Our History

The Beginnings: A Seed Planted (1989–1990)

In 1989, when the Operation Mobilisation (OM) office was shifted from Bombay to Hyderabad the work on the campus expanded rapidly. Local people were employed in gardens, construction, offices, kitchens, and warehouses. Many among them had never heard about Jesus Christ.

As the work grew, more staff joined the campus activities. Among them was Mr. Satyam Yellasiri, who had earlier served with OM in North India. Observing that many workers were from non-Christian backgrounds, his heart was burdened to share his personal testimony and the message of Christ’s love.

Along with a few brothers who knew the Lord, informal sharing began—one person at a time. God responded powerfully. There was a growing hunger among the people to know Jesus, who loves unconditionally.

The Fellowship Group Begins (June 1991)

In June 1991, Pas. Satyam Yellasiri decided to make a small beginning as a Saturday evening fellowship. The very first meeting was inaugurated by Mr. Thangaigh who spoke on “The Great Book – The Bible” and shared his personal testimony of how God’s Word transformed his life.

That evening also included the film “YONEKO”, the testimony of a Japanese girl who found Christ despite strong Buddhist beliefs. About 45 people attended that very first meeting.

From that day onward, the fellowship continued every Saturday evening Lead by MR Satyam Yellasiri, with a simple purpose:

• To build fellowship
• To present the Gospel
• To pray and encourage seekers

Week after week, God worked in hearts. Several people accepted Jesus Christ, while many others showed keen interest and continued to seek the truth.

Morning Devotion: Growing Deeper

Seeing the spiritual hunger and potential in the group Mr Satyam Yellasiri approached the leadership team to permit him to start daily morning devotions for service staff, which was started from 8:30 to 9:00 AM, before work hours.

A Church Is Born

After nearly two years of Saturday fellowship and several months of daily morning devotion, Pas. Satyam Yellasiri committed to share God’s Word and council. God brought visible fruit about five people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. This marked the birth of what would later become Peniel Prayer Fellowship.

Early Challenges and God’s Faithfulness

As the fellowship grew, meetings were shifted for a season to a house in Father Balaiah Nagar. Attendance ranged between 10–15 people, but distance and transportation became major challenges for many.

Recognizing the need for stronger pastoral care and regular family visits, the leadership desired a full-time shepherd. Due to practical difficulties, meetings were briefly moved to a school in Jeedimetla Village, where only a few families could gather consistently. Eventually, the fellowship returned to Logos Bhavan (OM Campus), where God continued to strengthen and establish His church.

Peniel Ministries Today

Through every transition, challenge, and limitation, one truth has remained clear: The Lord Himself is building His Church.

Today, Peniel stands as a community of believers committed to:

• Worshipping God wholeheartedly
• Growing in the Word and prayer
• Equipping believers for ministry and leadership
• Serving the community through outreach and compassion

What began as a small fellowship has grown into a living testimony of God’s grace, guidance, and glory.

Join the Journey

We invite you to be part of the Peniel family— to grow in faith, serve with purpose, and experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

“Then Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: ‘For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.’”
— Genesis 32:30.