Send! Web Extras - Third Quarter 2007

Reaching the Women of Goa

Salila is the wife of Gospel for Asia’s Goa state leader, Jawahar*. She shares his burden to reach the people of Goa—especially the women, for she knew what it was like to grow up without hope.

Salila grew up watching her father drink and gamble—and her mother grow more and more hopeless.

Salila’s dad went to his mother’s home to get money for his alcohol addiction. Once inside, he heard tearful prayers crying out to God on his behalf—they were coming from a little girl who knew about his addiction. Struck deeply, he repented, leaving his mother’s home with something much more precious than the money he wanted. By deciding to follow Christ, he also unknowingly saved the lives of his wife and children.

Salila grew up watching her father drink and gamble—and her mother grow more and more hopeless. Finally, her mother planned to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge with all her children. Salila’s uncle found out about the plan and brought the family to stay with him.

Salila works hard for the Lord while taking care of her husband and son.

This uncle was a Christian, and Salila began attending church with his family. She was the first person in her family to begin praying for her father’s salvation. When that prayer was miraculously answered, Salila and her family received salvation and found new joy and hope in Christ.

Today, Salila is grown and has shared that hope with hundreds of women in situations similar to hers.

After graduating from a GFA Bible college in 1996, Salila and a fellow graduate began ministry in Karnataka, India.

“I had a special vision for this village,” she shared. “I visited my aunt in this village, and I saw the people without anyone to share Christ with them. While I was in Bible college, I was praying for this place.”

Salila’s husband, Jawahar, is the GFA leader for Goa state.

Early in their ministry, they struggled with lack of finances and other difficulties, but endured. Their faithfulness resulted in a church of over 200 worshippers!

In 2000, Salila married Jawahar, who is today GFA’s Goa state leader. She faithfully labors alongside him, teaching in a Bible college and helping with computers, while taking care of their family.

Even with all her responsibilities, Salila continues reaching out to Goa’s women who are in desperate circumstances. Salila has helped start a strong women’s ministry, training women to lead fellowships in each church in Goa. She was also instrumental in starting the Goa ladies team in her region and joins them for outreach.

Even with all her responsibilities, Salila continues reaching out to Goa’s women who are in desperate circumstances.

Jawahar is encouraged by his wife’s commitement and perseverance.

“Definitely, the church will see a great growth,” Jawahar says. “And we can see a great plan of God and glory in the church.”

Salila continues working hard for the people of her state. Please pray for her outreach to touch the lives of many women who are desperate for hope.

*names changed for security reasons

Watch a PhotoShow about the lives changed by the work of the ladies team Salila started.

Bringing the Gospel to Goa

Youth Quake