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The Gospel Association of India was founded by Rev. Rajaratnam Bandela (Yesu's father) on October 16th 1944.

Believers began to pour in thousands in number as Christianity grew in spite of the rampant persecution. They included many from Hindu backgrounds and from other faiths. This became a strange phenomenon to such a steep rise in Christianity.

Can a Dead Grain of Wheat Give Life? I clearly remember that day on June 22nd 1967, when my father Rev. Rajaratnam Bandela was brutally killed. And in the midst of his agony and deep struggle, while grasping for breath, and as each fleeting moments were dragging him to the nearness of death, he spoke these dying words, Son take up the work of the Lord he gave to GAI, take care of your mother and forgive my killers.'

These words were heavy on me to forgive the killers and to take up the mantle of such a leadership in GAI. Nevertheless, I took you my father's words prayerfully and purely depending on God for His grace to help to continue the mission.

GIA was established in 1944 and by 1967 the ministry had already grown where 22 ministers were working fulltime, with 50 churches ministering in 100 villages and towns.