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Stephen & Rebecca Kanagadas

Missionaries in Sri Lanka

Who are they?

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Stephen and Rebecca, a devoted couple with a profound journey of transformation, now serve as missionaries in Southeast Asia, specifically in the war-torn nation of Sri Lanka. Stephen, having experienced a tumultuous past as a former gang member in Canada, encountered a life-altering event at the age of 31 when he lost his brother in a fatal car accident. This tragedy led him to a spiritual awakening, and Stephen embraced a calling to ministry, pursuing education at Masters College and Seminary.

While in Canada, God placed on Stephen's heart a mission to go to Sri Lanka, a calling that would shape the course of their lives. In 2008, Stephen married Rebecca, and by 2010, Rebecca received a divine calling to return to Sri Lanka to serve alongside her husband in spreading the message of Christianity.

They are currently working among the Tamil people, a community where over 98% lack a real understanding of Christianity due to the impact of the civil war and various societal challenges. Their mission involves planting churches, distributing Bibles and tracts, and training church planters. The couple's focus extends beyond spiritual matters to address pressing social issues such as starvation, poverty, and the aftermath of the civil war.

A crucial part of their ministry is the feeding program, designed to uplift orphans, those close to starvation, elders, and deformed individuals. This initiative not only provides physical sustenance but also serves as a platform to share the gospel with those they assist. The couple's dream is ambitious—to plant 1,000 churches by 2032, aiming for a transformational impact among the unreached people groups in Southeast Asia.

The challenges they face in this mission field are substantial, including religious nationalism, government restrictions, and societal issues normalized by a history of violence and conflict. Despite these obstacles, Stephen and Rebecca, with the support of numerous partners from Canada, have made a significant impact over the past decade. Their ministry encompasses diverse facets, including vocational training, community outreach, care for vulnerable populations, and educational initiatives.

With a deep commitment to making disciples and bringing hope through a relationship with Jesus Christ, Stephen and Rebecca's partnership with supporters has witnessed spiritual revival, behavioral transformations, broken addictions, and physical healing. They express gratitude for the ongoing support and prayers, emphasizing that these contributions are making a tangible difference for Jesus in Sri Lanka.

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Ways youcan help

Being on the missions field anywhere in the world can, at times, be very challenging.

Please remember these missionaries in your everyday prayers.

No matter where these missionaries find themselves, receiving a word of encouragement or a message letting them know they are remembered and thought of can go a very long way! If you’re wanting to send a letter or a message to any of our supported missionaries please send us an email

Contribute to our ministry through Family Christian Centre's online giving!

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