History and Legacy of the Bible Mission

The Life and Calling of Father M. Devadasu Ayyagaru

The Bible Mission traces its roots to the life and ministry of Father M. Devadasu Ayyagaru, a humble servant of God who faithfully labored in the Lutheran Mission for 46 years. His very name, Devadasu — meaning “Servant of God” — reflected his consecrated lifestyle of celibacy, unblemished character, and constant communion with the Lord.

From childhood, Father Devadasu experienced divine visions and revelations. On August 21, 1901, he began receiving full divine revelations, including face-to-face encounters with the Lord. During his stay at the Rajahmundry Sanitorium, many gathered to hear his Spirit-led teachings, where he introduced seven key doctrines that later became foundational for the Bible Mission:

1. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4)
2. The Gift of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)
3. The Gift of Visions (Acts 10:9–11)
4. Divine Healing (James 5:14–15)
5. Casting Out Demons (Mark 16:17)
6. The Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
7. Waiting for the Lord’s Revelation (Habakkuk 2:3)

Those who embraced these teachings received grace and blessing, yet opposition quickly arose. Leaders of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Mission forbade him from preaching these doctrines. But Father Devadasu stood firm, declaring that these truths were rooted in Scripture itself (Acts 5:29).

It was during this time of opposition that the Lord revealed to him the divine vision of the Bible Mission.

The Revelation of the Bible Mission

On January 31, 1938, at around 3:00 p.m., while in prayer, Father Devadasu experienced a divine vision that would forever change the course of his life. A great light from heaven filled his room, and within that light, golden Telugu letters appeared spelling out:

“The Bible Mission.”

The Lord spoke, commanding him to begin this mission with complete dependence on divine guidance.

Father Devadasu declared:

“This is not my mission or India’s mission, but the Lord’s mission. He alone must guide, provide for, and develop His mission.”

On May 5, 1938, he officially began the Bible Mission in Andhra Pradesh with a handful of devoted believers. The Lord Himself was acknowledged as its sole leader, overseer, and patron. From the beginning, Father Devadasu emphasized that the Bible Mission was to remain independent of foreign aid and operate entirely on faith in God’s provision, echoing the biblical principle:

“The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).

Early Hardships and Perseverance

The early years of the Bible Mission were marked by suffering and rejection (2 Timothy 3:12). Believers were denied village wells, commodities, and church buildings for marriages or gatherings. Many were socially boycotted, and some even lost their livelihoods.

Yet, just as the early church rejoiced to suffer for Christ, the members of the Bible Mission considered persecution a privilege. Father Devadasu often reminded them that “hardships are the royal road to glory”.

Workers served without salaries, sustained only by faith. Some believers even sold their lands to support the mission. Despite slander from other Christian leaders who branded Father Devadasu a “false prophet,” the Lord confirmed His promise:

“The Bible Mission will spread wherever the air can reach.”

This divine assurance gave the workers strength to endure and continue.

The Growth and Foundation of the Mission

Faith became the lifeblood of the Bible Mission. Without foreign aid or institutional funding, the workers depended solely on prayer and divine provision. Special Bible classes deepened their spiritual understanding, and healing campaigns drew multitudes to Christ. Meetings for the anointing of the Holy Spirit became a hallmark of the movement, echoing the Pentecostal revival of Acts 2.

During times of persecution and scarcity, Father Devadasu encouraged his followers with divine promises revealed to him in prayer:

1. “Thou hast established—Thou wilt provide” (Philippians 4:19)
2. “Thou hast established—Thou wilt prosper” (3 John 1:2)
3. “Thou hast established—Thou wilt lead” (Psalm 23:2–3)
4. “Thou hast established—Thou wilt guide” (Isaiah 58:11)
5. “Thou hast established—Thou wilt bring people” (John 12:32)

These words became the foundation of encouragement, enabling the mission to withstand trials and continue expanding.

Relocation to Guntur and Leadership

Due to unrest in Rajahmundry, Father Devadasu relocated to Guntur on February 15, 1949, where he stayed in the “Bethel House” of Rao Bahadur J. Raja Rao. There, he received the vision:

“The Lord Jehovah has brought you to this place”.

From Guntur, the mission flourished. A healing center at Kakani became widely known, and began publishing books that outlined the mission’s theology, practices, and spiritual vision.

On July 22, 1959, the Bible Mission was officially registered, fulfilling the divine revelation given in 1938. Father Devadasu praised God:

“Lord, by now, I have been able to set up Your mission as You revealed to me.”

Recognizing the need for organizational structure, he appointed four senior leaders in 1959:

• Rev. B. Elisha (President)
• Rev. B. Charles (Vice-President)
• Rev. G. Samuel (Secretary)
• Rev. P.M. Jacob (Joint Secretary)

Humbly, he chose not to be President but instead called himself the “first member of the Bible Mission”.

Before his passing in 1960, Father Devadasu prophesied:

“I am emptying the crucible of my suffering body, but after my departure, the mission will flourish even more.”

Today, this prophecy stands fulfilled as the Bible Mission continues to expand globally.

Expansion, Stability, and Global Recognition

Under the leadership of faithful servants such as Rev. S. Samuel, who organized and led missionary campaigns across India, and Rev. Dr. J. John Selvaraj, who strengthened the mission through sound administration, the Bible Mission experienced remarkable growth.

Alongside them, many other devoted leaders labored tirelessly to spread the message of the mission, contributing to its steady expansion through nationwide evangelistic campaigns, administrative reforms, and increasing international recognition.

At present, Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Kiran is leading the Bible Mission, carrying forward this vision and striving to spread the faith across the world.

As part of this growth, translations of Father Devadasu’s writings were published in multiple languages, enabling his God-given vision and teachings to reach believers globally. This opened doors for the mission to influence not only the Indian subcontinent but also the wider Christian community across nations.

A significant testimony to this growth is the Annual Convention, held each year from January 27th–29th in Guntur, which now draws nearly a million attendees. Through such gatherings, the mission stands as a powerful witness to the mighty work of God in India.

Today, the Bible Mission is recognized as one of the fastest-growing indigenous churches in the nation, attracting the attention of scholars, researchers, and Christian leaders worldwide.

The Legacy and Clarion Call

The heart of the Bible Mission is preparation for the Rapture—the return of Christ for His Bride (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Revelation 19:7).

Eighty-six years after its founding, the Bible Mission stands as a living witness of God’s power to establish, sustain, and expand His work through faith. What began as a vision to a humble servant of God has now become a global movement, carrying the message of salvation, healing, and preparation for Christ’s return.

Father Devadasu’s heartfelt prayer remains the heartbeat of the mission:

“O Lord! Appear unto me, appear unto all.
O Lord! Speak unto me, speak unto all.”

The Bible Mission calls all believers to live in holiness, practice the “Silent Hour” (Sannidhi), and prepare as the spotless Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:27).

A Living Testimony of Faith

The Bible Mission is more than an organization; it is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, born of divine revelation, sustained by prayer, and expanded by faith. As Father Devadasu declared, it is truly “the Lord’s Mission.”

With its foundation in Scripture and its vision set on eternity, the Bible Mission continues to call Christians everywhere to join in its glorious vision—to prepare as the Bride of Christ, awaiting the sound of the trumpet and the eternal union with the Bridegroom.

“Thou hast established — Thou wilt provide.
Thou hast established — Thou wilt prosper.
Thou hast established — Thou wilt lead.”

May God bless you, and may you be caught up in His Rapture. Amen.