The Life of a Christian Missionary: A Journey of Faith and Sacrifice
The life of a Christian missionary is often marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to spreading the Good News of Christ. At GFA World, we have witnessed how the faithful obedience of missionaries transforms lives and communities. A shining example of this commitment is the late George Verwer, whose legacy continues to inspire countless believers worldwide. Verwer’s radical passion for Christ and dedication to reaching the lost profoundly shaped global missions, including the ministry of GFA World’s founder, K.P. Yohannan (Metropolitan Yohan).
In his youth, Yohannan attended a mission conference in South Asia where Verwer issued a life-altering challenge: “I invite you to come, die, and live.” Verwer’s call to dedicate one’s life to Christ, even in the face of persecution and death, resonated deeply with the 17-year-old.
Yohannan reflected,
“That night, I wrestled with the invitation, ultimately praying, ‘Lord, I have nothing to offer you, but if you want me, I give you everything I am.’”
This moment of surrender became the foundation of Yohannan’s ministry, leading to the establishment of GFA World, an organization that has since equipped over 100,000 workers to minister in some of the most challenging contexts globally.[1]
George Verwer’s life was characterized by humility, authenticity and an unrelenting passion for the lost. Yohannan described him as both a mentor and a role model, comparing his life to that of the Apostle Paul.
Yohannan said,
“He showed me what it means to be both deeply devoted to Christ and compassionate toward a hurting world.”
Verwer’s influence has not only shaped individual lives but also is empowering modern day Christian missionaries to bring Christ’s love to people in desperate need.[2]
At GFA World, Verwer’s example finds echoes in the work of missionaries like Pastor Jair. Once leading a reckless life with over 100 police detentions, Jair encountered Christ and experienced a radical transformation. Today, he ministers to prisoners, sharing the hope of the Gospel and meeting their practical needs. In one prison, his efforts led to the formation of a congregation of over 60 inmates who gather regularly to worship. Beyond spiritual ministry, Jair arranged donations of sewing machines to help inmates develop skills and distributed winter clothing to those abandoned by their families. “We are here to share the love of Jesus,” Jair told them. His ministry reflects GFA World’s commitment to addressing both spiritual and physical needs in underserved communities.[3]
Missionaries like Jair illustrate the selflessness and determination needed to overcome barriers in reaching those who have yet to hear the message of Christ. Their work requires constant reliance on God, as well as creativity to meet the unique needs of those they serve. Stories like Jair’s remind us that missions is not simply about sharing words but living out God’s love in practical, tangible ways that restore dignity and bring hope to broken lives.
At GFA World, we also celebrate the role of women Christian missionaries, whose resilience and creativity open doors to relationships in contexts where cultural dynamics demand sensitivity. Women have played indispensable roles throughout missions history, from Mary Slessor in Africa to Amy Carmichael in South Asia, and their contributions continue to this day. They exemplify the balance of compassion and courage that is central to effective ministry. Testimonies of Christian missionaries continually remind us of the eternal significance of this work. These stories show that even in the most hopeless places, God’s light can shine brightly, bringing hope and redemption to those in need.
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to partner with us in sharing the Good News is by sponsoring a missionary. At GFA World, $30 a month helps provide essential resources for a missionary, enabling them to focus fully on their ministry.[4] Sponsorship equips missionaries to share God’s love in some of the most overlooked areas, reaching people with clean water, healthcare, education and the life-changing message of Christ. This partnership directly supports missionaries sharing the Good News in places, and who are often the first and only connection to the Gospel for many people.
Despite the advances of modern missions, the global need remains overwhelming. According to the Status of Global Christianity report, nearly 2.4 billion people—over 28% of the world’s population—live in groups that have not yet been reached with the Good News.[5] This reality underscores the urgent need for prayer, partnership and resources to bring the message of Christ to these populations not yet reached. Additionally, as global dynamics evolve, so do the challenges faced by missionaries. Political, cultural and economic barriers often hinder their efforts, making the support and prayers of partners even more critical.
George Verwer’s legacy exemplifies the eternal impact of a life surrendered to God’s call. His influence resonates through organizations like GFA World, inspiring generations to live out the Great Commission. As Yohannan noted, “All this through the incredible life and influence of one man—George Verwer.” Today, we invite you to partner with us in this mission. Together, we can bring the Good News of Christ to those who have never heard it.
Learn more about Christian missionaries who serve at GFA World[1] “K.P. Yohannan: George Verwer’s Invitation to ‘Come, Die, and Live’ Radically Changed My Life.”’ GFA World. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/remembering-george-verwer/.
[2] Premier Christianity. “George Verwer (1938-2023): The Trailblazing Evangelist Reached the World for Christ.” Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.premierchristianity.com/obituaries/george-verwer-1938-2023-the-trailblazing-evangelist-reached-the-world-for-christ/15341.article.
[3] “2024 Special Report.” GFA Media. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://gfamedia.org/downloads/special-reports/2024-GFA-World-Special-Report.pdf.
[4] “Sponsor a Missionary.” GFA World. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/sponsor/sponsor-info/.
[5] Johnson, Todd M. and Zurlo, Gina A. “Status of Global Christianity, 2021.” Center for the Study of Global Christianity. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.gordonconwell.edu/center-for-global-christianity/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/12/Status-of-Global-Christianity-2021.pdf.