Over 45 years ago, a preacher named Prasada Rao had a vision to share the love of God with the people of Andhra Pradesh, India. Now there are more than 10,000 believers in more than 400 villages within 200 miles of Repalle, where the story began in the heart of one man.
The story of the India Rural Evangelical Fellowship began in 1920 with the birth of Subba Rao. Named for the Hindu snake god, Subba Rao was born in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. It was arranged for him to be married to Lydia, the daughter of a local Lutheran family, which meant Subba had to convert to Christianity. He changed his name to Prasada Rao, meaning “God’s gift.” But Prasada was following God in appearance only. He memorized the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments, but he was not truly walking with God or following in His image.
In 1944 a Baptist missionary visited an evangelical meeting where Lydia’s father, John, was in attendance. John was moved by the missionary’s message and felt convicted to pray for his son-in-law, Prasada. He prayed earnestly that Prasada would truly come to know God and step into a better life with Him. John felt the Spirit of God with him as he prayed and indeed, that very night, God was moving in his son-in-law as well.
As Prasada fell asleep, the Lord spoke to him: If you were to die tonight, where would you go?
Prasada had resisted long enough. That night, he dropped his armor and repented with tears of contrition. Prasada gave His life to Christ, and it wasn’t long until Lydia did too. John’s prayers were answered.
Earnestly, Prasada began telling others what He now believed. In his first month of walking with God, Prasada converted 40 villagers to Christianity with his preaching.
Prasada, John, and Lydia worked together to form an organization that would serve their community and spread the love of God. In 1971, IREF was officially launched and recognized by the Indian government for its ministry.
In 1986, one of Prasada’s sons, Emmanuel Rebba and his wife Dee began a support branch for the work in the United States. Their goal was to spread awareness, encourage prayer and fundraise for the work happening in India and in 1996, a UK support branch was established as well.
Since its origin, this ministry has helped more than 10,000 children receive an education and it has introduced more than 10,000 people to the love of Christ. Today, IREF sponsors more than 250 evangelists, operates nine children’s development centers which house more than 2,000 children, and runs educational facilities from primary school through post-graduate work. Their humanitarian relief work is widely recognized and an instrumental part of the government’s disaster relief strategy.
Our story is a modern example of the mustard-seed (Matthew 13.31-32). From the conversion of one man, thousands of lives have been transformed. And the story isn’t over. IREF’S vision and burning ambition remains to “preach the gospel where Christ is not yet known” (Rom. 15.20).
If you don’t stand for anything, you’ll fall for everything. We take a stand on God’s word. At IREF we believe all wisdom, knowledge, and direction are found in the Bible. Even in its humble beginnings, Prasada Rao was willing to trust God for provisions in the face of hardships and poverty. Through it all, God has blessed IREF and provided in ways that can only be described as miraculous.
When you choose to partner with IREF through the Child Sponsorship program and Give a Life that Matters to the young girls and boys of Andhra Pradesh -You are giving them more than just an education…You are giving them a reason to SMILE again.
Help us provide a nurturing home and a rigorous education to thousands of children throughout Andhra Pradesh.
Sponsoring a Teacher and Classroom brings your partnership into the IREF India classroom.
As Christians in India experience increased persecution, join us in continuing to spread the love of God and praying for protection.
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