About Peniel Ministries: A Story of God’s Transforming Grace
Our Founding: From Persecution to Purpose
The story of Peniel Ministries is a powerful testament to God’s redeeming love. Our founder, Rev. Baskar Sadanand, comes from a Hindu background and, along with his family, endured great suffering through witchcraft and spiritual oppression. Their search for peace and deliverance led them everywhere—from doctors to temples and mosques—yet they found no answer.
That changed when a young boy visited their home and shared the Gospel. Reverend Sadanand’s mother was the first to understand God’s love and accept Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Though she shared this hope with her family, her son was initially resistant due to his addiction to smoking.
Reluctantly, he attended a meeting led by Dr. John Solomon. There, the Word of God ministered to him profoundly. He gave his life to the Lord that day—a commitment that was both immediate and permanent. He never smoked again and vowed to live for Jesus Christ for the rest of his life.
After 18 years working in renowned company AEG NGEF, the Lord blessed him with a godly wife, Sheela Sadanand, and two beautiful daughters. While working his job, he began part-time ministry, reaching villages in Bangalore and bringing many to the knowledge of Christ. In 1996, he answered God’s call to full-time ministry, resigning from his job to trust God completely.
The Birth and Growth of a Church
What began as a small fellowship in 1990 officially became Peniel Church in 1991. Meeting in a small place, the congregation prayed faithfully for God to extend their territory. He answered in a miraculous way.
An alcohol bar, known as a site of violence and fear in the community—a place where numerous murders had occurred—came up for sale. The local community itself prayed for it to be removed. Seeing this as God’s provision, the church prayed fervently to acquire it.
In a powerful step of faith, Rev.Baskar Sadanand sold his own house to purchase the land. The congregation, though largely from humble backgrounds, joined together in sacrifice. They gave generously from their livelihoods as homemakers, laborers, and small business owners to build the house of the Lord. This incredible unity built the church you see today.
On April 15, 2006, we inaugurated the transformed worship center—a beacon of light where darkness once prevailed. To this day, people visit to witness how a place of addiction and violence was redeemed into a place of worship and hope. This stands as a permanent monument to God’s grace and the faithful generosity of His people.
Our Mission and Ministries Today
This location is now the Mother Church to eight branch churches planted by Peniel Ministries throughout the urban and rural interiors of Bangalore. Our pastors and believers in these areas often face persecution, yet by God’s sufficient grace, the churches continue to grow, and many are coming to know Christ.
Reverend Sadanand is a spiritual father who ignites the gifts within the believers, empowering them through creative avenues like weekly announcements, short films, and documentaries to keep the youth engaged and alive in Christ.
Our Motto: Trusting God, Loving People.
This is our story: evidence that the Lord picks up the humble and uses them for His glory. If you are feeling discouraged or rejected, be encouraged today. When Jesus sets His eyes upon you, you are secure in His love. The same God who did great things for Peniel Ministries is faithful and powerful to do great things in your life, too.
Be blessed, and thank you for taking the time to learn about our family of faith.