Velli’s Story

Velli was one of the last people you’d expect to join TTI’s disciple making training, for one very specific reason: his illiteracy. But his determination and passion for his people led him to be used by God, to bring light to his own tribe in Asia.

Velli and his wife Kunjamma have two boys, Binu and Biju. Ever since surrendering his life to Christ, Velli had a passion to lead others to the Lord but did not know how. One day Velli happened to attend one of TTI’s Vision Casting meetings held in the area. After the meeting, Velli approached his pastor, a TTI Paul named Vincent. He expressed his interest in attending the weekly TTI classes.

The classes required studying, reading, and completing other assignments—how could Velli possibly do it? Pausing for a moment, Velli replied to Vincent that whether he allowed him or not, he was going to come regularly to his class because he wanted to bring Jesus to his people.

The classes started, and Velli never missed a session. Though he can neither read nor write, he has a sharp memory. Velli soon surpassed all the others during the “look-back” session. He answered correctly each time. “Nothing else sticks to my mind like God’s story,” he humbly explains.

Velli’s vision is to disciple his whole community. On the second day of class, he committed 20 names from his community to memory and started praying for them. Since then, he has led 14 out of the 20 to the Lord. Now his list has expanded to include the names of all people in his village, and he talks with greater faith and courage.

As of today, Velli has planted two churches among his village. One is in Velli’s own house, where 18 people from his village worship the Lord regularly. The other one is in a new believer’s house, where 13 people gather for worship. All glory to God!

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