Popular Telugu Actress Divya Vani shares her

Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
Popular Telugu Actress Divya Vani shares her inspiring
testimony of faith in Chicago
R
relationship with Savior Lord Jesus Christ. She recalled
how her son’s serious health problem and her resultant
relentless pursuit for healing led her to divine revelation
who, she said, has answered her prayers bringing a
dramatic healing to her son’s life. This –Divya Vani said -was the turning point in her life that brought the realization
of the existence of a living God. Ever since then, she
added, this seemingly lucrative movie industry has become
a thing of the past for me, as I
joyfully embraced this new life
of faith and transformational
spirituality.
The day I began to pray to Lord
Jesus I saw a dramatic change
in my sons’s health condition.
My faith grew and so did my
relationship with Lord Jesus. The
realization of the true existence
of a living God gave me a new
lease of life. For me, the seemingly
lucrative film industry has become
a thing of the past. Hereafter, my
life and my all is devoted to my
Lord Jesus.” she testified. When
Telugu Actress Divya Vani with Chicago land area Indian American Church Pastors. asked about her opinion about the
end times, she made an astonishing
reply, “ When it comes to a marriage event in our families,
on Saturday August 22, 2015 in Westchester, Illinois.
how much of running around we do, how much of hustle
Award-winning actress Divya Vani who renounced
and bustle goes on in our homes; but I don’t see such
her lucrative acting profession to embrace new found
hustle and bustle going on here even though the great day
faith in Christianity gave a passionate narrative of her
enowned Telugu movie actress & popular TV
Artist Divya Vani -- whose brilliant acting career
spanning across many years in Telugu, Kannada,
Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil movies -- now embarking on a
transformational spiritual journey has fluently shared her
personal testimony of faith on her maiden visit to Chicago
addressing a large gathering at Grace Lutheran Church
hosted by United Christian Cultural Association [UCCA]
Telugu Movie Actress Divya Vani being welcomed by the UCCA leadership team [L to R] Emmanuel Neela, Keerthi Ravoori,
Shirley Kalvakota, Raju Pasumarthi, Pravin Neetipudi Vasanth Charles & Satish Dadepogu
transformational journey and how her life has profoundly
changed from a life of movie acting to a life of a devout
Christian. Divya Vani in her awe-inspiring testimony
outlined her life with her uplifting message of faith, values
and belief and waking up every day to newer opportunities
to reach out to touch people and their lives with love,
grace, peace and faith.
Star of yesteryears Divya Vani held the congregation
in rapt attention as she shared her journey of faith and
said “Christianity is not a religion but it’s a personal
of marriage between Lord Jesus, the Bridegroom, and the
Church, His Bride, is very soon to happen.” Truly, the time
is short. The great day of marriage is more closer than
it appears to be. Mrs Divya Vani’s witness reflected her
deep rooted conviction in the origin and the direction of
the Gospel. The tone of her rendition spoke of her burden
for Cross-cultural evangelism in this country. Her word
of encouragement to all the Indian-American Christians
in America was to save this land of life and liberty from
ungodliness.....Cont on page 12.
2
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
U
nited Telugu Christian Fellowship of Virginia
United Telugu Christian
hosted a memorable Annual Christian Family
Fellowship hosts a memorable
Conference during the weekend of October
3rd and 4th, 2015 in Fairfax, Virginia which drew the
Annual Christian Family attendance of many a Christian families who came
to hear the word of God and experience a
Conference in Fairafax,Virginiatogether
renewed sense of faith and family fellowship. The
theme for this conference was "Set apart or fall apart"
which was based on 1 Peter 1:16
and many have experienced the
power of the Word penetrating the
hearts like a double-edged sword
(Hebrews 4:12).
Bro.Syam Pilli, Church Leader of
the UTCFV welcomed the families
to the conference and has recalled
the past conferences and how of
each of these conferences have
helped the families in their faith and
inter & intra family relationships.
The special guest speaker Bro.
Upender has provided the inspiring
messages and emphasized on the
growing importance of the families and their commitment to the principles of Christian faith.
Bro.Syam Pilli – in a statement – said “We thank God for His faithfulness and providence for the 9th Annual
Christian Family conference
and extended thanks for the
participation and prayers for
the spirit filled conference
participants. He thanked
Bro. Upender for bringing
the word of God and for
richly blessing the families
gathered there.
United Telugu Christian
Fellowship has been hosting
Christian family conferences
every year with the purpose
of mutual edification,
revival, fellowship, renew
friendships, change lives and
bring salvation of souls. Bro.
Syam Pilli has posted the
conference messages and songs by visiting their website www. utcfva.org.
3
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
UTCC 2015 PASTOR’S APPRECIATION EVENT
U
TCC celebrated its annual 2015 Pastor's appreciation event in recognition and appreciation to Honor
the Pastors for their valuable services to their respective Churches and also towards the Telugu
Christian Community in Chicago, USA, India and other parts of the world. It was held on Saturday
the 3rd October 2015 at Bombay Banquet Hall, Lombard, IL.
Several Local Pastors, Archbishop, Bishop of the Chicago Telugu Churches and pastors from India and
prominent women of our community attended the event. The attendees were Archbishop Jayakumar Jacob
Agepogu, Bishop Samuel Vallabhdas, Rev. David Vidhysagar Dadepogu, Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Rev. Joe
Kingsley Chettipally, Rev. Thomas Polepaka, Mrs. Subhadra Vipparthi, Rev. Omega Varma, Rev. Sabithini
Omega, Rev. Harold Goneh, Rev. Paul Gorre, Rev. Sanjeeva Rao Goneh, Rev. Demetrius Konda, Rev.
Chakravarthy Zadda, Rev. Walter Benjamin, Bro. Kagava Chettipally, Rev. Marcus Konda, Rev. Sampath
Doma, Mrs. Thara Chandran, Mrs. Suguna Vallabhdas, Rev. Jaychand Pallekonda, Rev. Sagar Sukka, Bro.
Daniel and others.
Rev. Thomas Polepaka emceed the event and invited all the pastors and other attendees.
Rev. Sampath Doma offered prayer and it was followed with a light breakfast of Hot Samosa Veg and Non
Veg and Tea.
Mrs. Subadhra Vipparthi, opened the service with a prayer, which was followed with praise and worship led
by Rev. Thomas Polepaka and all the attendees.
Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Pastor of India Baptist Telugu Church of Greater Chicago, Oak Park was the Speaker
for the event.
Bro. Vijender Doma, read the UTCC report and followed by a vote of thanks by Bro. Johnson Sukka. UTCC
gave a small token of gift to all the pastors, the same were given by Mrs. Mahala Sukka.
The meeting was concluded with a prayer by Archbishop Jayakumar Jacob and benediction by Bishop
Samuel Vallabhdas.
Bro. Johnson Sukka invited all the pastors and the elders of the community requested them to give their
suggestions for the betterment of UTTC organization. Bishop Vallabhdas, Archbishop Jayakumar, Rev.
David Vidhyasagar, Rev. Rajamani Gonu and other gave good advice and applauded UTCC leadership for
their continuous effort to bring the community together all through the year. Mrs. Sabithini Omega asked
UTCC to work with her to start a counselling for the hurting families and comforting the bereaved families.
Rev. Joe Kingsley Chettipally, gave a new CD Stuthi by Quincy Chettipally at no cost to all the pastors
and the attendees and also prayed and blessed the food. All enjoyed each other fellowship while eating the
Hyderabad Biryani, Naan, Chicken Kurma, Mirchi Masala and Tea.
UTCC coordinators Bro. Vincent Muddamalle, Bro. Prem Mitra, Bro. Ramesh Goneh, Bro. Naveen J Reddy,
Bro. Kumar Manukonda, Bro. Deva Kumar Bendakuri and Kranti Sukka and Mrs. Myrtle Agepogu, Mrs.
Mahala Sukka, Mrs. Jeeva Gorre and others have participated in the event.
34
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
October 2015
UCCA Cricket Tournament in Chicago hailed by
Telugu Actress Divya Vani & Test/IPL Cricketer Munaf Patel
U
nited
Christian
Cultural
Association [UCCA]
hosted a spirited
Cricket Tournament
complete with
sizzling batting
performances and
outstanding bowling
displayed by Chicago
Telugu Churches
this summer of
2015 with Ace
Test/IPL Cricketer
Telugu Movie Actress/Gospel Preacher Divya Vani handing over the Winning Trophy joined by the UCCA
inaugurating the
leadership and cricket team members.
tournament and
and Praneeth (CBF), Vijay (BTC) in semi-finals.
prominent Telugu Movie Actress Divya Vani giving
The closing ceremony was colorful with Telugu Movie
away the trophies during the closing ceremony.
Actress/Gospel Preacher Diva Vani presenting the
The tournament was ceremoniously kicked-off by
Winner’s Trophy and Runners-Up Cup to loud cheers
India’s Ace Test/ IPL Cricketer Munaf Patel joined by
and applause to the teams. Raju Pasumarthi (President)
a host of business and community leaders including
and Vinay Bandikalla (Chairman) congratulated all the
Iftekhar Shareef, Babu Varma & Sharath Kalvakota.
cricket teams joined byKeerthi Ravoori, Vasanth Charles,
After two successful years, UCCA leadership team
Emmanuel Neela, Satish Dadipogu, Shirley Kalvakota &
decided to take the league to the next level and started
Praveen Neetipudi.
it with a big bang featuring Munaf Patel giving a flying
start to the tournament which lent fillip to the
cricket matches. The cricket teams were highly
motivated to display their innate cricketing
skills and gentlemanly spirit on the ground.
The cricket tournament was participated by a
total eight 8 churches which included Antioch
Telugu Baptist Church, Bethesda Telugu
Church, Chicago Bible Fellowship, Bible
Mission Church, India Baptist Telugu Church
and Chicago Indian Church. The tournament
league went on for 8 weeks with 31 matches
played between the teams. Bethesda Telugu
India’s Star Cricketer Munaf Patel, Chief Guest [blue shirt] inaugurated the
Church won the winning trophy and Chicago
Cricket Tournament [LtoR] Dr. Nandan Thogaru, Babu Varma,Vasanth
Bible fellowship got the runners-up title. Man of UCCACharles,
Iftekhar Shareef, Keerthi Ravoori, Shirley Kalvakota, Raju
the series was awarded to Alex (CBF). Karthik
Pasumarthi, Satish Dadepogu, Vinay Bandikala & Sharath Kalvakota
from BTC won Man of match award in the finals
Telugu Movie Actress/Gospel
Speaker Divya Vani being
welcomed at the FIA Banquet in
Chicago by Consul General Dr.
Ausaf Sayeed and FIA leaders
including Bollywood actor/
celebrity Upen Patel, Iftekhar
Shareef, Keerthi Ravoori,Minister
Singh and Dr. Indrajit Patel at
the Meadows Club in Rolling
Meadows, IL.
35
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
October 2015
(UTCC) celebrated their 2015 Annual
Summer Community Family Picnic
U
nited
Telugu
Christian
Community
of Chicago
(UTCC)
celebrated
their 2015
Annual
Summer
Community
Family
Picnic &
Games which was held on Saturday the 29th August 2015
from 9:00 am thru 9:00 pm at the Dee Park, Des Plaines, IL
60016.
Most of the Local churches participated in the picnic. UTCC
had a One Day Cricket, Badminton, Volleyball, Musical
chairs, Throw Ball & other games. The event began with a
opening prayer by Johnson Sukka, Coordinator UTCC.
The men, women, youth and children and seniors enjoyed
the picnic and participated in all the events. All day BBQ,
food, drinks and games for all ages made the event very
successful. The food was sponsored by Johnson & Robison
brothers of CSI Tamil Church, Prem Mitra, Ramesh Goneh,
Mira Thokkadubiyam, Mahala Sukka, Joyce Doma, Pramila
of Hema's Kitchen, Sue Rajkumari Miryala, Sumalatha
Bendakuri, Jeeva Gorre and The highlight of the picnic was
the Pastor's playing cricket game, Some pastors played
Volleyball,
Badminton
and also
refereed the
matches.
Mahala
Sukka
offered
prayer for
the food.
After the
lunch was
served,
everybody
joined under the tent. Rev. Devadanam, shared the message
and was followed by Rev. Peter Pereira exhortation and
reflection and sincerely pleaded all the community to be
in one accord and unity in Trinity and he concluded with a
powerful prayer. Mr. Suresh Sunkari, Elder of CBF gave
some Christian literature to the partcipants.
The following pastors of the Chicago and visiting pastors
from India have graced the occasion.
Archbishop Jayakumar Jacob Agepogu, Rev. Peter Pereira
Hope for Today International Ministries, Rev. Rajamani
Gonu, Pastor, India Baptist Telugu Church of Greater
Chicago, Rev. David Vidhyasagar, Pastor, Antioch Telugu
Baptist Church, , Rev. Joe Kingsley, Pastor, Horeb Church,
Rev OmegaVarma,
Pastor, Bible Mission
Church, Rev. Paul
Gorre, Pastor, Trinity
Church, Rev. Thomas
Polepaka, Associate
Pastor, Indian Mission
United Methodist
Telugu Church,
Rev. Harold Goneh,
Associate Pastor, CSI
Church, Rev. Walter
Benjamin, Rev. Marcus Konda, Rev. Daniel William, Rev.
Sampath Doma, Rev.Vijay Bushnam, Rev. G. Devadanam
and Rev. Sanjeeva Rao Goneh, Senior Pastors from
Hyderabad, India, joined the Chicago Local Pastors and also
other visiting pastors from India Rev. Shravan Kumar, Pastor
John, Karimnagar and other pastors have also participated
in the event. The Tamil community was represented by
Robinson and Johnson. others church elders, lay leaders
attended the event.
Prominent Indian community leader Keerthi Kumar, Church
elders, lay leaders, elders of the community Dr. Regi Paul,
Vincent Muddamalle, Dr. Jayachand Pallekonda, Prem Mitra,
Shyam Sunder, Ramesh Goneh, Sree Satish, Sharath, Gopi
Miryala, Naveen Reddy and others joined the event.
Cricket winners......CSI Wesley Church
Runners...... Horeb House of Worship
Volley Ball winners......Bethesda Telugu Church
Runners........India Baptist Telugu Church
Badminton winners......India Baptist Telugu Church
Runners.......Chicago Bible Fellowship
Women's Badminton winners......Wesley Church of South
India
Runners....UTCC Women
Tennikoit winners..... UTCC Women's
Runners......
India
Baptist
Telugu
Church
Anthakshari
Men Versus
Women's
played
Women's
were the winners.
The Musical chairs game was participated by all age group.
Mr. Vijender Doma, proposed vote of thanks and
acknowledge and praised the UTCC coordinators Deva
Kumar Bendakuri, Ramesh Goneh and other volunteers for
helping in
installing the
tent, Volley
Ball court,
Tennikoit
Court, Cricket
Ground. He
thanked
Mr. Charles
Doma, Mr.
David &
Mrs. Mira
Thokkadubiyam for their help in making BBQ and thanked
all for bringing the food. He thanked each one of them for
coming and making the event successful even in spite of rain.
Mr. Johnson Sukka, invited the Archbishop Jayakumar Jacob
Agepogu to distribute the trophies to the winners and runners.
The event
was
concluded
with
prayer and
benediction
by
Archbishop
Jayakumar
Jacob.
6
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
October 2015
MORNING TELECONFERENCE PRAYER, NEW JERSEY
P
enuel early morning prayer teleconference was
started in October 2011 from Iselin New Jersey .by
Dr.Persis .S.Bandari.
One fine morning devotion from lamentations 2:19:Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night
begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of
the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your
children, who faint from hunger at every street corner.
This verse moved the heart to start the need of praying
for kids in home and in families with this burden
this penuel early morning prayers were started with
3 people every morning 5:30 to 6:00 God servants
from India share the word . from 6:00am to 8:00
am prayer partners intercessory prayers happen for
all averagely 30-35 people from(10 States MD,VA,IL,
KS,MI,PA,NJ,NY,TX,GA,AR ) and from India ,Australia
, NZL join in these intercessory prayers . the message will
be recorded and emailed to 120 online listeners , every
week we hear atleast 2 people have accepted lord Jesus
Christ and they are going to nearby local churches follow
up is been taken and leading them to baptism and then
through prayer and fellowship we are very encouraged
by the soul winning happening through penuel ministries.
Not only that we are helping the local pastors in the
constructions of the worship places ,and help the poor
orphan kids also .
On the historic day of the 5th year of celebration we
hosted a get together conference all pastors speakers meet
on one platform and praise and thank God for using us
in his vineyard.
40 pastors and speakers and local pastors from all over
Andra Pradesh have come to grace the occasion , it was a
blessing scenario to see humble pastors coming they all
love God and all are so committed.
Pastors from Guntur, Vijawada, ,Nizamabad,
mancherial,ananthapur ,Devarakonda, HYD,
WGL,HNK. have come in unity to
Celebrate this auspicious day.God bless all servants
who laboring in his vineyard untiringly. each speaker
were given 3-5
minutes to share
their experiences
of sharing this
unique new
kind of gospel
preaching over the
phone overseas.
Local pastors
Pastor Gadapati
Samuel ,and Bro.
Ramana Murthy
have taken major
responsibility in
helping my sister
.Uma Sukeshini
in organizing the
event at hyd. ,.
The event was
moderated
by Rev Gopi
Gideon and Bro.
RamanaMurthy
The main message
of thanksgiving
was given by Rev . Gandham Paul Ranjitham of
devarakonda.and Retd additional supdt of police uncle
parimi purushotham.
Pastors and speakers were honored with a momento,and
the 5th anniversary souvenir and a a monetary gift
envelope was handed to all attended as a token of thanks.
A delicious lunch was sponsored by one of the prayer
partner.
The mission of this ministry is to lead many souls into his
kingdom through sincere prayers and support, may this
ministry be a blessing and shape the lives of many in the
years to come.
Please visit us @
www.
nrichristiannews.
info
7
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
NEWS IN IMAGES
Rev. Dr. Zadda Chakravarthy has
received Doctoral degree was honored by
his fellow church leaders and family.
Mrs. Usha Pulla [wife of Paul Pulla, ARADANA
TV owner] seen with New Jersey’s prominent
Christian church leader Dr. Persis Bhandari and
other guests at a reception hosted in her welcome.
Bro. Anil Kumar preaching at the U.K.
Telugu Association of Christians on
their 2nd Anniversary celebrations in
London.
National Association
of Asian Indian
Christians in the USA
showcasing their
patriotic duty at the
India Independence
Day parade in New
York.
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
8
October 2015
CSI 1st Family Conference
T
he 1st family conference with the theme “Reconnect,
Revive & Reach out “ to the CSI( Church of south
India) immigrant community started due to the vision of
Mr.Deva Sukumar Kuthuru who felt the urge to bring together
the scattered CSI members of US once in a year. It was also
a great initiation by brothers Christopher Bandari, Emmanuel
Edla, Vijaya Rao Edla ,Sanjay Dasari, Kiran Gajula & Ravi
Asoda. The conference was held on Aug 15th 2015 at Grace
Trinity United Church of Christ, Philadelphia, which was
attended by 80 people in all.
The attendees introduced themselves by giving the personal
details, their present church, back home city & how the church
played a major role in shaping their life through the CSI
educational & health institutions.
We had very encouraging 2 spiritual sessions in which the
word of God was shared by Rev Dr. Chandra Soans & pastor
Devadanam Gandamalla. The program was moderated by
Ravi Asoda & introduction of the CSI history was given by
Mr. Emmanuel Edla. The praise & worship was led by Pastor
Chandra Rudrapati, the youth shared their testimonies & the
children recited memory verses & presented beautiful action
songs under the guidance of Sisters Manjula Elda & Dr. Persis
Bandari.
Every one exchanged pleasantries, got connected with each
other & enjoyed the talks about the parent church from
back home while having a very palatable lunch. Later in the
afternoon a very interactive group discussion culminated into
a plenary session on the theme from the word of God,where in
Mr. Onyx Kuthuru presented the gist of the group discussion
how Nehemiah reconnected, revived & reached out to his
people.
The vote of thanks was given by sis Dr.Indira Burani &
before dispersing the members sang the Indian national anthem
(Jana gana mana) & made a unanimous decision to meet yearly
once to make the next generation be aware of their CSI roots &
stay connected with the church of back home through a yearly
mission trip.
Chief Minister KCR condemns attacks on
Pastors and pledges Christian Bhavan
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on
Thursday assured the Christian community that his
government would not tolerate attacks on pastors. He
stated that the government would take stern action
against those responsible for such attacks.
Chief Minister KCR condemned the recent attack on
a pastor. He said the government would extend all
facilities to Christians in its purview and treat them on
a par with Dalits. He announced that the government
would issue
orders on Friday
for construction
of a Christian
Bhavan with
Rs. 10 crore
on the lines of
Adivasi and
Banjara Bhavans
sanctioned
by the Chief
Minister
recently.
Foundation
stone for construction has already been laid. Chief
Minister said adding that 2- day holiday would be given
on the occasion of Christmas this year . A board for
Christians would be constituted, he said adding that
the government would also announce January 1 as a
holiday.
9
T
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
UTCC & UCCA of Chicago celebrated its 2015 INDIA
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
he flag hoisting ceremony was held at Bethesda
Telugu Church, North Campbell Avenue, Chicago
from 10:00 am thru 11:30 am. The flag hoisting
event was emceed by Rev. Thomas Polepaka. The
celebration started with a prayer, followed by couple
Christian songs and national anthem of India and
America.
The following Pastors were present at the Flag Hoisting
Rev. Shadrach Katari, Rev. Thomas Polepaka, Rev.
David Vidhyasagar, Rev. Herold Goneh, Rev. Anantharao
Thalla, Archbishop Jacob J. Agepogu, Rev. Swaraj
Perumala and Rev. Shravan Kumar.
Archbishop
Jayakumar
Jacob
Agepogu,
hoisted the
Christian
Flag, Rev.
David
Vidhyasagar,
hoisted USA
Flag, Mrs.
Divya Vani, former Tollywood actress, hoisted Indian
Flag. The Guest Speaker was Mr. Solomon Palavi,
Executive
member
of Asia
YMCA.
The
participants
were
Johnson
Sukka,
Vijender
U
Doma, Ramesh Goneh, Prasad Kari, Prabhakar
Nalamalla, Vincent Muddamalle, Raju Pasumathi,
Emmanuel Neela, Mahala Sukka, Joyce Doma, Shirley
Kalvakota, Charles Doma,
Following the flag hoisting, everyone joined in the
UTCC Float at Gandhi Marg and Western Avenue. All
have participated in the parade by singing Christian,
patriotic songs and passing out tracts.
After the float, everyone gathered at Bethesda Telugu
Church to have a fellowship lunch hosted by UTCC,
different churches
have participated.
Rev. Samson
Bhoodala, Mrs.
Divya Vani,
Dr. Regi Paul,
Surender Charles,
Vijaya Ravoori,
Varghese Chacko.
India's Test Cricketeer Munaf Patel inagurates
United Christian Cricket Tournament in Chicago
nited Christian Cultural Association [UCCA] kicked-off
their 2015 UCCA Cricket Tournament ceremoniously
with India’s star Cricketer Munaf Patel serving as
the chief guest whose presence clearly ushered palpable
enthusiasm among the young cricket teams gathered on at the
Dee Park Cricket Ground in Desplaines, IL.
The crisp sunny Memorial weekend afternoon brought
cheers, applause and accolades to India’s star cricketer Munaf
Patel as he inaugurated the two-month long thrilling InterChurch Cricket tournament setting the tone for an energized
beginning to the first match which kicked off to a rousing start.
India’s star former Test/IPL/ODI/World Cup Cricketer Munaf
Patel in his brief remarks thanked the UCCA organizers for
inviting him and for showcasing a warm welcome on his
maiden visit to Chicago.Munaf Patel said he is honored to
be at the inaugural ceremony to kick-off the spirited cricket
tournament which, he said, would help augur the promotion of
cricket in Chicago. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, UCCA Director
in his inaugural remarks praised the UCCA leadership for their
remarkable efforts in putting together a resolutely competitive
cricket tournament complete with festive atmosphere, exciting
trophies, cash awards and prizes.
Prominent community figure Iftekhar Shareef who pledged
his unstinted support to the cricket tournament and other
community-oriented events undertaken by UCCA. Raju
Pasumarthi, UCCA President outlined the vision of UCCA
and said that UCCA is excited to unveil a series of memorable
programs that which seeks to bring the community’s youth
together. Vasant Charles, Director conducted the inaugural
program and said that UCCA has been hosting cricket
tournament for the last three years.Vinay Bandikalla,
Tournament Co-Chair unveiled the tournament objectives and
explained the tournament format. Shirley Kalvakota presented
flower bouquets to Munaf Patel and Iftekhar Shareef.. The
inaugural ceremony program was hosted with the support of
executive board members Emmanuel Neela, Satish Dadepogu
& Pravin Neetipudi and joined by community figures who
gave brief greetings include Dr. Nandan Thogaru, Surender
Charles, Sharath Kalvakota, Babu Varma and Dr. Jaychand
Pallekonda.
10
I
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
Chicago Church youth display incredible talent in
the Basketball Tournament
ndia Christian Children of Chicago and North
America (ICCCNA) hosted 15th Anniversary
Basketball Tournament with a record of Sixty (60)
players participating in the tournament held at Willow
Recreation Center in Hoffman Estates, IL.
Indo-American Christian Youth Basketball
Championship Tournament attracted six different
youth Basketball Teams across the State of Illinois to
participate in a series of games to determine a single
championship team. The tournament consisted Six
(6) distinct and powerful teams: “See Red Team” #
1” wearing Red uniform consists of Nathan Maddela
(Captain), Aaron Sarikonda, Nate Sauve, Rohith
Doma, Sam Kollory, Nick Thokkudubiyyapu, Theo
Sarikonda, Abishai Muddamalle, Joel Muddamalle ,
Joe Chettupally and Ankith Muddamalle. “Wolf Pack
Team”# (2) dressed in Grey uniform consists of Dheeraj
Charles (Captain), Nikhil Charles, Chuck Charles, Rahul
Kumar, Rohan Kumar, Jacob Samuel, Suchith Karri,
Noel Siony and Issac Devathala. “NWO” Team # (3)
dressed white color uniform consists of Sunny Nagelli
(Captain) Josh Rebba, Terrence Gadsen, George Mitra,
Kiran Gummadi, Abraham Sangha and Joel Thalla, The
Knights Team # (4) dressed in Black uniform consists
of Jason Thakor ( Captain) Isaac Pereira, Tim George,
Ravi Schroeder, Joel Alagaratnam, Jayesh Christian,
Bhavesh, Eric and Josh Christian. Oregon Ducks Team
# (5) dressed in green uniform consists of James Mitra
(Captain), Suharsh Medari (Zak), Elijah Reniguntalla,
Amit Mitra, Ravi, Joel Chettupally, Stan J and Kevin.
Legend TEAM # (6) dressed in (Purple)) consists of
Noel Kadamandla (Captain) Bez Robinson, Blesson
Thomas, Previn Verghese, Preetam Thomas, Marvel
Thekkanal, Jupin, Athyun Nagelli, Jared Bandi, Jeremy
Gosu & Varun.
Mr. Ernest Mall, CEO of Empowered Poor .com
gave 10 minute message on “Changing Lives and
Building Legacies”.Mrs. Katherine Thorat of Air India
inaugurated; while Mr. Varghese Chacko released the
special Souvenir. Special prayer was offered for the
Souvenir by Rev. Omega Varma and by Rev. Timothy
Rathod.
The
Auditorium
was filled
with Parents,
Children,
Community
leaders and
Pastors
of Indian
Christian
Community. Pastor Timothy Rathod, Pastor Omega
Verma Sabbithi, Rev. Thomas Polepaka and Pastor Nate
also participated.
Thousands of Delhi Christians Staged Peaceful Protest Against Hate Crimes
A
sea of humanity descended onto Parliament
Street, a street leading to the Parliament House
in the national capital on Sunday in a peaceful
sit-in protest to denounce a "systematic attacks on
Christians by communal forces" in the country as
"worrisome" and called for "religious freedom,
peace and protection of minorities" and the
authorities to take strict against the perpetrators.
Over 8,000 attended the peaceful protest organised
by the Christian Community of Delhi (CCD), a
joint efforts of Delhi Pastors Action Team (DPAT)
and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) to bring
to the attention of the Government and the Nation,
what they called, "the systematic targeting of Christians by communal forces, despite being a tiny 2.3 percent of the Indian
population." The organisers later who submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which they stated that
the sit-in demonstration is part of a series of protests by Christians since 2014 to express "our collective frustration, deep sorrow
and mounting anguish at the government's cynicism and apathy to stop the targeted violence against us."
The statement also noted and wished for the nation to know and have concern for the welfare of others, for a peaceful and
harmonious India for future generations.
11
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
Annual Kids for Christ [KFC] Event held in New Jersey
T
he 8th Annual event of Kids for Christ [KFC] event was held
this summer at the Days Inn in Bridgewater, New Jersey with
same degree of fervor and passion for Gospel and with the
spirit of nurturing the scriptural word of God.
The Theme for the KFC Annual event was “We Shine for Jesus”
supplemented by the KFC:-Today’s; Sunday school is Tomorrow‘s
church. Kids for Christ organization established in 2008, in New
Jersey always focused in bringing word of GOD into children’s life
in very competitive and challenging way. We saw interest of children
has grown rapidly to learn and memorize the Bible verses very
lovingly and easily. The new participants more in number this year
were from Hindu background families, moms took special interest to
teach the kids from the syllabus prepared as per their age group.
There were around 70 kids registered through online and about 17
kids came as walk-ins due to NJ state school being held on the same
week. But God is a God of promise keeping; many children came
Billy Graham:
Disturbed by ‘the
Moral Decline of
the U.S.
he nearly 97-year-old
T
Billy Graham voiced
his concern over the state
of affairs in America and
abroad.
SRN news.com reports
that Graham, who is a few
weeks short of his 97th
birthday, has observed
that the world he was
born into in 1918 is barely
recognizable today.
The famous evangelist’s
son, Franklin Graham,
who has taken over his
ministry, The Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association,
stated that his father is
concerned with “the moral
decline of this nation, and
the
embracing of sin.”
from outside New Jersey like Lancaster PA, New York. Total 280
people were at the event.
The highest bible verses reciter from teen age group was Celina
princess Selvathambi 13 yrs. old from Lancaster PA- She recited
164 verses in 10 minutes to 1 to 1 listener. Winner for Highest
Bible verse reciter for Regional heritage award was won by Sugna
Sherlynn Chevvakula reciting 40 verses in Telugu in 10 minutes she
is 5 yrs. old.
Judges Team consisted of: Brother Ernest Gulla, Nathan
Ganugapanta Babu Rao Reniguntla , Dr ,Manjula Gulla. From
Philadelphia – Mrs.Indira Sukumar. Mrs.Shobha Dumpala,
Mrs.Shantha Edwards, Mr.Daniel Dumpala , Roland Michael.
Mr.Theodore .Vijarangam, Mr.Arthur Lawrence. From Chicago:Mrs.Rachel Geetha Dwaram. From Maryland :- Sis. Clara Priyalene
tallapally From New Jersey :- Mrs.Sunitha Immanuel,
Why faith-based films
such as 'War Room'
and 'Captive' are doing
well in box office
Fox News anchor: I didn't
know it was criminal to be a
Christian
E
ditor's note:
The following
is an excerpt
from Gretchen
Carlson's new
book, "Getting
Real."
It was while
doing "Fox &
Friends" that I got
a reputation for
being a culture warrior. Bill O'Reilly started inviting
me to come on "The O'Reilly Factor" for a regular
aith-based films normally fail to culture warrior segment. I really cared about this
draw the interest of mainstream stuff. Fox was the first place I'd worked where it was
audiences, but new movies such as okay to talk openly about your faith on the air. Of
course, I understand that when you're doing news
"War Room," "Captive," and the
reporting and anchoring, it's not appropriate. But at
soon-to-be released "Woodlawn"
Fox I had a different kind of forum, so I went for it.
are defying the norm by generating Where our culture is headed is an enduring topic of
a lot of buzz and raking in huge box interest for many people, and I think they appreciate
office numbers.
it that I take the topic on -- even when they don't
"War Room"—produced by the
agree with me. For example, I've re­ceived plenty
same creators of "Courageous,"
of flak for talking about the war on Christmas,
often being described as "freaking out" and "going
"Fireproof," and "Facing the
Giants"—tells the story of a family ballistic," as if I were some demented Christian
in crisis and how one mother saved warrior. One website published this pearl: "If Bill
O'Reilly is the commander-in-chief of the War on
it through the power of prayer.
Christmas, Gretchen Carlson is the head of the
Made with just $3 million, it has
women's auxiliary." The thing is, it's not a joke to me.
now earned more than $50 million,
I can't think of a single other religion whose holy day
according to Breaking Christian
is treated like a joke.
News.
F
12
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
Joel Madhukar reconnecting with Ravi
Zacharias after a gap of many years who has
profoundly impacted his life – seen here with
daughter Ashlee Madhukar
...Cont from page 1
Dr. Paul Dhinakaran seen with Santhi Raju
Doda and his family during his visit to San
Francisco.
Popular Telugu Actress Divya Vani shares her
inspiring testimony of faith in Chicago
The evening began with a host of uplifting beautiful
solo songs presented by Shirley Kalvakota and Margaret
Sanyogita Charles, Deena Pasumarthi which was
interspersed with exceptionally melodious songs presented
by young Mohit Panchal and Sheetal Panchal.
Earlier in the evening, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori who
introduced Divya Vani to the gathering showered eloquent
compliments on Divya Vani on her extraordinary acting
career and for her devotion to the tenants of Christian faith.
Presenting a special plaque, Keerthi Ravoori highlighted
her brilliant career on the silver screen and her amazing
journey of faith..Raju Pasumarthi, UCCA President earlier
welcomed the families and highlighted the vibrant UCCA
activities which, he emphasized, is incrementally gaining
greater momentum in the community with recent participation
in the India Independence Day Parade. Emmanuel Neela,
UCCA Vice President in his report eloquently outlined the
future programs and expressed UCCA’s collective appreciation
for the remarkable spiritual stewardship of Divya Vani in India
and abroad. Vasanth Charles described the string of programs
undertaken by UCCA including the Cricket tournaments,
Health fair, Musical concerts, etc. Shirley Kalvakota explained
about the UCCA vision that seeks to launch more familycentric programs in the community; Satish Dadepogu proposed
a vote of thanks while Pravin Neetipudi skillfully ran the
program management with the assistance of Renne Thogaru.
The highlights of the program was the musical presentations
extraordinarily rendered by talented group of accompanists
led by Johnson Kodepalli, Micheal Konda, Vijay; which was
complimented by very young Danny Mallela, Joshua Mallela
with Joshua Neela playing a special classical solo on cello.
Some of the community leaders who joined in felicitating
Actress Divya Vani include Babu Varma, Dr. Nandan Thogaru,
Surender Charles, Varghese Chacko, Dr. Jayachand Pallekonda,
Suresh Maddela, Johnson Sukka & Vijay Ravoori; while the
presence of several pastors including Rev.Samuel Vallabhdas,
Rev.Samson Boodala, Rev.David Vidyasagar, Rev.Antharao
Thalla, Mrs. Subhadra Vipparthi, Rev. Chandran Mallela,
Daniel Williams, Rev. John, Rev. Samson Purohit, Rev.
Omega Victor and Marcus Konda who joined in bestowing
special pastoral blessings on Divya Vani. After the closing
benediction, the evening concluded with a social fellowship
dinner hosted by United Christian Cultural Association.
Telugu Actress Divya Vani being felicitated by UCCA host committee [L to R] Emmanuel Neela, Keerthi Ravoori, Varghese Chacko, Shirley
Kalvakota, Babu Varma, Vasanth Charles, Pravin Neetipudi, Renee Thogaru, Johnson Sukka, Dr.Nandan Thogaru, Raju Pasumarathi &
Surender Charles.
13
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
“Oh Come Let Us Adore Him”
Cordially Invites You To A Joyous Evening Of
UCCA
GRAND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION & DINNER
An Evening Inspired With Carol Singing, Awards Presentation, Souvenir Release & Fine Tradition Dinner.
Melodious Christmas Carols & Inspiring Yuletide Message
complemented by presentation of the Community Awards
SHOWCASEING THE FINEST CHRISTIAN TALANT IN CHICAGO
SATURDAY DECEMBER 5TH 2015
At 6:00PM
Venue: BRISTOL COURT BANQUET HALL
Location: 828 E. RAND RD, Mt Prospect, IL 60056
Major Community Supporters
Varghese Chacko - Iftekhar Shareef - Dr. Vijay Prabhakar - Surender Charles –
Sharath Kalvakota - Suresh Maddela Dr. Nandan Thogaru - Daniel Williams –
Jaychand Pallekonda - Babu Varma - Hema Potla - Bob Pagani
President: Raju Pasumarthi Enouch , ,Vice President : Emmanuel Neela, Treasurer: Praveen Neetipudi, Secretary: Satish Dadepogu Cultural Chairmen: Shirley Kalvakota
Board Of Directors: Keerithi Kumar Ravoori, Vasanth Charles, Nandan Thoragu, Renee Thogaru
14
The NRI Christian News
Volume 1001
October 2015
A monthly NRI Christian e-journal from Chicago
Kerry admits religious
persecution exists even in the US
“వివాహము అన్ని విషయములలో ఘనమైనది”
హెబ్రీ 13:4
ఎలియాజరు కలాాణవేదిక
఩రిశుద్ద బైబిలు గ్రంధంలోతు ఆదిక ండం 24వ అధ్యాయాతున ఩రతిబింబిస్త
ూ ,
అమెరిక స్ంయుక్ూ ర ష్టర ా లలో తువసంచే క్రైస్ూవక్ుట ంబాలలోతు యువతీయువక్ులక్ు, క్రైస్ూవ విలువలతో
క్ూడిన విల హ స్ంబంధ్యలను గ్ురించిన వివర లను అంద్చేస్ూ త, స్హాయక్రంగ ఉండయలనన
తుస్ ారధ ఩ూరాక్ ఉదేద శ్ాంతో యేర఩డింది …ఎలియాజరు కలాాణవేదిక.
ఈ మా ఩రిచరా స్జావుగ స్ గంద్ుక్ు మీ అమూలామెైన స్లహాలు,
స్తచనలు తుస్సంకోచంగ , ప్ ర రధ నయ఩ూరాక్ంగ మాక్ు తెల఩వలసందిగ మిమమల్నన అభ్ారిదస్ూ ునయనము.
మానవ జీవితంలో విల హమననది అతిముఖ్ాము మరియు విళేషమెైన అంశ్ము. అమెరిక స్ంయుక్ూ
ర ష్టర ా లలో తువసస్ు
ూ నన క్రైస్ూవ యువత విల హ విషయంలో త఩఩టడుగ్ులు లేయక్ుండయ, త ంద్రప్ ట
తురణ యాలు తీస్ుకోక్ుండయ..,ఆలోచనతో, మంచి స్తచనలతో భాగ్ాస్ ాములను యంచుకొనేలా చేయడమే
ఈ ఩రిచరా యొక్క ముఖ్ా ఉదేద శ్ాం. ఈ మా ఩రయతనంలో మీ అంద్రి భాగ్స్ ామాం చయలా అవస్రం!
21 యేళ్ళు తుండిన యువతీయువక్ులంద్రూ ఈ క్ఱయాణ లేదిక్లో రిజిస్ర ర్
చేస్ుక్ుతు, ల రిక్నుక్ూలమెైన జీవిత భాగ్స్ ాములను యనునకొతు, స్ంతోషభ్రిత, స్ుఖ్మయ
జీవితయతున ప్ ంద్ుకోల లననదే మా ఆక ంక్ష!
“ మీరు ఫలిించి అభివృదిి ప ింది భూమిన్న న్నింపుడి”
ఆది 9:1
వివర లక్ు :
Bro. Prabhudas Emmanuel Bhooshi
708 646 1030, [email protected]
Bro. Johnson Christopher Sukka
708 955 4446, [email protected]
U.S. Secretary
of State
John Kerry
and State
Department
Ambassador
at-large for
International
Religious Liberty David Saperstein
introduced on Wednesday the International
Religious Freedom Report, which highlights
the disturbing trends of religious martyr and
persecution that occurring in every continent
in the world.
The International Religious Freedom report,
which is now in its 17th year of existence, is
a congressionally-mandated report compiled
by State Department staffers, which seeks to
give voice to people throughout the world who
have been victimized by various forms and
degrees of religious persecution.
The report focused on a number of troubling
trends including the rise of global extremist
violence, the continued rise of anti-Semitism
in Western Europe, the negative impact that
blasphemy and apostasy laws have on the
liberties of religious minorities, governmental
religious hostility and societal violence and
discrimination.
"The message at the heart of this report is
that countries benefit when their citizens
fully enjoy the rights to which they are
entitled," the 71-year-old Kerry said during a
Wednesday press conference. "And this is not
a hopeful theory; this is a proven reality. No
nation can fulfill its potential if its people are
denied the right to practice, to hold, to modify,
to openly profess their innermost beliefs."