Father M. Devadas is the founder of ‘The Bible Mission’, a small but fast growing denomination in South India. Father Devadas remained as a bachelor throughout his life of 120 yrs. He is a mystic with many spiritual experiences which are very peculiar to common Christianity. It is a strict order from him when he was alive, that one should not resort to write his Biography. The reason is one cannot unravel the totality of his life. So, it is only our amateur effort to record some of the events that took place in his life of ecstasy which he experienced in deep communion with his Creator, Saviour and Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. He is not a catholic Father, but is called that way by his followers.
(A) Meek and meditative beginnings :
Father Devadas grew up in the humble and rustic surroundings of the Godavari delta region of Andhra Pradesh. His parents are evangelists. They are not very rich in worldly matters. But they are far wealthier in many spiritual aspects who used to spend their time in prayer and intercession every day till late night. As they did not beget children after many years of their marriage, in their old age God gave them the glorious gift i.e. a boy child, whom they named as ‘Devadas’ which means ‘Servant of God’
1. Birth and Childhood :
Fr. Devadas was born in 1840 to Jonah and Satyavatamma, in Jegurupadu, a small village in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. He grew up in the best spiritual atmosphere which his parents provided. He was always contemplative while his young mates engulfed themselves in playing and making merry. It is incredible to the human wisdom to understand and believe some of his friendly experiences with the heavenly world and its beings, at this very adolescent age. For Example:- He used to make friendship with the divine ‘Attributes of God’.
He used to follow his parents, in their evangelistic tours and strictly observe their meditative line up by being straight on his kneels. He received God’s special calling during these times.
2. Schooling and Education :
He was sent to a small school in Jegurupadu by his parents for his primary Education. He is a clever child and a spontaneous learner. After coming from school he used to help his parents in their ministry and day to day life. He is very active in school and had inculcated a sense of profound love for the nature and care for the living creatures.
When he was 6 years old, his parents took him to a pastors get-together. When a missionary asked him to pray there he prayed: “Lord Jesus, , Let me be like Thee when you are in my age.” From then onwards the missionaries had a special eye on child Devadas.
3. Missionary Patronage:
After completing his primary education, his parents took him to the Lutheran Missionaries at (N.M.E.L.C) Nigam Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Dhavaleswaram on the banks of river Godavari, and left him under their patronage for further education and spiritual growth. There he finished his 8th standard and qualified as be a Higher grade teacher. Having closely watched his innate zeal and strong sense of determination to servethe Lord, the Lutheran missionaries immediately absorbed him in the teaching faculty of their mission schools.
He is always loyal to his authorities and is of excellent disposition towards his superiors. His ideal life is a serene acme for the growing children to be punctual, sincere and humble. He marvelled his authorities in all the challenging responsibilities that are entrusted to him.
4. Meditative Solitude :
Wether at home or in missionary boarding, he inculcated the habit of making his mind quiet and silent, only to converse with his Father. He believed in these verses and strictly observed them. “I am the Teacher” Jn.13:13; “ And Learn from Me” Mt. 11:28. To realize his objective, he spent hours of solitude both day and night. This kind of habit later, paved the way for his mysterious life of ecstasy. It also resulted in the visible experience of communing with the Lord, face to face, with naked eyes. All his meditative practices made him a perfect seer.
This is the internal dimension of his life which remained obscure to most of his collegues and superiors. Heavenly saints, holy angels, earthly saints and sages from Himalayas are his regular visitors in his meditative life of solitude.
5. Meek Mentor :
Under the patronage of Lutheran missionaries, Father Devadas developed his bodily, spiritual and mental faculties. There he was in the process of becoming a great spiritual giant. His personal fellowship with Jesus Christ increased day after day with mysterious experiences concerning heaven, earth and the nether world, resulting in an unequivocal understanding and analysisthe Lord, the Lutheran missionaries immediately absorbed him in the teaching faculty of their mission schools.
He is always loyal to his authorities and is of excellent disposition towards his superiors. His ideal life is a serene acme for the growing children to be punctual, sincere and humble. He marvelled his authorities in all the challenging responsibilities that are entrusted to him.
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