In the quiet expanse of a rubber plantation estate, about twenty-one kilometers away from the Kegalle church, a new chapter of faith unfolded—the story of the Christian Reformed Church, Debathgama. What began with a single visit by Pastor Andrew Wickramasinghe soon blossomed into a vibrant community of believers, shaped by prayer, miracles, and the steady hand of God’s providence.
It all started when Pastor Andrew was asked to visit a sick mother of a local couple. He traveled to the estate, prayed over her, and left quietly, trusting God to do His work. Several days later, news reached him that the woman had fully recovered. Her healing stirred not only her own heart but also the hearts of her family. With newfound faith, she longed to hear more of God’s Word and to gather others to join in prayer.
That single spark quickly grew into a flame. Pastor Andrew’s small lessons for a few grandchildren soon caught the attention of the community. One by one, children from nearby homes joined in, until the group swelled to nearly a hundred. The Kovil grounds became their classroom, supported by faithful helpers who shared the vision. Beyond the gatherings, Pastor Andrew walked the paths of the estate, praying in homes and speaking words of hope—sowing seeds that would one day grow into a lasting harvest of faith.
The ministry reached a remarkable turning point when even the pusari of the local Kovil showed a desire to learn more about Christ. In an unexpected gesture, he offered the very Kovil building for gatherings and worship. This opened the way for many families to step forward, eager to listen and belong. Some soon became part of the Kegalle Church, while Bible studies continued in the home of the woman whose healing had first stirred the work into life.
As the congregation continued to grow, Pastor Andrew sought the help of the Kohuwala Leadership Council to put up a small place of worship. What began as a humble request soon turned into a community effort, as villagers themselves offered their time and labor. Together, they built a simple yet meaningful chapel—unpretentious in design but filled with the warmth of shared devotion. The plantation company added its blessing by granting the land on lease at no cost, securing a permanent place for the people to gather and worship God.
The story of the church is woven with both blessings and trials. When landslides devastated the area in 2016, the congregation responded with open hands and hearts, offering relief and comfort to those in need. When landslides devastated the area in 2016, the congregation responded with open hands and hearts, offering relief and comfort to those in need.
Today, the Christian Reformed Church of Debathgama continues to grow, with its Sunday school nurturing the next generation. What began with one woman’s healing has become a living testimony of God’s grace, a story of how faith can take root in the most unexpected places and flourish into a lasting witness of hope.
