BY : Michael Foust CrosswalkHeadlines Contributor
K.P. Yohannan, who founded Gospel for Asia with the goal of evangelizing the continent through native missionaries, died May 8, one day after being struck by an automobile on his morning walk. He was 74. Yohannan launched Gospel for Asia in 1979 and served as its director for nearly 50 years, believing “national” or native missionaries are the best path to win local people to Christ. Gospel for Asia’s mission, according to its website, is to support national missionaries, sponsor children from impoverished families, invest in community development and help families in need of care during disasters.
He also served as metropolitan bishop of the Believers Eastern Church. Gospel for Asia rebranded as GFA World in 2021 and serves in more than 20 countries worldwide, focusing on the 10/40 window and people groups who have little to no access to the gospel.
“If we evangelize the world’s lost billions … it will be through native missions,” Yohannan wrote for Christianity Today in 1986. “The native missionary is far more effective than the expatriate. The national already knows the language and is already part of the culture. In many instances, he or she can go places where outsiders cannot go.”
Yohannan was born in South India in 1950 to a mother who prayed for one of her children to preach. He was the only one who did. He moved to the United States in 1974 and attended Criswell College, after which he served as pastor of a Dallas church for four years. He and his wife, Gisela, then founded the organization that became Gospel for Asia.
“K.P. Yohannan’s commitment to the gospel was steadfast throughout his lifetime,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO or National Religious Broadcasters. “We may never know how many souls across the globe were won for Christ through his work and influence. He will be remembered as an impactful servant leader and evangelist.”
He authored multiple books, including Revolution in World Missions. GFA World described him as a “missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with this world and to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Yohannan is survived by his faithful wife, Gisela; his son, Daniel; his daughter, Sarah; and seven grandchildren.
Photo credit: facebook.com/AthanasiusYohan
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