Mathai Kunjumon

Mathai Kunjumon was the first born of the six children of Oothickamannil Mathew Mathai and Kaleekal Mariamma Yohannan in Nilambur, Kerala on July 2nd 1951. He has four younger sisters, Leela, Molly, Ammini and Kunjamma and a younger brother, Moni.

Upon completion of his academic studies, he fulfilled his heart’s desire of becoming an automobile mechanic and excelling in it. He became one of the best automobile mechanic in town, namely Kuwait (Bebehani Seven Up Bottling Company) in 1977. He was a man with a sense of responsibility centered to take care of his parents and siblings. In 1983 on May 2nd, he married Nimmi, the daughter of Pattamthanam John Koshy and Chakkaparambil Sosamma Varghese, who became part and parcel of his life. Kunjumon’s in-laws were Prasad, Pastor Sujit and Emily. The greatest blessing of his life occurred in 1989 when he was born again and received water baptism by faith as well as Holy Spirit baptism. The gulf water crossed his life that enhanced his faith in the Almighty. His whole demeanor changed after his conversion. People and his circle of friends definitely touched by his faith and life. The ‘Lion King’ of the Nilambur Hills became a ‘Lamb’ that depicted Christ.

In 1995 the family moved to Houston, Texas and since then have been active members of Emmanuel Pentecostal Church. Kunjumon’s non-boastful, quiet ways and silent attitude resembled the humility of Christ in every way. He witnessed to his colleagues and distributed tracts but never beat his breast about it. He never liked gossip or loose talk. He had a way of reaching down to the people with the gospel, humbling himself to their level without any hint of being critical or condemning and as a result won them to Christ. Towards the end of 1999, he fell ill but solely trusted God for his healing. The community of Houston is well aware of his tedious, painful Christian walk with the Lord. Amidst all the crises of life, he endured hardness like a good solder to please his master. He was sold out for Christ as he wholeheartedly helped many a person in various ways even in his suffering. On January 19th, he was restored to his rightful Owner and Maker as his last prayer was being the first one to be blessed in this year of restoration!! He leaves behind his beloved wife, family, friends, and his church to toil for Christ tirelessly. He indeed loved his pastor and his church, and is ever grateful to them.