This final chapter begins not with ambition, but with surrender; how trust and faith in God’s master plan opened the door to the most defining years of Apostle Devaraj’s ministry.

When God Says, ‘Stay’

In 2009, during the visit of the Chief Apostle to Sri Lanka, Apostle David Devaraj had handed the letter expressing his wish for an early retirement through District Apostle Helper Mark Woll.

Before leaving Sri Lanka, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber and District Apostle Leslie Latorcai asked him, “Would you be willing to be a Helper in India to the District Apostle Leslie Latorcai?" Apostle David was speechless.

When Apostle David joined the Church, he witnessed the fiery zeal with which the then District Apostle Michael Kraus and his team worked tirelessly across 73 countries. ‘How can I help my District Apostle?’ was a question already then in his mind.

Now, thirty years later, the answer to that came in the form of another question. The moment caught him by surprise, but he was filled with peace which drove him to accept and trust his ‘bearer of blessing’.

In February 2010, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber visited India. During this visit, Apostle David was assigned as the District Apostle Helper for India at Jothi Nivas Auditorium, Bengaluru.

Journey Continued…

Between 2010 and 2017, the church in India saw major structural changes under his leadership. Regions such as Rajasthan, North East India, Jammu and Kashmir, cared for by the District Apostle of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, and Kerala, Andaman Islands, and the Maldives under the District Apostle of Central Germany were handed over to the care of Apostle David Devaraj.

The stopping of assistance to the ministers and the Data Upgrade in 2004 had left the hierarchy in disarray. To balance this, Apostle David gradually flattened the ministerial hierarchy structure nationwide, enabling more ministers to serve at the congregational level with a structured leadership.

Interestingly, a similar study was being undertaken in the worldwide Church. At Pentecost 2019, then Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider introduced the change in “the concept of ministry”. This was a reaffirmation to Apostle David that he had been on the right path.

Around 2014–2015, congregations were reorganised into a structured hierarchy: four congregations formed a sub-district, and four sub-districts came under a district leader. This helped enable structured leadership and gave district leaders autonomy to guide their areas according to local needs and regional diversity.

Under the guidance of Apostle David Devaraj, the church building program was revitalised with a strong focus on congregational needs, aesthetics, and harmony with the surrounding environment, alongside functionality and durability. Young civil engineers from within the Church were trained and involved in these projects, ensuring that future buildings met professional standards while reflecting our spiritual values.

By 2019, the consolidation had taken full effect. The Church in India was reorganized into 46 districts, cared for by six Apostles, six Bishops and one District Apostle Helper.

In 2020, Bangladesh was also placed under the care of District Apostle Helper David to begin a process of consolidation and reorganisation. Although the COVID-19 pandemic struck soon after, the work commenced nonetheless through zoom calls, and the progress continues today.

During his last 15 years as District Apostle Helper, the National Choir was strengthened and gave rise to regional choirs across India. The Sunday School program began to align itself with the worldwide Children's Teaching Material and was implemented in 150 congregations, offering four learning levels.

In 2020, during the pandemic,  the Teaching Program was revamped into Teaching Seminar Version 2 (TSem V2), introducing three levels of study as primary, secondary, and advanced, in three formats – online, correspondence, and in-person. Youth activities expanded from occasional gatherings to regular, vibrant meetings of fellowship, sports, and learning. Between 2023 and 2025, he also ordained over 30 women into ministry across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Looking back, he treasures the spiritual self-sufficiency the Church in India has largely achieved and its steady progress toward financial self-sufficiency.
 

Learning to Lead with Grace, Not Grit

Apostle David’s leadership journey has been long and evolving. His District Apostles trusted him with authority to run the church. And with unwavering commitment to fulfil their direction he chased those dreams head on aligning with the vision of his District Apostles and Chief Apostles.

When he was still a young priest, a visiting Bishop from Canada had even remarked that he needed “a bridle.” The words stung then, but much later he understood: “God had placed a bridle on me. And thank God for that. In my wildness, I may have been a ‘bull in the china shop’ and caused harm. The bridle kept me steady and focused through the journey of multiple terrains,” he adds.

The years softened him. “I was once a hardliner. I’m an engineer, and I appreciate precision. But the Church isn’t a machine, it's people with sensitive souls.” Apostle David shares. Tolerance came slowly, shaped by the reality of the life he saw in the diversely remote corners of his working areas.

Paul’s words guided him: “And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; ….. to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ”- 1 Corinthians 9:19–22

Still, he admits, the old self lingers. "Sometimes I can be harsh, intolerant, and uncompromising," he continues, "But that’s not who Jesus was. He was extremely just. Extremely kind. There is still much I need to work on myself, with the hope of succeeding and becoming more like my role model Jesus Christ,”. He continues to carry District Apostle Leslie Latorcai’s advice in his heart—to be H₂O: adding two parts love to one part righteousness.

Over the years, his credibility was questioned at times, often with direct attacks. But when seriously scrutinized and examined, those doubts were consistently laid to rest.

He notes that the book of Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and of good courage” often grounded him during turbulent times.

Apostle David Devaraj was always confident in his motives, that he did things with the right attitude, and remained peaceful. He adds that he never allowed such moments of strain to deter him from his commitment or his calling.

Preparing the Torchbearers

Looking ahead, he sees a generation of youngsters who, like Jesus, can find favor with God and man. To this end, he often reminds the Apostles: “focus on the youth and children; become innovative to change with the times and keep them rooted.”

When asked what the youth need to remember for their spiritual journey, he shares, “God did not call you to be another David Devaraj or Michael Kraus. He called you because you are you. A unique being with varied gifts and talents bestowed by the Holy Spirit for use in His service". Quoting Chief Apostle Richard Fehr, he adds, "To remain the same, change must take place. The gospel will not change, but the world is changing around you, so you must change and adapt to take the gospel forward."

His prayers and thoughts extend beyond the children. “It’s not just the children who are under pressure,” he says softly. “It’s the parents, the teachers, the whole system. They are all driving each other to the brink.”

He firmly believes that this is where our spiritual leaders come in; they can no longer be fanatical teachers of the doctrine but must evolve into realistic healers of the body, soul, and spirit.

They must rise to the occasion and address the mental health struggles of this generation, who are trapped by the pressures of materialistic and transient measures of success. They must guide the youngsters towards becoming people who are grounded in the beauty of the life of Jesus Christ.

Apostle David’s vision for the next generation is filled with warmth, hope, and concern born out of love. He urges the youth to remain consistent, to serve without fear, and to keep alive the simple, unshaken truth of the Gospel: to love God with all their heart and to care for the salvation of their neighbour.

Onwards and Upwards

District Apostle Helper David Devaraj received his retirement blessing from our Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider in the Jothi Nivas Auditorium, Bengaluru on 21st September 2025. This was a full-circle moment for him; returning to the home ground where it had all begun.

When asked about his retirement, he shares the sentiments of gratitude and grace. He points out that what remains in his heart is not the weight of titles or the memory of struggles, but the grace that carried him through. Looking back, he sees God’s hand in every rise, every fall, every turning point of his life. The master planner was at work all along.

The assurance from Psalms 23: 6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever” continues to anchor him.

For almost four decades, many witnessed the path of a shepherd who walked with God and served His people faithfully. As the church's journey continues, his part is written in it with grace and unwavering faith.

We wish him a retirement filled with God’s grace, “the peace that surpasses understanding,” and the quiet joy of seeing the beauty of the bride of Christ emerge from the areas he has served, by His grace.