Introduction

Father M. Devadas, the founder of 'The Bible Mission”, was a man of God, mightily used in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. A mystic with profound spiritual experiences, Father Devadas left an indelible mark on his followers, who affectionately called him "Father." During his lifetime, he strictly forbade anyone from writing his biography, believing that no one could fully capture the essence of his life. Therefore, this account is a humble attempt to document some of the extraordinary events he experienced in profound communion with GOD.

The word "Deva" means God, and "Das" means servant, that is, God's Servant. He lived a consecrated, unblemished bachelor life in communion with God. Father Devadas's influence extends far beyond the borders of South India, as believers around the world continue to draw inspiration from his life and teachings. His message of God's love and salvation transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, resonating with people of all backgrounds and denominations.

Birth and Childhood

Father Devadas was born to Mungamuri Jonah and Satyavathamma garu in Jegurupadu, a small village in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The long-awaited child of devout evangelist parents, he was named Devadas, meaning 'Servant of God.' From an early age, Devadas exhibited a contemplative nature, preferring meditation and prayer over play. His parents' evangelistic work deeply influenced him, nurturing his spiritual awareness and leading to early experiences of divine friendship.

Education

Devadas received his primary education at a local school in Jegurupadu, where he demonstrated exceptional intelligence and a deep love for nature. His spiritual precocity was evident even at the age of six, when he prayed at a pastors' gathering, asking to emulate Jesus in his youth. This prayer drew the attention and patronage of Lutheran missionaries, who supported his further education at the Nigam Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dhavaleswaram. There, he excelled academically and spiritually, eventually becoming a Higher-Grade teacher.

Missionary Patronage

Under the care of the Lutheran missionaries, Devadas honed his spiritual and intellectual faculties. His habit of meditative solitude allowed him to experience profound spiritual ecstasies, including visions of heavenly beings and divine attributes. These experiences, combined with his deepening personal fellowship with Jesus, prepared him for his roles as a teacher, mentor, and preacher.

School Teacher

As a teacher, Father Devadas captivated his students with his kind demeanour and profound spiritual insights. He authored a popular English grammar book for children and was known for his ability to reach even the unruliest students with love and patience.

Hostel Warden

In his role as a hostel warden, Devadas demonstrated remarkable thrift and faith. During a severe famine, he miraculously provided three meals a day for his students, attributing this provision to divine intervention rather than missionary aid. His life exemplified the principle that "life of faith means the life of Devadas."

Seminary Instructor

As a seminary instructor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Luthergiri, Devadas introduced new doctrinal insights based on his direct spiritual experiences. His teachings on the present-day speaking and appearing of God sparked debate but ultimately won acceptance through his powerful demonstrations and sound reasoning.

Sanatorium Caretaker

Devadas also served as a caretaker for sanatorium patients, offering comfort and encouragement through his divine presence and words. His ability to heal both physical and spiritual sufferings made him a beloved figure among patients.

Itinerant Preacher

Despite his numerous responsibilities, Devadas found time to evangelize, using innovative methods like "Magic Lanterns" and cultural performances to draw crowds and share the Gospel. His outreach efforts were complemented by the distribution of his gospel tracts, such as "Bountiful Message.". During India's severe drought in the early 1940s, his composed hymn moved his congregation and missionaries to tears, illustrating his deep spiritual connection.

Christ-Like Life

Father. Devadas embodied Christ's love and compassion, never rebuking anyone and presenting Christ in a way that resonated with the world. His tireless work for the mission and nightly communion with the Lord defined his Christ-like existence. Father Devadas was a seer and a preacher, indeed a great thinker and poet. A major part of his sermons and expositions and teachings were never committed to writing. Even among those booklets available in print, there are only very few which he wrote in his own hand. Others have been compiled from notes taken by his followers.

Revelation of Bible Mission and Father Devadas

On January 31, 1938, in broad daylight at 3 PM, God wrote the words "Bible Mission" in the air and showed it to him. ** He obeyed God's word, established his Bible Mission, and confessed that the founder of the mission was Jesus Christ and not himself. The vital message of this Mission to the whole world is that God appears and speaks to all people who dwell at his feet. With all his humble origins, he was a chosen vessel inspired and gifted by God. He trod the inroads of the spiritual realm and touched the eternal purposes of God. His prayer songs, messages, and words were direct revelations from God. He is known as the pioneer of the "Holy Spirit Revival" during the 20th century in Andhra Pradesh. Many servants of God trace their blessings to his touch, making him a blessing to many souls. He was a good teacher, learning at the Master's feet and teaching various methods and clues for spiritual life. He fought a victorious battle with Satan and taught how to resist the Devil. One of his imminent prophecies was that India would become a centre for spreading the Gospel message to the whole world. He started divine healing centres where many were healed of diseases, relieved of distress, and delivered from the powers of darkness. He believed and declared that the God of the Bible would perform wonders and miracles through the church whenever and wherever necessary. As a herald of His coming, he expounded the Book of Revelation and the Song of Songs, especially focusing on God's presence and the Glory of the Bride, the Church. It is not an exaggeration to say that all we speak of him falls short of reality. Father Devadas's teachings were fully evangelical and true to the Bible. He provided guidelines for a witnessing Christian life, emphasizing that it is God's grace that saves us and enables us to do His will. "This is what is needed by his people in the church," stated a Lutheran missionary.

Establishing the Bible Mission

Once Father Devadas left the Lutheran Church in 1938, he began traveling to several places in Andhra, preaching and gathering groups of followers. ** In each place he went, he stayed in the homes of his followers in the New Testament way, and his followers loved and encouraged him in the ministry. In each of these centres, a small prayer group was formed, and these groups began growing in size. Special Bible Mission conventions and healing campaigns became popular. The Bible Mission healing meetings in the grove of KAKANI SWASTHISHALA are a touching sight. People come from long distances, helped by loving family members, and are received by a caring Christian community. They are touched, anointed, prayed for, and return with new hope and a mysterious feeling of well-being. The Bible Mission, with all its healing campaigns, has never discouraged people from taking medicine or going to hospitals. Instead, they cooperate wherever possible with the medical profession, supporting it with their concern and prayers as a caring community. In many cases, no medicine is needed after prayer because God, if He wishes, can cure without medicine. This supportive community, with mutual concern and fellowship, offers personal care and the use of blessed oil for anointing, making it a wonderful experience.

Views on Family Life

Father Devadas remained a bachelor all his life, but he held family life in high esteem. To him, a Christian family was nothing less than a holy institution. He used the man and woman analogy several times to talk about the relationship between God and the believer, as reflected in Isaiah 54. The whole imagery of the Song of Songs, according to Father Devadas, was a picture of God's relationship to His people

Witnessing Life

Father Devadas considered the life of a Christian a witnessing life. As forgiveness leads to sanctification, the believer becomes holy in thought, word, and deed, thus loving God more than all else. He taught that a believer has a great responsibility in his daily life to witness to God in whom he believes so that "those who see your good works may glorify your Father in heaven." When children of God gather together, the world must be able to see their witness and thus be drawn to Christ. **For example, caste was sinful to Devadas, and he deeply grieved that the society he lived in was caste-ridden. ** He strictly warned his followers to guard against this evil.

Emphasis on Scriptures & Prayer

The actual practice of waiting in prayer received great emphasis in the life of the Bible Mission people: tarrying in prayer, tarrying for a vision, tarrying for the Lord to speak, and tarrying for the Holy Spirit to come. **Indeed, as the New Testament Church was born with the coming of the Holy Spirit, so also the Bible Mission attributes its origin to a time in prayer, tarrying, and a final revelation received from God. ** Father Devadas insisted on the gift of healing mainly as a manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Spirit gives the power and words to pray a real prayer, as stated in Mark 13:11. True to the name of the Bible Mission, which God Himself had given, Father. Devadas believed in the verbal inspiration of the scriptures and accepted them as the ultimate standard to know God's will. Nevertheless, he also believed that God can use other means to speak to His people today, and such extra-biblical revelation, he maintained, should be validated against the Word of God. Father Devadas taught his followers to clearly ask God to appear to them and to speak to them. ** This is the prayer he suggested: "Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth and of all mankind, forgive our sins and appear to us and tell us what you intend for us, answer our questions. Redeem us from our troubles and receive us to your heavenly abode after our death."** – Father Devadas Father Devadas was a powerful preacher held in high esteem by all. Over the years, the Bible Mission grew in numbers and strength. The lay ministry pattern, simple and effective narrative preaching methods of the followers of this mission, the emphasis on prayer life and healing ministry, the great tolerance of Father Devadas towards other Christians and denominations, and the brotherly love he advocated towards people of other religions, attracted the attention of many people. In some places, it is growing faster than the mainline denominational churches. Songs written by Father Devadas reflect a great deal of his theology. ** They are all set to simple Indian melodies, express deep feelings of devotion, and carry a message of proclamation. Father Devadas was known for his proficiency in English. He even wrote a book to teach English grammar, which was used in schools in those days. He was employed as a teacher and was always preferred as a translator and interpreter for missionaries. He was the interpreter for Sadhu Sundar Singh during his visit to South India. It is further documented that in a sermon delivery by Father Devadas at an ordination service in 1945, he declared, "I have received and am experiencing the full revelation and complete presence of our Lord since August 21, 1901," but Devadas said he had not revealed it to anyone.

Bible Mission Revelation by Father Devadas in His Own Words

In the year 1938, in bright daylight, God wrote two words in golden letters 'Bible Mission' in the air and showed it to me, so the Bible Mission was established accordingly. He commanded me to hold it high. The world should ask God why He has revealed it to me, this unworthy man belonging to AELC, Rajahmundry, when there are so many more highly educated, rich, and young people. I believe and hope that the Bible Mission would go to every place in which the wind blows. It is definite that one day or other, all the missions should come together and move friendly with each other. Hatred among missions should be removed and doctrinal differences should not hinder harmony and peace of the religion.

Legacy and Influence

Father M. Devadas' legacy as a powerful preacher and spiritual leader is enduring. ** He is remembered as a pioneer of the "Holy Spirit Revival" in 20th century Andhra Pradesh. His teachings, songs, and emphasis on prayer and healing continue to inspire many across the world. Devadas believed that India would become a centre for spreading the Gospel message to the entire world, one of his many prophecies. Despite remaining a bachelor throughout his life, Devadas held family life in high regard, seeing it as a reflection of the holy relationship between God and believers. His teachings emphasized the importance of living a life that witnesses to God's glory, free from societal evils like caste discrimination. He deeply grieved that the society he lived in was caste-ridden and strictly warned his followers against perpetuating this evil. Father Devadas's life was punctuated by mystical encounters and spiritual insights that set him apart as a beacon of divine communion. Throughout his life, he experienced divine visions that shaped his understanding of God's will and purpose. These visions often occurred during moments of deep meditation and prayer, revealing profound truths about the nature of God and the spiritual realm. His mystical experiences extended to interactions with heavenly beings, including saints and angels, which enriched his spiritual journey and provided him with guidance and wisdom beyond earthly comprehension. Guided by divine inspiration, Father Devadas delivered prophetic revelations that offered insight into future events and God's unfolding plan for humanity. His prophetic utterances were revered by his followers and served as a source of spiritual guidance and encouragement.

Final Reflections

Father Devadas's legacy continues to resonate deeply within the hearts and minds of those who have been touched by his life and ministry. The impact of his teachings and ministry sparked a spiritual awakening across South India, leading many to encounter God in new and profound ways. His emphasis on prayer, meditation, and divine encounter continues to inspire believers to pursue deeper intimacy with God. Through the Bible Mission, Father Devadas facilitated countless healings and miracles, offering hope and restoration to the sick and suffering. His ministry of compassion and love transformed lives and communities, leaving a lasting legacy of God's power and provision. Father Devadas's influence extends far beyond the borders of South India, as believers around the world continue to draw inspiration from his life and teachings. His message of God's love and salvation transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, resonating with people of all backgrounds and denominations. In conclusion, Father M. Devadas's life was a testament to the transformative power of divine encounter and unwavering obedience to God's will. Through his mystical experiences, founding of the Bible Mission, and lasting legacy, he continues to impact lives and inspire generations to pursue deeper intimacy with God. “His teachings are fully Evangelical and true to the teachings of the Bible. This is what is needed by his people in the church, and he provided a guideline for them in the matter of a witnessing Christian life. He, of course, knew that at the end it is God's grace that saves us and enables us to do His will.” – Lutheran Missionary “Today, if Father Devadas were living, he would have prayed even more earnestly for those who are killing each other in the name of religion.” – Mr. Solomon Raj One of the great Lutheran missionaries who worked with Father Devadas has this to say about him: “Father Devadas is given by God as a special gift to the Christians in Andhra.” “Father Devadas gave the highest place to the scriptures as the supreme revelation, although he strongly advocated experiencing God” - Lutheran Missionary. This brief biography encapsulates the life, teachings, and legacy of Father M. Devadas comprehensively.