Over 80 years ago, a young man named Prasada Rao had a vision to share the love of God with the people of Andhra Pradesh, India. Prasada Rao’s ministry reached 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 Rao 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 Rao. He prayed earnestly that his son-in-law 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 Prasada Rao as well.
As Prasada Rao fell asleep, the Lord spoke to him: If you were to die tonight, where would you go?
Prasada Rao had resisted long enough. That night, he dropped his armor and repented with tears of contrition. Prasada Rao gave His life to Christ and John’s prayers were answered.
Earnestly, Prasada Rao began telling others what He now believed. In his first month of walking with God, Prasada Rao converted 40 villagers to Christianity.
Prasada Rao, John, and Lydia worked together to form an organization that would serve their community and spread the love of God. In 1971, the ministry of IREF was officially launched and recognized by the Indian government.
In 1986, one of Prasada Rao’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. In 1996, a UK support branch was established as well.
Since its origin, this ministry has helped more than 50,000 children receive an education and it has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the love of Christ. Today, IREF sponsors more than 250 evangelists, operates nine children’s development centers, and runs educational facilities from primary school through post-graduate work that houses more than 1,000 children. 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, you are giving more than just your finances… You are providing hope and a future!
Help us provide a nurturing home and a rigorous education to thousands of children throughout Andhra Pradesh.
Support local outreach workers sharing messages of hope and compassion while ensuring their safety and well-being as they work in rural communities.
Nursing students provide essential medical services to the towns and villages as part of the clinical requirements of their studies.
