Samrat Kodavatikanti, son of Joseph Kodavatikanti (K Joseph), regularly sends me pictures and messages and I recently asked him for a more detailed update on their current situation. A little background: When I went to India in 2017 with the group from First Pres, K Joseph was still alive, and our trip was focused on the missions and projects of IERF particularly. Joseph died from covid in March of 2020, leaving Samrat as the head of the organization. Many of Samrat’s pictures show another organization name, Good News Ministry. So, I asked him the relationship between these organizations and what the current focus is.
Here is his letter,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share the heart and vision
behind our ministries in India, which serve some of the most vulnerable populations. In the year 2004 God has given me a vision for inmates, untouchables, blind children and children care homes. So, I started doing these ministries from 2004 [this is the ministry is named Good News Ministry] and IERF serves orphanage, school and church plantings.
After my dad died, now I am in charge of both organizations and they have become one now.
We still run the orphanage that offers shelter, food, bible teachings and emotional support to
children who have lost their families. Our aim is to create a loving and secure home where they can feel valued and nurtured. We also manage a school that prioritizes inclusive education, ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities, have access to quality learning experiences.
We are still conducting Pastors conferences once in a year to equip them proving valuable and advanced teachings of Christ.
Our outreach to untouchables and leprosy-affected individuals focuses on breaking societal
barriers and providing essential services, including healthcare. We strive to promote dignity and respect for these often-overlooked communities.
On Average we build 2 churches in a year. It’s very hard getting support to build the churches.
We need a church planting organization or a group who can support us doing the will of God.
We assign a pastor for church and those church members will look after the pastor. I specially thank you for having the heart for us in showing Gods love. “A Good heart is better than all the heads in the world.”
Thank you for your help and contributions to make a difference.
Samrat
In addition to the ministries mentioned, they have a school for blind, they did VBS this summer, they recently had a women’s retreat. Christians in India are under increasing persecution.
India ranks at 11 on the World Watch List 2024, listing the countries where Christians face the most persecution for their faith … There has been no positive change in how religious minorities are treated in India; instead, persecution has escalated to new heights. Religious minorities are not safe in India. There is always a cloud of fear hovering around the minorities.
In the past 10 years, Hindu extremists have openly threatened to eliminate Christianity and other minority religions in India. There have been open statements of hatred and threats against Christians. Pastors, leaders and other Christians have been killed and attacked brutally in broad daylight and the accused are allowed to go free, without any punishment. (source: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/india-christians-persecution/) When I have asked Samrat about this, he agreed that the persecution has worsened, because the current president is Hindu and against Christianity, making it more difficult to show the love of Jesus.
Samarat invites us to come. He said he would love to have us come every year. He is on Facebook and is happy to converse through messenger. Just search Samrat Kodavatikanti.
Even without going to India, you can continue to pray for them and their ministry.