Testimonies from Gospel for Asia

The purpose of this page is for sharing the wonderful things God is doing through native missionaries in the 10/40 window.

Fisherman Becomes 'Fisher of Men'

"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him." — Matthew 4:18-20, NKJV

The Arabian Sea waters swirled around Nirmal, sucking him in with relentless force. He realized he was drowning fast.

Nirmal earned a living by fishing, but far out at sea that day, he and his fishing partners had run out of food and water. Out of desperation, his friends dove into the ocean in search of anything they could eat. One moment passed . . . then another. Then another.

"Where are my friends?" Nirmal silently wondered. Finally he could stand it no longer and jumped in to search for them. In his frantic state, he did not notice the whirlpool until it had already sucked him in, hurling him about with incredible force. Twice Nirmal nearly escaped the whirlpool's grasp, but then realized it was no use. He was drowning, and terror gripped his heart.

Suddenly he remembered how his Christian parents had prayed for him. He also thought back to the GFA Believers Church pastor who had shared the Good News with his family. At the time, his parents had believed, but he had not. Now, in the face of impending death, things felt different.

"Jesus, save me!" he cried out in desperation.

By God's gracious intervention, a boat came by at that moment and rescued Nirmal. Filled with gratitude for God's protection, Nirmal committed his life to Jesus.

And when a Believers Church pastor later told Nirmal about a Gospel for Asia Bible college not far from him, he gladly enrolled for missionary training. God used Nirmal's experiences there, both in and out of the classroom, to shape him to be a fervent intercessor for lost souls.

Nirmal finished his studies in 2003 and started full-time ministry in his coastal area. Today, because God touched the heart of a fisherman to make him a fisher of souls, more than 50 believers worship at a recently planted GFA Believers Church in Goa. Nirmal has also established four mission stations in strategic locations for evangelism and discipleship.

Please pray for Nirmal as he continues the work entrusted to him. Pray for his heart to be rooted daily in God's word and prayer. And pray that he will be a shining light of the Gospel in every circumstance.

Your compassionate prayers and support equip Gospel for Asia's 14,000-plus missionaries like Nirmal to carry out the Lord's work each day, reaching souls thirsting for meaning and hope.