Karamchand Hans of Ferozepur City

This young man was a ferocious drunkard and a violent police officer in Punjab. But, his life didn't just get better. Karamchand Hans became one of the most influential evangelists and Christian leaders in Punjab. He spearheaded a powerful indigenous church movement that proclaimed faith as the foundation of ministry, forbade salaries, and saw great signs and wonders following their ministry as thousands thronged into the Kingdom of God; all because one woman prayed for her son to be saved.

Over four decades ago, Karamchand's mother came to Christ through a miraculous healing of her daughter. Her conversion was repulsive to Karamchand. He warned her not to allow the Western missionaries and began to become violently aggressive. But, his mother prayed. One day, this mother's piety became too unbearable for the young man. He punched her, pushed a cot over her, and began hitting her aggressively. All the time, the mother prayed and loved him. He left her saying he would never come back home and went straight away to the police station. After the days chores, Karamchand placed his legs on the table and fell fast asleep.

About midnight a powerful light shone in the station and Karamchand was awakened by a voice that called, "Karachand, O Karamchand!" The young officer was startled and, trembling, asked, "Who is it?"

"I am Jesus whom you persecute," the voice said. "Get up, I have called you to serve Me!"

"How can I serve You, Lord," Karamchand replied, "I drink 12-15 bottles of wine everyday!"

"From today wine will be to you like the water of the gutter." Then, the light withdrew.

The next morning, Karamchand's friends called on him and took him to the pub. Karamchand had forgotten all about the night's vision. Together with his friends, he sat at the table as they ordered wine. However, the moment he took it to his mouth, it smelled like dirt and he put it down repugnantly, then Christ Himself appeared before His eyes and began to show as on a screen the life of Karamchand. Christ showed him his many evil deeds and how each time Christ saved him. Karamchand's tears wouldn't stop. His friends called him asking what had happened. "Why are you crying," they asked, "when we your friends are here?" (They didn't see the vision). But, Karamchand pointed to the Christ and said, "You are not my best friends, my best Friend is there before me!"

Soon, the young Karamchand turned so zealous for Christ that hours of fasting and prayer multiplied exorbitantly. Sleep didn't matter to him; fellowship with His Lord mattered more. Healings and miracles followed. During conventions, people would invite him to sing songs, because he sang very well and also played the tambourine. The moment he touched the tambourine, evil spirits would shriek out, cry, fall down, and leave bodies. He continued with the police department; however, used every spare time to minister to Christ.

There is one incident in which, Karamchand testified, that he went to a friend's house and found his daughter, aged around 12, on the bed, so small that she looked like a small child. The child could not walk. Karamchand felt sorry for the child; but, it looked too impossible a case. He asked for a platter and used it as percussion as the group closed their eyes and sang praises to God. Suddenly, Karamchand felt something and opened his eyes. He saw a young girl dancing. He was shocked and closed his eyes, when God rebuked him: "Why do you have such unbelief! Look at what I have done, Karamchand!" The little girl had grown in an instant to the 12-year old.

There were stories of dead people raised to life, blind eyes opened, deaf ears opened, and cripple walk. Soon the call to ministry was too strong for Karamchand to continue with the police job. He gave it up for the work of the Kingdom. They began the Spiritual Christian Church Fellowship.

However, a few shortcomings began to take the disadvantage. Karamchand had come to disbelieve in theological training at Seminaries and discouraged it. He also taught against wearing ornaments. Also, a kind of pyramid like leadership model seemed to hurt a few who deserted the Fellowship. After Karamchand's death in the late 1990s, the Fellowship split and a number of ministers were scattered.

But, the undeniable fact exists, that God used this impossible case to do the seemingly impossible in the land of Punjab. Karamchand's legacy extends also to the central and the southern parts of India.

Pastor Karamchand Hans, Miracles at Sanjaynagar (Convention, October 1992)

From Marbaniang, Domenic. The Story of Prarthana Bhavan of Sanjay Koyala Nagar, 2005, pp.7-9.

THE FIRST Christian Convention of any kind in Sanjay Koyala Nagar was organized during October 8 – 10, 1992. Pastor Karamchand Hans arrived with his son Pastor Rajinder Hans and a disciple on October 7th. They were lodged at the Guest House of Sanjay Koyala Nagar.

Pamphlets advertising the healing services had already been circulated. On the evening of October 8th, a huge crowd gathered at the Durga Ground, the site of the Convention. People were anxiously waiting to have a darshan of the Baba (that’s how holy saints or miracle workers are referred to by non-Christians in this area). After a few songs, Pastor Karamchand Hans was introduced and he came to the dais with his tambourine in hand. He was to sing a song before he preached. Suddenly, the clouds grew darker and began to drizzle down. The people, who were seated under open heavens, began to flee seeking shelter as there was no pavilion spread over on the ground. As the uproar rose higher, Pastor Karamchand Hans called out to the people not to leave the ground. Many stood still. Pastor Karamchand looked to the sky and commanded the rain to stop. Immediately, the clouds stopped pouring down rain and began to depart swiftly. The crowd was wonderstruck. That first night was history for Sanjay Koyala Nagar. It is unforgettable. Pastor Karamchand presented a few songs, and then proceeded to give the word of God. After the preaching, he prayed for healing. Many experienced the healing power of God. Since that memorable evening, people began to flock over anywhere during that time they knew where Pastor Karamchand was. He could not get the necessary rest for his body, yet he untiringly ministered to the people in need out of the love of God.

The next morning, meeting was conducted on the stage itself. A Hindu sadhu present there began to speak abusively aloud. But Pastor Karamchand paid no attention to him. At last, the sadhu left by himself. Many were blessed spiritually through these meetings. The morning studies and the evening crusades went on till October 10th and when Pastor Karamchand Hans saw the thirst and thrust of the public, he extended the meetings for one more day.

Many miracles took place during those meetings. Many blind, deaf, dumb, crippled, demon possessed, and people distressed by various sicknesses were healed. One, the daughter of Mr. S..., was instantly healed of her dumbness and began to speak clearly as soon as Pastor Karamchand prayed for her. Mr. S...  happened to know about the meetings through a pamphlet he found outside the Club. After this miracle in his daughter’s life, he became convinced of Jesus’ power. He himself was healed of sore and cracked feet...

Pastor Karamchand left an indelible mark in the lives of the believers of Sanjay Koyala Nagar. It was he who suggested the construction of the Prarthana Bhavan during his first visit. He, by the Spirit, showed the site where the Bhavan was to be constructed, that is beside the house of Mr. David S. Paul. He also influenced many Christians and non-Christians to attend the meetings every Sunday evening at Mr. David Paul’s house. In that way, he played the most vital role in the founding of the Prarthana Bhavan in Sanjay Koyala Nagar.

After the Convention in Sanjay Koyala Nagar, Pastor Karamchand and his team moved on to Chachai, then Anuppur, and then to Jamuna Colliery to speak at the Conventions there. The Christians of Sanjay Koyala Nagar followed him to all of these places. It was during this time that Mr. R. Venkata Rao was touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, baptized in Him, spoke in different tongues and received power from above. This happened during one of the many times of prayer that he spent with Pastor Karamchand during these meetings.

After these meetings, the believers of Sanjay Koyala Nagar who had been attending all through, returned to Sanjay Koyala Nagar and continued in the word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Mr. R. V. Rao, however, followed Pastor Karamchand to Raipur as well where they had mighty healing meetings. It was in Raipur that Mr. Rao first cast out a demon in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He did not return to Andhra with the intention to attend the Chris Panos Gospel Healing Crusade in November 1992. This stay prolonged since it was made known that Pastor Karamchand was going to speak at the Convention in Hirakud, Orissa. Mr. R. V. Rao Paulus (Pastor Karamchand gave the name Paulus to him at Raipur) attended these meetings with his wife. Pastor Karamchand was unable to come for these meetings but sent Pastor Om Prakash (General Secretary of Spiritual Christian Church Fellowship of India) and Pastor Surinder Masih in his place. There was also a singer with them. This singer had not yet taken baptism. But when Mr. Paulus preached, he immediately expressed his decision to be baptized and was baptized. On seeing this, Pastor Om Prakash and Pastor Surinder Masih, moved by the Spirit ordained (or recognized the ordination of God upon) Mr. Paulus on November 20, 1992.

© Domenic Marbaniang, 2005

The Promise of the Light of Life

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12


The dim bulb flickered unpredictably as Head Constable Karamchand Hans dozed off on his chair at the Ferozepur police station. A vile and violent man, he had been very furious with his mom that evening, because she paid no heed to his threatenings to not allow the missionaries. He had shouted in fury, “There is no God” as he lashed out of the home deciding not to come back that evening. Now, while he reclined on his chair, darkness had descended all around. Suddenly, a great light shone inside the station and Karamchand awoke with a start, his hands trying to cover his eyes from the dazzling light. A voice broke out “Karamchand, I AM!” That night God called Karamchand Hans to serve him. He had objected saying that he was a bad drunkard and so was unworthy, but the Lord told him that liquor would smell as filth to him from then on. Karamchand went on to become a great Christian leader in the land of Punjab, and served Christ faithfully in a ministry that impacted the whole of India.

Jesus Christ has promised that he who follows Him will not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. There is no darkness so thick that He can’t pierce, there is no body so diseased that He can’t heal, there is no life so lost that He can’t save; for, He alone is the light of the world.

Prayer: Lord, You are the light of my life. When darkness seems to cover me from all sides and all hope seems lost, I will lift up my eyes to You; for, without You this darkness is darker still, but Your presence blots it out.Take this heart of mine, O Lord, and flood it with Your light! Amen!

© Domenic Marbaniang, 2010.