In May 1959 there was a news item in Malayala Manorama about a Christian camp for the college students at Kompady Bible Institute at Tiruvalla. I was one of the 25 participants of the camp. On the first day we saw an young man of about 30 years in white khaddar doti and juba and a pair of ordinary chappals on the stage expounding on the word of God and preaching with a passion. All the students who attended went back to their colleges and started prayer groups as we caught up his vision for the college students in India. This was my first encounter with a great man who was used by God mightily for the furtherance of His kingdom in this country. “Chanda”, known by those who are closely associated with him, was a man of simplicity; humble but firm in his convictions.
As the first General secretary of the UESI he used to visit Kerala for special programs and he was readily available with his suggestions in the formative period of the UESI ministry here.
His zeal for indigenous ministry was stupendous. I still remember the message he gave on the 20th annual conference at Nagpur in 1974. “A corn of wheat falling on the ground and dying produces much fruit”. Many of the participants responded to that alter call he gave and dedicated for the ministry in India.
May his soul rest in peace in heaven.
Rev. Itty Mathew