October 19, 2016
During the past three months, Prabhu Kumar, the Director of WEI-India, has reported the baptisms of thirteen people, twelve of whom have come from Hindu backgrounds.
In the Chittoor District, brother Payani baptized four of his WEI students, all Hindus.
In the State of Odisha, WEI teacher, Brother Ajith Kumar Tandy baptized seven of his students, all from Hindu backgrounds.
Perhaps the most interesting conversion story that Prabhu reported is as follows:
“Mr. Vookoti Venateswara Rao (55) and his wife Bhagya Lakshmi (46) live in Gandigunta Village. They are both from a strong Hindu background. Their second son-in-law sold us the site on which we built a church building. From the beginning they have participated in congregational activities, but they have not taken baptism.”
“Bro. Kishore is working in that place. He and I have both taught them several times about the importance of salvation, but we have never found interest in their eyes regarding baptism. But suddenly, as I was preaching at Gandigunta last month, Mrs. Bhagya Lakshmi stood up in the congregation and announced that she and her husband were going to take baptism October 19th.”
“What a great surprise to all of us. How the word of God worked in their hearts! About them, many times we have all been disappointed. For years, we have been waiting for their conversion. Now God made it possible.”
“On the 19th, they came to the Punadipadu church building, along with their relatives and friends and some local congregation members. Nearly 40 people reached there by 12:10 p.m. Those who attended were all perfect Hindus but have respect for Christianity. We conducted a prayer meeting for one hour, and everybody listened very carefully. Then, we took them upstairs for the baptisms. The newly baptized couple was so happy.”
