At age 24, Mr. Ishmael was steadily progressing through the ranks of his career in the Indian Administrative Services and, during the Second World War, joined the Indian Army as an officer. Despite his professional success, he began to feel a deep sense of dissatisfaction with his worldly achievements and it was during this time that he heard the call of God to enter full-time ministry—a call that was answered on 15th August 1947. Leaving behind his secular life, he burned his certificates and documents in a symbolic act of faith and committed the rest of his life to Vocational ministry.

Pursuing Biblical studies, he earned a theological graduate degree and, over the course of divine purpose, became a highly sought-after preacher, receiving invitations to speak at crusades, revival meetings, conventions, churches, and more. His sermons blessed many and prompted numerous requests for printed copies of his work. He began publishing his resources in the mid-1960s, marking the beginning of a literature ministry that would eventually lead him to establish Revival Literature Fellowship. Both he and his teachings inspired others to live with godly wisdom, grow in the knowledge of Scripture, and look to Christ with confidence. Throughout his life, Rev. Ishmael lived in anticipation of the Lord’s return, often recalling the words: “Behold, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

"We are living in the last days of the last days" ~ Rev. E. M. Ishmael

In 1979, the Lord called John Ishmael into full-time ministry through the message of 1 Peter 2:9–10. Responding to this divine call, he joined Allahabad Bible Seminary the same year and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.). He later earned a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) from Serampore University. Following his graduation, he served with Theological Students for Frontier Missions, a ministry dedicated to encouraging theological students to prioritise missions within their respective areas of service.

In January 1985, the Board of Directors of Revival Literature Fellowship (RLF) invited him to serve as Assistant Director, and two years later, in 1987, he was appointed Executive Director. Deeply moved by the conviction of the Lord’s imminent return, he committed himself to teaching and preaching on Bible Prophecy and the End Times. Under his leadership, RLF expanded significantly, with new ministry programs initiated and strengthened across various departments.

Through his vision and direction, the literature ministry continues to flourish, with numerous books being written, translated, and published in several Indian languages, and conferences and seminars organised across India, particularly focusing on remote regions. Together with his small team of dedicated staff, he is committed to tirelessly carrying out outreach ministries, reaching people with God’s Word and bringing blessings to those in both spiritual and material need. The ministry also extends humanitarian services to pastors, school children, orphans, widows, victims of persecution, victims of natural calamities, and other underprivileged groups. By God’s grace, the reach of RLF has grown beyond India’s borders to several other nations. In prayer and faith, the team consistently schedules its ministry programs, relying on God for the necessary provisions to carry them through.

RLF rejoices in how the Lord has used its director across churches of various denominations, particularly as a teacher and preacher on prophetic themes. He has been a featured speaker at innumerable pastors’ conferences on Bible prophecy, ministering in every state of India—including the Andaman Islands—as well as in Asia, Europe, Israel, Canada, and the United States.

Ordained by the Baptist Council in Bangalore, he has also served as Chairman of the Official Board of Emmanuel Church, Bangalore, and later as Chairman of the Advisory Council of his local church. He is married to Latha, who serves alongside him as a full-time ministry partner. They are blessed with two children, Ezra and Eunice, who share their parents’ passion for ministry and actively serve the Lord through their own gifts and callings.