Gospel for Asia (now GFA World) is an independent Christian missionary and humanitarian organization, founded by K. P. Yohannan in 1979, focusing on residents of Asian countries and small parts of Africa. The organization is located about five miles southwest of Wills Point, Texas, a small community east of Dallas,Texas. It is affiliated with the Believers Eastern Church.
GFA World is present in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Laos Thailand, and Rwanda.
History
In 1981, current president K.P Yohannan formed a branch of GFA World (known for over 40 years as Gospel for Asia) in his native Kerala, with an Indian headquarters being set up in Tiruvalla in 1983.
The organization has grown to support various humanitarian and spiritual programs as well as working with outside organizations, including local governments and the Believer's Eastern Church, which owns and operates hospitals, colleges and public and residential schools.
Programs
The goal of GFA focuses on the formation of missionaries native to the region they serve, with special emphasis on Asia. The organization has defined its primary mission field as being those people that live in the 10/40 Window, a rectangular region extending from West Africa to East Asia.
National missionaries
GFA's main focus is to train and equip national missionaries. Yohannan has stated that he does not limit "national missionaries" to formal nation-states, instead focusing on differences in culture and language to define nationalities. This approach might result in several specialized missionary groups within a single nation-state, from large cities and regions down to small tribes and villages. In 2018 GFA reported that they have over 16,000 missionaries and church planters in 10 Asian nations."As India’s Water Shortage Worsens, GFA World’s-supported ‘Jesus Wells’ Serve Thousands" MISCW. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2023.</ref>
Church buildings, Bibles and gospel literature
Gospel for Asia raises funds for the building of simple Christian worship centers in small villages to educate new disciples as well as provide a visible meeting place for Christians. However, they have built several large cathedral type buildings in major cities. Examples are St. Thomas Believers Church Cathedral in Thiruvalla and another in an upscale neighborhood Hauz Khas. GFA states they distribute native-language bibles and evangelical Christian literature to the region.
Radio and television broadcasts
GFA produces the broadcast Radio in Asia, the Athmeeya Yathra (Spiritual Journey) radio programs and Athmeeyayathra Television's YouTube channel, which provides biblical video content.
Bible colleges
GFA states it has 56 bible colleges in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka with the purpose of training native missionaries with usage of their own dialects and cultures so that leaders could promote gospels. The program includes three years of instruction, including field instruction and experience.
GFA World Child Sponsorships
GFA World maintains a child sponsorship program for poor families in underserved communities, especially lower-caste families. The program offers education, physical and spiritual care, including healthcare training and vocational training for women. In its 2019 Special Report, GFA World had reported that there were 138,000 children enrolled throughout Asia in its child sponsorship program.
Clean Water Wells
GFA digs clean water bore wells in communities where water is scarce during parts or most of the year. These wells are built for long-term use near churches, bible colleges or Child Sponsorship centers, and each well is maintained by a local pastor. These wells provide free, clean water to individuals regardless of caste, class, social designation or religion. In its 2019 Special Report, GFA World reported 4,856 wells were drilled in communities needing clean water and 12,243 BioSand water filters have been provided to individuals or families who only have access to compromised water sources.
Leprosy Ministry
Also called “Reaching Friends Ministry,” the Leprosy Ministry started as a small effort in 2007 to help a few people suffering with the disease. GFA World workers care for the patients through social and relief work, medical aid, and health and hygiene awareness programs.