Archbishop Dr. Reuben M. Sathiyaraj

Early life & divine calling

Reuben Sathiyaraj was born in the State of Tamil Nadu into a poor Christian village family as the youngest of 6 children: 2 girls and 4 boys. His parents, though not highly educated, believed deeply in the importance of education and ensured all their children attended the Church of South India Christian school.

When Reuben was just 2 years old, his father died — an event that would profoundly shape his destiny. In her grief and faith, his mother dedicated him to God's ministry, a single act that would influence his entire future life. Even as a child and young man, he rebelled against this dedication, living two distinctly different lives.

To his mother, he appeared to be the dutiful, God-fearing son, but inside he was burning with rebellion, rejecting the divine calling that had been placed upon his life before he could even understand it.

The prodigal years

When his education was completed, Reuben finally declared his rejection of faith to his mother. The confrontation was explosive — in his rage, he picked up a huge boulder, threw it at her, and ran away from home to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.

In Chennai, he mixed with rough crowds, having no direction, no faith, and no family. He started a business with two friends who ultimately robbed and abandoned him. For three days, he roamed the streets of Chennai — penniless, dejected, and destitute. He was so hungry that he watched a banana seller, hoping someone would take pity on him, even contemplating eating banana skins.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son kept running through his head: "And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him" (Luke 15:16).

Divine encounter

Deep despair and depression overwhelmed him, and he decided to end his life by walking into the sea. As he headed toward the water, there was a Gospel meeting in progress on the beach. He recognized the preacher, who was quoting Ecclesiastes 11:9: "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."

This same verse had angered him before — he had once thrown his Bible to the ground, stamping and kicking it like a football. Hearing it again brought vivid memories flooding back. Though he felt angry and wanted his plan to succeed, God had other plans. That very night, instead of ending his life, he accepted the Lord and committed his life to God's glory.

Reconciliation & calling

Like the Prodigal Son, thoughts of reconciliation with his mother and family began creeping into his mind. The harder he tried to push these thoughts away, the stronger they became. He decided to write to his mother, and like in the parable, she welcomed him home with open arms.

His faith and belief in Jesus Christ flooded back. He started working in a laboratory as a quality controller, but felt an irresistible pull to spread God's word and preach the Gospel — with 1 Corinthians 9:16 as his driving inspiration.

Testing & seminary

Swallowing his pride, he approached his elder brother, who was already a pastor, for spiritual guidance. His brother initially laughed at him, saying there were already two brothers in ministry and that was enough. However, he decided to test Reuben's commitment by challenging him to fast in a locked room for three days. If his calling remained strong, he would help.

After three days of fasting, Reuben's commitment to ministry was stronger than ever. But when he shared this with his brother, his brother flew into a rage, threw money at him, and ordered him out of the house. Reuben took only the 10 rupees needed for bus fare and returned the rest. At age 17, in the middle of the night, he left home again — this time for God's service.

Pioneer missionary work

Determined to study God's Word, he approached a Bible Seminary in Tamil Nadu, which accepted him for a 2-year course. Though penniless, he had direction and commitment. He worked as a gardener in the seminary grounds in exchange for tuition, boarding, and accommodation.

After completing Bible Seminary, he was sent to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for 5 years as a pioneer missionary working among primitive tribal groups. He was one of the first missionaries to enter this spiritual wilderness, where tribal people initially resisted giving up their pagan rituals to accept Christ.

Despite his youth, he showed remarkable discernment and leadership, leading his missionary team and preaching with such fire and authenticity that the tribal communities could identify his biblical teachings with their own cultures and way of life. Many churches were planted during this time and continue expanding today.

Ministry in Bangalore

When he returned to Tamil Nadu, he taught in Bible School and completed a 2-year correspondence course on missionary outreach. Throughout this time, he maintained a burning desire and vision to preach the Gospel throughout spiritually barren India. For several years, he served as a roving charismatic preacher, seeking out isolated communities and teaching God's Word.

In 1985, he married Flora, who became his devoted ministry partner. They settled in Bangalore in 1987, where their three children — Jim Elliot, Sabina Livingbel, and Ruby Carole — were born. Flora fully supports her husband and assists in many pastoral activities.

In 1990, he planted the seeds for what is now the growing and spiritually vibrant Agape Bible Church. From humble beginnings with just 3 families, the church now ministers to over 1000 believers and 250 children. His ministry extends beyond the home church to include training missionaries and lay leaders, running rehabilitation homes for street children and rag-pickers, the Eunuch ministry, and overseeing 5 daughter churches with 10 co-pastors.

Legacy & vision

Archbishop Dr. Reuben Sathiyaraj has particular empathy for society's marginalized — especially street children and rag-pickers. He sees potential in those whom society has thrown away and rejected. His respect and care for his God-given gifts motivate his fellow workers and inspire transformation in the most unlikely places.

The spiritual growth in the slum areas of Bangalore is entirely due to the commitment and God-given gifts of this dynamic and compassionate man. He truly embodies what it means to be "a man of the people" — one who has experienced the depths of despair and the heights of God's grace.

"To God be all the Glory and honor!"

Biography compiled from the account by Mrs. Carole Edgecox of the Isle of Man, who served as a voluntary nurse in Bangalore at the ACC ministry among street children and rag pickers.