Encouragement on a Bicycle

GFA native missionary Sandeep Kishan, his wife, Amiya, and baby daughter, Leela, serve the Lord in Haryana, India. The Lord has called them to reach many villages in their area, and Sandeep's bicycle plays a big part in this broad ministry. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

Early in the morning, Sandeep spends some time fixing a brake problem on his bicycle. Without his bike, he will not be able to do the ministry he has planned for the day. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

He also takes some time to clean and oil his bike He also takes some time to clean and oil his bike. The regular maintenance ensures that this bike will provide him years of reliable service. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

This evening, Sandeep and Amiya will ride a few miles to conduct a prayer meeting in a believer's home. This is a way of life for the couple. Several nights a week, the family travels to different villages to encourage and teach believers. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

They load up on the bike and hit the road They load up on the bike and hit the road. They race against time as Sandeep wants to reach the village before dark. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

It is normal to see several people riding on one bike in India It is normal to see several people riding on one bike in India. So a family of just two adults and one baby is a light load for the tough, Indian-made bicycle. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

When they arrive, a new believer, Salil Kalyan, and his family are there to greet the missionaries. This family is the only one in their village to follow the Lord, so far. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

Salil and his family face a lot of opposition from the other villagers, so the weekly prayer meetings are a great encouragement to them. In spite of the harassment, they are very firm in their faith. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

Everyone listens intently as Sandeep shares a message from the Bible Everyone listens intently as Sandeep shares a message from the Bible. The message challenges the family to keep pursuing Christ even though they are not always accepted. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

They also have a time of prayer They also have a time of prayer. This week, Sandeep is praying for Salil's son, Patag, who recently went blind. Sandeep prays that the Lord will heal Patag and that his testimony will have a great impact on the village. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

After the meeting, they fellowship with one another, and then it is time for Sandeep and Amiya to go home. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

After a wonderful time of prayer, fellowship, and encouragement Salil and his family finally say goodbye to Sandeep and Amiya. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

The missionaries make the journey back home so they can put their baby to bed and prepare for the next day of ministry. Tomorrow, Sandeep will be back on his bicycle, riding to share the Gospel with those who have never heard. Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

Bicycles are a vital part of many missionaries’ ministries Bicycles are a vital part of many missionaries’ ministries. To learn more about how you can help, visit www.gfa.org/bicycle-donate Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org

Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia www.gfa.org 1-800-WIN-ASIA Copyright 2008 Gospel for Asia