Bollapalli is a village located in Palnadu District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is surrounded by a vast forest area where many tribal communities reside.

Historically, this village had strong roots in Baptist mission work, and many of the villagers belonged to a Baptist background. In 1972, the servant of God Vajragiri Joseph garu from Sattenapalli, Guntur District, first visited this village. He preached the Gospel and taught biblical truths. Through his ministry, people began to examine their nominal faith practices and turned toward a true biblical faith.

Sikha Ruben garu and his wife Saramma garu became the first-generation believers in this village. As the servant of God, Vajragiri Joseph garu, continued visiting the village and preaching the Gospel, many people joined in fellowship. Regular gatherings for Bible study, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer began in the house of Sikha Ruben garu.

This house gathering became instrumental in the spread of the Gospel in and around Bollapalli village. Gradually, the work of the Lord expanded to nearby villages, and many souls were added to the church. Faithful Believers such as Mannam Asirvadam garu, Kalva Joseph garu, Sarnepogu Krupa Rao garu, Polepalli Yesuratnam garu, Gujjarlapudi Abraham garu, and Gokanakonda Ratnam garu served as elders along with Sikha Ruben garu, supporting the ministry faithfully.

The gracious hand of God was upon this work, and many families came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Living and Loving Lord. By His grace, the church was unified, multiplied, and strengthened in the Lord.

On 6th March 1983, a total of 12 cents of land in R.S. No. 207/2, Bollapalli Village, was donated for the construction of a prayer hall by Sikha Ruben garu, Mannam Asirvadam garu, and Mannam Abraham garu (4 cents each). The believers who had been gathering in the house of Sikha Ruben garu constructed a prayer hall with cement sheets, and from 1st July 1984, regular worship services began there. It was named as Emmanuel Christian Assembly.

On 8th April 1994, the servant of God Vajragiri Joseph garu went to be with the Lord. Over time, some of the elders also went to be with the Lord, and a few drifted away from the faith. Yet, by God’s grace, Sikha Ruben garu continued faithfully in the ministry with the support of his son Joseph Sikha garu, who was serving the Lord in Vijayawada.

From 28th June 2004, as Joseph Sikha garu began shepherding the church, the congregation continued to grow in the grace of God, serving Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear. On 29th January 2008, Sikha Ruben garu went to be with the Lord after a severe illness. Though this created a great void in the ministry, the God whom they served is living and eternal. He continues to be faithful, merciful, and present with His people in this church. The elders of the Assembly are very much helpful in feeding, heeding and leading the flock.

The church is officially registered with the Government of Andhra Pradesh under the name “Emmanuel Christian Assembly”, bearing Registration No. 199/2025.

We humbly request your earnest prayers for the ministry and believers of Emmanuel Christian Assembly, Bollapalli.

In His Grace,
Emmanuel Christian Assembly,
Bollapalli,
Palnadu District.