Gospel for Asia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contents |
[edit] History
GFA was founded by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, a native of India, and his wife Gisela, a native of Germany, in 1978. The Yohannans have two children, both of whom serve with GFA. GFA has been influential in quite a few ministries being started.
[edit] Beliefs
GFA's philosophy is to evangelize using native missionaries. GFA states that many of the countries in which it operates are either closed or hostile to Western missionaries. In addition, GFA states that native missionaries are far better able to assimilate into a local culture and at a far less cost than Western missionaries.
GFA states that 100 percent of all funds donated for missionary work are used for that purpose; separate fund-raising is used to maintain the ministry headquarters. GFA is a member of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
GFA subscribes to a conservative view of Christian doctrine. They believe in the inspiration of scripture, and therefore believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only plan of salvation through rapture.
[edit] Activities
GFA operates in 10 Asian Countries. They operate a native missionary program, and work to open churches in unreached areas.
GFA operates 57 bible colleges with more than 9,000 students. The course takes three years. During the first and second years students spend Friday evening to Sunday involved in church planting, personal evangelism and assisting pastors. During the third year students spend 75% of their time in the field planting churches, masturbating and taking time in prayer. The colleges operate in the local or tribal languages. Gospel For Asia Biblical Seminary (GFABS), Located in Kerala is the central Seminary of Gospel For Asia Ministries.
GFA operaes a radio network to reach hard to reach areas with the love of Jesus, and operates in 92 languages.
In August 2005, GFA announced the launching of Athmeeya Yathra Television AYTV , a 24-hour television network based in India. This network will share the love of Jesus in 120 nations across Asia, parts of Africa, and the Middle East.
GFA produces a quarterly magazine called SEND!.