Branch to Body: Delano International Group

DELANO, Calif. — What began as a small group searching for an English‑language Adventist congregation in California’s Central Valley has grown into Delano International Group—a vibrant, multi‑ethnic plant poised to become an official company this year. Elder Dr. Melvin Boddeti traces the story back to 2016, when 38 baptized members met on opening Sabbath and sensed God was doing something bigger than a branch Sabbath School.

A Seed Planted

The vision was born years earlier, after the Boddeti family immigrated from India in 2006. “We wanted a church that taught the same values we were teaching our children,” Boddeti recalls. Long Sabbath drives from Delano to Bakersfield soon revealed dozens of younger members in the local Spanish church who longed for English services. With Hillcrest SDA’s sponsorship, the group launched—immediately filling every seat.

Milestones on the Journey

Since that first gathering, Delano International has focused on Bible study, health evangelism, and prophecy seminars:

• Bible Studies for All Faiths —weekly classes draw Muslims, Hindus, Punjabis, and former Jehovah’s Witnesses.

• Zoom International Prophecy School —over 1,600 hours of online content in Daniel, Revelation, and lifestyle medicine.

• Health Outreach —cooking demonstrations and natural‑remedy workshops led to a 2023 city‑wide webinar on marijuana’s brain effects; afterward, Delano’s council unanimously voted against opening a CBD dispensary—the only community in the region to do so.

• Branch Sabbath School in Earlimart —seven miles north, 18 seekers meet every week.Today about 40 regular attendees worship each Sabbath, and 25 people are preparing for baptism.

Young Voices Leading

Tuesday nights find 15 young adults singing, studying Messages to Young People, and discussing practical Christianity in the Boddeti home. “Their energy is contagious,” Boddeti says. “Some drive from Tulare just to be part of the group.” Youth also spearhead door‑to‑door prayer visits—surprising neighbors who normally expect only Jehovah’s Witnesses or LDS missionaries.

A Legacy of Church Planting

Boddeti’s passion for planting is personal. His father, born into India’s highest Brahmin caste, discovered the prophecy of a virgin‑born Redeemer while studying Hindu scriptures. Missionaries later introduced him to Jesus, launching a life of underground church work in Kuwait. “Planting churches is in our DNA,” Boddeti says. “We believe Delano International must be a repository of truth that can be seen and heard.”

How the CCC Family Can Help

As the company vote approaches, Boddeti asks fellow Central California members to pray that:

• Christ’s character will shine through every member.

• The church will secure a permanent home suited to its expanding ministries.

• Bible students will take bold public stands for Jesus.

Churches interested in partnering through mission trips, equipment donations, or health‑seminar coaching can contact Delano International through the Central California Conference office.

“If God could move us from a living‑room Sabbath School to a city‑wide influence, imagine what He can do across our conference,” Boddeti says. “There is still a work for us to do.”

Written by Bryan Bong