My Story - Asela Jayarathne

Early Life and Spiritual Journey
I was born and raised in a rural village in Sri Lanka, where I grew up in a Buddhist family. From a young age, I took part in various religious events and practiced Buddhist rituals. But when I was seven years old, something remarkable happened that changed my life. Despite all the activities and rituals, I felt empty inside, like something was missing. One day, I came across a small children's Gospel booklet. It talked about Jesus and the new life He could offer. I read that little booklet, and something clicked. I asked Jesus to be my personal Lord and Savior. That moment was the beginning of my new life with Jesus.
Around that time, my school teacher, Mrs. Liyanage, introduced me to the Lighthouse Church in Kandy, which was about 4-5 miles from my village. I started attending Sunday school there, and it became a place where I could learn more about Jesus and grow in my Christian faith. We were very poor back then, and some Sundays we didn’t have money for the bus, so we would walk the 4-5 miles to get to church.
When I was thirteen, the church held a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. It was there that I learned about the Holy Spirit for the first time. My teachers encouraged me to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and that day, God filled me with His wonderful Spirit. I even received the gift of speaking in tongues! Right after this experience, I felt a deep desire to reach out to children and share God's love with them. That was the beginning of my calling.

Beginning of Ministry
By the time I was fifteen, I became a Sunday school teacher, marking the start of my journey in children's ministry. Thanks to the faithful leaders in the children's ministry department at my church, I was able to join various leadership training programs, conferences, and seminars. These opportunities helped me become better equipped to serve and teach children, deepening my commitment to my calling.

Joining Kidsreach
When I was 21, I joined an organization called Kidsreach, which focuses on training leaders and reaching children for Christ. Through Kidsreach, I had the incredible opportunity to travel across the country, reaching and teaching children about Jesus. This work allowed me to touch many lives and see firsthand the impact that sharing God's love can have on young hearts.

Embracing the Call to Missions
In 2007, I felt God calling me to the nations, leading me to embark on my very first mission trip to India. It was a sweet and powerful experience, and I tasted the beauty of missions for the first time. Inspired by this journey, I expanded my vision to include Nepal and Pakistan. During these trips, I was able to train children's ministry leaders, share the Gospel with children, and encourage young people to live for Jesus. These mission trips deepened my passion for serving God and reaching out to those in need.

A Turning Point: Attending ICMI (International Children's Ministry Institute) 
2011 was a turning point in my life. I was feeling broken and burnt out from the ministry work I had been involved in, and I knew I needed a change. That's when God opened the door for me to attend the International Children's Ministry Institute (ICMI) in Litchfield, USA. ICMI was a six-month program, with three months of training on campus and three months of outreach.
During my time at ICMI, God did a deep work in my heart. He healed my brokenness and gave me hope for the future. I learned to enjoy His presence and how to be led by the Spirit. This period was a time of renewal and transformation, where I rediscovered my passion for ministry and felt prepared for the next chapter of my life.

Leading Missions and Training Leaders
After completing three months of training at ICMI, I had the opportunity to lead a mission team to Sri Lanka and India. This was an incredible experience, allowing me to apply everything I had learned and share it with others. In addition to these mission trips, we organized a three-week training program for South Asian leaders in Sri Lanka. It was a time of growth, equipping local leaders to better serve children and spread the Gospel.

A New Chapter: Joining LRM and Starting a Family
In 2012, I felt God calling me to serve with LRM Missions in Litchfield, USA. I knew it was from God, and under the leadership of Mom Gwen, I joined LRM Missions and ICMI. This marked the beginning of another journey in my life. I was able to teach at ICMI and also helped with the media department.
Around the same time, God spoke to me about the children in this small town, Litchfield, and the need to spread the Gospel to them. With the support of the local church, I started a children’s club, which quickly became a key outreach to the community.
In 2013, I met Deb, who would become not just my best friend but my partner in ministry. We got married in 2014, and I permanently moved to the USA. Together, Deb and I continued to serve with LRM/ICMI, while also launching several local ministries, including the Bus Ministry, Children of Destiny Summer Camp, and Super Heroes Children's Clubs. These programs reached many children in the local community, with over 100 children attending the Children of Destiny Summer Camp each year.
Deb was an experienced missionary, having been to over 25 countries spreading the Gospel and training leaders. Her experience and heart for missions were a perfect match for my own calling, and together we were able to serve God in new and impactful ways.
In 2015, we welcomed our first child, Matthew, and in 2018, our second child, Abigail. Our family became a reflection of God's blessings, and we continued to serve in ministry, grateful for the opportunities to touch lives and share His love with others.

A Season of Loss and Strength
The year 2020 turned our family’s world upside down. Deb was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and we had to pause everything to prioritize her treatments. She fought bravely, but on September 10, 2021, Deb was promoted to Glory. Her passing was a devastating loss for our family, and we faced many challenges afterward.
The children were still so young, and it was hard for them to cope with losing their mom. Living in a country where we had no extended family made it even more difficult. But in the midst of this grief and hardship, I am thankful that God gave me the strength to continue, and the ability to trust Him through it all. We were surrounded by loving friends who supported us during that season, and their kindness was a true blessing.

A New Beginning: Meeting Ge-Anne
In 2024, a new chapter of hope and love began when I met Ge-Anne, a beautiful and anointed worship leader from the Philippines. Ge-Anne is a gifted musician, and her love for God and heart for worship is truly inspiring. We got married that same year, and together, we are believing for many more years of serving God as a family.
With Ge-Anne by my side, we are excited to reach the nations together, just as God has called us. We look forward to continuing the ministry, sharing the Gospel, and touching lives for His glory. As a family, we are trusting God for the journey ahead and are thankful for the opportunity to serve Him together.