Draft:Sebastian Rajendram

Evangelist Dr. Sebastian Rajendram, affectionately known as Brother Rajendram, was born in the Central Province of Sri Lanka into a respected business family that owned several tea estate properties.

Early life and education

From an early age, he exhibited leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. During his school years, he earned recognition for his initiative and courage when, after the principal declined a request to hold a cultural event, he independently sought approval from the education board and successfully organized the program.

Business career and personal life

From his youth, Brother Rajendram demonstrated remarkable determination and independence. At just nineteen years old, he moved to Colombo, where he began working diligently without relying on his parents' wealth. Through perseverance and hard work, he eventually purchased the very business premises where he had once been an employee, rising to become a successful entrepreneur. Over time, he owned several shops and employed many people. He later married Evangelist Professor Margret Rajendram, and together they enjoyed a prosperous and fulfilling life.

Religious background

Raised in the Catholic faith, Brother Rajendram was deeply devoted to his religious practices, faithfully attending church services and pilgrimages. His father, a noted communist, had attended international conferences in Russia in 1944, yet Sebastian's own heart was devoted to both business and faith. As an act of personal devotion, he would walk on his knees carrying lighted candles, believing such acts would bring him closer to God.

Spiritual crisis and divine encounter

Illness and despair

However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was struck by a severe and life-threatening illness. Despite his fervent religious observance, generous offerings, and steadfast attendance at church, his condition worsened. His kidneys began to fail, a tumor developed in his head, and several other serious ailments followed. In anguish, he cried out in despair: "I have given my gold and everything I believed in — why am I being abandoned? Did God take my offerings? No, only men did. Whatever is done before idols has no part with the Almighty God." At the height of this physical and spiritual crisis, the once-prosperous businessman — who had travelled abroad frequently with his wife — fell into deep despair, even contemplating suicide.

Conversion experience (March 13, 1978)

Everything changed on March 13, 1978. Accompanied by his Methodist wife, he attended a Christian meeting at the Ramakrishna Mission in Colombo 4, where a preacher from the Netherlands, Rev. Maasbach, was ministering. During the service, a brilliant white light surrounded him, and he fell to the ground. Within the radiant light appeared a human figure, with visible wounds in both hands and feet. Trembling, he cried out, "Who are You, Lord?" The divine figure replied: "I am Jesus. I will give you a new life. Will you follow Me and serve Me?" Instantly, the pain in his head and kidneys began to subside. The radiant figure disappeared, but his life was forever transformed. Immediately afterward, the preacher called out, "Who will serve God? Come forward." At that moment, the Holy Spirit touched both Brother and Sister Rajendram. With deep conviction, they surrendered their lives completely to God's service.

Ministry

Early ministry and healing work

Following this divine encounter, the couple gave away their businesses and began praying for people in their home at Colombo 14. Without any form of publicity, people began to arrive seeking prayer and healing. Although they had no formal training in deliverance or healing ministry, Sister Rajendram's Methodist background provided a strong foundation in Scripture and prayer. As they ministered, extraordinary miracles occurred — people were healed of diseases, delivered from demonic oppression, and set free from witchcraft.

Nationwide revival and major crusades

As word spread, crowds increased rapidly. Their home soon became too small to accommodate the gatherings, leading them to rent public halls to conduct healing and deliverance meetings. These meetings marked the beginning of a nationwide revival. From 1980 onward, their ministry expanded across every province of Sri Lanka — from small village meetings to massive gospel crusades attended by tens of thousands. The gospel campaigns in the Eastern Province in 1980 and 1984, particularly the Batticaloa Weber Stadium crusades, became historic milestones in Sri Lankan Christian history. Thousands found salvation, and the events drew national attention. Many political leaders, parliamentarians, and government officials attended and received prayer. One widely known testimony involved the sister-in-law of a former President, who was delivered from demonic possession after every medical and traditional remedy had failed.

Jesus Lives Ministry and Mother Church

Brother Rajendram was not only a preacher and healer but also a courageous defender of the faith. He fearlessly opposed forces that sought to suppress the Gospel and consistently urged the government to uphold righteousness and resist practices that dishonored God's name. In 1986, he purchased the premises that became the Mother Church of the Jesus Lives Ministry, where regular Sunday services, Saturday healing meetings, fasting prayers, and night vigils were held. People from across the nation attended these gatherings in great numbers.

Prophetic ministry

Two of Brother Rajendram's most notable prophecies were fulfilled with remarkable accuracy. The first, delivered in 1982, warned the nation to repent or face destruction, predicting chaos, loss of property, and widespread death — a prophecy fulfilled during the 1983 riots, witnessed both nationally and internationally. The second prophecy, given in 1987–1988, foretold the escalation of the Sri Lankan civil war, particularly during meetings in the Northern Province — in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Manipay. His prophetic declaration, "You will look upon the sky and run, and danger will befall you if you do not repent from idolatry and sin," became a solemn national reminder of the spiritual warning he had given.

International ministry

Throughout his ministry, Brother Rajendram carried the Gospel to unreached regions of Sri Lanka and beyond. He organized international crusades in India (Madras, Kerala, and Trichy) and Nigeria, Africa, spreading the message of salvation globally. Despite limited technology at the time, he skillfully utilized every available medium — television, radio, print publications, video productions, and personal counseling — to share the Good News. By 1982, he had established international churches, particularly among Sinhala and Tamil-speaking communities, nurturing believers in faith and emphasizing the importance of Holy Communion.

Later years and death

Despite his wide influence, Brother Rajendram remained a humble servant of God. In 2003, he successfully campaigned against the proposed anti-conversion law, which sought to restrict Christian evangelism in Sri Lanka. That same year, he embarked on his final ministry tours to Africa, the United States, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom, before returning home. On October 28, 2003, Evangelist Dr. Sebastian Rajendram peacefully entered into the glory of God.

Legacy and recognition

In recognition of his outstanding spiritual, religious, and social contributions, the Government of Sri Lanka honored him with a commemorative postal stamp, a special cover, and the naming of a public bus shelter in his memory. Though he held many titles throughout his life, he preferred to be known simply as Brother Rajendram. He remained steadfast in faith until his final breath — serving as a pastor, shepherd, apostle, evangelist, and prophet. His mission and legacy continue to inspire generations throughout Sri Lanka and around the world.