Gospel for Asia moves to Manchester

Gospel for Asia is moving its UK base from York to Manchester.

From 16 January, the organisation, which supports mission in Asia, will operate out of the Message Enterprise Centre.

The move was first proposed by GFA founder and president KP Yohannan during a visit to England last May.

GFA Managing Director Brian Kirik said the relocation had been motivated in part by the "unusually high" number of churches in the Manchester area that support the ministry's work.

In the long-run, GFA expects that the move will help to reduce overheads.

"I think this is a great opportunity for us," said Kirik.

"The move was definitely initiated by the Lord, and in hindsight there are so many advantages over being in York.

"We're looking forward to being in such close proximity to the Message Trust, as we've already been encouraged by their love for the Christ, their commitment to the gospel and their fervency in prayer.

"The only down-side is moving away from those in York who have meant so much to us and the ministry. It's like leaving family in many ways."

GFA will share the centre with the Message Trust, which works with young people in schools, prisons and communities across Greater Manchester.

Message Trust founder Andy Hawthorne welcomed the move.

"We're excited about GFA moving into the MEC and feel we have so much to learn from them," he said.

"We long to see multiplication of disciples in our ministry and there's probably nobody who's worked out better how to see this happen than them."