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third quarter 2011 | volume 31 | number 3

{GOSPEL FOR ASIA NEWS MAGAZINE}

HEALING & HOPE

One Womans Love for Her People

CALLED TO

+ Two Friendships Lasting for Eternity

{www.gfa.org}

from the editor-in-chief

In this day and age when we hear multiple reports of spiritual-sounding salesmen peddling their religious messages like so many good-luck charms, it is no wonder that we develop a little skepticism. Thats why its
refreshing to me to hear Marys story and to see her simple yet solid faith. She has no ambitions for power or fame or profither only desire is to see the Lord glorified. What an honor to serve her and the thousands of our brothers and sisters just like her!

Please turn to page 10 to read how the Lord is using Mary, a simple village woman, to touch and transform her communityboth physically and spiritually.

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

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SEND! VOLUME 31, NUMBER 3

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 Rich Lodi, Gisela Yohannan WRITERS Terri Castellanos, Michelle Jimnez, Susan Lawson, Shelly Moon 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 64 32 33.

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

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departments:
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4 gospel for asia + you

You are impacting the mission fields of Asia.

16 in focus
Two Friendships Lasting for Eternity

How your partnership is changing lives. In this issue, we highlight ministry to those afflicted with leprosy and Sunday schools for children.
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pg 6

20 short reports

Brief glimpses of what God is doing all across South Asia.

featured:

6 like a brother

Both Samuel and Tanushri have discovered that their commitment to sharing the love of Jesus has brought them the unexpected blessing of close friendshipsand fruitful partnerships for the Gospels sake.

22 profile
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Even though she has served the Lord at Gospel for Asias home office for nearly 24 yearsand had her fair share of trials tooClaudia is still going strong.

10 called to healing and hope

Mary spends a good deal of her time traveling from village to village, visiting homes, sharing the hope of Jesus and praying for the sick. She has become a beacon of hope in her community.

23 five minutes with K.P.

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When we meditate on the Scriptures, put our faith in Jesus and believe like little children, we will discover that with Him, nothing is impossible.

ON THE COVER

When a mother brings her son for prayer, Mary holds the little boy on her lap while she prays.
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gospel for asia + you {You can impact the mission fields of Asia}

Jesus Wells: Blessing Babies v

In January, I lost a baby at 20 weeks. We trusted Jesus that this was a good thing because something was really wrong, but we were so grieved by the loss. In April, I received a large inheritance. Ive given a lot of thought where to use my tithe portion, mostly wondering, What would have the greatest impact on the most babies for the best use of these dollars? I chose Jesus Wells for the following reasons: > Clean water leads to health, safer pregnancies, healthier babies, strong children and a healthier community. > Available water means that pregnant women do not have to endanger themselves walking long distances and drink whenever they are thirsty. > Jesus Wells mean that pregnant Christian women wont be denied water by hostile neighbors.

> Jesus Wells bring a fantastic opportunity to share the Gospel with the community. Thank you for helping so many people. God has already blessed you richly, and He will continue to do so.
C.B., Rochester, Minnesota

Helping Halfway around the World v

Each Sunday, members of our teens Sunday school class divide their offering in two parts. One part goes to a mission project. Looking through your catalog, we decided on a bicycle. Weve seen pictures in SEND! magazine of missionaries heading for the villages on bikes loaded with enough equipment to fill the trunk of a car. We dont have a very big class, just ten members. Were happy to be able to help a missionary halfway around the world from us.
C.W. and B.W., Kincardine, Ontario

Visit www.gfa.org/jesuswells to learn how you can help provide clean waterand Jesus loveto thirsty souls.

An Eternal Gift v
This gift is from Judy for the Bridge of Hope program for the children. Judy went home to Jesus last month, and this is her Social Security check and some money given at her service. Judy loves children so much, I know she will be happy her money went to help clothe and feed them, and especially to teach them about Jesus, our Lord and King. God bless you all for your wonderful work in fulfilling the Great Commission.
J.D., Bayonet Point, Florida

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

A Handful of Seeds . . . A Herd of Cattle . . .

A Harvest for Asia.

By dedicating some of your animals or acres for missions through Gospel for Asia, you can bring the Good News of Gods love to those living in South Asia without any additional cash outlay.
Our ministry partner STEER, Inc., will even provide funds for animals or seeds and fertilizerand insurance. All you provide are the labor, feed, land and machinery that you are already using.

Allow your farm or ranch to produce fruit for God's kingdom!

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

www.gfa.org

In Memory of
> Alma Parsons from Fred and Luci Schaphorst, Garland and Phyllis Murphy > Baby Jack Jones from Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Dickson > Christian Callan Popoff from Henry and Judy Klassen > Christianne Warda from Elizabeth Lawryk > Dr. Ron C. Merrill from Douglas and Ronda Wyler

> Ruth Jochman from Elizabeth Ebben > Verla Suess from Betty Shannon

In Honor of
> Becky Lipe from Anita Dolash > Carolyn Imhoff from Mahlon and Cheryl Householter > Doris Nikkel from Jean Polet > Dorothy Hudson from Geraldyne Irons Johnson > Ellen Williams from Beth Elohim Ministries > Gary Tibbetts from Kenneth and Janice Rockwell > James and Evelyn Camburn from Mr. Joseph Skalak > Joannas birthday from Rebecca Hertwig > Karen Kultgen from Shirley Hall > Krista Donecker from Terry Clemens > MJ from Mrs. Tracy Craig > Mr. and Mrs. Randy Yoder from Ronald and Nettie Walter > Mr. Rob Marco from Bill and Gibbie Petrie > Mrs. Mary Carter from Don and Lydia Stevens > Peter and Karen Leyenaar from Zollinger Farms & Custom Services > Randall and Tammy Yoder from David Irvine, Sharon H. Boone > Rebecca Sigafus from Alvin and Phyllis Sigafus > Ryan Swale from Ryan and Beth Swale > Susan Edwards from August Colosimo > The Charles Carr Family from Erik Schmidgal > Urban Kultgen from Shirley Hall > Wally and Gladys Krueger from Earl and Martha McMorran > Werner Zabel from Sheanna L. Hizmi > Zekaria Hayes from Earl and Michelle Hayes

Visit:
www.gfa.org/pray

> George Stilwell from Annunziata Blandini > Geri Pate from Fred and Luci Schaphorst > Gladys Bathke from Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Dickson > Grace Gates from Fred and Luci Schaphorst > Harold Raverty from James and Bettelou Heil > Jan Jouett from Claudia Edwards > Jim Funke from John Mcleod > Katherine Micki Faucon from Henry and Cheryl Miltenberger, Kean Miller Hawthorne DArmond McCowan & Jarman LLP, Antioch Partnership Initiative, Doris Clement, Harrington Hoists, Inc., Shannon Hardware > Kathy A. McMahon from Joe Tom McMahon > Lucy Humber from Henry and Christine Lingley > Margherita Mannina from Fernand Sr. and Aline Mireault > Mel Evans from Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Dickson > Mr. Bob Kruger from Fellowship of Huntsville > Norma Carmon from Forest and Dorothy Carnine > Pat Avery from Jim Avery > Richard Jackson from Buck and Char Levis, Carol Oaks, Harry and Elaine Fredrickson > Roger H. Shafer from Huntersfield Christian Training Center

Now on Our Website

Join with us as we lift the people of Asia and their needs in prayer. You will find a multitude of areas to pray for throughout this web page. Highlights include: > Helpful resources for prayer, including a free download of K.P. Yohannans booklet, Learning to Pray > Opportunities to receive emergency prayer needs from Asia via email > A new prayer focus every month

News and Features

Basanta Kanher grew up in a traditionally religious home, but he didnt put much faith in his familys religion. Instead, he wanted to learn more about the other religions of the world, and he did that by spending a lot of time listening to different religious programs on the radio. Basanta lived in a remote area where radio was the latest technology, so he listened quite frequently when he wasnt out in the fields working to take care of his wife and three children. One day, a Gospel for Asia-supported radio program came on the air. He listened as the pastor preached Gods Word in his own language. Intrigued, Basanta began listening to the program every day . . . Visit www.gfa.org/news/articles/where-there-was-nomissionary 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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Growing up in the same village, Samuel played, fought and ate together with his friend, Baradwaj. In those days, he didnt know that they would one day be brothers in Christ too. // Tanushri doesnt let blindness get in the way of her passion to spread the Good News, but she is still glad for Jaidayals help to navigate the village streetsand for his friendship. They didnt always have this close bond, but now they are like sister and brother. // Over the years, both Samuels and Tanushris friendships have grown to take on a new dimension they never expected: fruitful partnerships for the Gospels sake. >>

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SAMUEL+ BARADWAJ
Images: Baradwaj has been a source of encouragement and companionship to Samuel (above, at right) as well as a partner in sharing Gods love (right).

THE FRIEND WHO WOULDNT GIVE UP As schoolmates and neighbors in a former tea plantation, Samuel and Baradwaj endured hardships together. Both their fathers drank excessively, and when either boy temporarily ran away to escape drunken rages, he would stay at the others house. When the two friends reached the age of 12, they began smoking and drinking, embarking upon the same path their alcoholic fathers trod. But God gave Samuel one friend in high school who was a believer and who faithfully pointed Samuel to Jesus. At first, Samuel told no one about his new faith. He was the first believer in his community and he feared negative reactions from his parents. After he enrolled in a Gospel for Asia-supported Bible college and began studying Gods Word, he realized the importance of sharing the Gospel with his loved ones. He developed a passion to intercede for his family and friendsincluding Baradwaj. Samuel graduated and continued serving in ministry. He shared the Good News with Baradwaj through letters and Gospel literature, and whenever he visited home, he told Baradwaj more about Jesus. Whenever I shared the Gospel with Baradwaj, he never mocked me; rather, he was interested in listening to what I had to say, recalls Samuel. I knew that one day Baradwaj would receive Jesus. Then Samuels leaders gave him permission to transfer back home.

Although Baradwaj was excited for Samuels return, he felt somewhat uncomfortable being friends with a pastor and didnt want to talk about Jesus. However, he knew he needed Samuels positive influence. Baradwaj, who had dropped out of school, also needed help learning English, so he visited Samuel every day. As Baradwaj read the English-language Christian literature that Samuel gave him and heard Samuels witness, God softened his heart, and he chose to surrender his life to Christ. After pondering over all those teachings, I understood that Jesus Christ has died on the cross just for my sins, Baradwaj remembers. SYMPATHY, FRIENDSHIP, SALVATION Tanushri and Jaidayal also grew up and went to school together, but their friendship began years later. Tanushri, who has been blind since infancy, suffered great despair during childhood. Her religion dictated that she must be disabled because shed sinned in a past life. Even Tanushris mother said it would have been better if she had never been born, and her schoolmates mocked and ostracized her. Tired of being rejected and neglected, Tanushri seriously contemplated suicide. But one day a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor met Tanushri. He assured her of Gods love and care for her. Tanushri took his message to heart and chose to believe in Christand for the first time in her life, she knew joy.

| send! | www.gfa.org

TANUSHRI+ JAIDAYAL
Images: Most everyone in Tanushris neighborhood and the nearby slum (below) knows herbut she couldnt do her work without the help of her dear friend, Jaidayal (left).

Tanushri grew spiritually, learning songs praising her Savior and overflowing with infectious hope. She started telling her neighbors the Good News and praying for them. Meanwhile, her schoolmate, Jaidayal, started accompanying her to and from school. He felt badly about how their peers treated Tanushri. She doesnt have eyes to see, but they have everything. Why are they talking to her like that? Jaidayal wondered to himself. As they walked together, Tanushri would share what she had learned from Gods Word. When Tanushri told him she appreciated singing with believers at prayer and worship gatherings, Jaidayal, who enjoyed music, became interested in attending. When Jaidayal helped Tanushri recite verses and learn songs of faith, his own desire for God increased. And one day, Jaidayal decided to follow Jesus too. Tanushri helped me grow in the Lord, he remembers. FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIPS Today, when Samuel visits believers in the hospital or rides his bike to nearby tea plantations to spread the message of Christ, Baradwaj often joins him and helps him with his ministry. And Samuel is tutoring Baradwaj so he can complete his education. As Baradwajs older brother in the Lord, Samuel also teaches him about the Bible and gives him counsel. They pray for each other and for their unsaved family membersand have seen miraculous answers.

In a similar way, Jaidayal and Tanushri work together to impact their community with the love of Christ. As Tanushri visits homes every day to share Gods Word, Jaidayal stands by her side, singing with her and helping her explain Bible passages. When she experiences opposition, he comforts and encourages her. Their closeknit friendship is uncommon in South Asian culture, where single men and women rarely interact as friends. Samuels life has changed drastically since he decided to surrender his life to Christ. He is now a husband, father, pastor andby the grace of Goda longtime friend to Baradwaj. For Tanushri, Jaidayal is no longer just someone who felt sorry for her. He is like my brother, she says. And through Samuel and Tanushris commitment to sharing the love of Jesus in their communities, they have discovered the unexpected blessing of close friendships that they will take with them into eternity.

More on the Web: Visit www.sendmagazinedigital.com to read and download the digital version of SEND!

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HEALING & HOPE

One Womans Love for Her People

CALLED TO

hey come down the grassy lane, pushing a cart. Rain drizzles on an already monsoon-soaked earth as father, mother and other family members approach Marys house. They have heard they can find the healing they seek at this place. Having walked for miles, they are urged on by their fears and hoping for hope. Their teenage daughter, Asha, lies in the cart, very still. Too still. Just a few days ago, she was a healthy young woman, walking and running and talking and laughing. Today, wrapped in woolen blankets, she burns with fever. She barely moves; she is silent. Their hearts break to see their little girl like this, all tied up on the inside. Ashas hand weakly grasps the side of the pushcart as if shes trying to find the strength she had just days ago, before she collapsed without warning. But she can only lie there, anesthetized

by evil spirits and unable to even tell someone what is wrong. Mary leans over the cart, her round face full of compassion near Ashas. She takes the girls hand in her own sturdy one and tells her how much the living God loves her and what He can do for her. Mary, her husband and other believers take turns praying for Asha in the name of Jesus. When Mary encourages Asha to try to sit up, she can. And now she is speaking, repeating after Mary, Praise to Jesus. Praise to Jesus. Praise to Jesus. Its just for a moment, but in her parents hearts, a little flame of hope begins to burn. Mary directs the family to take Asha to the prayer center thats located just a few minutes walk away. It is a place for rest, waiting on God and healing. She will visit them later this eveningand she will continue to pray for Asha.

Beautifuland Dangerous
Images: Marys goal is to spend time with the Lord every morning (this page, right) before He directs her to people in need (opposite page). Both she and Bishar know that God has called them as a family (this page, left).

Mary lives with her husband, Bishar, and their three children in a remote region of South Asia. Its a beautiful land, with lush, green hills and clear rivers running through the valleys. People here live a simple, agrarian way of life. But the beauty of this place belies its danger and darkness. Within thick forests live wild elephants, tigers and venomous snakes. No prudent person will travel after dark. Malaria and other fevers run rampant, and even the most rudimentary medical care is hours away. Even more prevalent are the worship of spirits and the use of witchcraftboth to appease the deities and to take revenge on an enemy. When someone gets mysteriously ill, it is usually due to some incurable disease, or black magic, or both. No wonder fear, superstition and despair dominate peoples hearts. Thats why Maryand the gift of healing God has given herhas become a beacon of hope in this area. People like Ashas family find their way to her door, searching for promises when all theyve found are impossibilities.

Calling on Everybodys God

Another reason why Marys life is so effective is because she has been there, too, in the place of desolation. After her marriage to Bishar, she began to suffer from terrible abdominal pain.

I was not able to walk; I was not able to eat anything, Mary remembers. I suffered a lot. Mary and Bishar later learned that angry relatives had placed a curse on her. But in the meantime, they could not figure out the source of her pain. In Marys search for relief, she visited temples and consulted with priests from her traditional religion. But nothing changed. She tried hospitals and mosques too. I began to call upon the name of everybodys god, she says, but still I did not get any healing. Mary had lost all hope, and the only way she could think of to end her suffering was to end her life. But the God of the universe had other plans. One night, as she was planning her suicide, she had a vision. A light appeared in her room, and she saw Someone standing in the light. My name is Jesus, He told her. I am the Lord God, and I will completely heal you; and you must testify of these things wherever you go. Mary had heard about Jesus before, but she figured He was just one of many other gods. But now she realized that He was the one true God, and she gave her life to Him at that moment. At the same time, she felt something leave her abdomen. That night I really experienced the power of God, Mary states. It was the first time I knew Jesus in my life. The next day when I got up in the morning, I realized that the pain I had been feeling was gone and that there was not any sickness in my body.

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There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of men, women and children who can now testify to knowing the living God because of how they experienced His touch on their lives through Marys prayer on their behalf. Here are just two of their stories.

Jesus Is Loving Me So Much

evanand had skin cancer that was eating away at his flesh. Doctors had given him a slim hope

for survivaland only if they amputated his affected leg and arm. When Mary visited his home and saw his condition, she wept for him. This is possible with Jesus, she encouraged Devanand. Do you believe? I am believing, he responded. Mary prayed, and soon afterward, Devanand began to feel relief from his pain. He was brought to Marys prayer center, and she continued to visit him daily, praying for him and cleaning his open wounds. Over a period of a few weeks, Devanand was completely healed and has been free of cancer ever since. I really understood that Jesus is loving me so much, he muses. So I am thankful to Jesus for His healing. The rest of my life I just want to live for Him. And Sister Mary really showed me the love of Jesus.

Everybody Knew How Much I Suffered

As Mary began to spend time in prayer, once again the Lord spoke to her, instructing her to share the Good News wherever she went and to pray for the sick. Then I slowly started my work, Mary recalls. I was not able to read a Bible because I was illiterate, but slowly I learned. And through the Word of God, the Spirit increased my faith and gave me the power to go and tell about Jesus. I would go and visit people and share my testimony, about how Jesus healed me. Everybody knew how much I suffered, so my testimony strongly helped people to understand about the living Jesus. When Mary prayed for the sick, the Lord answered powerfully, healing those who were suffering and transforming their lives. Mary, too, was learning and growing in her understanding of what God was doing through her. I understood that the Lord has given me the gift of healing to touch peoples lives, so that I can reach out to the many, many areas where the Gospel is not heard. People are living in sickness just like I was. The Lord has given this gift of healing for them, so that many will be able to come to know Jesus. Today, Mary spends a good deal of her time traveling from village to village, visiting homes, sharing the hope of Jesus and praying for the sick. Throughout the region, word has spread about her ministry and she also gets dozens of visitors each day when shes at home.

Spreading the News of His Healer

hile walking to a village one day, Jashun Kuthrapally fell into a hidden well and severely injured his knee. Then a raging

infection set in, destroying skin, muscles and nerves. His responsibilities as a local government official gave him access to the best doctors and hospitals in the region, but no one could help him. The best thing they could recommend was amputation. His family heard of Mary and asked her to come and pray for him. She told Jashun she was absolutely convinced that God could heal him. But Jashun wouldnt accept her words. Even our finest doctors have done their best, he retorted. Please, just go away. I dont believe. There is a living God, Mary persisted. He has healed worse conditions than yours. Finally, Jashun grudgingly agreed, and Mary began to intercede. The next day, Jashun started to notice a difference: He felt pain as his destroyed nerves were being restored. Mary fasted for a week and continued to pray for Jashun. As the healing progressed, Jashuns pain diminishedand his faith increased. By the time a month was up, Jashun was completely healed, and he had decided to follow Jesus. Because of his influence in the community, Jashun has had the opportunity to spread the news of his healingand his Healer far and wide. Only Jesus completely healed me, he tells people wherever he goes. I want to give all the glory and honor to the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Called as a Family
Images: Mary visits the patients in the prayer center (this page, left) every day, but she often encourages other pastors wives (this page, right) and helps her husband with his congregation (opposite page) as well.

Mary and Bishar both came to know the Lord and heard His call to ministry at about the same time. Today, Bishar is a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor, so he and Mary face quite a challenge when it comes to juggling their busy schedules while running the household and raising their children. But it has been this way since they began following Jesus, and they know it takes learning and adapting. They share household chores, and one fills in for the other when he or she is traveling. God called us as a family, Bishar says. And I am very thankful to the Lord for what He is doing with our family. As a pastor and missionary in this region, Bishar clearly sees the value of his wifes spiritual gift. As I have gone through villages, I have seen many people in need and affected by black magic. Many are very deeply woundednot only physically, but spiritually even. I am excited to see what the Lord is doing in this area, and I am so thankful that God has given me such a wonderful wife whom He is using. Bishars regional leader, Dayal, agrees. Sister Mary is very humble, even though God has given this gift to her. She has a good understanding of the Word of God. She analyzes

everything in the light of the Word of God, and only then will she go forward. She is a very good example for all the people to follow.

Ready to Follow Jesus

The prayer center where Mary sent Asha is the closest thing to a hospital in this region of South Asia, especially for people who have little or no funds for medical needs. Its a simple two-room, mud-walled building with a tin roofenough for shelter and rest as people wait on God and grow in their faith and understanding. Patients will live in the prayer center for a few days to a few months. Mary visits every morning, as is her daily custom, to pray with each person, to clean or dress any wounds and to study the Bible with everyone. The small group that Asha and her family joined is also experiencing the touch of God on their lives. One mother had brought her little 9-year-old boy to the center with a spine so distorted that he couldnt walk or even sitand now he is nearly well. A man who has set up his sleeping mat in one corner is recovering from a demonic attack he suffered when enemies poisoned his food and put a curse on him. He wandered the region as a madman for two years until some Christians brought him to Mary. A woman with a skin disease arrived five months ago. She suffered

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He is despised, and left of men, A man of pains, and acquainted with sickness, And as one hiding the face from us, He is despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely our sicknesses he hath borne, And our painshe hath carried them, And wewe have esteemed him plagued, Smitten of God, and afflicted. And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace is on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us.
Isaiah 53:35, Youngs Literal Translation

from a rash that would swell, itch and then ooze profusely. Now all that is left are some scars, but her pain and swelling are gone. When Mary visited Asha later in the day, she spent time praying for the young girl. She also read Scripture portions to her and her parents, explaining Gods promises. I began to teach them the Word of God and what the Bible says the Lord Jesus can do with your life, Mary recalls. And Ashas parents began to notice an improvement. Within two days, their daughter could move her arms and legs again. When anyone asked her a question, she would respond. As Asha slowly woke from the sleep that had chained and oppressed her, she and her parents knew that Jesus had done something for her that no one elsenot doctors, not priests, not even other gods could do. They were ready to serve and follow Him alone, and father, mother and daughter all received Jesus as Lord. Soon Asha was well enough to leave the prayer center and return home. Mary continued to visit her regularly and check on her progress, even assisting Asha with some physical therapy to help her regain the full use of her legs. We are so happy to see her good condition, Ashas father says.

A Greater Purpose
Marys ministry has resulted in more than just healed bodies. The men, women and children who experience physical restoration are freed from the bondage of fear and desolation for the first time in their lives. They have had an encounter with the God of the universe, who cared enough to touch them personally. And as they return to their homes and villages, they share how this God has changed their lives and that He can do the same for anyone. As a result, villages that were once resistant to the Good News are now receptive. Missionaries who once faced hostility are now welcome. And fellowships of new believers are springing up in areas that had never heard the name of Jesus before. Ever since God healed her, saved her and called her, Mary has been firmly convinced that the gift she has from God is for a far greater purpose than simply the relief of physical healing. This is my conviction, she says, that God has called me to deliver the people from the bondage of sin and sickness, so that wherever the Lord sends me, the Gospel can reach out in our region.

More on the Web: Visit www.sendmagazinedigital.com to read and download the digital version of SEND!

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in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}

LEPROSY MINISTRY

Caring for Body & Soul

Ajay Karada and Neelam Changra liked what Vineet Gosai told them about Jesus. Was there really a God who could love themeven though they had leprosy?
Medical Treatment and Gods Love
Vineet and his wife, Rebika, regularly visited the two men, bringing medicine to treat their disease. They lovingly tended to Ajay and Neelams open wounds and administered the life-saving medications these men could not afford any other way. The couple also prayed for Ajay and Neelam, while telling them more about Jesus and how He loves them. Soon the leprosy virus was cleared from their bodies, and their outward wounds were healed. The men were washed clean on the inside too, as they both decided to follow Christ. Because they chose Jesus, Ajay and Neelam found even more ostracism than their leprosy had previously caused them. The two men were forced out of their village because they refused to turn their back on Christ and the Christians who helped them. When the whole village did not care for us, it was only the Christians who came and helped us, and our wounds were healed by the Lord Jesus Christ, Ajay remembers.

ver the next few months, Ajay and Neelam learned that truth by seeing Gods love in action through Vineet, a Gospel for Asia-supported missionary. Vineet recognized Ajay and Neelams disease immediately and understood that their lives were incredibly difficult. Although leprosy is completely curable, it is difficult to obtain treatment in the country where Ajay and Neelam liveso thousands simply live with the devastating, disfiguring effects of the disease. Its not just the physical aspects of the disease that made Ajay and Neelams life difficult. In their society, leprosy is considered a curse, so people affected by the disease are routinely kicked out of their homes and cut off from their loved ones. This severing of relationships causes deep hurt in a society in which the family is the foundation and center.

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...it was only the Christians who came and helped us.

What is leprosy?
Leprosy, also called Hansens disease, is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium leprae that attacks nerve endings, which prevents the brain from signaling pain or injury. Without these sensations, injuries and infections abound, resulting in tissue loss. Fingers, toes, feet and hands sustain the most damage.

Is leprosy contagious?
The disease is passed through water droplets, such as a sneeze. However, 95 percent of people have a natural immunity.

Is leprosy treatable?
Yes, leprosy can be completely cured. However, damage and deformation to the body by leprosy remains.

How is leprosy cured?

A multi-drug therapy taken over the course of several months usually eliminates the leprosy germ that causes the disease. Many leprosy patients, especially those in South Asia, require long-term care for the disabilities that result from the disease going untreated.

With the help of Vineet and other GFAsupported missionaries, Ajay and Neelam were able to build a new house and start working again to support themselves. Today the men are free of leprosy and alive in Christ. We received peace in our life too. So how can we deny our faith in Jesus? Neelam says.

Just Two of Thousands

Ajay and Neelam are just two of the thousands of leprosy patients among whom GFA-supported workers actively minister. These missionaries travel into slums and far-flung villages to seek out those with leprosy and treat their wounds and to provide for basic needs such as food, clothing and special shoes made to fit the often-deformed feet caused by the disease. Perhaps the most important thing they take to these suffering people is love. In South Asian society, leprosy still carries a fearful social stigma, and each year, thousands who contract the disease are sent to live in slum settlements with other leprosy patients. There are an estimated 1,000 such colonies in India alone.

Because the leprosy patients are ostracized by their families and cut off from their livelihoods, most resort to begging just to feed themselves. Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries have deliberately identified several of these settlements and are actively ministering to the people who live in them. They treat their wounds and provide medication to knock out the leprosy virus. The missionaries also deliver practical needs, such as food, clothing and household items. In some areas, they have even started Bridge of Hope centers for the children. In many of these settlements, small churches have sprung up where leprosy patients can freely worship the God who loves them. Time and again, GFA-supported missionaries hear the leprosy patients echo the words of Ajay and Neelamsimple statements of astonishment that someone actually cared about their physical needs and loved them enough to fill their empty, hurting hearts with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Did You Know?

> 166,115 new cases of leprosy were diagnosed in > 133,717 people in India Southeast Asia during 2009. were diagnosed with leprosy during 2009, the most of any > 244,796 cases of leprosy were diagnosed worldwide during 2009. country in the world.

More on the Web: Go to www.gfa.org/cs/leprosy-ministry to learn more about how you can help GFA missionaries reach out with Gods love.
third quarter 2011 | send! |

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in focus {How your partnership is changing lives}

CHILDRENS OUTREACH

Sunday Schools: A Vital Part of Growth

When Sunday school student Sameen got bit by a snake, his non-Christian parents asked the believers in their community to take him to the church for prayer. After all the stories they had heard from their 6-year-old son about a God who heals, Sameens parents knew their unconscious boy would be in good hands at the church.

he believers prayed fervently for young Sameen, and the Lord revived him from the snakes poisonous bite. Experiencing this miracle, Sameen and his entire family publicly surrendered their lives to the Lordand it all began with a Sunday school ministry. Although Sameen and his family had followed their traditional religion, he learned about Jesus after attending a Gospel for Asia-supported Sunday school program. Sunday schools are part of Gospel for Asias Childrens Ministry, and they play a big part in the overall outreach efforts of GFA-supported churches. In some cases, a Sunday school will actually open doors to share the Good News in villages that would otherwise be resistant. A Sunday school can also strengthen the existing church by providing opportunities for children, like Sameen, to learn about the Lord, who then bring the Gospel back home to their families. And Sunday school teachers are receiving training so they can be better equipped to teach the little ones about Christand help further Gods kingdom. In one restricted Asian nation, 18 Sunday school teachers attended a training program to learn how they could be more fruitful in reaching out to their community through Sunday schools. I never thought Sunday school was a vital part of church growth, one teacher commented afterward, but now I understand their importance. Now even more families like Sameens get to experience the transforming love of Christ through their churchs Sunday school.

More on the Web: Check out www.gfa.org/children to learn more about GFAs ministry to children.

Did You Know?

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Photographs on this page are GFA Stock Photos.

Sunday schools provide spiritual growth for many young children, but sometimes parents attend the classes, too, after they witness the positive changes in their own children.

You girls stay here. Im going to get something to drink . . . After a few minutes, the train started moving again, and Mom still wasnt back! Our hearts were racing. The train kept going faster and faster. Where was Mom?

Children abandoned at train stations . . . sold into servitude . . . exploited in unspeakable ways . . . because no one cared.

But a new day is dawning for children in some of the darkest corners of the world

no longer rejected . . . alone . . . despised . . .

NO LONGER A SLUMDOG
{A brand-new book from K.P. Yohannan}
Hope is growing in the hearts of those who never knew such a thing existed. In this gripping narrative, K.P. Yohannan shares their storiesstories of lives transformed, of families learning to love, of whole communities flourishing with new life.
Order your copy of No Longer a Slumdog today! 176 pages. Suggested donation: $5 // introductory offer

There are three easy ways to order:

1. Call us at 1-800-WIN-ASIA between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. 2. Visit www.gfa.org/store to order online. 3. Use the order form in the center of this magazine, or mail your request to: Gospel for Asia 1800 Golden Trail Court Carrollton, TX 75010

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

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

"Nearly 35 Bhutanese women can now read Gods for the first time in their lives."

Word

Babys Constant Sickness

v
Sixteen-month-old Ayanna had constant diarrhea and vomiting. She couldnt keep down anything her mother fed her. Worried, her parents took her to a hospital for treatment, but the medicine the doctor prescribed didnt help the small girls condition. They then approached Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Hirla with much hope and asked him to pray for their young daughters healing. He did, and also brought them to another GFA-supported pastor Hasan, so he could pray too. These pastors laid their hands on little Ayanna and petitioned the Lord for her bodys healing. As days passed, Ayannas parents realized that her health had improved and that she was able to digest her food without any complications afterward. Ayannas parents gave glory to God when they saw their daughters miraculous healing.

Delivered from Insanity

v
For an entire month, Balbir Das had lost his desire to eat. He tried all kinds of herbal medicines in his remote village to get his appetite back, but nothing workedfood just did not appeal to him. He was taken to a hospital to figure out what was happening within his body. The doctors, however, incorrectly diagnosed Balbirs condition and prescribed the wrong treatment. Thats when things took a turn for the worse. Balbir suddenly became insane. His behavior was erratic and uncontrollable. His parents, feeling helpless, learned of a prayer center where Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries served, and they decided to seek the missionaries help. They bound Balbirs legs and arms to protect himand themselvesfrom injury and brought him to the prayer center. The team there prayed for Balbir for a week until God delivered him from his condition. Now Balbir and his parents serve the Lord, and through his healing, two other families have also come to know the saving grace of Jesus.

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A Locked Jaw for 20 Years

v
Daiwik Mehta couldnt move his jaw. For 20 years, his jaw remained completely open, keeping him from speaking properly or chewing his food. His condition distressed and discouraged him, and he would often cry. The only way he could communicate to people was through his gestures. When Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries serving in the area learned about Daiwiks condition, they felt great compassion and began to pray for him. To everyones amazement, Daiwik was soon able to move his jaw for the first time in 20 years, and he even shouted for joy.

Malaria-Stricken Child
v
Chahel and Padmal worried for their 7-year-old daughter, Maanika, who had malaria. For a week, she suffered with nausea, headaches, chills and a high fever. Poor and without any means of receiving medical care for their ill daughter, they felt hopeless. When Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries met the couple and heard about little Maanikas predicament, they earnestly prayed for the child. The next day when they went to visit the family, all of Maanikas symptoms were gone, and she was happily playing with other children in her village. Because of their daughters healing, Chahel and Padmal now believe in God and Maanika is now able to attend Sunday school to learn more about the God who healed her.

Eager for the Scriptures

v
Nearly 35 Bhutanese women can now read Gods Word for the first time in their lives. They took a literacy class taught by a third-year Bible college student doing her practical ministry. They had originally attended a two-day Bible conference at their local church, and thats when they realized the importance of learning and understanding Gods Word. The majority of these women were illiterate and were very eager to learn the Scriptures. Now they can finally read for themselves the life-giving words of God found in the Bible.

From Suspicion to Love and Trust

v
Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Immanuel heard the couple arguing as soon as he walked up to their home during his door-todoor outreach. After meeting Gajrup and Lalika, he handed them a Gospel tract, and then asked them about their problems. The couple willingly shared everything that was on their hearts. They confessed they were suspicious of each other and that trust was a fleeting hope. They desired to end their marriage. But the missionary knew the Lords restoring power and how He could help this marriage become one of love instead of mistrust. He told Gajrup and Lalika about Jesus and the new life He offers to every person who believes. As they listened, Gajrup and Lalika suddenly felt peace and joy settle in their hearts. They chose to believe on the Lord and allow Him to transform their lives. As they learned more and more about Jesus, love and trust began to replace all the suspicions that had crept into their minds. When Immanuel visited them a few days after their first encounter, he found them living happily and loving each otherthey had finally discovered true love through Christ.

Alcohol or Christ?
v
Anands addiction to alcohol drove his wife away. She went back to living with her parents, while alcohol continued to rule Anands life. But the grip alcohol had on him would soon weaken. The Lord led Gospel for Asia-supported missionary Khamal to Anands house, where he shared the Gospel with him. Anand listened to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ with much interest. Because Anand was illiterate, Khamal decided he would come visit him regularly instead of giving him a Gospel tract. Through Khamals faithful visits and his sharing of Gods Word, Anand repented of his ways and decided to let Christ, instead of alcohol, rule his life. His wife, however, has yet to accept Anand and his new life and continues to live with her parents. But Anand is praying that, just as God changed his own life, He would also change his wifes heart.

Photographs on these pages are GFA Stock Photos.

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profile

A Late-Start Missionary Cherishes Every Moment

Even though she has served the Lord for nearly 24 years in Gospel for Asias home office in Texas, Claudia got what she considers a late start in serving Jesus. The Wisconsin native learned about God as a child, but she was a grandmother before she came to know Jesus as her Savior.

GFA MISSIONARY

NAME:

Claudia
L O C AT I O N :

Texas

My desire is to know Him, love Him and serve Him until He calls me home...

More on the Web: Is God calling you to be part of GFAs home team? Visit www.gfa. org/joinstaff to learn more!

even years later, Claudia and her husband, Bob, felt an unmistakable, mutual call to serve at GFA. Claudia never imagined that she would leave her home and large familythe couple has 11 children and dozens of grandchildrento move to Texas. Bob always said, Claudia has her furniture nailed to the floor, so it was only God who got me to Texas! Claudia explains. You might expect that after submitting to serve God in a mission organization, life would be smooth sailing for Claudia and Bob. Not so, says Claudia. Satan did not give up on us! Instead, they were hit with one devastating event after another. They lost their Wisconsin home to foreclosure and watched helplessly as parents and siblings died. Bob and Claudia each suffered multiple, severe health problems. Their children and grandchildren went through a multitude of problems. But people were praying. The prayers of the saints brought us through it all. We never once felt that we should not have come or felt that we should leave, Claudia says.

Instead, they clung to Philippians 4:7 and claimed the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Their trials continued, and in 2001, Bob was diagnosed with cancer and died 12 days later. The grief was overwhelming, but again, Claudia knew where to turn for help. God promised that He would take care of me, and He has been faithful, she says. Then, just four years after losing her husband, Claudia endured two brain surgeries. My family decided that if the Lord let me live and heal, that I was not done with His work. Otherwise, they would move me back to Wisconsin, she recalls. I healed! she exclaims. Although age has brought more health problems, Claudia refuses to give up. She still serves full-time at the GFA office in Carrollton. My desire is to know Him, love Him and serve Him until He calls me home, says Claudia. When anybody finds the word retirement in the Bible, they can let us old fogies know. As long as He keeps me able, Im going to do this!

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five minutes with K.P.

Believe Jesus When You Pray

e can have all our doctrines right and be experts in the Scriptures like the Pharisees, but it will be of no use unless we apply it to our lives by faith.

Our faith must be in Jesus.

Abraham believed God when it was impossible for him to have a son. The blind men believed in Jesus to get their sight. Likewise, our faith does not rest on our faith, or in some imaginations we cook up on feelings. Instead, our faith is in the person of Jesus Christ. When we pray for a need, let us deliberately say, Jesus, You are more than able to do this. I believe You can do it and I trust You to do it.

This was the reason why those Israelites whom God delivered out

of Egypt could not enter their promised land: For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it (Hebrews 4:2). For the same reason, God cannot answer our prayers unless we pray in faith: But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:67).

It takes a childlike heart to believe.

I heard the story of a father who was frantically trying to rescue his little son from their burning two-story house. The child was alone upstairs, and the father couldnt get to him because of the flames and smoke. Standing downstairs in an open area, he called out to his son. Daddy, I cant see you! I cant see you! the boy answered. Son, jump! the father shouted. I cant see you, Daddy, the boy hesitated. Can you hear my voice? the father asked. Yes! the child cried. Then jump in the direction of my voice, his father responded. Dont worry; I will catch you. The child jumped, and his father caught him in his arms and carried him to safety. We may find ourselves in the midst of confusion that feels like thick smoke and flames, where our rational thinking and reason dont work. Thats when we need to respond and pray like a little child: I dont understand, Lord, but I will jump at Your Word and trust You to fulfill Your promise.

Can you believe?

Two blind men came to Jesus and said to Him, Son of David, have mercy on us! (Matthew 9:27). Why did they phrase their petition for healing in this way? According to tradition, being blind was a punishment and curse for something terrible they or their forefathers must have done. So the men actually were saying to Jesus, You know that we are not worthy of getting anything from You. If You would do this for us, it is Your choice and mercy. And the Lord answered them, According to your faith let it be to you (Matthew 9:29). With this Jesus was saying, The question is not whether I am willing to show mercyI am always willingbut can you believe? They could, and they immediately received their sight.

We must hold onto the Word that is sown into our hearts.
The faith we need to see our prayers answered only comes and develops from Gods Word: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Yet so much of the Bible teaching we hear and the Scripture we study or memorize is taken away by the enemy, either through our unbelief or because we dont hold on to it and meditate on it. Joshua was instructed by God not to let the book of the Law depart from his mouth, but to meditate on it day and night in order to have success (see Joshua 1:8). Continuously meditating on Gods Word drives it deep into our hearts and develops faith.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Whatever your need may be today, Jesus is able and willing to help you. There is nothing impossible with Him. Fill your heart with Gods Word, meditate on it and put your faith in Jesus. And then, when you pray, believe like a little child and you will see your Heavenly Father meet your need.

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.

Skipping school is not all fun and games . . . not when you

have to.

ut you can help provide another option! Through Bridge of Hope, God is swinging doors wide open for children from underprivileged backgrounds

to receive the educationand lovethey need. Bridge of Hope provides the schooling necessary for them to flourish in society and also offers food, medical checkups and training in practical skills. Best of all, these children get the opportunity to encounter Jesus love.

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 offer a child the chance to
discover reading, writing, arithmeticand the Redeemer who wants to transform his life from the inside out.

100 percent of your sponsorship goes directly to the Bridge of Hope centers; nothing is taken out for administrative expenses. For each child you sponsor, you will receive a sponsorship packet that includes your childs photo, correspondence information and biography.