Faith is the driving force behind those called to make a difference and Pastor Joseph Ouverney and his wife, Raquel, are living proof of that. For just over two years, they have been in Sri Lanka, sharing the message of Jesus with communities that remain largely unreached.
When they first arrived, they didn’t know a single person. “We landed at the airport with no idea where to go. “Our first meeting was at a church partially destroyed by an elephant. We spoke in English, but no one understood us. Still, we prayed together in faith.” Pastor Joseph recalls.
By March 2024, the Universal Church opened its first location in Colombo. Established in a former cinema, the church quickly became a beacon of hope for residents in a region facing many social challenges.
Under the guidance of two married pastors, two single pastors, and four collaborators, the work has grown rapidly. The Universal Church in Sri Lanka now operates four prayer centres and has inaugurated its second church. The Victory Youth Group (VYG) and the Evangelism Group (EVG) have also joined this growing ‘army of faith.’
Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages in Sri Lanka, but the Ouverneys found creative ways to communicate. “I spoke in English, a local pastor translated into Tamil, another into Sinhala. We even used headphones so everyone could follow the message at the same time,” says Pastor Joseph.
Friday deliverance meetings now attract dozens of people. “Many can’t attend church on their own, so we use our tuk-tuk to bring them. It’s hard work, but we see the results: people who had never heard of Jesus are now surrendering their lives to Him,” says Mrs Raquel.
Pastor Joseph and Mrs Raquel are passionate about raising local leaders. Young people serve as translators and even lead meetings, helping to spread the message throughout the community. Activities such as English and football lessons also spark curiosity and draw residents closer to the Gospel.
Expanding into remote areas has created new opportunities. Recently, in a Hindu village near the tea plantations, over 500 people attended meetings and received prayers, even after a full day of work in the fields.
The Ouverneys’ story is one of sacrifice and love. Their work demonstrates that faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. God raises up servants ready to transform communities, even in the face of challenges.
The mission in Sri Lanka continues to grow, with room for new workers eager to serve. Every prayer offered, every seed sown, and every person brought to the Altar is a step towards the country experiencing the power of God.
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