In his new book, No Longer a Slumdog, Gospel for Asia founder K.P. Yohannan describes the poignant moment the Lord opened his eyes to the forgotten children of India.
“There were little children everywhere, a common sight at many busy corners in Bombay. Tourists are cautioned not to give them anything because once you do, the others will mob you. While I was at this corner, feeling a bit annoyed by little hands grabbing at me, I heard from behind me the voice of a young girl.
“Sahib, Sir, my father died. My mother is sick. She can’t beg anymore. And I have a little brother, who is very hungry. Would you please give me a few pennies so I can buy some bread and take it to him?”
“The light turned green, and everybody hurried on. But I couldn’t move. What she said pierced my heart.”
Yohannan goes on to describe the beginning of a ministry that now ministers to children viewed as trash in the demonic caste system of India. In a country where human trafficking of children is rampant, Gospel for Asia is a beacon of light in a world of darkness sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
No Longer a Slumdog is an eye-opening look into a way of life many of us could not imagine in our worst nightmares. Filled with true stories of the rescue of children by the grace and mercy of God, it is encouraging and challenging. The challenge is determining how many are still on the streets of Asia right now.
Gospel for Asia ministers to the physical needs of children through their Bridges of Hope centers. Meals, clothing, classes on hygiene, and school become a chance for life for many children. Most of all, these young souls learn they are not cast-offs, they are highly valued, loved children of the King.
“It is so important that we do not look at physical assistance alone as ‘fulfilling’ the Great Commission. If our goal is simply to improve people’s outward status without touching their soul, then we are no different than any of the hundreds of other relief organizations out there today,” says Yohannan in his book. The reality of this is seen in Gospel for Asia’s commitment that 100% of all donations and child sponsorship money goes to the field. No adminstrative or office costs are deducted. This not a flashy ministry–it is down in the trenches doing all it can do to save lives. K.P. Yohannan writes, “It is for Jesus’ sake that we act. It is in His name that we sacrifice.”
No Longer a Slumdog is a book that opened my eyes and touched my heart in a powerful way. This review was not asked for by Gospel for Asia and I do not have an affiliation with them. I saw an offer online for a free copy of No Longer a Slumdog and ordered it.
I recommend this book for every believer. There is a world dying and going to hell, it is time I wake up–really wake up to this fact. As missionary Amy Carmichael said, “We shall have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but we have only the few hours before sunset in which to win them.”
About Kellie Renfroe
Kellie and her husband Greg have been married 32 years and have four children ranging in age from 17 to 28. She co-founded Mentoring Moments for Christian Women in 2005. Kellie is a homeschooling mom who enjoys reading, studying the Bible, writing, photography, and learning how to cook.
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