I'm Prabhudeva Akuri and I am from India.
It's been 20 years since my father left us due to pressure from financial debts and he has never returned. We have no clue if my father is still alive or not. We are a very poor family.
My mother did her best to raise me and my elder sister but we were very poor. We were destitute.
I was also affected by a severe speech disorder and my stuttering made it very difficult for me to speak, even today.
When I was a kid, we didn't have money for food, so I used to go to the government school for the afternoon midday meal. They provide an afternoon lunch at school. I asked my teacher many times, "Teacher, if there was any food left, could I bring some food home? My mother is hungry at home, and we need to eat food tonight too." My teacher gave me permission to take some food to my house. We used to survive this way.
Then later we heard about CTL’s children’s home in India and contacted them. I joined the family at the children's home on August 12th, 2007.
Pastor K welcomed me as a son and took up the responsibility of my schooling and helped me to look beyond my situation. I'm extremely glad to have such a good person in my life. I have thought of him as my father ever since. I am extremely thankful for the help, love and care given by him.
"I learned that I am not just the kid who stutters. I learned to work hard and believe I could accomplish more with God’s help."
After I finished the tenth grade, I was fortunate to receive a Diploma in Computer Sciences and then a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Sciences.
After my degree I was encouraged to go to Hyderabad for further learning and certifications. I got a job at a tech company in India as an Automation Developer in 2020. I was finally able to help my family.
Through seeing the practical Christian life of Pastor K, Biblical teachings and atmosphere in the ministry, I was led to confess my sins and accept Jesus Christ as my Savior on the 7th of April, 2012. I was baptized and later joined the leadership as the Secretary of the children’s home’s Board of Directors.
Although I was not sure if I would ever make it to the United States, it was my strong desire. Pastor K encouraged me to pursue a Master’s Degree in the United States. I don’t have a strong family support system or finances, on top of being a stammering person, but I began to pray for God to open a door for me to pursue this.
"By God's grace, God opened doors for me to come to the United States.
Jesus Christ did unbelievable miracles in my life."
Now I have come to the United States, and I'm studying for a Master's in Computer Information Systems at the University of South Alabama and God fulfilled my dream through the children’s home and Children to Love. I am so grateful.
By God's grace, I have completed my first year, and I'm looking forward to my second year of schooling. I want to be a benefit to the ministry in India after I finish my master's degree and be a productive member of my church and my community.
I thank the ministry in India for every blessing that they are in my life.
To watch a video of Prabhudeva telling his story, visit the link below.
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