Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India, bordered on the south by Tamil Nadu, on the west by Karnataka, on the north and northwest by Maharashtra, on the northeast by Chhattisgarh and Orissa states, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. .
Agriculture plays an important role in Andhra's economy. About 70 percent of the population are farmers. Major cultivation is rice and is known as the rice bowl of India. Other important crops are sugarcane, oilseeds, beans, and pulses . Important mineral deposits, including coal, natural gas, asbestos, barites, copper, mica, and iron ore are present.
Vishwa Vani Ministries in Andhra Pradesh
The ministries of Vishwa Vani is having a significant role in Andhra Pradesh. At present there are 1050 Field Workers working in 441 Web Centers, and reaching 2324 Villages.
There are 1727 Bible Study Groups and 23785 Baptized Believers. The believers are worshiping in 662 Worship Groups. And 485 Churches are Constructed. 19 Churches are under construction.
The needs are more. 127 Churches are to be Constructed and 293 type3 Workers are to be trained
Growth in ministry: Adilabad district is called the tribal district of Andhra Pradesh . Only 0.05% Christians are there as per 2001 census. Vishwa Vani ministry is penetrating in the least evangelized mandals like Ichoda, Naranoor and Talamadugu. The first church has been dedicated in Talamadugu Mandal on 27th January, 2008. The whole mandal has never heard of Jesus. This is the only church. People from various villages thronged to see a church Building . Out of 32 villages onlyl 8 are reached. Pastor Prabhu Dayal is working here. Recently a doctor from Adilabad town seeing our work promised to support constructing 7 churches. T Umri Village is also in Talamadugu mandal. Now church is being built here. Gondi Tribal people are coming to the Lord. In Dorli Village Vijayamma was beaten by her own son for following Lord Jesus Christ. She was dragged to the local police station. In spite of the opposition she led her two daughters to the Lord. Both mother and daughters were baptized. Still her son is persecuting her. Pray for that family.
Suvarthamma in the line of Faith bearers
For all who believe at heart that “all things are possible with God” (MK 10:27) everything is possible (Mk 9:23).
During mid 2002, field worker Timothy went to Tanakallu taluk and he was clearly led by the Lord to work in the village Nandiganipalli in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh that has not tasted the gospel! Venkatamma (68) was bedridden due to sickness. She had no way to go to hospital and was fighting for life. Our worker shared the Words of deliverance with her and prayed for her. The hand of God was gracious upon her and touched her.
Venkatamma accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and changed her name to 'Suvarthamma' (Gospel woman) and shared her experience with her relatives and neighbours. 22 people were saved by His grace. Through the help of the worker who strengthened them in the Word of God they were baptized. The house of Suvarthamma was not able to hold them to gather and worship, they travelled 6 kms to 'Kokkanti Cross Road' church and worshiped the Lord.
Though there were no vehicle facility, Suvarthamma used to walk 6 kms to worship the Lord without fail. But she had a great desire and faith that the Lord will raise a church at Nandiganipalli. In her ripe age, all that she pleaded the Lord while fasting was for a church at Nandiganipalli. Suvarthamma wanted to support as much as possible for the construction of the church but did not have strength to work. So she headed to the railway station and begged to people who were traveling towards Anantapur station and brought the money for the construction work. This act of her touched the believers. The act of faith also touched the presence of the Lord! The Lord has already chosen Dr. Jonathan from Tirupati to construct a church at Nandiganipalli! It is a miracle that the land of Raja Reddy was given for the church! This church that was constructed through the efforts of the believers day and night for 6 months was dedicated by Dr. Jonathan on 17.04.11.
The faith of Suvarthamma is great! She did not consider her age, she did all things that she could do for Jesus with her whole heart! - Suvarna Raju, Field Coordinator
End to Black Magic Trade
The house of Yerraiah, a black magician at Chinnajeedipudi village in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh where Koya people group reside used to be filled with people who are sick and afflicted by evil spirit! But none was completely healed but the effects of evil spirit continued! When Laxmamma, Yerraiah’s wife became sick, medicines and magic did not work! When evil spirit pushed Laxmamma to the verge of death, Yerraiah understood his magic’s limit!
When this news reached Elia, our worker, he visited Laxmamma with other believers and prayed in the name of Jesus. Laxmamma got healed. 25 villagers who witnessed the healing became aware that ‘everything is possible through Jesus’. They were strengthened in Jesus and kept this new faith in their heart. Satan attacked Laxmamma again and she was pushed to her sickbed! Our worker and believers tarried hard; they fasted for three days and were victorious in the name of Jesus!
January 1, 2011 a new year and also a new life for Yerriah! He cleared his house of all magic idols. Yerriah’s witness has touched many; the name of God is glorified!
