Pastor N.S Bhasker Rao

Pastor N. S. Bhasker Rao was born in Andhra Pradesh, India. He was the oldest child of Mr. Nalli Subramanyam and Mrs. Nalli Aliceamma. His early education was completed at Lowry Memorial High School in 1954. He continued his education at Spicer Memorial College to study Religion and graduated in 1958 and became an ordained minister. While God prepared him for His work, he also provided him a beautiful life-long companion named Sheela Shinde. They were married in 1962. As Pastor and Mrs. Bhasker Rao entered the mission work, they were blessed with three lovely children - Salina, Bobby and Sabrina.

Pastor Bhasker Rao started his career as an evangelist and minister in the twin cities, Hyderabad and Secunderabad in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India. As an Evangelist, he ministered to many churches in different cities such as Nuzvid, Vishakapatnam, Guntur, Hyderabad and Secunderabad. His hard work rewarded him a promotion as the Ministerial Director for the Central India Union Conference in India. During his role as a Ministerial Director, Pastor Bhasker Rao's evangelistic eftòrts led to the baptism of 526 members in cities such as Tenali, Nandapeta and Pittareddypalli in India. He was also involved in evangelistic crusades in the state of Orissa, Bobbili Ibrahimpatnam, Machilipatnam, and Hyderabad. Pastor Bhasker Rao saw the need for schools in various cities such as Jahirabad, Visaq and Pittapuram where he established them.

Pastor Bhasker Rao's passion and drive to further his education, led him to travel to Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA where he completed his Master of Divinity, and Masters in Administration Education. But his love for the people of India and the unfinished gospel work, led him back to Hyderabad, India, where he was appointed the first President of the newly formed North Andhra Section of Seventh-day Adventists. He continued to be an eloquent, captivating and powerful speaker. His talent to captivate his audience helped him in his ministry. He was seen as a brilliant visionary leader, who believed in simplicity and compassion to fulfill the work God had placed in his hands. He was a 'Doer' and produced amazing results. His hard work, vision and persistence paid off. As a president, he continued to seek improvements for the North Andhra Section and made it financially self-sufficient. Some of his invaluable contributions to the Lord's work included, 60 new churches, 12 English medium schools, 1 orphanage, numerous "Gospel Worker's

Training" programs for the employees, introduction and establishment of the "Asian Aid Outreach" program and over 15,649 new baptisms from 32 villages: with over 20,000 souls brought to Christ thru his service.

Both Pastor and Mrs. Bhasker Rao where recognized as "Quiet Hour

Evangelists" for India, which resulted in the conversion of 40 independent Baptist pastors along with their 60 Congregations with more than 8,000 members in the year 1997. When the family migrated to the United States, Pastor Bhasker Rao continued to keep in touch with various churches and congregations he had served in India, while his wife, Mrs. Sheela Bhasker Rao, served as a Registered Nurse in the Southern California region. He continued to see the outpouring God's blessing on his family. Some of his proud moments were to see his son. Dr. Bobby Bhasker Rao graduate with a degree in Medicine from Loma Linda University and move on to become a well-known Robotic Surgeon in the Southern California region and also voted as the Top Robotic Surgeon in the Nation. He was also proud of his lovely daughters, Salina and Sabrina and the way God has blessed them and their families.

Approximately eight years ago, Pastor N. S. Bhasker Rao was diagnosed with a dreadful memory disease called Dementia. This disease affected his health and led to an early retirement. It was sad to see a renowned evangelist and a dynamic orator unable to continue using his talents given by the Lord to further His cause. He missed working and serving the Lord. Due to Dementia and poor health, his earthly journey ended on November 9, 2020.

He leaves behind his dear wife, Mrs. Sheela Bhasker Rao, and children,

Salina. Bobby, Sabrina, grandchildren (Serena, Aiden, Arya), Son-in-laws (David, Elvis), daughter-in-law (Juliana), his four brothers, Mr. Nalli

Shubhaker Rao, Mr. Nalli Krupaker Rao. Mr. Nalli Suvarna Rao and Mr.

Nalli Prabhaker Rao. He loved his family and his brothers dearly. He will be 'Forever Missed' by his family, his brothers and above all the Seventh-day Adventist church and denomination.

He fought a good fight and did all he could to further God's work. Now there surely is a crown of righteousness in store for him, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him on that day when HE comes in the clouds of heaven and the dead shall arise! This is our Christian Hope and Prayer.