S. Prabhudas: ‘Apostle Paul’ of Andhra

A biography of Late Br. S. Prabhudas of Nandyal, A.P
(1922-2010)

Br. Prabhudas hailed from the family of Mr. Venkata Reddy of Pulivendula (originally of Balapanur, a hamlet of Pulivendula); a staunch Hindu and a party leader; father of 5 sons and 5 daughters. He used to have a rifle in his hand though he received 'Gurupadesha' (instruction from the Guru). Mr. Venkata Reddy was drawn to the Lord by reading a small sized Bible whenever he was restless. Village people wanted to excommunicate him, but the head of that village defended his faith. All along Mr. Venkata Reddy continued in the CSI Church as a good believer. Though he named all his children with a prefix of Venkateswara he got them all baptized according to the traditions of the CSI church and changed their names and gave them Christian names. He was exemplary in giving all his daughters to Christian families without communal feelings. This is the background in which Br. Prabhudas grew up from 1920 to 1940.


Boyhood and Baptism in Pulivendula
Just like other children Br. Prabhudas grew up with bad habits. When he was 12, he attended a Hindu drama wherein he saw the agony of sinners in Hell (Yamagundam) and was afraid. When he went to school after summer holidays his friend was missing, and he came to know that he had died because of a scorpion bite. This made Br. Prabhudas restless. His classmate Yesuratnam testified of the Lord and that touched young Prabhudas. The same evening, he knelt down, confessed his sins and received the Lord as his saviour and received the assurance of salvation. This was in July 1936. Some people teased his faith saying that he would not continue for more than 3 or 6 months. But in His grace, he continued faithfully for 75 more years, i.e., till Nov-2010. Two years later, in 1938, brethren Fox, Agrippa and P.V. George visited Pulivendula and conducted meetings. Br. P.V. George gave a clear teaching on Baptism. So, Br. Prabhudas obeyed through the waters of Baptism much against the will of his father.

Training in ministry in Anantpur
Br. Prabhudas (SP) wanted to go to Kerala because Br P.V. George invited him, but his father was not happy about this. SP also thought of discontinuing schooling in 1937. One Sunday when his father asked him to go and work in the field, SP said, 'Dad, I can't come today because it is the Lord's Day'. His father beat him with a basket and SP rejoiced by singing. In those days he was moving with believers like Nagi Reddy, Pulla Reddy, Paul Reddy, Paul Gupta. The Lord was burdening SP to serve Him. However, his father was not happy. SP worked hard for three years and proved to his father that he was not idle.

In 1940 he left home with a pair of spare clothes and 25 paise. He used to wash the same and wear the same till he reached Anantpur! He was like a son to Fox and Agrippa for four years. He used to do many chores like cleaning the hall, spreading mats, cleaning lanterns, cleaning cycles, carrying bags, washing the clothes of speakers, driving van, drawing water, breaking firewood etc. His father noticed SP's devotion and began to encourage him to continue in serving the Lord with same zeal. He cautioned him gently not to become a sluggard or a glutton.


Ministry in Kadapa (1940-1944)
Having received helpful insights in Anantpur, SP came to Kadapa and ministered there for a few years along with Late Titus and some families. An assembly was planted called Berachah where Br. A.H. Roberts and Br. Bakth Singh conducted meetings. In those years Mr. Fox and Br. Bakth Singh used to work together. The Brethren of Kadapa felt like handing over the assembly to Br. Bakth Singh which continues to this day as Beersheba in Kadapa. SP was happy and left Kadapa at that time and went to Bellary in 1944.


Ministry in Bellary (1944-1956)
The Lord blessed the efforts of SP along with some saints in Bellary. Some assemblies were planted in that area. SP got married on 16th Oct 1947 to Grace Padma. Br. Bakth Singh solemnized their wedding. SP continued in Bellary till Henry took over that work and left the place and moved to Nandyal. Br. Prabhudas was an exemplary man, an example in all things. Acts 20:35

1. An example in keeping time: SP never wasted time. He always punctual and before time for meetings. He was early to rise and on time for family prayer and at the table & usually he used to start much before time to travel. Normally he would go 30 minutes early to all meetings and would make arrangements, like sweeping or spreading mats.
2. An example in Bible reading: SP used to complete the Bible in a year. Though he suffered from macular degeneration, he made it a point to complete the reading of the entire Bible in a year with the help of a magnifier.
3. An example in simplicity: Though he hailed from a rich family, he was very simple. He was never for luxurious living (His own brother's son Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh). Mr. SP was known simply as Prabhudas. He refused to be called 'Reddy' though he was always ready for God's work. For most of his lifetime he was satisfied with a very simple meal – sometimes with tamarind leaves and leaves of drumstick.
4. An example in delivering messages: He was not a long preacher. He kept to time in giving messages. His messages were very simple, straightforward, clear and point blank. He was smart enough in giving the Gospel within 10-15 minutes which was powerful and fruitful. Almost every time he gave the gospel, there were souls added. Thus within 70 years of his ministry several thousands of souls were added to the church and hundreds of assemblies got planted.
5. An example in travel: He never sought for luxurious travel and he used to prefer the ordinary bus and the general compartment. He always used to carry gospel tracts in his bag which he distributed as he witnessed to fellow passengers.
6. An example in giving: He never made money. He used to give away gifts to fellow workers. Many times, he used to come home empty handed from camp. But Mrs. Padma was wise enough to handle the things at home. He sold out his little share of property and gave it all to the Lord.
7. An example in hospitality: He used to extend hospitality to all visitors to his home without any distinction. He was ready to do any work at home. His house was open to the saints at all times.
8. An example in marriage: His father Mr. Venkata Reddy gave all his daughters in marriage to Christians. Mr. SP was exemplary in giving his 5 daughters to believers among the brethren in Andhra without any caste distinction.


His ministry in Nandyal (1956- 2010)
SP was greatly used in Nandyal area, and the Lord blessed his efforts. He served the Lord for over 55 years in Nandyal, Kurnool Dist., Andhra Pradesh. There were about 40 brethren assemblies in Nandyal area. The assembly was meeting in a thatched shed till 1975. SP's brother, Mr. Y.S. Raja Reddy made a hall for the assembly in 1975 and gave it as a gift to the assembly. There are nearly 400 believers in Nandyal, and they had to make a new hall, which was extended twice.

Sis. Grace Padma Prabhudas was an asset to Mr. SP in many practical things, in Sunday school work, in house visitation, in sisters' meetings, village work and assembly growth. There was a short-term Bible school in Nandyal, and many youngsters were well trained in New Testament principles through this Bible school. No wonder, many people acknowledge Mr. SP as their spiritual father. Mr and Mrs. SP used to spend several hours in intercessory prayers for believers and assemblies.

Certain highlights and experiences: Br. Bakth Singh called him faithful Timothy. Mr. Justus and Mr. T.G. Samuel called him Paul of Andhra. He was like a son to Mr. Fox. He was recognized as one of the stalwarts of Andhra. He was a good interpreter from English. In the All-India Workers’ conference, he was a reporter for the work in Andhra. He was the founder of Andhra workers' fund which is known as ABS (Assembly Believers Society) – A ministry encouraging nearly 500 evangelists of Andhra Pradesh. He was a prevailing prayer warrior, an exemplary worker, a humble minister, a disciplined head and a sound teacher.

Experiences in ministry: In 1940 he left home with 25 paise and one pair of clothing. He had to fast many times and be satisfied with tamarind leaves. He had to walk several kilometres because he had no bus charges. He suffered terribly with macular degeneration and retained little sight in one of his eyes. Most of his lifetime, he managed with magnifying glass. He received helpful insights from Fox and Agrippa and later he became their co-worker. (Br G.S. Joseph, S. Anandam, Paul Gupta, Luke, Davidson, Issac Abraham, Nagi Reddy, Paul Reddy, G. Rajarao, Issac, Sambob, Paul Gandhi etc were his co-workers). In those days there were no toilets. Several overseas missionaries used to visit Andhra Pradesh. Mr. SP used to keep an earthen pot in place of toilet and clean it daily for the use of missionaries.

His extensive ministry: Mr. SP was used for the blessing of several souls even in other states of India. He ministered in places like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Calcutta, in some places of Kerala, in some places of Madhya Pradesh.

His glorious conclusion: Mr. SP suffered from cardiac problem. He was admitted in NIMS in Hyderabad in 2009 and 2010 due to severe cough. While in ICU he conducted the Lord's Table at 12:00 am on Saturday midnight on 13th November 2010 and on Monday evening he preached the gospel clearly - all in a sub conscious state and concluded with a call. The staff and attendants listened to that gospel message and were blessed. It pleased the Lord to take him home on 15th Nov 2010 and on 17th Nov several thousand attended his funeral at Nandyal and paid tributes to the departed humble servant of God. May we be encouraged from the exemplary life of this great man of God.

Following is a write up from one of his granddaughters Divya Sambob.
If I were to name my GRANDPA (what) how shall I name him?
Is he like Abraham? -a father not just to families, but to believers.
Is he like Moses? -who refused to be called 'Reddy’ but chose to suffer with God's people in His service.
Is he like David? -who chose to be silent when people accused him.
Is he like Paul? -who counted his life not dear to him to fulfil his mission with joy, testifying the gospel of the grace of God.
Is he like Timothy? -faithful from his youth.
Or is he like Joseph? -who created history in his world through his selflessness, forgiveness, and courage.
Surprising to say but my grandpa, one single man fits into all the above characters, but his name will always be PRABHUDAS – God's servant, a name he truly deserves.
-Hailed from a well-to-do family, having field, fame, fortune in the family.
-Having denied luxuries and comforts chose to carry his cross, like a true disciple.
A SERVANT – digesting the meaning of these 7 lettered words in complete form.
God's servant – humble, faithful, simple, obedient, selfless, disciplined, willing…
Though well stricken, still battled to maintain the same tempo of his youth forever in his service.
Come what may, continuing and willing to embrace “Home call” in His service.
But our sincere prayer was that those old stricken eyes would be able to see Christ coming on clouds in person to take us all home…….……………….
Finally, not our prayers, but his desire was what God signed a YES on! - (Heb 11:13-16)
With heavy hearts we accept that too coz that was our dear grandpa's desire – to be with HIM

This article first appeared in the Harvest Times magazine in the September 2014 edition.