Dr. Rev. Manuel Fernando was born in the seaside city of Tuticorin.  This town is situated in  the southern portion of the State of Tamil Nadu, located in southern  India. In the 1960's his wife, Lilian, purchased some peanuts wrapped in newspaper on the streets of India. When they finished eating the peanuts, they discovered the peanut wrapper was made from a Christian Newspaper written by Loraine B. Berry, called "Healing Hope". They wrote to Mrs. Berry about their desire to start a Christian work in India. Because of her help, Pastor Fernando (as he prefers to be called) came to the U.S., received a Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Southern California College in Calfornia and returned to India.  During the late 1960's, '70's, '80's and '90's Pastor Fernando conducted mass crusades throughout Southern India; and became known endearingly as the "Billy Graham” of India. Through his work, millions have heard the good news of the Gospel and many thousands have been saved. Over forty years later, many still remember with fondness how God greatly moved in his crusades.  

Land was purchased, and churches were planted. One piece of land in Elumiyan Kottur, located outside the city of Chennai, (Madras) was dedicated 1967 and became the childrens' "Haven of Hope" orphanage. Over the years, hundreds of children called this home. 

Christian Family Fellowship International was also founded by Pastor Fernando.  This church, under the umbrella of CFI is pastored by his son, Pastor Steve Fernando. Regular church services are conducted in Lake Forest, California, serving the community with a worship team, womens' Bible study, prayer meetings, and ministry visitation at a local convalescent care facility.  

As the ministry Overseer, Pastor Fernando, still takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the work.