On November 1st, 2023, we announced the super exciting motto contest for 2024! The theme? "Prayer Works," which is also our motto for 2024.

We asked all you awesome folks under 25 to get creative and show us what "Prayer Works" means to you through artwork. And wow, did you deliver! We got over 200 remarkable pieces, filling us with immense joy.

Artworks poured in from all corners of the country - through post, courier, and in some cases, even our Apostles and Bishops hand-delivered them in person. After careful deliberation and multiple rounds of judging 214 submissions, we are thrilled to announce the top 10 winners.

Leading the competition is 8-year-old Sara Magar from Dreams Mall Bhandup. Her artwork shows us how she sees prayers. Sara shared that she was inspired by the bible verse Mathew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Fittingly, our 2024 logo takes its cue from Sara’s beautiful work.

Sonam Sutar, aged 15, secures the runner-up position. She has beautifully depicted the power of prayers in shielding us from worldly harm. Sonam shared she began her art with a prayer, creating an image of a girl sheltered by God's hand. Her artwork reminds us to draw strength from our prayers to our Heavenly Father during vulnerable times.

Captivating audiences in third place is Prathana Mhaske, an 18-year-old talent hailing from Aurangabad. Her message hit home, highlighting how our prayers empower us to stand out and find peace amidst distractions and worldly worries. Prathana shares “I believe that a prayer from the heart can change anything. ‘Thank You, God,’ ‘I love You, God,’ and ‘I trust You, God’—small things like these are wonderful prayers to me.”

Joison Magar, 16 years old and from Dreams Mall Bhandup, clinches fourth place with a compelling depiction of a world united through prayer under the church's embrace. Joison says his artwork was based on the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Securing the fifth place was the artwork by 18-year-old Shaun Sutar, from Chembur Camp, which vividly depicted the prayers of the church, resulting in the miraculous rescue of the Chief Apostle Peter by an Angel from prison. He also shared how, during a national choir practice, heavy rain left them hopeless for the Chief Apostle's service. After praying, the rain cleared, and they enjoyed the service, proving that prayer works.

In sixth place, 17-year-old Simran Sutar, also from Chembur Camp, illustrated the protective power of prayer in the name of Jesus, showing how it shields us from evil.

Joyci Jagdhane, aged 11, from Shivaji Nagar Borivali, won the seventh spot with her artwork that shines a light on how prayer impacts us, our families, our surroundings, and our environment.

Snagging the eighth place is Sara Gajbhiv, aged 14, from Seawoods. Sara expressed, "My drawing was basically about how God helps us in our day-to-day life. These miracles are not noticed by us. The thought behind my drawing is that God is always with us."

Securing ninth place is Diyansha Waghmare, an 11-year-old talent from Goregaon, whose artwork celebrates the beauty and significance of family prayer. Diyansha says, "A family has different necessities, but God listens to everyone. I have real experience with family prayer, and I know that it is a powerful prayer."

Rounding out the top ten is 25-year-old Mihir Battise from Gulabwadi, whose artwork highlighted the presence of the Holy Spirit during prayer. "James 5:16 is my inspiration", adds Mihir, “The picture that came before my eyes while drawing was the instance of Holy Spirit descending on Jesus after his baptism. If we truly believe and ask with a true heart, then the Holy Spirit will come upon us and lead our prayers to God, this is how prayer works."

The winners were treated to a memorable experience with a special trip to the historic Murud-Janjira Fort in Raigad district. There, they had the opportunity to meet their admired leaders in person, engaging in meaningful and inspiring conversations about this year’s motto, “Prayer Works.” The discussions delved into how the power of prayer touches all aspects of life, making the day both spiritually enriching and rewarding for everyone involved.

Each winner received a beautifully illustrated Bible, accompanied by a heartfelt personal note signed by Apostle Pravin Gajbhiv himself. This added a special touch to their achievement. In addition, every participant who adhered to the contest rules was awarded a certificate, recognizing their efforts and contribution to this year’s competition.

We are thrilled and proud of the enthusiasm and dedication you have all displayed! Though we had to disqualify a few entries due to delayed arrival, age, and breaking of the competition rules, we enjoyed and cherished every art and every artist's perspective.

Stay tuned for the contest announcement for 2025!