A Gift That Won’t Ever Wear Out

A Gift That Won’t Ever Wear Out

A Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) News Release – For Immediate Release

WILLS POINT, TX (ANS – November 30, 2016) -- “Lord, we have to help Sunil,” Ekanpreet cried out. “Please grant us some ways so that we can help him and will be able to share about You.”

Ekanpreet, a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor, loved the people of the remote community he served. One family’s situation particularly burdened his heart and prompted him to beseech the Lord on their behalf with extra fervor.

Helpless Against the Cold

Sunil and his wife, Lajja, tried to shield themselves from the cold wind, but their thin blanket brought little comfort to their chilled bodies. The winter months brought deep suffering, but Sunil and Lajja could do very little to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures outside their small bamboo home.

Although Sunil held down a consistent job as a servant in a house, his pay was not fixed, which meant he depended on the sporadic generosity of his employer. What little he earned wasn't enough to purchase warm winter clothing for himself or his wife, and they had no children to care for them. When winter assailed their area, their lives became miserable, and none of their relatives came to their aid.

Pastor Ekanpreet crossed paths with Sunil many times and longed to help him. They had many conversations together, but Sunil's heart was as cold as his body; he didn't want to understand the grace of Christ.

Sunil’s plight weighed on Pastor Ekanpreet’s heart, and he earnestly asked God to provide an opportunity to help him and his wife. He shared Sunil’s predicament with the believers in his congregation, and they regularly sought the Lord together on behalf of Sunil and Lajja. Soon, through the kindness demonstrated by believers living far away from their own small village, their prayers were answered.

An Answer to Fervent Prayers

Exciting news reached Pastor Ekanpreet one day -- he would have the opportunity to organize a gift distribution for families in his community! As Pastor Ekanpreet prayed about and considered which families he should include in the distribution, Sunil came to mind as one person he greatly wanted to help.

A few weeks later, families gathered to received their life-changing gifts -- the kinds of items found in Gospel for Asia's Christmas Gift Catalog. When Sunil’s name was called, he walked up and embraced the thick, high-quality blanket that was placed in his arms. Pastor Ekanpreet even gave some desperately needed winter clothing for Sunil and his wife so they could stay warm during the day as well as in the night.

Gifts Warm Heart and Body

The love the church showed him deeply impacted Sunil.

“Why are these people helping me [as if they were] my own relatives?” he contemplated. “Even my own blood relatives have not taken any initiative to take care of me and my wife.”

Pastor Ekanpreet encouraged Sunil and shared more about God's nature of mercy and compassion. He explained how God always cares about the poor and downtrodden people, and how the gifts were given because His Church desires to love how He loves.

“Uncle!” Ekanpreet said, respectfully addressing Sunil according to their culture. “This is the right time for you to know about [the] . . . One who created you and allowed you to live in this world.”

Sunil and Lajja reveled in their new physical warmth, and they considered the kindness God demonstrated toward them. The Lord stirred their hearts, and as Pastor Ekanpreet shared with them, they gradually understood God loved them so much He sent His Son to take the penalty for their wrongdoings and wipe away their shame. A hope and peace they had never known before grew within them, and Sunil and his wife both gladly asked Jesus to make them new creations in Him.

Hope that Will Never Be Torn

“I am very thankful to my loving God,” Sunil says, “the One who has provided me with such a kind community through whom I was able to receive a blanket, so in the season of heart-piercing cold I can hide myself under the warmest blanket.”

Although Sunil and Lajja treasure their warm clothes and blanket, they rejoice even more over the treasure they discovered in Christ.

He shared, “Today, I have a new blanket, but tomorrow it could be torn; but through this blanket I could understand His infinite love in my personal life. This is the great benefit for me.”

Sunil and Lajja now celebrate their new life in Christ alongside Pastor Ekanpreet and many other people from their community. While once they were cold and ill-clothed, they now possess the warm clothing they need, and they await the pure garments of white Jesus will one day give His Bride.

Sunil expressed his heart of gratitude by voicing a prayer: “May God give [the church] more opportunities to help the many needy people and to share God’s unfailing love.”

Share God's Unfailing Love

Today, you can be part of answering Sunil’s prayer, and the prayers of many people across Asia, by helping more families discover the Lamb who provides for His flock and covers their every stain. Celebrate Christ's birth and gift of love by donating toward items in GFA's Christmas Gift Catalog -- http://www.gfa.org/gift/.

Note: Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) has -- for more than 30 years -- provided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through its radio ministry.

To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, please contact: pressrelations@gfa.org .

Photo captions: 1) Pastor Ekanpreet faithfully asks God to provide a way for him to help the poor families in his community. (GFA). 2) Families with little income, like Sunil and his wife, often struggle during winter. Some are too poorly clothed to even leave the warmth of a fire to find work. (GFA). 3) The gift of a blanket brought great joy to this man, just as it did to Sunil. Although a blanket is a simple item, it spares people from misery and helps protect them from sicknesses. (GFA). 4) Pastor Ekanpreet (pictured) brings hope and comfort to many people in his community by helping meet their practical needs and answering their questions about Christ. (GFA). 5) Along with Sunil, these men grew in their relationship with Jesus as they worshiped the Lord together and listened to Pastor Ekanpreet share from God's Word. (GFA). 6) Whether a blanket helps a husband care for his wife or helps a mother keep her children warm, the tangible demonstration of Christ's love leaves a lasting impact on many recipients' hearts. (GFA).

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