By Daisy Rodriguez, student news writer, Office of University Communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Kamal Maddala spoke about his background in India and Christian faith in America at Campbellsville University's chapel Jan. 26.

Maddala said Jesus put a dream for him when he was 11 and watched it come true when he came to America.

He read Hebrews 12:1: “Everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Maddala is from India and is ordained under World Harvest Church of Paducah as an evangelist. He has been an ordained minister and missionary evangelist since 2009.

Maddala said there are many religions in India and the percentage of Christianity in India is very low at about two percent. When people see him, they would assume that he is Hindu or Islamic and even ask him why he believes in Jesus.

“People ask me ‘Why do you believe in Jesus? You come from India and India has many religions and many deities to worship' and I tell them the Bible has more than 5,000 historic documents that proves that it's real and it's inspired by the holy spirit of God and also Jesus was the one who died and risen from the third day.

“Buddha dies but is never risen. Mohammad dies but is never risen, but Jesus when he died on the cross 2000 years ago, when he shed his blood for you and I, you know he defeated the devil. And rose on the third day,” Maddala said.

He says he knows how hard it can be to focus in college because he was once a college student too. However, he explains that he tried his best to not neglect prayer and even though he struggled with English and finances, staying with God gave him strength.

“Never neglect spending time with Jesus. When you wake up, and when you go to bed. Students can be busy, but neglect their time with Jesus. If you don't spend time reading this book, you're not growing spiritually.

“Never neglect your prayer time. Jesus was so busy during the day, but in the evening, he went away and spent time with the father. Some theologians say that Jesus spent 12 hours at night to pick 12 disciples. One hour praying for one disciple. And he never made a mistake,” Maddala said.

He said when he came to the United States, he continued to fast and pray. He says it helped him strengthen and to avoid all distractions, discouragement and obstacles. And he says his communion with God was strong and helped him through his college experience.

“Never neglect your time with God. It is your strength,” Maddala said.

Mrs. Maddala, who is also an ordained minister, completed her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Missions and Evangelism from Mid-Continent University. She is ordained under World Harvest Church of Paducah.

The couple, who lives in Paducah, Ky., have three children: Aiymen, Aletheia and Alexandria.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,000 students offering over 100 programs of studying including Ph.D., master, bachelors, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.