The Story of Pastor Suraj Yadav

The church in Bhainsapur is led by Pastor Suraj Yadav, a man with a remarkable testimony of redemption. Born into a non-Christian family rooted in traditional rituals and fear of ancestral curses, Suraj grew up in poverty. His parents, both illiterate farmers, struggled to provide for their five children on dry, unproductive land. Every season felt like a battle for survival, and the family believed they were doomed to hardship.

But God's plans were different.

Like Judah, the unexpected fourth son chosen by God, Suraj was the fourth child in his family. Ironically, his name means sunlight, though his early life was marked by darkness. As a young man, Suraj turned to alcohol and drugs, desperate to escape the weight of generational poverty and despair.

One day, an evangelist came to Bhainsapur and began sharing the Gospel. Suraj listened with curiosity. “Can Jesus really change my life?” he asked. As the evangelist explained the love and power of Christ, something ignited in Suraj’s heart. He began visiting the local pastor, and over time, surrendered his life to Jesus. God began to reshape his heart, his habits, and his future.

Worship Begins in His Home

Suraj was a gifted singer, and after his transformation, he began composing worship songs and singing them each evening in his home. Slowly, neighbors began to gather. What started as a small music gathering soon became a house fellowship—and eventually, a growing Sunday service.

Within a year, his entire family came to faith. God blessed Suraj with a son and a daughter, and his songs began to bless others beyond his village. Testimonies of healing, deliverance, and hope began to emerge.

The Church is Built

As the number of believers grew, Suraj and the local church knew they needed a proper place to gather. Suraj’s father donated a portion of their land along the village road, and local believers began giving sacrificially. Together, they raised ₹2.5 lakhs (approx. $3,000). But the concrete roofing and final construction would require an additional ₹4 lakhs (about $5,000).

Through the Light Together Project, and with the generous contribution from Sister Reena Mathai, the remaining funds were provided, and the new church building was completed.

Today, the church is a visible beacon in the heart of Bhainsapur—a place where worship rings out, and lives are being changed weekly.

Expanding the Mission

Pastor Suraj now leads ministry in eight nearby villages and is training three young leaders to shepherd house fellowships in surrounding communities. The impact of one transformed life continues to multiply.

A Season of Spiritual Opposition

On the morning of the dedication, heavy rain threatened to delay the celebration. As the family prepared to cut the ribbon, Suraj’s son and daughter were riding on a scooter to the event. Suddenly, a large tree fell across the road, nearly striking them. Miraculously, they survived—with only a small injury to his daughter’s hand. Amazingly, she still stood later that day to sing a song she had written just for the occasion.

Just one week later, tragedy nearly struck again. Suraj’s son was transporting eight school children in an autorickshaw when it overturned on a rural road. One child broke a leg, and several were injured. But once again, God protected them from what could have been far worse.

Days after, Suraj and his wife were involved in a bike accident when their motorcycle skidded unexpectedly. Though shaken, they were not seriously injured.

Despite these trials, Suraj’s faith has only grown stronger. He shared with us:

“The more the enemy resists, the more people are coming to Christ. We are not afraid.”

The church now consists of 36 families, and the decision to donate their land has become a powerful witness to everyone in the area. Suraj’s family is known throughout Chandrapur not for their past, but for their unwavering faith and service to the Lord.

A Joyful Dedication Day

The inauguration of the church was unforgettable. Local believers welcomed guests with traditional Santhali dance, flower garlands, and joyful singing. After the service, the congregation served a meal to everyone who attended—neighbors, pastors, visitors, and local elders. It was a powerful display of unity and gratitude.

This church is the third completed building made possible through the faithful giving of Sister Reena Mathai. We thank God for her partnership and her heart for the unreached.

🙏 Please Pray With Us - & Give! https://givebutter.com/FoundFreedFaithful

For God’s protection over Suraj’s family, especially his children
For the continued growth of the church in Bhainsapur and surrounding villages
For the three young leaders being trained for ministry
For more open doors in Chandrapur District, where many still live without access to the Gospel

In Closing

We are incredibly thankful to Bishop Joseph Varghese for his continued encouragement and support of the Light Together Project. Please convey our heartfelt thanks to Sister Reena Mathai on behalf of all of us in this region. Her giving has brought light to places where there was once only darkness.

To God be all the glory.

In Christ,

Mission Catalyst International

(names and locations may be altered to protect the ministry)

When Worship Won't Fit in One Room. Found, Freed & Faithful

By Mission Catalyst International, Inc

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Team Members