By Syamal Rao Landa of Andhra Pradesh, India
When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your whole-hearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
On March 31, 2022, a profound event unfolded at the Vempa Congregation of the Andhra Pradesh Mission Centre in India—an event that continues to serve as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith and the spirit of Christian mission.
Balaji Veeravalli and his wife, Prasanna Veeravalli, made a life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, transitioning from their Hindu background. They were baptized and confirmed under my pastoral care and became regular participants in the life and fellowship of the church.
However, their newfound faith was soon tested in a most unexpected and tragic way. A severe electrical short circuit led to a fire that consumed their home, destroying all their belongings. In a moment, the family lost everything—clothing, food, and all possessions. The disaster left them not only materially destitute but also socially and emotionally isolated. Friends, relatives, and neighbors attributed the calamity to their decision to follow Christ, blaming their conversion for the tragedy. The family was left heartbroken, abandoned by many of those closest to them.
Upon learning of their plight, Sister Kamala, Brother Prince, and I visited the Veeravalli family to offer spiritual and emotional support. We prayed with them, provided comfort, and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the overwhelming circumstances.
Recognizing their urgent need, we appealed to the World Church for financial assistance. By the grace of God, support was granted. The aid they received, both from the global church and the local Vempa congregation, included financial contributions, food, clothing, and other essential items. These collective efforts enabled the family to rebuild their lives. A new home was constructed for them, and, most importantly, their faith was restored and strengthened. Today, the Veeravalli family is actively engaged in the mission of Christ. Sister Prasanna now serves as a Sunday School teacher, helping shape the spiritual foundation of the next generation.
This experience was a significant and humbling milestone in my ministry. It not only tested our resilience as a faith community but also highlighted the power of compassion, solidarity, and the global body of Christ. It stands as a vivid reminder that through trials, God works to reveal His grace, renew hope, and strengthen the mission of the Church.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.