LTRP Note: The following letter to the editor is written by one of our readers out of a deep sadness and concern that K.P. Yohannon, in his 2020 book, Never Give Up, is showing a strong affinity to contemplative mystics. In that book, Yohannon says he is learning things from the Desert Fathers and the early mystics (calling them “incredible Christians” and “giants of the faith” pp. 92-93) that no one had told him about in his earlier Christian years. How tragic that a Christian man who grew up in a country that is mostly Hindu is pointing his followers to mystics who embraced practices similar to those in Hinduism as Lighthouse Trails has documented for nearly two decades. And with popular evangelical leaders like Calvary Chapel pastors Skip Heitzig and Chip Lusko and Bible Answer man Hank Hanegraaff endorsing the book, many unsuspecting Christians will now be introduced to the contemplative mystics and their practices.
Lighthouse Trails has obtained its own copy of Never Give Up and confirms what is being said in this letter and even more so.
Hello Lighthouse Trails Family:
I thank God for this ministry through you. It has been through your ministry and others whom you are familiar with (TBC, Way of Life etc.) that I have learned what true faith, as opposed to false faith, looks like.
For years in the past, I have supported (monetarily and prayers) a man named K.P. Yohannon and the ministry he founded, Gospel For Asia (GFA for short) for their work in foreign lands by sending out front-line workers that lived in the area to spread the Gospel. I especially liked the Christmas gifts that could be bought (goats, pigs, chickens, blankets, tools etc.) and given to these hurting and needy people.
Well, for the past several years, K.P. Yohannon has been embroiled in a lawsuit that stated he had been deceitful in his business practices and was pilfering monies that were supposedly told were going to the mission field. He settled the suit out of court and had to eventually pay several million dollars to the people who originally brought the suit against him. Though vindicated, the suit found no fault on the side of GFA, if the suit had continued, as those who opposed him wanted him gone, he had to pay the money to stop the suit.
So what did K.P. do? He wrote a book, Never Give Up. In it, though, I learned, as all who read it themselves, that K.P. had been steeped in contemplative mysticism, The Jesus Prayer, Sign of the Cross, Desert Fathers and Mothers, Henri Nouwen . . . Yowch! My request is obvious, as per this book K.P. has written well over 200 books in his lifetime, could you please send your package to ministers to: www.gfa.org Founder and Director K.P Yohannon @ Gospel For Asia, 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, TX 75169, (972) 300 – 7777 Fax (972) 300 – 7778.
Needless to say this ministry will affect thousands, and I dare say he is deceiving untold people with his gospel with added traditions and mystical practices.
He states that the ministry exalts God and the Holy Church (a word that scares me) and believes St. Teresa of Calcutta and quotes from both St. John of the Cross [who believed that God was in everything] and St. Teresa of Avila [who levitated during her mystical experiences].
Again, I thank you for your work and pray the booklets will affect a willing and receptive heart in K.P. Yohannon and his family and ministry. He may have to realize that the people who stayed were the ones who practice the same, comforting them in their distaste for the right way for that which is false.
People all need to know what K.P. is telling his donors—that he is doing the right thing by teaching converts in the practice of New Age mysticism.
D is definitely for Deception!
Thank you graciously, with love.
Richard
I wonder if David Jeremiah even read the book. Surely knowing the shameful history of the man, he should have steered clear.
I stopped supporting GFA when the whole donation scandal broke and I saw videos of graduates from KP’s school of ministry in India going up to him to kiss his ring. I don’t know what happened to him. He seemed to have started so well.
It seems to me that anyone who is born again stops looking for something more fulfilling. Yes, even born again people can be led astray, but not for very long.
Yes a great delusion of testing will be sent tempting even the elect. Walk by faith in God and in his word not by untrustworthy feelings. This contemplative heresy is another form of ego stroking ear tickling vainity mere chasing after the wind from the evil one.
Sadly, K.P. Yohannon has fallen for turning to The New Age Mysticism under the delusion that the Gospel plus traditions plus mystical practices is what God wants us to follow. Again sadly this is “Another Gospel “. Thomas Merton, a Catholic Monk, who helped bring Contemplative Spirituality to Christianity claiming God dwells in all of us. Chuck Swindoll and David Jeremiah, two men who indorse his book is very disturbing. Rick Warren also told people to read his book. The Purpose Driven Warren has lead many people to false teaching for many years. Hindu Monks, Desert Fathers and all Desert Mystics have led many people to a demonic realm that is sending them to a lost eternity without Christ. The Apostate teaching in many places all over the world is growing rapidly. The Gospel is their only Hope. Pray for all of them.
This is all true! I supported GFA for years, rejoicing over the good work they were doing. Then I saw photos that aroused some suspicions, did some research, talked to a friend who knew someone who had worked with GFA who did not give a good report, and my support stopped. They still try to get me back, and sent a copy of the above mentioned book. I was aghast at what I saw, K.P. praising mystics and using titles like the Catholics do, calling people “Saint”. I had noticed an increase in the use of titles before by GFA, and K.P. himself goes by “Metropolitan” by his denomination. I had thought before that each congregation was independent, but they are not. Deception abounds!
In Christ, Sarah
I very strongly supported GFA for years , until I learned that they were lying about where the money was going!
Once someone you trusted tells lies, how can you regain that trust?
I found out that K P Yohannon went astray both financially and with regard to honesty. I’m done with both supporting him or recommending him.
Not surprised he is now deceived spiritually as well.
SAD!