Bethel Church
About Bethel Church
Foundation
Sri Gottu Mukkala Krishnam Raju, born in 1941 in Pedamaram village, Bhimavaram Taluk, West Godavari District, is a testament to resilience and faith. His journey from a small village to becoming a revered community leader and contractor reflects his enduring spirit and deep-rooted faith.
Krishnam Raju was born into a modest family and received only primary education. At the age of 20, he embarked on a life-altering journey to Pochampadu in Nizamabad district, with no acquaintances or means of support. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Struggles and Triumphs Upon his arrival in Pochampadu, Raju faced numerous challenges including harsh weather and isolation. His breakthrough came when he found temporary shelter at a local school, and later a job at the Pochampadu Dam project. Over the years, he established deep connections with the local community and earned the nickname "Madhapur Raju" after marrying Lakshmamma from Beerappur village.
Spiritual Transformation In 1969, Krishnam Raju underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He embraced Christianity, was baptized in the Godavari River, and took the name Paul Raju. This marked a significant turn in his life, leading him towards a path of spiritual and community service.
Legacy and Contributions By 1971, Raju built his own home and laid the foundation for a local church in Madhapur, which became a cornerstone of his legacy. He played a pivotal role in constructing the community's spiritual and physical infrastructure, which brought numerous blessings to his life and to those around him.
Bethel Prayer House In 2002, with the collaboration of notable community figures like G.D. Prasad and B. Immanuel, Raju initiated the construction of the Bethel Prayer House. Completed in 2003, the inauguration was celebrated over three days with over 5000 attendees, turning the site into a beautiful pilgrimage destination adorned with gardens and biblical depictions.
Sri Gottu Mukkala Krishnam Raju's life story is a powerful narrative of faith, perseverance, and community leadership. His legacy continues to inspire and impact lives, demonstrating how faith can transform adversity into opportunity.
Expanding Our Sanctuary to Welcome More Hearts and Souls
As our community grows and more individuals come to seek solace and celebration in worship, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our church premises. This initiative is borne out of our commitment to provide a welcoming and spacious environment for all who join us in our journey of faith.
Why We Are Expanding
Our church has always been a place of refuge, joy, and spiritual growth. Over the years, we have been blessed with a significant increase in the number of attendees at our services, events, and programs. To continue accommodating everyone who seeks to participate and to enhance their worship experience, we have decided to extend our church's physical space.
What This Means for Our Community
The expansion of our church will allow us to,
Host larger congregations during our worship services, ensuring that every member of our community has a place with us.
Increase the range of activities we offer, from children’s Sunday school classes to adult Bible studies, providing more opportunities for learning and fellowship.
Enhance facilities for community outreach and support services, allowing us to better serve the needs of our community both spiritually and practically.
Looking Ahead
The expanded space is not just about physical growth but also symbolizes our deepening commitment to spread the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. It reflects our dedication to being a beacon of hope and a hub of community life. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and are deeply grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm of our church members and visitors. Together, we look forward to welcoming more individuals and families into our church home, growing in faith and fellowship.
Join Us in This Joyful Journey
We invite each of you to be a part of this exciting phase of our church's life. Whether through volunteering, contributing to the expansion project, or participating in our services, your involvement is what makes our church community so special. Thank you for being a part of our family. We are eager to step into this new chapter with you, as we continue to serve and worship in a place we are blessed to call home.
