About Pastors
BIOGRAPHY OF REV. PASTOR BANDILA JAYA RAJ
Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj, the Founder and Senior Pastor of JCNUC Church (Jesus Christ of Nazareth United Church), has dedicated his life to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and serving the needs of the faithful. Born on October 2, 1954, in the village of Mangalaguntapalem in Narasapur, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, his life's journey is a testament to faith, service, and devotion.
Early Life and Education:
Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj's early life was marked by personal and professional experiences that eventually led him to his calling. He completed his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). These educational achievements laid a strong foundation for his future service to the church.
Marriage and Family:
On July 16, 1976, Rev. Pastor Jaya Raj married Swarna Susheela Rani, and together, they were blessed with three children: Mrs. Anitha Rao, Mr. Anil Raj, and Mrs. Sunitha Pranay. His entire family is actively involved in the ministry of JCNUC, serving the church and its community.
Professional Career:
Before entering full-time ministry, Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj worked in the Department of Medical and Health Services (DMHS) in Hyderabad for a few years. His professional journey took a significant turn in 1991 when, on September 31 (an indication of the divine timing), he received an opportunity to work in Kuwait as an Accounts Manager in a reputed aviation ticket booking company. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where he would further the work of God in a foreign land.
Religious Awakening:
Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj's transformative journey began
when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1992. He experienced a
profound encounter with Jesus, a divine touch on his forehead, and a vision of
God that forever changed his life. Filled with a deep desire to know more about
God and to share His word with those who were distant from it, he embarked on a
path of spiritual growth and service.
Ministry and Education: In pursuit of his calling, he embarked on a journey of
theological education. From 1994 to 1998, he completed a Bachelor of Theology
(B.Th.) degree at TLC Kuwait, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills to
better serve the church and its congregation.
Founding JCNUC Church:
With unwavering faith and the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, Rev. Pastor Jaya Raj began his ministry. He initially started JCNUC Church
as a cottage meeting with a small congregation, gathering every Thursday. He
received invaluable support from Pastor Dr. Vasudevarao, the co-founder of
JCNUC. This humble beginning marked the inception of a church that would grow
and flourish under Rev. Pastor Jaya Raj's leadership.
Role in the Church: Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj currently serves as the Senior
Pastor of JCNUC Church. In this capacity, he plays a central role in shepherding
the congregation, delivering sermons, and providing spiritual guidance to the
church community. He also offers support to the administrative department as
needed, ensuring the smooth operation of the church's activities.
Contact Information:
For communication and outreach, Rev. Pastor Jaya Rajcan be reached through WhatsApp at the phone number: +91 8121572446.
Rev. Pastor Bandila Jaya Raj's life is a testament to his unwavering faith anddedication to the service of God and His people. Through his vision andleadership, JCNUC Church continues to spread the message of Jesus Christ andprovide spiritual support to its congregation, helping many on their ownjourneys of faith.
In Loving Memory of
PASTOR DR. VASU DEVA RAO GARU
Pastor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao Garu, one of the beloved founders and pastors ofJCNUC Church, was a guiding light whose profound impact on the churchcommunity will forever be cherished. His life was a testament to his unwaveringfaith, unwavering dedication, and boundless love for the congregation. As wehonor his memory, we reflect on his remarkable journey in service to God andthe legacy he leaves behind.
DATE OF BIRTH AND DATE OF PASSING:
15th June 1966 - 9th May 2020
TITLE AND ROLE:
Pastor and Co-founder of JCNUC Church Preparing weekly sermons and preaching Conducting worship services Providing care and counseling to churchmembers and assisting them in times of crisis
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY:
Born in the small village of Srikakulam, India, Dr. VasuDeva Rao moved to Hyderabad for his
education andgraduated from Osmania University with a degree inDentistry. He furthered his
academic journey bycompleting his masters, and his professional careerbegan at Dar Al Shifa
Hospital in Beirut Street, Hawally,Kuwait, before transitioning to a position at Kuwait
OilCompany (KOC). Guided by his unwavering faith, Dr.Rao played a pivotal role in the
foundation of JCNUCChurch, which began as a small cottage meeting in hisapartment. His
vision, leadership, and involvement incrucial decisions, such as securing the church's
locationand designing its interior, were instrumental in thechurch's growth.
Dr. Rao deeply cared for every member of the congregation, offering counsel, and supportwhen
needed. He shared the wisdom of the Word of God through his weekly sermons,enriching the
spiritual lives of those who attended the church. He actively engaged invarious tasks,
ensuring the safety and well-being of church members.
Throughout his life, Dr. Vasu Deva Rao exemplifiedthe spirit of service. He began his professional journey atDar Al Shifa Hospital in Beirut Street, Hawally, Kuwait,and later transitioned to a position at Kuwait OilCompany (KOC). His dual roles as a pastor and dentistallowed him to be a beacon of hope for the churchcommunity and beyond. Dr. Rao's compassionate heartextended to the less fortunate, as he often provided freedental treatment to those who could not afford it,displaying his deep commitment to helping others.
In addition to his local contributions, Dr. Vasu Deva Rao maintained close relationshipswith prominent pastors in India, particularly in the Telugu-speaking states. His connectionswith figures such as P. J. Stephen Paul, John Wesley, and many others, showcased hiscommitment to fostering unity and collaboration within the Christian community.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY:
Dr. Rao's legacy lives on through his wife, BEVARA ANITHA RAO, and their three children, BEVARA RITHIKA RAO, BEVARA RIVCA RAO, and BEVARA EMMANUEL JONADAB. Mrs. Anitha is an active member of the choir and leads the women's congregation, regularly sharing sermons of hope through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their children actively participate in the Sunday school and various church events. Dr. Rao's parents, Simmaya and Malamma, were a source of inspiration and love in his life.
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT:
As the pastor of JCNUC Church, Dr. Vasu Deva Rao provided spiritual leadership to the congregation. His multifaceted role included preparing sermons, leading worship services, overseeing financial matters, managing various aspects of the church's ministry, coordinating staff, and maintaining the church facilities.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY:
Dr. Vasu Deva Rao's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to serving the community, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He and the pastoral team in Kuwait went above and beyond to support those facing adversity due to the pandemic's restrictions.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND LEGACY:
Dr. Vasu Deva Rao's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to serving the community, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID- 19 pandemic. He and the pastoral team in Kuwait went above and beyond to support those facing adversity due to the pandemic's restrictions.
CLOSE FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE:
Dr. Rao shared a close friendship with his colleague, Dr. Zdravko Ivanov, from Bulgaria, during their time at Dar Al Shifa Hospital. Their shared commitment to healing had a profound impact on those they cared for. Dr. Zdravko Ivanov continues to attend JCNUC Church and remains a dedicated well-wisher to the Dr. Rao family, delivering messages of inspiration and faith to the congregation in honor of Pastor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao.
MEMORIAL SERVICES:
A memorial service was held in Hyderabad, India, on 24th July 2022, to honor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao's memory. The service provided a space for the church community and relations to come together and celebrate the life and contributions of this beloved pastor.
CONDOLENCES
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Pastor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao.During this challenging time, the church offers unwavering support and comfort.You can watch the recorded memorial service through this link: Click Here
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES OR SCRIPTURES:
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." - Psalm 150:6"
Pastor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao Garu was a cherished figure within the JCNUCcommunity, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and unwavering devotion toGod. His life serves as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him,and his memory will forever remain a beacon of light in the hearts of those hetouched. Pastor Dr. Vasu Deva Rao Garu passed away on 9th May 2020 due tocomplications from the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving an indelible mark on thehearts of all who knew and loved him.