Faith That Multiplies: One Principal's Perseverance in India

Every day at Elohim School in Telangana, India, hundreds of children are studying academic subjects grounded in biblical worldview. For Principal Ravi Kantheti, that work represents something much larger than one school— it is the multiplication of faith through Christian education from one generation to the next. 

That mission has not come easily. Over the past year, Kantheti has navigated financial strain, health challenges, government complaints, community opposition, and personal discouragement. 

Through every obstacle, his mission has remained unchanged: to faithfully educate children and point them to Christ. 

At Elohim School, that mission impacts about 750 students, including 86 orphaned children. Many come from tribal, rural, semi-orphan, and economically vulnerable backgrounds. 

Each student represents more than an individual life transformed. As children grow in biblical truth, they carry that faith into their homes, churches, workplaces, and future families. Christian school leaders like Kantheti are investing in generations they may never meet. 

No Christian school leader is meant to carry that mission alone. Kantheti has made a habit of convening with other Christian school leaders as much as possible. He traveled to Hungary in 2024 for the ACSI International Educational Leadership Conference (IELC) and to Hyderabad, India, in 2025 for ACSI South Asia’s Christian School Leadership Conference.  

Although Kantheti was unable to personally return to Hungary for the 2026 IELC in March, he attended sessions via Zoom and was reminded that he is part of a global community of Christian educators. 

“Even from a distance, the teaching, encouragement, and fellowship strengthened me deeply,” Kantheti shared. “I returned to my calling with renewed courage to lead our school and serve the children God has entrusted to us.” 

The months that followed tested that courage. 

Kantheti described facing repeated attempts from some in the community to disrupt the school's ministry, including opposition to the school's daily Christian prayers and false accusations intended to discourage families from attending. 

Despite those challenges, he witnessed God working. 

"God made a way for the villagers to understand how much hard work we are sincerely doing for the development of their children," he said. 

Elohim School has also faced financial pressures and both Kantheti and his wife endured health concerns shortly after welcoming the birth of a son in January 2026. 

"There were times when I felt I could not pray and read the Bible," he shared. "I was very discouraged." 

Yet God met him in that season, as well. 

Through fasting, prayer, and renewed time in Scripture, Kantheti found strength to continue leading. He also reflected on teaching and encouragement he had previously received through Christian leadership development, which reminded him of the peace and faithfulness of God during difficult circumstances. 

Stories like Kantheti's also highlight the importance of the global Christian education community. While each nation faces unique opportunities and challenges, they share a common mission of preparing students academically and inspiring them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 

Kantheti is grateful for any encouragement and prayer from members of the ACSI family. 

"Your support and prayers have been a blessing to me personally and to the ministry here,” he shared. 

As Elohim School begins a new academic year, Kantheti continues praying for God's provision as he seeks additional partnerships to improve classrooms, sanitation facilities, furniture, and drinking water infrastructure for students. 

More importantly, he continues praying for the hearts of the children entrusted to his care. 

"I have a deep desire for the work of God in the hearts of these innocent children," he said. 

His testimony serves as a reminder that the work of Christian education is rarely easy, but it is eternally significant. 

That is the multiplying power of Christian education—and it is a mission that continues across the global ACSI family every day. 

Isaiah 41:10 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”