GFA World Newsletter

March 2022, Vol. 19, No. 3

Genai sat among other women, much like her, all awaiting the start of something new. They may have had different stories or situations, but they all bore the same burden: None could read or write. But that was about to change.

Searching for Peace

Home had been no place of peace or comfort for Genai. Her father would return home from work drunk—and angry. Arguments were commonplace; hateful words flung about frequently. Genai’s younger brother, however, was showered with love and affection, while Genai felt neglected. Why was Genai treated with less care, simply because she was a girl?

There was no love for Genai, so she left.

Genai eloped and married a local carpenter—her way of escaping her family. As the years passed, and Genai gave birth to two children, the young mother still lacked the love she wanted. Through her situation was different, it seemed peace still was out of Genai’s reach.

Literacy Class Opens Door

A cause of the turmoil in Genai’s life was her lack of education. Like many in her community, Genai did not possess much schooling. Having been pulled out of school at a young age, Genai lacked the prospects to earn a better life. For every extra year of schooling, there is a 9-percent increase in hourly earnings.

To that end, GFA missionaries raise awareness of the power of education and organize literacy programs in their areas, inviting those they know would benefit the most—such as Genai.

GFA missionary Rianon organized a literacy program in Genai’s village. When Genai learned there was an opportunity for her to read and write, she joined the program. Excitement filled her as the missionary and other GFA workers handed her a book to help her read and write. Thoughts of finally being able to read and write danced in Genai’s mind. Rianon’s encouragement only fueled the young mother’s excitement. Finally, things seemed to be brightening. Maybe Genai had a chance at peace in her life after all.

Reading of God’s Love Herself

Genai delved into her literacy lessons, joining her son as he worked on his homework. From time to time, Rianon visited Genai to provide the young mother with direction and encouragement. With each visit, Rianon offered Christ’s love; she wanted Genai to experience His care.

One day, Genai took some small booklets from Rianon. Still in the beginning of her literacy journey, Genai was excited to read them, eager to put her newfound skills to the test.

As the mother opened the booklets, she realized they held the same message of hope and love Rianon had shared with her numerous times before. She felt noticeably lighter in spirit as she read. In the past, whenever Rianon had shared of Christ’s love, Genai hadn’t fully believed what Rianon was sharing. She paid rapt attention, but never fully committed it to heart.

What Genai read confirmed that, indeed, God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to die for all people—for her.

Newfound Faith, Hope

A literacy class like the one Genai attended

With Rianon’s continued visits, Genai slowly realized the truth behind what she had read and heard. God loved her, and despite whatever may come her way, she could put her trust in Him. Perhaps this was the peace Genai had long desired.

Through Rianon’s friendship and through her newly possessed power to read and write, Genai knew she was cherished by God. Now she follows Him and teaches her children about Him.

Because of GFA World’s literacy program, women like Genai are gaining an opportunity long denied them. Thank you for helping these women to gain skills they can pass on to the next generation.

August 2021, Vol. 18, No. 5

Kaleena, wife of GFA pastor Lamonta, set an example for the members of their congregation. She faithfully supported her husband, cared for their four children and excitedly attended regional events for the church, such as women’s seminars and health care training programs.

Inside, however, Kaleena struggled with embarrassment and insecurity. She felt inferior when she watched other ladies in church read God’s Word. She, the pastor’s wife, couldn’t read the Holy Scriptures. She couldn’t read at all.

I wish my parents had sent me to school so that I also could have the ability to read God’s Word and other books, Kaleena thought.

Praying for a Chance to Help Others

Kaleena’s parents had battled poverty while raising their children, and they didn’t understand the value of education. Consequently, they hadn’t sent Kaleena to school. Now she couldn’t even sign her own name.

“God, please help me to read and write,” Kaleena prayed. “I am also your servant. I will read [Your Word] and know more about You and will be able to teach others too.”

Kaleena confided her disappointment to her husband. She wanted to learn from God’s Word and read other materials so she could teach others, but she felt powerless.

Lamonta assured Kaleena that her illiteracy didn’t change his love for her.

“When you had time, you could not go to school,” he said. “Whether you know to read or write or not, I am happy with you for who you are.”

Pastor Lamonta encouraged his wife to keep praying to God about her desire to read and write. Then, one day, he got the opportunity to be part of the answer.

Prayers and Perseverance Pay Off

One day Pastor Lamonta attended a pastors’ meeting, where one of the regional church leaders shared about literacy classes the church offered. GFA workers had created a literacy curriculum, complete with workbooks, published in 13 languages.

The leader encouraged the pastors to start literacy classes to benefit women in their congregations who were illiterate, especially their wives. Overjoyed about this opportunity to help his wife and others, Pastor Lamonta immediately got to work. He asked a literate woman in the church, Madora, to help him identify the women in the congregation who would benefit from the class. Then Madora started teaching the literacy class for six women, including Kaleena.

Learning to Read and write seemed like an impossible dream until Kaleena (pictured, center) got the opportunity to attend a literacy class.

At first, Kaleena struggled to grasp the letters of the alphabet, and she became discouraged. Would she, a woman in her 40s, be able to learn?

But Kaleena persevered, asking God for help. She listened attentively in class and practiced diligently at home with her husband’s assistance. Soon, Kaleena’s seemingly impossible dream became a reality: She could read and write!

Now Kaleena can read God’s Word every day. Her new skill has helped her to lead worship at church, lead the Women’s Fellowship group and even help older people in her village who are illiterate. Before, Kaleena couldn’t even sign her own name on forms, but now she can go to the bank and help others fill out forms. Kaleena praises God she finally got the opportunity to learn, grow and serve others more effectively.

More than 240,000 women, including Kaleena, have received the chance to read and write through women’s literacy classes organized by GFA workers. Thank you for partnering with them to equip women to impact their families and communities in ways they once thought impossible.

May 2020, Vol. 17, No. 4

As a teenager, Sual lived a reckless life and refused to listen to his parents. His friends were addicted to alcohol and drugs, and eventually he abused alcohol too. Sual even stopped attending school. His arrogance, anger and rudeness stunned his family and neighbours.

As Sual’s life careened down a treacherous path, Kavan, a GFA pastor, visited the village and noticed many young people who were living destructive lifestyles. Wanting to help, Pastor Kavan got permission from the villagers to start a free tutoring class for the youth.

Around 30 to 40 students began attending Pastor Kavan’s classes. At first, Sual’s parents forced him to go, but soon the young man valued the classes. Through Pastor Kavan’s teaching and encouragement, Sual gained a fresh desire to learn.

Curiosity Leads to Difficult Choice

One day, after class with Pastor Kavan, Sual brought home a New Testament. As he read it in his free time, questions filled his mind. He talked to Pastor Kavan, looking for answers, and the pastor gladly helped Sual to understand God’s Word.

Gradually, Sual’s desire to know God’s ways increased, and his desire to live in a rebellious, self-centred way decreased.

Sual’s family, however, feared the influence of a different faith; this clouded their ability to see positive changes in Sual’s life. They insisted that he stop visiting Pastor Kavan, even though they had originally sent Sual to the tutoring classes.

Sual faced a choice: Follow his family’s wishes or disobey.

Previously, Sual had rebelled out of selfishness, but this time, Sual rebelled to pursue Jesus. As he continued meeting with Pastor Kavan and attending worship services, Sual experienced God’s love and grace. Eventually, Sual chose to fully live for Christ, and he poured himself into the local church and the Youth Fellowship ministry.

Sual refuses to stop following Jesus, though his parents still oppose him.

“I have a new life in Jesus Christ,” he says, “and I thank God for saving my life.”

April 2020, Vol. 17, No. 3

Delani’s past holds more tragedy than most people ever encounter. As a child, she and her four siblings became orphans. Their subsequent poverty forced Delani to abandon her dream of literacy and marry at age 14. She and her husband happily raised two sons together—until her husband died. At only 21 years old, Delani became a widow.

Then tragedy struck again: Delani’s house burned down. What once provided safety and comfort now lay scattered as charred fragments—just like her shattered dreams. Delani started to despair, even doubting the value of her life.

Rebuilding on Words of Life

During this time of crisis, Delani met a GFA-supported pastor. She learned about her true value, that God gave His life for her and offers her abundant, eternal life.

The news of Jesus changed Delani’s life. She began worshipping with local believers and learning about Christ, and her heart began to heal. But when Delani saw other women carrying their Bibles and songbooks, her long-suppressed desire to read rose to the surface again. Delani ached to read about the Saviour she now loved and to learn songs to sing to Him.

Many women in Asia had no opportunity to learn to read during their childhood. Adult literacy classes empower women in many ways, from making fair deals in the marketplace to reading God’s Word for themselves.

A few years later, Delani’s dream of literacy came true, thanks to partners like you. A GFA-supported literacy class opened in Delani’s church, and she enthusiastically participated. She studied by candlelight at night, poring over her lessons. When neighbours mocked her for studying, she kept her eyes fixed on her goal. She asked God for help, and He granted her understanding.

Today, Delani’s childhood dream of reading and writing is fulfilled. Although waves of sorrow rocked her past, she is now grounded in God’s Word and is walking in new hope for her future.

January 2020, Vol. 17, No. 1

Who was the real God?

The question gnawed at Phyu Myaing’s mind. She had worshipped her god faithfully, but tragedy threw her life into a state of confusion. In 2009 her husband died from tuberculosis, leaving Phyu Myaing alone to care for three children. Three years later, Phyu Myaing’s oldest daughter died while giving birth.

Still reeling from these tragedies, Phyu Myaing met a pastor one day.

“There is a real God, whose name is Jesus,” he told her. “He gave His life to die on the cross and rose again on the third day to give eternal life to those who believe in Him.”

Phyu Myaing felt some distrust and hostility toward Christianity, but she pondered these words, wondering if Jesus was the real God.

Her questions intensified after she fell severely ill and was hospitalized for two weeks. She recovered, but a doubt lingered in her heart: “If I die today, where will I spend eternity?”

Inescapable Truth

Phyu Myaing couldn’t stop asking herself that alarming question. With no answer, her mind was enveloped by a fog of confusion and a fear of death. She wasn’t interested in Christian beliefs, though: Whenever Christians offered her literature about Jesus, she threw it away in front of them.

Phyu Myaing had a similar reaction when GFA-supported pastor Thet Moe visited her home. They talked, and Phyu Myaing took a copy of the Gospel of Matthew from him. After she opened it, she saw it was a Christian book and threw it away, angry. But before she tossed it, a verse had jumped out to her: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Phyu Myaing couldn’t stop thinking about those words. As the verse played on repeat in her mind, Phyu Myaing’s heart changed. She wanted to know more about Jesus.

When Pastor Thet Moe’s church held an event for people interested in learning about Christ, Phyu Myaing attended. There, the pastor described how God had changed his life, and he shared key passages from Romans: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Those words pierced Phyu Myaing’s heart. As images of past sins flashed through her mind like a slideshow, she knew she needed God’s grace through Christ.

Reading a simple New Testament or tract is often a person’s first step toward discovering truth and new hope.

A Burden Removed

Phyu Myaing came back to the program the next day. When it ended, she knelt down, tears streaming down her face. She asked God to forgive her and welcomed Him into her life.

Reading a simple New Testament or tract is often a person’s first step toward discovering truth and new hope.

Phyu Myaing later joined Pastor Thet Moe’s church and became actively involved in the Women’s Fellowship ministry. Now, with the burden of fear lifted from her heart, Phyu Myaing’s life is filled with peace and assurance. This journey of transformation started after she got to read one single verse from a copy of God’s Word. Even when she was angry and afraid, Scripture spoke to her.

Thank you for partnering with GFA-supported workers so they can continue sharing Bibles and New Testaments with those hungry for good news! Through partners like you, more people like Phyu Myaing are finding new life through the transformative words of Scripture.

May 2019, Vol. 15, No. 4

At age 34, Pival had a husband and five children, but she was missing something that most people gain during childhood. With her days spent labouring tirelessly in the fields to provide for her family, it seemed she was too busy to learn something new.

But when two GFA-supported Sisters of Compassion told her they were teaching literacy classes for women, the words tumbled out.

“I do not know how to read and write,” Pival said.

Struggling for Subsistence

Without education and with no land of their own, Pival and her husband struggled to provide for their children through slash-and-burn agriculture (clearing forest to cultivate crops) and through daily labour jobs.

They were desperate to please their gods. Every Wednesday, Pival fasted, performed rituals and sought her god’s blessing, but that didn’t give her prosperity.

Two Sisters of Compassion, Jiya and Shari, lived nearby. One day, as they were visiting ladies in Pival’s village who attended their literacy class, they met Pival. As they talked, Jiya and Shari told Pival of God’s love. They also explained they taught a class to help women who couldn’t read or write. Pival asked to join.

Through literacy classes, women who had never before had the opportunity to be educated are learning to read and write.

New Skill, New Hope

Glad for Pival’s interest, the sisters welcomed her to the class, which included about five other women. As they taught Pival how to read and write, their friendship grew. They continued to visit Pival, encourage her and pray for her.

Attending the literacy classes faithfully and eagerly, Pival soon could write her own name. Excitement and gratitude filled her heart.

“With the help of Sisters of Compassion team, I am learning to read and write,” she said.

Not only did she learn to read and write, but she also was impacted by Jiya’s and Shari’s friendship. Seeing their commitment to Jesus, Pival desired to know Him and placed her trust in Him. She got involved in the local church and began growing in her faith.

Because Jesus sent two friends to demonstrate His love, Pival gained the valuable skill she longed for—and a gift even more precious.

“I have found hope in the Lord,” Pival says.

April 2019, Vol. 15, No. 3

Somya, 45, gazed out the bus window, a multitude of signs whizzing by. She carefully watched for the landmarks that signaled she was approaching the bank. Being illiterate made traveling difficult.

At the bank, Somya stood in line getting nervous as she approached the teller. Most of Somya’s female friends were educated, and Somya wished she could read and write like them. She felt humiliated that she couldn’t even sign her name.

A Dream Cut Short

Somya had to drop out of school in second grade to help her family earn money for food. Somya always wished she could finish her education. But after working for her parents, getting married and having children, that dream slowly disintegrated into ashes.

Being illiterate was a daily burden for Somya. Guilt weighed on her every time her kids needed help with their homework because she could not assist them in their education. Sometimes Somya thought about learning to read and write, but how? She couldn’t take time away from her house work and helping in the fields to go back to school. And how would they pay for it? It was a blessing just to send their children to school. Somya was thankful she never had to pull them away from their education to help put food on the table.

Each Sunday, when Somya and her family attended worship services, she longingly watched the other women read out loud from the Bible. She wished she could read God’s Word for herself and bless others by reading it out loud. Somya prayed for God, the Giver of all good things, to help her.

An Awkward Beginning

On International Literacy Day, Somya heard that some Sisters of Compassion were going to hold a literacy class for women in her village. Trembling with fear and excitement, Somya signed up.

The women met every Wednesday and Saturday, first learning to trace the alphabet. Belli, one of the Sisters of Compassion, encouraged the class, knowing it would be difficult for them at first. Somya found it awkward to draw the characters, so she humbly let Belli hold her hand and help her write the characters on her slate.

In the beginning, Somya mispronounced the letters of the alphabet. The other villagers’ ridicule rang in her ears: What is the need of learning to read and write at this age? Somya pushed the discouraging thoughts away and pressed on.

Belli saw that Somya was a very attentive student. She worked hard in class and practiced at home as well. Somya faithfully attended classes, even though it was a sacrifice for her to come.

The Blessings of Literacy Are Mulitiplied

It took time, but slowly Somya learned to read and write. She can now conduct business at the bank without any help. She can be confident knowing what the forms say and what she is signing. She can travel to new places, being able to read the signs as she rides the bus.

Most precious to Somya, she can now stand up in church to read God’s Word for everyone’s benefit.

“I thank God from my heart for helping me to read and learn,” says Somya. “Even though I worked hard, it was God who helped me to learn well. Especially, I thank the sisters who held my hands and encouraged me to learn. Today I am able to read and write.”

January 2019, Vol. 15, No. 1

Twelve-year-old Aijez had never set foot inside a school. He and his family lived in the slums. His father, Mukil, earned a living as a daily labourer, while Aijez and his siblings worked at a tire shop for additional income. Because the young boy worked to support his family, Aijez had no opportunity to attend school. Every day as he worked at the tire shop, he saw other children walking to school. All he could do was watch, unable to join them.

Destitution Abounding

Aijez, like many slum children, was caught in the vicious cycle of utter poverty. Because he could not go to school, his future held nothing but continued impoverishment. Day after day it stayed the same—toiling at the tire shop—and would have continued this way. However, some Sisters of Compassion, Gena and Meriel, started serving in his area. Surveying the slum, these sisters saw a very real need.

Gena and Meriel watched many children sitting and playing in the mud. They saw the destitution and hopelessness in their eyes. So these women went out, spreading word that they were holding literacy classes. At first, only a few families sent their children to the classes, unsure of the sisters’ intentions. But as trust was built over time, more and more children and mothers began to attend. But trust had not yet been established in Aijez’s family.

A Transformation

Aijez watched the children attend the classes, and he wished he could join them. One day, Aijez came across Gena and Meriel. When the sisters saw this dirty, unkempt boy, they saw something beyond his poverty; they saw his deep desire to learn.

The sisters invited him to the literacy classes. Aijez secretly began to attend the evening classes after his daily labour work. He knew his father, Mukil, wouldn’t approve, but Aijez yearned to learn. Every night, with pencil in hand, the eager boy began his education. Aijez soaked up everything the sisters taught.

After some days, Gena and Meriel, not wanting to go behind Mukil’s back, approached the man. They showed him Aijez’s desire to learn and asked him to send Aijez to the classes full-time. By the grace of God, Mukil agreed. When Aijez heard that he would attend the classes with his father’s blessing, he rejoiced and thanked the sisters wholeheartedly.

A God-given Chance

Aijez worked hard, both at class and at the tire shop. He knew this was an opportunity he could not waste. Seeing Aijez’s diligence in his studies, Mukil let Aijez’s mother and sister attend the classes as well.

In the span of six months, Aijez learned the alphabet both in his dialect and English; and is able to write and read numbers, too! Aijez can now attend a real school. No longer does he work at the tire shop but attends school full-time. After school, he still goes to the literacy class, soaking up the love and encouragement from the Sisters of Compassion.

“I am thankful to these sisters for their hard work,” Aijez shares. “If they had not come here, I would have never learned or [got] a chance to go [to] school. Today I am so happy that I am going to school along with other children and playing with them.”

Now, the mud and dirt are no longer Aijez’s future. He and his family can look to something higher than the ground around them. For them, the cycle of poverty is breaking.

Stories like Aijez’s are only possible because of donors and sponsors like you. Because of you, there are many families who will experience similar changes, through God’s ministers. Thank you, and God bless you!

September 2016, Vol. 12, No. 6

Sisters of Compassion in Asia stretch out loving hands to the helpless and downtrodden, ministering to their everyday needs.

Most of 12-year-old Mareechi’s neighbours were poor and uneducated, like him. Many adults worked as labourers, street cleaners or garbage pickers, and some of the children did too. Although some kids could go to school, the majority spent their time roaming the narrow, refuse-filled alleyways, often picking pockets, swiping food and even sneaking into other people’s homes to take from their meagre possessions.

Life in the slum was never easy, never safe and never clean.

Entering the Slum

Many people find themselves in slums when they move to cities in hopes of better wages. Others, like Mareechi, are born into them.

But Sabita, Kala and Kuntal, three Gospel for Asia-supported Sisters of Compassion, travelled to Mareechi’s slum for another reason: They wanted to display the love of their Creator.

They gave people practical advice about health and hygiene. They visited the sick and downtrodden. They held literacy classes to help women who never had a chance to be educated. And they started “Sunday school” classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays to help children like Mareechi discover a better way to spend their idle time. Above all, they prayed for God to touch hearts.

Love and Prayers Heal Mother, Son

During Sunday school, Mareechi didn’t interact with the other students. When Sabita, Kala and Kuntal asked him why, he told them about his health problems. An inexplicable dizziness and nausea often caused him to lose his balance and collapse. The same condition affected his mother, Pehr. Though the family often prayed to their gods and goddesses, and Mareechi’s hard-working father spent far more than the family could afford on doctors’ visits and treatments, neither mother nor son found healing, and their lives remained miserable.

When the Sisters of Compassion found out about Mareechi’s condition, they responded with love and prayer.

After a few months, Mareechi’s mother suddenly realized her son was better. She asked him about it, and he responded, “The sisters prayed to Jesus, and He healed me.”

Overjoyed, Pehr found the three women at church that Sunday and told them what God had done. She came back week after week and started learning more about Jesus. It didn’t take long for Pehr to experience His grace, joy, peace and healing in her life, and she received the gift of becoming a child of the Living God. Her husband, witnessing God’s power in his family’s life, made the same choice.

All this is made possible because God hears the prayers of His children—whether those prayers come from three Sisters of Compassion serving in an Asian slum or from your very own home. Thank you for your prayers for the people of Asia.

September 2016, Vol. 12, No. 6

Pieces of literature help answer questions that people like Niriksh (not pictured) often have about Jesus.

Niriksh was impressed by what he saw.

The elderly man sat at a distance, watching a group of 50 women who had gathered in an open space below. At the front of the crowd stood the women from a local Women’s Fellowship group who had organized the meeting. It was September 8, World Literacy Day.

They shared about the significance and importance of education, and several women from the village came forward at the end, eager to participate in a Gospel for Asia - supported literacy class. The Women’s Fellowship sisters had seen Niriksh, and after the event, they went over to speak with him.

What the Old Man Said

“You are doing a very good work,” Niriksh said to the women shortly after they approached.

As the conversation continued, one of the women offered Niriksh a piece of literature.

“I am illiterate,” Niriksh said in reply. “Please tell me what is written in it.”

The women explained the piece of literature, and the conversation turned to the church and Jesus. Seeking more information, Niriksh learned about Jesus’ miraculous birth, death and resurrection.

As Niriksh heard the story, excitement stirred within him. He joyfully took hold of Jesus’ offer of eternal life and begged the Women’s Fellowship team to visit his wife and tell her the same thing they had told him.

At his request, the sisters visited Niriksh’s wife later that day and told her the message of great joy as well. She, too, chose to take hold of the Saviour’s hand.

Within a couple years after that day, Niriksh and his wife both passed away. Today, they’re enjoying fellowship with Christ, face to face.

Just like Niriksh’s, our lives on earth will come to a close someday. Thank you for investing yourself into seeing more people like Niriksh understand the grace of our Saviour.

June 2016, Vol. 12, No. 4

June 2015, Vol. 11, No. 4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

The words of Psalm 23 have comforted Shweta, who recently walked through the valley of the shadow of death. Scriptures like this one echo in Shweta’s mind throughout the day. Hungry for more life-giving words, she reads the Bible in the morning, when she gets time during the afternoon, and at nighttime. But just a few years ago, Shweta couldn’t read Scripture during challenging times—she couldn’t read at all.

Wanting to Grow, Facing a Hindrance

More than 10 years ago, the Lord healed Shweta through the faithful prayers of a pastor after she fell into a coma. Shweta and her husband believed in Christ, but they didn’t grow in their faith.

About four years later, Jesus reached out to Shweta and her family yet again when Gospel for Asia pastor Gupta met them and shared more about Christ. Shweta started to attend Pastor Gupta’s church, and she and her husband decided to walk with Jesus wholeheartedly.

This time, Shweta didn’t stay the same. She grew in the knowledge of her Saviour, and longing to introduce others to this patient God, Shweta served people in her community and prayed for them. But Shweta couldn’t read passages from the Bible to them—she was illiterate. Raised in a slum, Shweta never went to school.

“I always longed and desired for when I could read the Bible and write and share from it,” she remembers.

Woman Shares the Gift of Literacy

One day, Pastor Gupta invited Shweta to join the literacy class hosted by the church’s Women’s Fellowship. For three and a half years, she soaked up lessons on reading and writing alongside more than 20 other women.

Now Shweta knows how to read and write, and she’s even started teaching other women! She helped two ladies learn to read and write, and they eventually decided to start attending church too. Shweta’s new ability to read and write has also allowed her to tutor her children and encourage them in their education.

Most important, Shweta can now read, memorize and meditate on the promises found in God’s Word— promises that she desperately needs each day, especially since tragedy struck her family.

New Skill Brings New Confidence

In April 2014, after a three-year battle with tuberculosis, Shweta’s husband passed away. Shweta started working to provide for her three children, so Gospel for Asia assisted her by giving her stationery to open a stationery shop. When she doesn’t have customers, she can continue soaking up the words of Scripture even on the job.

Now, when Shweta joins her pastor’s wife to tell others about Jesus and pray for the sick, she can confidently encourage them with the life-giving words from Bible verses she has memorized.

Thank you for supporting Gospel for Asia’s women’s literacy program. Through your generosity and prayers, many more women like Shweta have not only gained confidence by learning a much-needed skill but have also received the gift of being able to read God’s powerful Word for themselves.

August 2014, Vol. 10, No. 5

May 2014, Vol. 10, No. 3

February 2014, Vol. 10, No. 2

August 2013, Vol. 9, No. 5

As usual, people in the bustling city marketplace hustled past Pradip, trying to avoid him.

A snake-catcher, Pradip was disdained by almost everyone. His people are a nomadic group at the bottom of the caste system, living outside the city in an isolated village comprised of temporary sheds. They rarely take baths or wash their clothes. Although the people’s traditional occupation is catching and defanging snakes, they earn their living primarily by going into busy city areas to beg and to entertain people through snake-charming, dramas and dances. Instead of sending their children to school, they usually teach them these methods of earning money. People look down on the snake-catchers because of their low caste, their lack of cleanliness and their aggressive begging tactics.

But on this particular day, something unique happened: Pradip was astonished when a man began talking with him. The man, Gospel for Asia pastor Ramra Khan, had been handing out Christian literature among the people and stopped to talk with Pradip about the love of Jesus.

Hearing that Jesus, the living God, loves the snake-catchers so much that He died for them, Pradip’s heart was stirred. He asked Pastor Ramra to come to his village to tell the other snake-catchers and their families about Jesus.

Even though most people wouldn’t have dared soil their image by going to the snake-catchers’ village, Pastor Ramra followed Pradip there that very day.

A Miracle Opens Hearts

Upon his arrival, Pastor Ramra learned that Damini, the wife of a snake-catcher, had been tormented by demons. Around noon, people brought her to Pastor Ramra under a tree, and he began praying for her. About 200 people gathered to watch as he interceded in Jesus’ name for the woman writhing on the ground.

The evil spirits struggled to maintain control over her.

“I will kill her,” one demon spoke through her.

But after four hours of intercession, God completely delivered Damini.

Astounded by this miracle, the villagers’ hearts opened to the Good News, and Pastor Ramra started visiting them regularly. People began to believe in Jesus.

Months later, when Pastor Ramra and some women missionaries hosted a prayer meeting in the village, many demon-possessed and sick people received deliverance and healing and decided to follow Christ.

Change from the Inside Out

God’s kingdom is rapidly spreading throughout this village. Not only does Pastor Ramra lead a prayer meeting every Friday night—usually attended by about 40–50 people—but he also started an adult literacy class and a Sunday school, where nearly 40 children learn about God’s Word every week.

As the villagers seek to know more about this Jesus who loves even snake-catchers, many have chosen to embrace Christ’s love—including Damini, Pradip and their families. These two families travel a long distance every Sunday to worship with Pastor Ramra’s main congregation in the city.

As Jesus’ light shines in this village, He is not only transforming individual lives; He is changing the entire community. Many people have stopped smoking. Parents have started sending their children to the nearby school, and people are learning the importance of bathing daily and adopting clean habits.

This transformation occurred because God used a national missionary to reach out in love to a group of despised people. Thank you for supporting the ministries of national missionaries so more people like the snake-catchers can experience Christ’s deep, redeeming love toward them.

August 2013, Vol. 9, No. 5

August 2012, Vol. 8, No. 5

Grishma had seen the slum where men earned their wages by collecting trash, where children had to beg instead of attend school, where women lived in agony as they watched their children starve.

When it came time for Grishma to decide where she wanted to serve the Lord, it hardly seemed like a choice. Grishma had seen the slum where men earned their wages by collecting trash, where children had to beg instead of attend school, where women lived in agony as they watched their children starve. She knew what she had to do. The slum would be her ministry.

Grishma knew how easily she could have been one of these slum dwellers. It was only by the Lord’s grace that she was raised in a Christian home, the youngest of four children. She was allowed to attend school, and she had parents who loved her. Shortly after completing high school, she attended a Gospel for Asia-supported Bible college. She was an excellent student and was eager to obey the Lord by fulfilling His call on her life.

So, when Grishma learned that she could serve in the slums, she quickly volunteered to go where the Lord was calling her. She was ready.

Hope for the Hopeless

It is not hard to feel deep compassion for those who live in the slums. The poverty is shocking. Jobs are rare, which makes begging and trash-picking common vocations. Furthermore, many men waste what precious little money they earn on alcohol. Most families live without hope, without any means to escape. That is, until someone like Grishma comes along.

Knowing that she would be of no use without the Lord’s favor, Grishma prayed earnestly for wisdom. She decided to visit each house in the slum to build relationships, no small task in a community of 200 houses. She made a point to share with the families that there is a God who truly loves them, and then she would pray for their needs.

The people, so desperate and broken, listened to Grishma as she spoke of God’s love, a notion that was sometimes difficult for them to understand but often intriguing as well.

A Thriving Ministry

Grishma is already experiencing a great deal of fruit from her ministry. An adult literacy program was established, allowing some of the women from this slum the previously unthinkable opportunity for an education. In addition, Grishma has begun a ministry for children, keeping young ones off the streets and teaching them about the hope found in Jesus.

Recently, as the ministry has grown, two more young women have come to serve alongside Grishma. Now all three are teaching the women of this village about proper hygiene and distributing much-needed clothes to the residents. In the future, Grishma hopes to start a tailoring center where women can learn to make their own clothes and earn extra income for their families.

Grishma knows why her ministry has been blessed: “We three sisters are in God’s hands,” she explains. “Let God use us according to His desire for the expansion of His kingdom.”