FROM THE DISTRICT OF MISS SOWRY AND MISS YOUNG.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 27, Issue 4, 1 April 1937, Page 3

FROM THE DISTRICT OF MISS SOWRY AND MISS YOUNG.

Veerayya was the black sheep of his family; a strong character bent

m the wrong direction. A drunkard and the friend of thieves, he led an immoral life and provoked quarrels because of his love for "panchyats" (village councils). He was a clever leader who was never caught. Years ago some fifty people were baptised m Patrela, and the day following the baptisrh one of the baptised men was found drowned m the well. Veerayya< opposed them so bitterly that at last they all decided to revert to Hinduism.

In March, 1935, a C.E.Z.M.S. missionary and five Biblewomen from Bezwada held alible study school m Putrela. The members met m the schoolroom where the Christians who had gone back into Hinduism used to worship. Each morning the Bible women gave medicines to the sick and dressed their sores. On the third day a public meeting was held near Veerayya's house; at the cl6se of the meeting the missionary asked to see the head man, and Veerayya was brought forward and introduced as a man bitterly opposed to Christianity. There was a long talk and an urgent call to him to follow Christ. He must decide, for he was an old man with not many years to run. He said nothing, but turned and went away. Finally he decided to yield, and confessed his faith to all whom he had bitterly opposed. A great change was seen m his life. In March, 1936, a special pandal (shed) was erected and the prayerhouse was enlarged m preparation for the baptism of Veerayya, his relatives and friends from five villages. 'Before he himself was baptised he brought forward all his frineds and relatives for baptism, after which he followed. He chose to be baptised by the name of Daniel. The next day more people came for baptism, and among them were Veerayya's son and grandson. By Veerayya's conversion many places have been opened for the Gospel, and a large number of people come forward on seeing the change m his attitude and life.