GFA Radio speakers prayerfully prepare messages about hope, faith in Christ and godly living. Their broadcasts bring good news to remote mountain villages and crowded slums alike.

“If you come to Him by faith, He will surely heal all your pain, sorrows and troubles.” Those words echoing from the radio sparked hope in Kansha’s heart. Maybe this Jesus could help her sister find peace.

Times of Trouble

Kansha’s sister, 22-year-old Reanna, had recently moved back with her family after years of turmoil. When Reanna was in the eighth grade, her parents arranged her marriage. As was the custom, the young girl moved to her husband’s home.

At first, the newly married couple lived a happy life. Reanna’s in-laws and husband treated her well. But when Reanna wanted to continue her education, her husband and in-laws denied her request seeing no importance in it. Reanna talked to her parents about her desire, but they, too, refused to support her. Reanna’s hopes and dreams were crushed, and she fell into a deep depression.

Two years later, Reanna’s husband and in-laws noticed how Reanna would withdraw and lash out at them.

They sought help from witch doctors, but after seeing no change, Reanna’s irritated in-laws sent the young woman back to her parents. Her parents consulted many doctors and mental health professionals, but they couldn’t offer a solution.

Peace at Last

One day, while Kansha, Reanna’s sister, was listening to the radio, she came across a station talking about Jesus and His power to heal. Nothing else had helped Reanna, so Kansha decided to call the radio speaker.

Kansha told of her sister’s troubles to the speaker, GFA pastor Dhiraj, and he suggested Kansha bring Reanna to his church’s day of prayer the next Tuesday. When the sisters arrived at the church, Pastor Dhiraj and the congregation prayed for the troubled young woman. After that, Pastor Dhiraj offered the sisters a New Testament to take home and invited them to visit again.

Kansha and Reanna faithfully attended church services, and they fellowshipped and connected with the believers. Over the next few months, Reanna’s depression lifted, and her family rejoiced at the change. Now, instead of sadness, the joy of Christ dwells in Reanna’s heart, and it all started when words of hope echoed from the radio.

In the midst of an agonizing illness, Raj, (pictured) heard a radio broadcast about God's healing of Job. His life changed as he continued listening to more broadcasts and later developed a friendship with a missionary.

A provocative question tumbled out of Raj’s mouth: “If there is healing in Jesus, why should I not believe in Him?”

While the answer to this rhetorical question was obvious to Raj, it would soon drive a wedge into his closest relationships, making him a disappointment to people who had always stood by him.

Overcoming Adversity—Then Finding More

Raj’s parents could have seen their firstborn son as a disappointment many years before, when he was just a baby. Before Raj was born, they had great plans for him, but as their infant son grew, they discovered he was blind. In a culture where people with disabilities often face stigma and lack access to needed resources, Raj’s blindness shattered his parents’ expectations—and aroused scorn from their neighbors. People gossiped that Raj’s condition might have resulted from his parents’ sin.

Raj overcame adversity to arrive at 12th grade—a feat for any student in his region. Then illness interrupted what should have been a joyful final year of school. Beset with a high fever and scabies, Raj scratched himself in agony for two months. A doctor prescribed medicine, but Raj’s condition didn’t improve. He began to despair.

From Hope to Faith

In the midst of an agonizing illness, Raj, (pictured) heard a radio broadcast about God's healing of Job. His life changed as he continued listening to more broadcasts and later developed a friendship with a missionary.

Early one morning, Raj was listening to music on the radio. In the program following the music, a broadcaster talked about the incredible suffering faced by a man named Job. Raj kept listening as the speaker shared about the healing and grace Job found in God. From that day on, Raj listened regularly to the GFA-supported radio program, hungry to know more about Jesus Christ.

Although Raj desired deeper knowledge of God, there was no church in his village. But one day, a GFA-supported pastor, Nandan, visited Raj’s village and met the young man. Hearing about Raj’s sickness, Pastor Nandan encouraged him.

“In the Bible there were many people who were suffering from various diseases,” the pastor explained, “but when they believed and prayed in Jesus’ name, they were completely healed.”

Raj told Pastor Nandan about what he had already been learning from the radio broadcasts. That’s when he asked the questions that would change his life: “If there is healing in Jesus, why should I not believe in Him? … Tell me: What do I need to do?”

Brushing off Rejection, Embracing Joy

Pastor Nandan explained that Raj could enter a relationship with Christ by believing in Him and calling upon Him. The pastor continued visiting and praying for Raj. Eventually, the Lord completely healed Raj of his fever and scabies.

Grateful to the One who healed him, Raj decided to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

That’s when Raj began to face rejection from his own family. Though they had supported him even when others mocked them because of his blindness, his new faith was a source of shame they refused to bear. They began verbally harassing him and stopped financially supporting his education. Some days Raj went hungry in the hostile home. His family tried to stop him from going to church, but he attended worship services secretly. Raj’s parents chastised Pastor Nandan too, but he continued to visit, encourage and pray for his new brother in Christ.

Despite the opposition Raj has faced, he radiates joy and peace, thanking the God who healed him miraculously.

“I used to be sad all the time whenever people mocked at me,” Raj said, “but now I am so happy. … Let people say whatever they want. I have got the living God, who is my internal eyes.”

This is Bina with her family. It wasn’t until Bina happened upon a GFA-supported radio broadcast that hope penetrated the sorrowful mother’s dark world.

The sun may have been shining, but that hardly mattered to Bina—her life was always dark.

Her wrinkled, brown hands acted as her eyes. As evening drew near and the daily activities came to a close, Bina’s fingers quickly found a small box with a plastic knob. As she turned the radio’s dial, hoping to find a station she liked, her attentive ears caught an unfamiliar word—Jesus. Intrigued, she paused to listen to the program...a decision that would change her life forever.

Born Blind and Bereft

Bina was born blind, so she learned to use her hands and ears instead. Because of her handicap, she felt worthless, good for nothing, disposable.

Bina’s older sister had married a man named Sameep, but sadly, after a few years, she became paralyzed. Bina prayed to her gods and goddesses for her sister’s wellbeing, but her sister eventually died. This troubled Bina, as did the other sicknesses her family experienced.

After Bina’s sister’s death, the family arranged for her and Sameep to get married. The two of them had three children and lived together in relative happiness for many years, but Bina couldn’t shake her feelings of confusion about the health of her family.

Radio Program Offers Comfort, Healing

For her evening entertainment, Bina often turned to radio programs. One day, she heard something that brought comfort to her restless heart, something about a man named Jesus who cared for people and could heal them. She didn’t understand everything, but as the speaker on the GFA-supported radio program closed his message with a prayer, she felt peace. After that prayer, Bina wanted to hear more.

The more Bina listened to the program and prayed along with the speaker, the more God moved in her life. She gradually realized that the days she prayed to Jesus were her happiest and most peaceful days. She even started praying to Jesus for the well-being of her family, and He brought His healing touch to their lives. What’s more, the entire atmosphere of their home became peaceful.

Woman Shares Life-changing Radio with Family

As Bina witnessed the changes Jesus made, she shared the radio program with her husband and other family members. A desire grew in her heart to give Jesus first place in her life. After she and her husband moved to a new city, they met a GFA-supported pastor and started attending church. Although Bina’s physical eyes remain dim, the eyes of her heart have been opened to hear the voice of Jesus through the radio program.

Each year, the Gospel for Asia-supported radio ministry receives thousands of responses to broadcasts. Radio correspondents pray for listeners and personally respond to the letters, phone calls and emails they receive.

Every day, countless people in Asia tune in to Gospel for Asia-supported radio programs to find encouragement, learn how to live a morally upright life and hear about the love of Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, these broadcasts bring hope for many at just the right moment in their lives and are continually opening doors for further ministry. To help celebrate more than 30 years of Gospel for Asia’s radio ministry, we’ve included five short stories in this issue of Harvest about the miracles God has performed in Asia through radio. Thank you for standing with us to help proclaim the name of Jesus.

Man Regains Lost Railway Job

When Rajani lost his railway job, he gave up all hope. He worried about meeting his family’s needs. Then one day while tuning his radio, Rajani heard a broadcast from a Gospel for Asia-supported radio program. “God cares for you; therefore there’s no need to fear,” the speaker said. “Believe in the Lord and take courage.”

Encouraged, Rajani began to ask the Lord for peace in his heart and the restoration of his job. Soon after, he reapplied for his job, and the Lord gave Rajani back his position with the railway! Today, Rajani continues to find encouragement through Gospel for Asia-supported radio broadcasts.

Healing through a Phone Call

A painful boil on Sharadendu’s back oozed pus and left him with a high fever. He tried using several different kinds of medicine, but nothing he tried could heal him or give him relief from his agony.

But on the radio Sharadendu had heard of a healing God. One day, he called a Gospel for Asia-supported radio station, and the people in the office prayed for his healing. Later, the radio station received a letter from Sharadendu.

“You prayed for my healing over the phone,” he said. “God did a miracle on that day itself. He delivered me from great pain. Thank you for your kind prayers. Praise God.”

Waiting for Marriage

Simrit worried about finding a husband. Many women in Asia are married in their early 20s, but Simrit was 31 years old. Even her relatives and neighbors mocked her because she wasn’t married.

When she found out about a Gospel for Asia-supported radio program, she sent a letter to the radio station to tell them of her sorrows. The staff at the station prayed for Simrit and wrote her a letter of encouragement.

Sometime later, Simrit wrote to the radio station again with joyful news: God had given her a husband! Today Simrit and her husband are walking side by side in awe of the God who brought them together.

They Prayed for Nine Months

James’ younger sister had been married for several years, but she and her husband had no children.

Out of compassion for his sister, James wrote to a Gospel for Asia-supported radio station, asking for prayer on his sister’s behalf.

Each time the staff at the radio station came together for prayer, they prayed for James’ sister. Nine months later, the staff received another letter from James.

“I am so thankful to you and for your prayers. God has granted a baby girl for my younger sister through your prayers,” the letter said. “Also, I never miss your radio program. Really, the message, which you are sharing, is very much a blessing for me and my family.”

A Timely Letter

No matter how many steps Kanvar took, his legs refused to co-operate. An accident had hindered his natural stride and left his body tense and sore. As a listener of a Gospel for Asia-supported radio broadcast, Kanvar wrote a letter to the radio station, and to his joy, he received one in return.

The letter lifted Kanvar’s spirits and gave him hope in the Lord, and his health began to improve!

Kanvar came to realize that Christians love, care for and encourage others in times of discouragement, and he is eager to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Sameena ran a hotel, and like all hotels, this hotel had guests. People came and left, to be replaced by others who came and departed in their turn. Some faces became familiar through the years, while the rest blurred together.

Out of that sea of one-time visitors, one man stands unique in Sameena’s memory: He was the man who changed her life. He was a Christian. To this day, she still doesn’t know his name, but she has not forgotten the Name he told her about: Jesus.

Longing for Peace and Joy

Growing up, Sameena had faithfully followed all the traditions of her ancestors. She and her mother had spent much time visiting holy places together, but as Sameena became a wife and mother, she realized she felt empty inside. She and her husband often argued, leaving her in tears.

Sameena longed for something more and eventually made up her mind to give up her religion. Her family pressured her to keep worshipping with them, but she had no desire to. Many years later, Sameena’s hotel guest told her about Jesus. She discovered the peace and joy she had been longing for all of her life and started walking with Christ.

But that day also brought a newfound difficulty into her life: Her guest left, and there was no one else to tell her more about her now-precious Saviour. There was no one among her friends, her family, or even among all those who entered her hotel day by day. Sameena had found a measure of peace and joy and longed for a greater share of it, but she didn’t know where to go.

Radio Changes Her Life Forever

Six months later, as Sameena tuned her radio one evening, she happened upon a Gospel for Asia-supported radio broadcast in her native language.

The broadcaster shared from John 3:16, telling of Jesus’ great love and the eternal life found through Him.

Sameena was overjoyed to hear about Christ again, and from that day, she faithfully tuned in at 5:30 p.m. to listen to the daily broadcast. She eventually contacted the Gospel for Asia-supported team who broadcasted the program and asked them for prayer.

Although she was eventually able to find a church, it is through the radio program that Sameena finds encouragement on a day-to-day basis. And because Sameena is illiterate and cannot read a Bible, the daily broadcast helps her grow in her walk with Jesus. The more she listens, the more her life is transformed by the power of Christ.

‘Every Word Is So Precious to Me’

“The radio program has become a means of blessing to my life and family,” Sameena shares. “The messages are so powerful; every word is so precious to me because whenever I would be discouraged . . . the radio program gave me comfort, hope, joy and strength. I love to listen to the program every day. If I don’t listen to the program, I will feel spiritually dry. I really love the radio program.”

God is truly touching hearts through Gospel for Asia’s radio ministry. Thank you so much for making stories like this possible.

Kanaka and her family were about to commit suicide. Disease had destroyed Kanaka’s kidneys, and doctors had given up hope of her ever getting better. Helpless and in despair, the family of four decided to kill themselves.

But at the last minute, they heard about Gospel for Asia Radio’s call centre, where GFA workers intercede for anyone who asks for prayer. The family called and shared their struggles, and the believer on the other end of the phone then told them about Jesus. The whole call centre prayed earnestly for Kanaka’s healing, and the Lord answered!

Kanaka was completely healed—much to the amazement of her family and her community. Now Kanaka and her family are getting to know the Lord—and they’re telling others about His love and goodness.

Because believers like you donated toward GFA Radio, Kanaka’s story didn’t end in tragedy. Instead, she and her family experienced and embraced the love of Christ. Thank you for your generosity!

Even when he was sober, it seemed he could never find a way for his family to be happy. One day, though, he heard something on the radio that changed everything.

The year away from home was supposed to be a year of growth and prosperity, but when Tamas returned from working abroad, he brought his family more trouble instead of wealth.

He drank heavily and picked fights with his wife, Vahini, and the family’s financial problems continued as if Tamas had never left. He worked hard for a solution, but even when he was sober, it seemed he could never find a way for his family to be happy. One day, though, he heard something on the radio that changed everything.

An Inviting Voice

Tamas listened absentmindedly as Vahini switched through the stations, searching for the morning news. Suddenly a voice came on that was different from the rest—sweet and engaging.

Tamas shouted at Vahini to stop turning the dial, and he listened as the voice told him about Jesus, the Creator of earth who heals all infirmities.

Although the message was short, it captivated him, and he began to think about the life he had been leading. The next day, he listened again, and he continued listening every day, learning about Jesus’ love and how to talk with Him.

A Life of Peace

Soon after, Tamas met a local pastor, Kaamil, who began visiting Tamas’s family and telling them more about Jesus. Each day, Tamas and Vahini’s understanding of Jesus’ love grew, and they soon decided they wanted it for themselves.

Tamas gave up his drinking habit, and the couple began attending church. Together, they chose to follow Jesus for the rest of their days, and they were filled with joy as their lives were transformed.

See how a GFA radio broadcast helped to radically transform one family.

Now the once-struggling family lives happily in the peace Tamas had hoped for, and their neighbours are asking about Jesus too. After witnessing the change in Tamas, they are eager to see what God will do in their own lives.

Meanwhile, Tamas continues to listen to that voice he first heard on the radio, growing in his faith and ever thankful that what a year away from home couldn’t fix, Jesus restored through a 15-minute radio program.