Leena comes from Andhra Pradesh. Her ministry work was initiated when, in 1993, she won a scholarship to attend the Baptist World Youth Conference held in Zimbabwe.
"It was there that my life changed from being a Christian to becoming a passionate follower of Jesus Christ," Leena explained. "I decided to give my life to the Lord completely, in His service."
She was inspired and emboldened by Mark chapter 16 verse 16, in which the challenge is set, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news, throughout the world.
Since that time Leena Lavanya has founded and developed many different ministries throughout the State of Andhra Pradesh that include caring for people with HIV and leprosy, specific programs for the elderly, child labourers at the rock quarries, people in prison, tribal peoples, and sex workers.
She has also established educational programs such as 'computer life skills' for young people, as well as founding two complete elementary skills. And as if this isn't enough for one person, she has been involved in planting 32 churches.
Of course, she does not do all this alone. Every ministry has its own staff along with numerous office and accommodation centres.
Leena's cry of anguish to the Lord is that she sees so many people in India dying before they have even had the opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ's Salvation for them.
This Leena Lavanya interview by Tony Cupit on the Australian Missionary News IPTV may be viewed at either tv.bushorchestra.com/BWC/videopages/leenya_lavanya.html or www.safeworlds.net