KP Yohannan, who founded Gospel for Asia with the aim of spreading the gospel to the continent through local missionaries, died the next day, May 8, after being hit by a car while taking a morning walk. He was 74 years old. Mr. Yohannan founded Gospel for Asia in 1979 and served as its director for nearly 50 years, believing that the best way to lead local people to Christ was through “the people,” or local missionaries. According to its website, Gospel for Asia’s mission is to support national missionaries, help children from poor families, invest in community development, and assist 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 operates in over 20 countries around the world, focusing on 10/40 windows and groups of people who have little access to the Gospel.
“If we were to reach the world’s lost billions of people with the Gospel…it would be through indigenous missions,” Yohanan wrote. Christianity Today “A local missionary is much more effective than a foreign missionary. The people already know the language and it is already part of the culture. Often he or she goes where outsiders cannot go. You can go to
Yohannan was born in southern India in 1950 to a mother who prayed that one of her children would become a preacher. He was the only one to do so. He immigrated to the United States in his 1974, attended Criswell College, and then pastored a church in Dallas where he served for four years. He and his wife Gisela then founded an organization that later became Gospel for Asia.
“KP Yohannan’s commitment to the gospel was steadfast throughout his life,” said Troy A. Miller, president and CEO of the national religious broadcaster. “We may never know how many souls have been won for Christ throughout the world through His work and influence. He is an influential servant leader and evangelist. He will be remembered as a person.”
He has written multiple books. Revolution in world mission. GFA World described him as “a missionary statesman with an undying call to share the love of Christ with the world and 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
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years.His story is published below baptist press, Christianity Today, christian post, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star And that Knoxville News Sentinel.
