Good News Ministries

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“Being light in the darkness and bringing hope to the hopeless in Ongole, India”

2025 Ministry update:

Last year, through the generous support of our ministry partners, we were able to successfully complete the construction of a much-needed roof for our orphanage and school. This project was vital to ensuring the safety and comfort of the children and residents during all seasons. With the roof now completed, the building provides a secure and stable environment where our children can live, learn, and grow without fear of exposure to the elements. We are deeply grateful for this blessing, which stands as a testament to the tangible impact of our faithful supporters.

We thank you, our partners, for your continuing, generous support of our operating expenses of $100,000 annually. Without your support we would not be able to continuously provide a safe and nurturing environment to the over 800 individuals our ministry touches.

Our Story!

Good News Minsitries began unofficially in 1998 with official Indian Government recognition in 2004 as an NGO. They were founded by Samrat and Kamala Kodavatikanti along with Samrat’s parents, Joseph and Rachel Kodavatikanti. It was born out of a gathering in Ongole called the Church of the Lord. Really, the history of the organization can be traced back to the 1860’s when a missionary from New York, John Clough, travelled to Ongole and met a street magician named, Polliya Kodavatikanti and told him he should stop what he was doing and turn his life over to the Lord. Polliya told him to go away and mind his own business. John Clough said the gospel was his business. After some time, Polliya converted to Christianity and changed the direction of his family. After 4 generations, they are still making a difference in Ongole serving hose Indian society casts aside: orphans, street children, blind children, widows, elderly, lepers, untouchables and those in prison. We also provide support and training to a network of 120 village churches.

Organizational services:

Good News Ministries exists to meet the physical and spiritual needs of all hurting people in Ongole, India. These include 75 orphans through an orphanage located across the street from Samrat’s home. There they feed, educate, and clothe the orphans regardless of religion or caste background. In India a service like this is very rare. They also operate 25 child care centers providing after school programs to 625 children who are not orphans, but need a reason to stay off the street after school. Along with this education, they also own a school building where they educate an additional 80 kids from elementary to high school. If all of these programs weren’t enough to keep a staff of 27 people busy, they have ventured out into the untouchable region of Ongole to bring blankets and provide shelter there along with the tribals of the area. Samrat also goes into the prisons to bring hope and joy in a very dark place. Aditionally, many elderly women are cast out of their homes when they cease to be useful. Good News Ministries has opened 2 homes to care for 21 women and their medical and physical needs. They also operate 2 homes where they provide for 32 blind children.

Impact story:

Lakshmi comes from a very poor family in Ongole. When she was very young, she lost her father to HIV Aids. Her mother was quite sick and no longer able to care for her. One of the pastors from "Church of the Lord" (GNM's attached church) invited Lakshmi and her sister to live in GNM's orphanage. Her older sister, Sawra, had previously died from an asthma attack. Inspite of all the loss Lakshmi suffered in her young life, she graduated from the GNM school with honors and went on to nursing school. She now works as a nurse in a hospital in a large city. She still returns to the orphanage for the holidays to reconnect with her roots.