Getting to Know Ruth Devairakkam
How are you affiliated with the Advent Christian denomination?
My late father, Rev. T. Devairakkam pioneered Advent Christian work in Malaysia. I was with my father as he brought the gospel to the Indians in the rubber plantations of Johore, Malaysia. As my father was faithful to the Advent Christian denomination, I have followed in his footsteps. Today, together with my husband Wilfred, I am carrying on with Advent Christian work.
Describe your ministry
- One-on-one ministry
- Cell groups
- Personal telephone counseling
- Community service
Community service involves helping Christian and non-Christian youth to find jobs, providing clothing and groceries for the needy and teaching English to needy students.
What's a typical day of work look like for you?
- Morning devotion
- Attending to prayer requests over the phone
- Community service
- Hospital visit if necessary
- Cell group meeting twice a month
- Outstation visit once a month
- Evening devotion
- Pastors Fellowship Monthly Meetings (various denominations)
What has been your most recent ministry victory?
One of our friends had to undergo a complicated surgical procedure. The family had given up hope. They called us to go to their home and pray for their son who had been hospitalized for some time. Our Lord Jesus intervened and their son was healed. Now their son is closer to the Lord, and the faith of the whole family has been strengthened. They are now daily in touch with us. Their friends and relatives who are non-believers, are truly amazed to see their son healthy and fit to work.
What would you say is your strongest spiritual gift?
My strongest spiritual gift is prayer. Almost every week, there will be a prayer request from someone, even non-Christians. It is indeed encouraging to come across people who believe in prayer and see God working in their lives.
Where you live, what is the cultural response to Christianity right now?
The people here listen with open minds. We share the gospel to non-Muslims only. We share Jesus to those who are keen to know more about him. This usually happens after they make a prayer request for themselves or their loved ones.
What's something interesting about yourself that most people don't know?
When I come across people who are in a helpless situation, I will pray for them secretly, and rejoice as I see God working in their lives. They never requested prayer, and they never knew that I had been praying for them fervently.
What gospel opportunities do you see in your work?
When I visit the sick or when involving myself in some community service, I have the opportunity to share Jesus, especially when talking about prayers answered. I see people out there who have a longing for God to take away the emptiness in their lives. When we are sincere in the things of the Lord, He opens doors for us to share the gospel.
How can we be praying for you?
- Pray for spiritual strength
- Pray for good health
- Pray for God’s leading for soul-winning
- Pray for God’s protection for the members of our group and my family
- Pray for God’s guidance to enable me to walk with wisdom, knowledge and an understanding heart.
Jeff Walsh, “Get to Know Ruth Devairakkam,” The Advent Christian Witness, Winter 2023