From K.P.

Vinda and Vasia work primarily among the Dalits (Untouchables) of India’s Maharashtra state, and God has rewarded their dedication with a church of 150 believers … But pastor Vinda and his congregation face a challenge that is all too common among our native missionaries across South Asia: The rented facilities where they meet cannot accommodate all those who so much want to attend the worship services –and their members are too poor to be able to afford a building of their own. …
Right now, Pastor Vinda’s church is just one of more than 1000 on the mission field that urgently need their own buildings. …

Besides running out of space, there are other pressing reasons why churches in Asia need their own worship places. Some are unable to rent meeting places at all because they are located in areas hostile to the Gospel.
Other face restrictions on church activities in their rented facilities, and non-Christians landlords frequently cancel their leases at the least provocation. Many churches are under constant surveillance and harassment by anti-Christian groups because they meet in rented public places.

Any of these things makes it difficult for a pastor to build a solid work, disciple new believers and welcome visitors. What these churches need is their own church home where the believers can grow in their faith and all can worship Jesus without interference.

Although congregations like Pastor Vinda’s cannot meet the entire cost, they are eager to contribute land, material and labor to make “God’s House” a reality in their communities. So Gospel for Asia prayerfully encourages them to proceed with the construction of their church building as far as they possibly can. Again and again I have seen that there is no lack of willingness to sacrifice and work hard for this cause among these first-generation believers!

But the reality is that these believers, mostly Dalits, are desperately poor and cannot finish their church home without help.

So today, I want to ask you to help them.

The church buildings we build on the mission field are simple, concrete-and-brick structures that fit well within their culture and seat about 300 people, which is sufficient for their growing needs. And the cost of one church building comes to about 13200$

This is where God gives us the opportunity to function as the Body of Christ and help meet the needs of our dear brothers and sisters half a world away.

Just think, your gift … will actually help bless one of these Asian congregations with its own place of meeting, worship and ministry –perhaps for the very first time!

And somewhere in Asia, your love and generosity will be the cause of mush rejoicing and praising God from the hearts and lips of those the Lord so recently redeemed by His grace.

K.P. Yohannan
President & Founder of Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

If you’d like to give, please send the money to
245 King Street E, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 1L9

Or give to this month “Bank for Native Missionaries” all the monies will be sent at the end of the month to Gospel for Asia towards a church building in Asia. As of June 8, 2006 we are at 8$. Thank you in advance!
See www.banknm.blogspot.com for more details on why and how to send help.