettelou Heil, John De Luca, Midge Raverty > Joseph and Winifred Krchov from Nancy K. Rawe > Kay ritchie from Betty M. Litchfield > lynn henline from Leora Adams > Marcello innocenti from Annunziata Blandini > Mary C. bradshaw from Clyde and Diana Armstrong > nick Poepping from Scott and Kris Davis > Patrick McClure from Doris Graham > robert Murphy from Daniel and Linda Murphy > sam Kruger from Kay Seivert > Velma dickson stafford from Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Dickson

> Wilbur E. notestine from Mrs. David Millet

in honor of
> angela Milburn from Joseph and Terri Milburn > brad schmidt from Ronald and Kathleen Palmer > Cindy Wilson from Mrs. Linda Wilson > don and Peggy gilleland from Mrs. Tannie Landry > dr. lloyd and barbara olson from David and Kathy Danielson > Evie griffin from Jack Harvey > hannah Johnson from Steven and Heidi Johnson > Jessica, isaac and seth bacon from Jon and Margaret Lincoln > Jonathan, Zachary and rachel fredman from Jon and Margaret Lincoln > Kirsten, sonja and Joel swenson from Jon and Margaret Lincoln > Krista, Jacob and Ethen lincoln from Jon and Margaret Lincoln > lis broyel from Gary Brizendine > lynde Mcgee from Mrs. Gloria Dulany > Msgt Jeremy and sarah scribner from Mrs. Beverly Imsland > nicole and heather henriksen from Mrs. Shirley L. Fischer > Pastor Jerry Paradise from Francis Verna > shirley Welch from Almarie Owen, David and Lisa Welch > taun Cortado from Mr. Randall Murphree > trish Williams from Chris and Morgan Hess > Yvonne ruth grappe from Donna Clements

new:
www.gfa.org/dailyphoto

now on our Website

Be inspired by these amazing photos of Gods work through Gospel for Asia in some of the most remote locations in Asia! Join us as we add a new photo each day, and: > Learn more about it > Download a high-resolution copy for your desktop or for printing > Share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter

news and features

When two GFA-supported missionaries, Dempa and Tren, arrived in a remote village to show a film about the life of Jesus, the first person they met was an 18-year-old girl named Mesha Kumar. She was intensely curious and boldly began asking them questions. What are you doing? she quizzed them. They told her they were hanging a large white sheet to use as a movie screen. That led to another question. What film are you going to show? she asked. Dempa and Tren patiently explained that Dayasagar (Man of Mercy) is a film about Jesus Christ. They encouraged her to come watch the movie later that nightand she did. After the movie was over, Mesha had even more questions. She wanted to know everything about Jesus. So Dempa and Tren shared the Good News about Jesus and His love with Mesha. When all her questions were answered, Mesha made a decisionshe wanted to follow Jesus. Unfortunately, Meshas family is not happy about her decision . . . Visit www.gfa.org/news/articles/questions-lead-secret-worship to read the rest of the story! And sign up at www.gfa.org/latestnews to receive more exciting news from the mission fields of Asia.

This list is a partial representation of many generous friends who have given to Gospel for Asia in memory or in honor of loved ones. If you wish to make a donation, please contact GFA in your country (see back cover).

}
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Women reaching Women

LOVING THEIR NEIGHBORS, BUILDING CHRISTS BODY

| send! | www.gfa.org

Jasleen Dasgupta took a deep breath as she stood in front of the young women. The eyes of every Bible college student were fixed on her as she began to share with them the significance of ministry among women.

even years before, Jasleen had stood in another Bible college and faced a similar group of girls. She needed a translator at her side to help her at first. Despite the challenges in communication, Jasleens passion to teach them the ways of God kept them engaged. That was just the beginning of Jasleens ministry in the mission field. My innermost ambition was to work with young peopleespecially women, Jasleen remembers. If I can train them, then they in turn can go back and win many people to the Lord. Today, Jasleen still speaks in Bible colleges, but thats only one of the responsibilities she shoulders as a Gospel for Asia-supported leader on the mission fields of South Asia. Its her original passion equipping women to have an intimate relationship with Christ and to spread the love of Christ to their neighborsthat keeps her going.
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Images: Womens Fellowship groups all over South Asia meet regularly for worship, prayer and Bible study (upper and lower left and opposite page). Jasleen joins a group whenever she can, and she is always a welcome sight at the Bible college, too (above).

Not Just the Pastors Job

Jasleen oversees the development of a special ministry thats found in every GFA-supported church in southern Asia: Womens Fellowships. Established in 2005 with the express purpose of sharing Gods love with some of the most unreached people on the face of the earthwomen in Asiathis outreach embodies Jasleens vision for her sisters in Christ. We want them to learn that it is not just the job of the pastor to bring people to Christ, Jasleen says. As a follower of Christ Jesus, as one who knows the Lord personally, it is also your responsibility to witness and share Christ with someone. So the women in each church learn to carry Gospel tracts with them wherever they go. They visit homes to share the Gospel message of hope to those whose lives seem grim and despairing. They pray and fast for their neighbors to know Jesus love. They learn to open their eyes to the needs around them and ask themselves these questions:

With Jasleens help and that of the other Womens Fellowship leaders, these believers lives take on greater meaning as they live out their faith in Christ. And their efforts are contributing to the growth of the Church as well.

A Love That Frees

These women couldnt focus on others without first knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and discovering His deep, unconditional love for each of them. And Jasleen seeks to make sure every woman knows how much God values her. But this can be difficult, especially in rural regions where schools are few and far between. There is a lack of education, which brings awareness, Jasleen notes. People are so limited in their understanding of whats happening, and they are not exposed to the developments that are taking place in our society. If a woman is not really exposed to something else other than what she knows within her culture, I dont think she will be able to think differently. The lack of education keeps women illiterate, unable to learn for themselves what Gods Word says about the love and care He has for His children. Most women living outside of the larger cities are held in bondage to customs that view them as inferior. They are taught they have no worth but to marry and bear male children.

What is my role as a woman in my church, in my society? What can I do to help those around me? What can I do to help my pastor? What can I do to grow in my personal life?

| send! | www.gfa.org

WHAT DoeS WomenS FeLLoWSHIP DO?

But Jasleen and others involved with Womens Fellowship have taken it upon themselves to change that and revolutionize the way women view themselves in the eyes of God. We want women to learn what God thinks about them, how precious they are in His sight, Jasleen states. In time, they are able to realize how Jesus Christ gave value to them.

ach Gospel for Asia-supported church has a Womens Fellowship group created

to help the women of the congregation grow spiritually and gain a missions-focused perspective. These women meet regularly to pray, study Gods Word and reach out to their communities. Womens Fellowship also provides literacy classes, social development programs concerning health awareness and hygiene, and simple vocational training such as sewing classes. Although male missionaries may have more difficulties interacting with women due to cultural restrictions, women can freely converse and interact with other women.

Part of My Very Life

Jasleens passion has always been twofold: to see women grow in deeper intimacy with God and to see lives won for His Kingdomand both of these are realized through Womens Fellowship. She longs for the women of each church to become the backbone of their congregations ministry, beginning with intercession. The majority of the believers in our churches are women, comments Jasleen. So if they start taking responsibility for praying and start standing in the gappraying for the missionaries who are in the field, praying for their pastors, praying for the unreached villages, praying for their unreached neighborhoodsI certainly believe women can make a whole lot of contribution for the Kingdom of God. Jasleen has been part of Gospel for Asias Womens Fellowship since its inception. For five years shes seen it grow to include thousands of women. Shes been part of every aspect of its development, and by now its in her blood, she jokes. Every time when I get up, even when I go to bed and all through the day, I think of Womens Fellowship, Jasleen reflects. It has become part of my very life. And her love and dedication for this ministry shine through every Asian woman who becomes greater than what her society and culture expect of her.

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SUNSHINE ON THE RADI

SPREADING JESUS LIGHT TO ASIAS CHILDREN

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minor mistake, her face momentarily screws up into a ball of frustration, but then she relaxes, smiles and gets right back to the script. Todays subject is friendship, as described in Proverbs 17:17A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

nshula Samayan is making faces into the microphone. Her expressions mimic her voice as it changes to reflect the characters in the story she is telling. Squeaky little-kid voices and deep rumbling sounds tumble forth. When she makes a

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nshula wants this broadcastlike every one of the 104 she records each yearto be perfect and her message to be clearly heard. Her desire, and the goal of her radio broadcast, is to help the children of South Asia really understand that Jesus loves them and can change their lives. From this sparsely furnished basement radio studio tucked well away from the blaring city traffic above, Anshula is telling millions of Asias youngest citizens how they can have a relationship with Jesus. Just outside the studio, correspondence from her little listeners is tacked on a bulletin board. There are drawings of Jesus and letters telling of young lives radically transformed by the Good News she is sharing.

Wholehearted Commitment
Anshula is the voiceand the facebehind Gospel for Asias radio program Bachon ka Dost (Friend of Children). With Anshulas shining smile and bright personality, the love of Jesus literally overflows from her tiny frame. It seems no accident that the name Anshula means sunny. Anshulas commitment started with her Christian upbringinga rarity in the country where she lives. Her parents are both committed followers of Christ who raised Anshula and her brother to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. Both siblings studied at Bible colleges and went on to earn masters degrees at a seminary in their country. They are now both serving in ministry. Anshula chose to follow Christ when she was 12 years old and in subsequent years gave Him total control of her life. She started writing and recording the childrens radio programs in 1997, when she was in her second year at seminary. The programs were a classroom assignment, and Anshula discovered she had a knack for putting them together.

When it was time for her to wed, her family arranged a marriage to a godly young man named Pratap Samayan. Today, he is a Gospel for Asia-supported state leader, overseeing the work of hundreds of missionaries in one part of their country. Their marriage is unusual by most South Asian standards, where it is considered out of the norm for a wife and mother to work outside the home and for a father to take part in the hands-on, day-to-day care of the children. But Anshula and Pratap knew that God called each of them to serve, and neither wants the other to tell God no. She wont say no to any opportunity to serve the Lord. She always says these opportunities are a privilege given to her by the Lord, and she doesnt want to waste that privilege, Pratap says. So, Pratap and Anshula each set aside their personal desires, and together, they strive to serve the Lord and each other. The end result is a partnership between a man and a woman that beautifully brings glory to God.

Mopping floors at sunrise

Honoring their commitments to the Lord and one another is not easy. Most often it simply means long days of hard work. On a typical day, Anshula is up and going at around 4:30 a.m. The first thing she does is spend time reading her Bible and praying. The couple has set aside a closet-sized room in their home for this purpose. The simple space with a carpeted floor and no furniture allows them to block out the worries of the world and meet their Savior with no distractions. This is the only time of day that Anshula gets to indulge in the quiet contemplation that keeps her spirit charged. She rises from prayer and begins tending to the needs of her household. Pratap slips into the prayer closet to steady his heart for the day, and Anshula

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When I read the letters that tell me how their lives were changed, that really makes me happy because then I know that my message is getting through.

spends the next hour cleaning their small house. There are no appliances to help, so the sweeping, mopping, dusting and scrubbing require a lot of old-fashioned manual labor. Then its time to get the boys ready for school. The couple has two sons, 6-year-old Biju and 5-year-old Salil. Pratap is out of the prayer closet and rousing the boys from sleep as Anshula goes into the kitchen to make breakfast. Once the boys are awake, bathed and dressed, Pratap takes them into the prayer closet for a devotional and prayer time. Then the family sits down to a South Asian breakfast of idli (a steamed, disc-shaped cake made from rice and bean flour), curry and a mixture of fruit and spices blended together and served as chutney. When the boys leave for school, Pratap and Anshula board a rickshaw and head to their office for a full day of work.

instead of studying. Youve got to stop that. But I wanted to listen to your program. Other letters contain questions, some of which are easy to answer: In one program you talked about how we can speak to our Heavenly Father as you speak to your earthly father. How is that possible?
Images: Anshula

Can you tell me what I need to do to obey the commandments you taught about on your program? Is it that we should not steal? Should we not say lies? Others are more complex: You said the Father, the Lord, loves all children. So if that is so, then why are there so many children who are orphans? Anshula, along with women students from a local GFA-supported Bible college, spend several days each month praying for the letter writers and personally answering each of them. These letters give me the encouragement to give more and more and to go on, Anshula says. When I read the letters that tell me how their lives were changed, that really makes me happy because then I know that my message is getting through. That is especially important now because so many children are turning their lives toward bad things.

receives many letters from her young listeners each month, and each one gets a reply (above). Although her broadcasting responsibilities sometimes call her away from home (opposite page, left), she remains faithful to her family commitments (opposite page, right).

a day in the office

For Anshula and Pratap, there is no typical day at the office. His days are full of meetings, and he often travels to visit the missionaries he oversees. Anshulas duties bounce her around to many locations as well. Anshulas days in the local ministry office are spent answering letters from the children who listen to her twice-weekly radio programs. She receives about 50 letters a month. Many contain simple, innocent messages, along with snippets of day-to-day life: I hear your sweet voice that sounds like a bird, calling us, saying children, children and telling us these wonderful stories. When I used to tune into your show, my father would scold me, saying, You are always listening to the radio

Ministering to the big Kids

Anshulas desire to share the love of Jesus with children extends beyond her radio program. She is also the womens dean at the Bible college. Her gentle, nurturing style has won the hearts of students, who adore their sunny leader.
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The Pastor and Radio Broadcaster Team Up

When the weekend rolls around, its not a time of rest and relaxation at the Samayan household. Thats because Pratap also serves as pastor of a local church. On Sunday, the family spends their mornings at the churchPratap shares the message, and Anshula serves on the worship team. Their boys even join insinging and dancing to childrens songs. On Sunday afternoons, Anshulas role as a radio broadcaster and Prataps role as a pastor merge when they visit a slum in their city. Their day in the slums starts with lunch. They line up behind a table and serve dozens of people a meal of rice and curry. Only after theyve served everyone else do they eat. Later in the day, inside a makeshift tent, the radio broadcaster and the radio share center stage. Anshula is surrounded by dozens of children. They are here to listen to her radio broadcast, and they jump and dance to the action songs she teaches them. Once the singing and dancing are over, theyll hear the message of the Gospel again. The hot air in the hut is stifling, and the stench of raw sewage outside mingles with the smell of dozens of small, unwashed bodies inside the tent. But this doesnt seem to bother Pratap, Anshula and their boys. As twilight envelops the tent, Anshulas face beams with a sunny smile. She knows she is exactly where the Lord wants her to be.

I dont scold them. I use loving words to encourage them. They look at me like an elder sister or a mother, Anshula comments. I really want to teach them by being an example to them. Anshulas roles with the girls range from mother to counselor to instructor. She listens to girls tell their heart-wrenching stories of abuse at the hands of family members. She also instructs them in practical matters, like housekeeping and washing clothes. Anshula has even been known to share the secrets of making perfect chapatissoft, tortilla-like flatbread that is an appetizing staple of their diet. She also teaches classes. One of the subjects she instructs is worship, where both male and female students find out that Anshula is an accomplished music leader. She even has a few tricks to keep these older students entertained as well. One of my classes is right after lunch and the students are sleepy, so I teach them action songs! she confesses. Of course, Anshula wants the students to further develop their hearts to reach the lost, so she enlists them to pray for the children who write letters in response to the radio programs. One of her happiest moments in ministry came when her roles as Bible college dean and radio broadcaster united. That was the day Anshula learned that a former radio listener had given his heart to Christ, graduated from Bible college and now serves in ministry. I was so happy! she exclaims.

Writing late into the night

The work and school day ends late by Western standardsAnshula, Pratap and their sons are all home by 7 p.m. She prepares the evening meal while he monitors the kids activities. When the meal is over and the dishes are washed, the family spends time in their prayer closet together studying Gods Word and

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Images: Anshulas days start early (left), and she makes her time with the Lord a foundation for everything else, from teaching at a Bible college (opposite page) to leading a womens prayer meeting (right).

praying. Once the boys have gone to bed, its time for Anshula to write radio program scripts. With Biju and Salil sleeping peacefully and Pratap working in another room, Anshula retreats back to the prayer closet. This time she has her Bible, a notebook and a favorite pen. She prays, opens the Bible and starts writing. By this time the ideas for her radio scripts have been rolling around in her mind for some time. Anshula holds onto scraps of ideas and pieces of stories that the Lord puts in her mind throughout the day. It is a relief to finally get them down on paper. God has given me the gift of storytelling, and for this I really thank Him, she says. She writes five 15-minute programs in about a three-hour span of time. Only after they are all written will I go to bed, she explains. By then, its well past midnight. And shes not the only one losing sleep for the sake of childrens radio. Whenever she is writing scripts, I will stay awake too, Pratap says. I wont disturb her or ask her for anything, but I just want to be available for her. She will ask me about Bible references or applications, and I am happy to help her. I will even make tea for her! Pratap also steps into his wifes shoes when she goes to the recording studio. Because it is quite a distance from their home, Anshula is gone for an average of three days a month. While she is busy traveling and recording, Pratap takes over her household roles. It is exhausting, but he does not complain. I dont want to stop my wife from recording for any reason, because her burden is for those children, Pratap explains. So whenever the opportunity comes, whenever she needs to go, Ill be happy to let her go. I will prepare everything for her, and I will encourage her.

In every waking moment of her day, Anshulas desire is to stay focused on Gods calling on her life: to share the love of Christ with children and young adults. From the time she rises from bed in the pre-dawn hours, throughout her long workday and until she lays her head down to sleep, Anshula shines forth the light of Jesus Christ to all those around her. No one forces her to work hard. She sees her responsibilities as something she gets to do, not something she has to do. Pratap agrees: It is a privilege that God has given us.

Visit www.gfa.org/send to learn more about Anshulas life and ministry.

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in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}

Co M Pa s s i o n s E r V i C E s

Myanmar and its people lay

in ruins after Cyclone Nargis ripped through the country

When Disaster Strikes R

i Was about to Kill Myself

in May 2008. The unceasing waters and fierce winds destroyed homes, stole 140,000 lives and forced millions of people into starvation and desperation. Nearly three years after the cyclone hit, the suffering has yet to subside. One doctor believes that nearly all of the cyclones victims suffer from serious mental problems caused by the devastation.
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elief was minimal as Myanmars government restricted foreign aid from entering the country, but Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries didnt have to go through red tape to gain approvalthey were already serving there. GFAs Compassion Services teams brought in food, clean drinking water, medicine, tarps for temporary shelter and the message of hope and peace in Jesus Christsomething the victims desperately needed. And people in this predominately Buddhist nation began opening their hearts toward the true God as they experienced His love through His people.

Mya Thuza lost six of her seven children to the cyclone and contemplated suicide. The physical aid wasnt enough to erase all the pain she felt, but members of a GFA Compassion Services team showed up and shared Gods love with her before she took it upon herself to find a release from her suffering. I was about to kill myself, Mya remembers. In that moment, the Gospel team came to my house and shared the Gospel with me and showed me Gods love. Amazingly, Jesus came into my heart and gave me His salvation. Another survivor, Khin Htay, was born into and brought up to be a strong believer of the Buddhist faith, but he found no

comfort in the religion of his ancestors after the natural disaster took away his wife. Now I have only my daughter, Khin shares. I felt so much loneliness and regret in my heart. One day, a GFAsupported missionary came to my house and prayed for me. That day I received Jesus as my own Savior and Lord. Jesus came into my heart and gave me peace. Zeyar Ye, another victim of Cyclone Nargis, trusted in the traditions of her ancestors to answer her plea for help, but an answer never came. Compassion Services teams spoke to her about the living God and aided her in the reconstruction of her house. My whole family suffered from the Nargis cyclone, Zeyar says. When I was looking for help, the relief workers shared the Gospel with me and helped me in so many things.

did You Know?

Compassion Services doesnt end with disaster relief. It also includes: > Reaching out to leprosy patients > Working in the slums of South Asia > Medical ministry, especially to those who have little or no access to doctors

reaching out in times of need

Mya, Khin and Zeyar are just three of the thousands of people who have experienced the loving hand of God as they struggled to get their ruined lives back. Compassion Services teams stood by them, sharing in their suffering and offering them rays of hope while striving to help each victim with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Whenever a disaster hits, GFA Compassion Services teams are quick to arrive on the scene to bring aid and Gods love as a healing balm to those in need. These men and women missionaries have a heart to reach out in desperate times of need, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. They give of their time and love and help people recover from cyclones, floods, tsunamis and other natural disasters. Through these missionaries unceasing efforts, many hearts have been changed toward Christ and lives transformed. The missionaries who dedicated their lives to help the Nargis victims have been wonderfully helped by the Holy Spirit, says a GFA field correspondent, and the victims are experiencing Gods love and peace in their lives.

More on the Web: Visit www.gfa.org/cs to see how you can help bring relief to suffering men, women and children through GFAs Compassion Services ministry.

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in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}

bridgE of hoPE

The Boy Who Didnt Want to Study

Although Aghat Venkatesans father was a schoolteacher, it appeared that Aghat would never enter such a professionor any, for that matter. Aghat did poorly in his studies and seemed completely disinterested in school. His parents were worried.
ut after Aghat enrolled at the local Bridge of Hope center, things began to change. Through the dedicated help of the Bridge of Hope staff, he gradually began to improve in his schoolworkand his attitude. And for the first time in his life, Aghat, who was raised in the religious traditions of his Asian family, heard about Jesus. Now in the eighth grade, Aghat has experienced major transformation in his life. He shines as an exemplary student who actively participates in all the events at the Bridge of Hope center. And today he is a follower of Christ whose faith is growing. Whenever he gets sick, he prays to Jesus for his healing, writes a Gospel for Asia correspondent. He has memorized many Bible verses, and he prays for his parents salvation too. Although they may not have received salvation yet, Aghats parents have witnessed Gods goodness through their sons change in attitude. We had no hope for his life; we thought that he would drop his studies, because he never cared about them, they remember. But by the grace of God, and through the help of the Bridge of Hope center, our son is blessed, and we are very happy about it.

did You Know?

> 50 percent of children in India aged 6 to 18 do not have access to education. > More than 50 percent of girls fail to enroll in school; those who do are likely to drop out by the age of 12.
Source: 7th All India Education Survey

Begun in 2001, Bridge of Hope reaches out to children throughout South Asia, especially those who come from Dalit and low-caste backgrounds. By participating in the program, more than 59,000 children have the opportunity to thrive academically and experience the love of Jesus. They receive support for their education, including after-school tutoring and funding for their tuition. Children also receive teaching about the Bible, medical checkups and hygiene training. Children who were once hopeless and apathetic are now successful and engaged students, thanks to Bridge of Hope. And like Aghat, these boys and girls often grow to have faith in Jesus. Their testimonies of transformation touch their families and spill over into their communities too.

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Visit www.gfa.org/child to find out more about Bridge of Hope and how you can share educationand hope with a child in Asia.

Can he dream about his future?

Dream that he is learning in a classroom instead of wandering the streets.

or many children in South Asia, going to school is a near-impossible dream. But you can help provide education to a child in need. By sponsoring a

child through Bridge of Hope, you give him or her the opportunity to learn vital skills like reading, writing, and good hygieneand encounter the love of Jesus.

Sponsor a Bridge of Hope child today!

Sponsor online: www.gfa.org/child Or contact us: Gospel for Asia 1800 Golden Trail Court Carrollton, TX 75010 1-800-WIN-ASIA (1-800-946-2742)

For just $28 a month, you can help a childs dreams become reality.

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.

short reports {Brief glimpses of what God is doing all across Asia}

Read more news online: www.gfa.org/latestnews

The reason why these people received Jesus is that when their gods and goddesses failed them, it was Jesus who answered their prayers.

Once Backsliding, Now Believing

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Jatan followed Jesus for five years, but then he turned away from his faith. When his wife, Bhavika, developed breast cancer, Jatan took her to a hospital and spent a large amount of money for her treatment. After going many different places to find healing for Bhavikaanywhere but to Jesus ChristJatan grew tired of searching. As a last resort, he sought help at the church of GFAsupported pastor Gaurav. Gaurav and his congregation began fasting and praying for Bhavikas healing. After one month, God healed her! Witnessing Bhavikas freedom from illness and Gods love displayed through the believers, the whole family returned to the Lord and began attending church faithfully. Pastor Gaurav requests prayer that they will continue to grow in faith.

From Embarrassment to Example

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In the 10th grade, Maher dropped out of school and started drinking alcohol with friends who led him astray. His behavior brought dishonor to his family, and he was an embarassment to them. But Mahers rebellious lifestyle did not give him true happiness or peace. One day, Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Jayant met Maher and shared the Good News with him. Jayant told Maher that Jesus could transform his life forever. After hearing Jayants words and realizing his need for salvation, Maher chose to follow Jesus. And God did transform his life. He began to pray regularly, read the Bible and experience peace. Instead of hanging out with wayward companions, he enjoys friendship with God and His people. Today, Maher is a blessing to his family. Jayant requests prayer that Maher will grow spiritually and that God will meet his familys needs.

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HealedTwice
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Akhil, 15, had suffered from seizures for a long time, but he and his family could find no healing. Although his family spent a large amount of money by taking him to many witch doctors, their attempts to restore Akhils health failed. As Akhil grew weaker, his family grew more worried. One day, Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Kalyan met Akhils family as he was visiting homes. Kalyan told them about Jesus and shared the Good News. Akhils family listened to his words and chose to believe in Jesus. And when Kalyan prayed for Akhil, God healed him. Not long after this miracle, however, Akhils family lost their interest in Jesus. Akhil started having seizures again this time, with greater intensity. The family called Kalyan again to ask for his prayers. Kalyan prayed for Akhil and taught the family the importance of growing closer to the Lord, praying and reading Gods Word. After two weeks, Akhil once again experienced Gods healing touch. Akhil and his entire family are now growing in their walk with Jesus, and their lives shine Gods light to many people.

Climbing Mountains, Sharing Hope

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Celebrating a special holiday, villagers in one area of South Asia climbed a mountain, planning to worship their local deities when they reached the top. A group of Bible college students climbed the mountain for a different reason: to share the love of Him who created it. To celebrate this religious occasion, people worship various gods and goddesses, cleaning and decorating their houses and offering festive meals to the deities. Then they climb the closest hilltop, believing it will allow them to reach greater heights in life. With prayerful attitudes, the Bible college students handed out Gospel tracts as they hiked the mountain. Some village elders criticized them, asking, Why do you disturb us by distributing tracts that belong to another religion? In spite of this opposition, 1,500 hikers willingly received Gospel tracts. The students request prayer for the villagers salvation.

Four Women Who Found Jesus

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Four young women in one Asian metropolitan area recently made a decision to leave their traditional religion and follow Jesus. Sunita, who works as a housemaid, learned about Jesus through her husband, Deepit. Now they are both members in the fellowship of Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Devadas. Satyaki also worships with Devadass congregation. She heard the Good News when visiting this church. As she attended services and prayer meetings, God worked in her heart, and she chose to believe in Jesus. Her husband, Ram, is interested in Jesus, but he still has many questions about Christianity. Another GFA-supported pastor, Mubarak, helped two other women learn about the Saviors love for them. Both Parveen and Pratibha chose to follow Jesus after witnessing Gods miraculous response to their prayers. Parveen, a housewife, suffered from seizures for a long time. When God healed her and she understood His love for her, she gave her life to Him. Pratibha, a widow, was raising a child alone at age 24, and her brother was in prison. The Lord ordained her brothers release, and she responded by surrendering her heart to Him. The reason why these people received Jesus is that when their gods and goddesses failed them, it was Jesus who answered their prayers, comments a field correspondent.

New Vehicle in Nepal

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In Nepal, Gospel for Asia-supported leaders recently purchased a new all-terrain vehicle to be used for ministry throughout the country. Their previous jeep traveled more than 434,000 rugged miles. Thankful for Gods provision, the leaders dedicated the new vehicle to the Lords work. They ask for prayer that the vehicle will be used effectively and that God will protect it. Visit www.gfa.org/videos/ talking-jeep to watch a short video about the old vehicle.

Tormented by Demons
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Karunakar and his family faced a strange and troubling problem: For a year, demonic oppression prevented them from starting a fire in their kitchen to cook their food. Although Karunakar faithfully worshiped his deities, his prayers for deliverance did not make a diference, and the family had to prepare meals at a neighbors house. One day, a believer showed compassion on Karunakar and his family by bringing his pastor, Sutej, to Karunakars home. Upon hearing their story, Sutej prayed for God to deliver the family. God answered Sutejs prayers, freeing Karunakars household from the satanic oppression. Now the family can cook in their own home. But more important, they have found freedom in Jesus.
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profile

Servingand Suffering
Enraged that she would not denounce Christ, Sarikas brother relentlessly beat and burned her. Finally, Sarikas body could not take another blow and she collapsed, unconscious. And though this was the most painful part of Sarikas journey so far, it was not the first timenor would it be the lastthat her family ruthlessly persecuted her for her faith.

gfa MissionarY

naME:

Sarika
l o C at i o n :
GFA Stock Photo

South Asia

hen Sarika was in the eighth grade, Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Hirla Harish visited her home to share the Good News of Jesus and pray for the household. Although her father, mother, two brothers and three sisters immediately disregarded Hirlas message, Sarikas tender heart could not forget the life-giving words of hope she heard. Knowing the risks of leaving her familys traditional religion, Sarika secretly visited a nearby church. As she learned more about Jesus and witnessed His tangible love through the believers, Sarika decided to place her trust in Christ. But when she chose to publicly testify of her faith, her family members met her decision with violence, furiously thrashing her, locking her in the house and denying her food and water for three days. Then, when her parents left home, her brother took the opportunity to further torture her, beating her and then searing her with a burning piece of wood, and causing her to pass out. Concerned that their family would face trouble if Sarika died, her parents called Pastor Hirla back

to their home to pray for her healing. God moved powerfully in Sarikas life, healing her wounds and calling her to serve Him. Then Sarika enrolled in a Bible college where, out of harms way, she spent three years studying Gods Word and preparing for ministry. During this time, her parents sometimes searched for her, but they didnt worry much. When Sarika graduated, she wanted nothing more than to share the Good News with her family. Hoping their hearts had changed, Sarika traveled back to her home village, but she was met with anger and was rejected again. Today, as a GFA-supported missionary, Sarika is resolved to continue to share the love of Jesusno matter the cost. She remains committed to praying for her family members and looks forward to the day when they will trust Christ. She knows that God has brought her through the most difficult of timesand that He will always be there, even when she suffers for her Savior.

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five minutes with K.P.

Dont Ignore the Warnng Signs

like a siren going off. Oh, Im sorry, its my car alarm, explained my friend. I didnt put my seatbelt on. A few seconds later the alarm went offafter he had buckled up. When our conversation ended, I reflected on the incident. This is interesting, I thought to myself. That alarm made my friend realize that he didnt have his seatbelt on. What about my Bug? Its so old it doesnt have an alarm system to warn me. And then I thought back to the long time I drove without a seatbeltuntil God finally sounded the alarm. Yes, I knew the law, but I ignored it, because I thought nobody would notice and after all, what policeman would want to stop a slow-driving old Bug? But one day after I had talked at length about a well-known Christian singer who died in a plane crash because he had overloaded his airplane, it dawned on me that I, too, was violating safety regulations. I suddenly realized that I should have obeyed the law. I quickly told the Lord that I was sorry and that from then on I would wear my seatbelt. I am very sure the Lord must have tried several times to talk to me before, but I was not listening. This time He not only talked to me, but also convicted me that I was wrong to jeopardize being seriously injured or even killed in a car wreck.

was driving along the road in my noisy 62 VW Bug with my seatbelt on, calling a friend on my hands-free phone. After a few rings, he picked it up, but as soon as I said Hello, I heard a sound

I can assure you that you are heading for a sure crash if you keep ignoring the warning signs God sends you through Scripture, other believers and the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.

Giving an Account for Our Generation

Heeding such warning signs applies not only to our personal walk with God, but also to our calling as the Body of Christ in this world. We are called to be salt and light, to set our mind on the things above and not on the things of this worldand we are commissioned to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. How serious are we taking our calling? Let me ask you a few questions. When was the last time you and your church or fellowship group fasted and prayed a few daysnot for your own needs, but for the lost world? When was it that your church body sacrificed their comfort, resources and plans so others could hear the Gospel? What are the things your fellowship preaches and promotes? Is it how to have a more comfortable life and increasing wealth in the here-and-now, or is it how to become a grain of wheat and die so that others may live? My dear friend, are we waiting for the sirens of war, terrorism and economic crisis to go off before we wake up and get serious about picking up our cross and following Jesus? If, as members of the Body of Christ, we dont heed the warning signs, we will one day stand before the throne of God to give an account for losing our generation.

A Dangerous Road
My dear friend, perhaps you have a car that sounds an alarm when you drive off without putting on your seatbelt. But what about the other areas of your lifeyour personal walk with God, marriage, financial dealings, conduct, speech, purity and faithfulness? There are no audible sirens that will automatically come on when you head in a wrong direction or ignore Gods laws and safety measures, which you well know from the Bible. However, for one reason or another you choose to ignore them and you coast along just fineor so you think. Oh yes, here and there you see a few warning signs, but you conveniently decide to disregard them. You like to feel that you are in control. Its a dangerous road you are traveling on, convincing yourself that you know better than God, that you are stronger, holier and smarter than anyone else and that therefore you dont need to heed Gods safety measures.

Lets Listen!
The history of the people of Israel is given to us as instruction and warning. After crossing the Jordan river, they took possession of their promised land, with God fighting their battles. He told them that this land would be theirs forever if they obeyed His Word. But very soon the people drifted away from Gods instructions and did their own thing. God in His mercy sent prophet after prophet to warn them and to keep them from losing their lives and land. However, they ignored all His warnings until they finally lost everything and were taken away into captivity. May God open our eyes, ears and hearts to the warning signs all around us and the alarms that are already going off.

K.P. Yohannan is founder and president of Gospel for Asia. Visit www.gfa.org/5minutes to read more Five Minutes with K.P. articles.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation . . .
I SAI AH 52:7, NI V

Though their feet may be callused and bare, rugged and torn here is true beauty. Women missionaries demonstrate dedication, strength and love as they share the life-saving message of Jesus. Not bound by cultural restrictions, these women can freely minister to ladies who desperately need the hope found in Christ.

sponsor online: www.gfa.org/women or contact us: Gospel for Asia 1800 Golden Trail Court Carrollton, TX 75010 1-800-WIN-ASIA (1-800-946-2742)

And YOU can join them. For just $30 a month,

you can stand with one of these courageous women reaching other women with the Good News.

100 percent of your sponsorship goes to provide for missionary work on the mission field; nothing is taken out for administrative expenses. For each national missionary you help support, you will receive a sponsorship packet that includes your missionarys photo and testimony to help you pray more effectively.