June 1, 2004  -  Vol. IV  Issue 19 -  137,000 Subscribed
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Dear Aalie,
Thank you for your continued prayers for Manja
(http://www.gfa.org/manja). The verdict for his case is scheduled to be
announced June 17.

I've got some beautiful sunflowers growing out in my backyard.  A
couple of them are over 12 feet tall! They all started with little sunflower
seeds carefully planted with my children about two months ago. I love
to step out back when I get home and check out the tomatoes and
cucumbers in our garden. And each time, I'm impressed with the growth and
structure of the sunflowers. They're not just tall but strong sturdy,
withstanding 90-degree weather and powerful thunderstorms. Our God is a
marvelous creator.

Those sunflowers are a living example to me of my own life--that every
thought and action will reap a harvest in due season. We reap what we
sow. Even though our actions seem small and insignificant now, they will
take root and produce either good or bad fruit. It's encouraging to
know the promise that if we persist in doing good, we *will* reap a
harvest. (Galatians 6:9) 

Thank you for helping to plant churches in Asia. Your prayers and gifts
for our brothers and sisters in Asia are making tremendous impact. God
takes our small loaves and fishes and multiplies them far beyond what
we could ask or imagine! All glory to Him.

Grace and peace,
John Schwartz
Gospel for Asia



> PHOTOS: http://www.gfa.org/gallery/index.html

> VIDEO & AUDIO: http://www.gfa.org/site/video_audio/index.html



> NEWS: (May 28, 2004)  "Precious Mother of Mine"
GFA leader Dinesh requests we intercede in prayer for a woman he calls
“precious mother of mine.�?Manimala, 68, was recently admitted to a
South Indian hospital to treat her heart problems. Earlier this week her
condition worsened and she was transferred to intensive care. For years
she has had high blood pressure and diabetes. Had it not been for his
mother’s encouragement, Dinesh may not be serving Jesus in full-time
ministry today.

Dinesh graduated from a Gospel for Asia Bible college a few years back
and heard God’s call to a dangerous area of India, far from home. His
dad resisted his plans, saying that as the youngest son, it was his duty
to stay and care for the family.

But Manimala, despite her health problems, encouraged her son to
fulfill God’s call. “If I go, I won’t be here to take care of you,�?Dinesh
told her. “God is leading you to go there,�?she replied. “You should go.�?BR>
Dinesh bought a one-way train ticket to his place of ministry. While
traveling on the train, he sensed God leading him to get off at the next
stop and take a bus the rest of the way. He later realized God’s
protection: It was soon after that a rebel group took control of the train
and killed 30 people.

Through the encouragement of a godly mother, today Dinesh sees people
who were once in spiritual darkness brought to new life in Christ. Now
Manimala needs our prayers. “Please pray,�?her son asks, “that God’s
mighty hand of healing may touch and heal her completely.�?
*Post prayer or praise: http://www.gfa.org/news/index.html
*Sponsor a missionary: http://www.gfa.org/sponsor/index.html



> NEWS: (May 27, 2004)  "Manja's May 27th Hearing Delayed"
News from Nepal this morning included an update on Manja's May 27 final
verdict hearing before the Supreme Court of Nepal. For an unknown
reason one of the three judges was absent, forcing a delay of two or three
weeks. We will inform you of any developments.

During staff prayer this morning, we were reminded that even though
Manja is in prison he is indeed free in Christ! Although we pray and
believe for his release, we are soberly aware that billions in the world
have no idea about the freedom purchased for them through the precious
blood of Christ.

Thank you for your prayers and concern for native missionary Manja. May
the Lord work mightily and may His purposes be accomplished in his life
and ours.
*Post prayer or praise: http://www.gfa.org/news/index.html
*Sponsor a missionary: http://www.gfa.org/sponsor/index.html



> NEWS: (May 27, 2004)  "Too Young to Die"
Only 12 years old, Maariammal was on her deathbed. Her illness had come
on her a month before. Even all the money her parents spent did nothing
to cure her: Unable to diagnose the disease that ravaged Maariammal’s
body, doctors gave her no hope.

With heavy hearts for Maariammal, about 50 people in the family’s Tamil
Nadu (India) community visited GFA Pastor Naresh’s home, pleading with
him to come pray to his God on her behalf. The situation was critical,
they told him. Naresh gladly went. He prayed for Maariammal and God
healed her. Hearts were open and receptive as Naresh shared the Gospel
with the gathered crowd. Many in the village put their faith in Christ.

That day, a whole community witnessed Jesus�?power to heal. Today,
instead of arranging their daughter’s funeral, Maariammal’s parents are
praising Almighty God for the grace He lavished on them.
*Post prayer or praise: http://www.gfa.org/news/index.html
*Sponsor a missionary: http://www.gfa.org/sponsor/index.html



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