Pastor Samavedam Elisha was born into an orthodox Hindu Brahmin (High priest) family in a small town called Srikakulam in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India. They were Idol worshippers for generations who hated Jesus Christ and Christianity. After the demise of his father, his mother suffered a dreadful disease called elephantiasis to which there is no cure till today. God visited their family through a Christian colleague miraculously healing his mother. Both the mother and son gave their hearts to Jesus and followed Him in water Baptism. God spoke to him prophetically  and called to serve Him but It was not easy for this Elisha. They were outcast from their families and society and persecuted for their faith.

Meanwhile he joined his pastor helping him in the ministry of evangelism, church planting and administration of the Church & Missions office. 

Having been inspired by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Elisha refused his Government Job with a confession that he would serve the Living God instead of any other human authority.   After serving a missionary organization in an Executive administration for seventeen years, with deep conviction he stepped out to be in full time ministry planting churches, training evangelists and serving the poor & needy. Hence the birth of Shanti Nilayam, home for homeless children.