How Do Christian Missionary Stories Reflect the Work of GFA World?
Christian missionary stories have always showcased God’s love and provision. This echoes the heart of GFA World’s mission: to demonstrate God’s love through practical service and spiritual transformation. These stories illustrate how our missionaries faithfully serve communities by meeting urgent needs, like the need for clean water, while sharing the hope of Jesus Christ. Through projects like Jesus Wells, we are able to bring life-changing solutions to people who desperately need them.[1]
One such story is how God used GFA missionary Pastor Salm to reach Balab and his family with hope. Balab, his wife and their five children suffered greatly because of a lack of clean water. In his village, Christians were forbidden to use the community water source, already polluted and unsafe. Faced with illness and rejection, Balab’s family endured malaria, typhoid and deep discouragement. Pastor Salm prayed for them and shared God’s Word, encouraging them in their struggles. When Pastor Salm saw the hardship, he facilitated the ministry’s installation of a Jesus Well for their village. Soon, clean, safe water was freely available—not just for Balab’s family, but for the entire community.
Over time, attitudes in the village changed. Witnessing the love and care shown by Christians, the villagers grew more accepting of Balab’s faith. The Jesus Well became a source of health for all and a powerful reminder of the Living Water Jesus offers.[2]
Stories like Balab’s reflect the heart of GFA World’s Jesus Wells project. For 25 years, these wells have transformed communities by providing reliable access to clean water. So far, our clean water projects have benefited more than 39 million people.[3] Dug up to 600 feet deep, Jesus Wells ensure a steady supply of clean water, even in the driest seasons. Each well is built using local labor and materials, keeping costs low while helping boost the local economy.[4]
In one remote village, GFA workers built a two-mile-long water pipeline through a rainforest to provide clean water to households suffering from contaminated sources.[5] This project dramatically improved the community’s health, softening hearts toward Christians as they witnessed the love of Christ in action.
At GFA World, missionary stories reflect the call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Providing clean water through Jesus Wells meets a critical need while pointing people to Jesus, the true Living Water.[6] Every life transformed through projects like Jesus Wells is a reflection of God’s love and care.
Through the work of GFA missionaries, entire communities are empowered, hearts are changed and God’s love shines brightly. Each Jesus Well is more than clean water—it is a testimony to the Good News, flowing freely for all. Sponsor at missionary to become a part of this historic mission.
Learn more about the faithful Christian missionaries who serve at GFA World[1] “Jesus Wells’ Project Aims to Reach 40 Millionth Person with Safe Drinking Water.” GFA World Digital. March 26, 2024. https://gfanews.org/press-releases/jesus-wells-project-aims-to-reach-40-millionth-person-with-safe-drinking-water/.
[2] “Jesus Well Provides Safe Drinking Water and Changed Attitudes.” Patheos. April 6, 2018. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/gospelforasia/2018/04/jesus-well-provides-safe-drinking-water-and-changed-attitudes/.
[3] “Jesus Wells’ Project Aims to Reach 40 Millionth Person with Safe Drinking Water.” GFA World Digital. March 26, 2024. https://gfanews.org/press-releases/jesus-wells-project-aims-to-reach-40-millionth-person-with-safe-drinking-water/.
[4] “Jesus Wells: A Clean Water Project.” GFA World. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://gospelforasia.org/access-to-clean-water/clean-water-project.
[5] “Jesus Wells’ Project Aims to Reach 40 Millionth Person with Safe Drinking Water.” GFA World Digital. March 26, 2024. https://gfanews.org/press-releases/jesus-wells-project-aims-to-reach-40-millionth-person-with-safe-drinking-water/.
[6] Ibid.