The street fighter who became a cameraman for the kingdom
The story of Pavithran reads like a Christian film, except that it happened. He came through years of anger, depression and loneliness, and when he accepted Jesus his world changed completely. He has kept looking for ways to be used. He shared his testimony with us, and he says plainly: miracles really happen.
The testimony
I grew up in Hyderabad in a Christian home. My family always took me to church but I never wanted to go, and I did not believe anything about the Christian faith. I enjoyed spending time with my friends, smoking and drinking. Eventually I became a street fighter. It got so bad that I had to sign in at the police station every day. My family never knew. I was living in a dark world without peace.
One day I realised that what I was doing was wrong and that I needed to change. There was nobody to counsel me, because people were afraid to talk to me. I was going to church, but my interest was the music and the drums rather than the word of God. I went back to the old life.
People who used to like me started to hate me. Some fought with me. It made me very sad. When I was a bad person I was happy, and when I was doing good things people were hurting me. I was upset and I was depressed.
It got so painful that I went down to a lake and tried to end my life. I began to lose consciousness. I panicked, and the only thing I could instinctively do in my fear was ask God to forgive me. I said: “God, if you save me from death, I will give my life to you and I will share your love with the world.”
God heard that prayer and rescued me. I do not know how it happened, but I found myself in a hospital bed. I woke up and understood that without Him I would not have this second life. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I went to a fellowship, looking for more of Him. About a year later I gave myself to full-time ministry. We started a band called Njavoice, which goes into villages and shares the love of Jesus Christ with people who have not heard it.
Early in my ministry my father died. God strengthened me through that time.
I founded a charity, For The People, headed by our band pastor Mr Allen. We feed hundreds of people every month, and provide clothing and gifts for those in need. God has blessed me so much that I keep blessing others. But we could not meet the financial need of the ministry, and I had no job. In those days I was helping the church with photography and video. I met Mr Raj, a camera operator from Joyce Meyer Ministries, who supported me and taught me to be a professional cameraman. Later I was hired there as a camera operator. I was so thankful that He had kept His promise. Now I have money to give back to Him, spending it on ministry work.
I knew His name but not His grace. I knew that He was merciful, but now I know His compassion.
Pavithran Golconda
Some people call us radicals for Christ, and that is what I am. He rescued me from my sins and gave me a new life. Before, as a Christian, I never understood God’s love. In the past I did not have enough money to travel by city bus; now I am flying on international flights for His glory. In the past I did not have enough money to eat; now I am feeding hundreds of poor children. In the past I knew nothing about running cameras; now I am a professional camera operator and have made many international documentaries. When I was a bad person I hurt a great many people. Now I am sharing God’s love with them.
A conversation with Pavithran
5Talents: How do you usually start your day, in terms of time with God?
I always worship God in my heart. I read the Bible and pray in the morning.
5Talents: How and when did you discover your photography and videography?
I like gadgets and cameras. I found an interest in taking photographs, and that is the talent I discovered in me, given by God to use for His kingdom. I started taking photos and videos at my church, and the leaders and others appreciated them.
5Talents: Did you have special training, or did it come naturally?
The excitement for photography and video was springing up in me. To develop the skills I took support and help from professionals.
5Talents: Is there anyone in particular who helped you stay strong enough to reveal the talent?
I came across Mr Raj, who encouraged me and taught me to become a professional cameraman. I appreciate him for his support.
“Every image has the power to reveal God’s love”
5Talents: In what major ways are you using your talent?
Everything God provides me is His. If I see someone in need, I help them. I am the official magazine photographer of Joyce Meyer Ministries, and since I have been working there I have helped create many documentaries — church updates, church news, testimonies.
5Talents: What has the Lord taught you through your talent?
I hope that my images can express God’s love, or the need for His love.
5Talents: In what ways has God used you to bring blessing to others?
God has given me a heart for those in need. One time a woman with a child came up to me and asked me for money to eat. I only had thirty rupees, so I gave her all of it. She was thankful but confused as to why I would give her all my money when I had not eaten for two days. I told her God will provide for me. Even if I am very hungry I will never leave God, because God is faithful.
5Talents: How much does a Christian organisation need photography and video?
It is very important. There is definitely a need for creative and media people, because they have the power to influence others for God. One testimony has the power to change many lives. Every image has the power to reveal God’s love and glory to the world.
5Talents: You are experienced enough that there are opportunities in the secular world. Why work in Christian services?
I have a passion for Jesus. I am born to serve Him. If my videos can change the lives of those who watch them and make them fall in love with Jesus, why would I want to do anything else?
“Learn on film first”
5Talents: Any advice for people wanting to improve their photography?
First learn basic photography with film cameras, because you will learn good aperture and shutter speed settings. The true photographer knows how to get the best shot manually. Try to take realistic images from nature and you will improve the quality of the image. A good SLR would be best to start.
5Talents: What would you say to someone talented but sad, because they are not given the opportunity, or the talent is not recognised?
Do not worry if your talents are not recognised by others. Give your full effort and do the best work. If you are using your talents for the real purpose, to fulfil God’s will, you will be given opportunities in His due time.
A note from us
This account describes a period of severe depression and a suicide attempt. If any of it is close to where you are now, please talk to someone you trust, or contact a helpline in your country — in India, the Tele-MANAS helpline runs at 14416, free and around the clock.
Pankaj Kumar Nayak
Wrote for 5Talents through its first year, on vocation, success and what talent is finally for.