George P. Mathai

Rev. George P. Mathai (Thankachen) was born on July 22, 1948 in the town of Ranni, located in Kerala, India. He was the fourth child of the late Pathalil George and Sosamma. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, obeying the command of the Lord in water baptism and was filled with the Holy Spirit.

With great fervor and dedication, he pursued the call of the Lord all of his life. Raised with great discipline and an incredible work ethic, he desired a better life for his future generations. The Lord answered his prayers through a sponsorship to come to the United States, where he obtained a Masters in Theology at Eastern Nazarene College and attended seminary at Gordon Conwell. While pursuing this education, he also worked as a Computer Technician, further displaying the kind of hard work and dedication that he would later instill in his own children. When life circumstances would eventually lead him back to India, Rev. Mathai never wa- vered in his faith that God would bring him back to America to fulfill his calling. That faith became reality March, 1981 when he moved back to Boston, MA and lived there with his wife and children for 6.5 years, during which time he was or- dained by the Church of God and Pastored a local church.

In November of 1986 he moved to Philadelphia, PA. There, he faithfully attended and served at Eben-ezer Church of God as an Assistant Pastor and Sunday School Director. He also worked for Septa as an Electrician for 25 years. He was known throughout the community as a man who never shied away from hard work. Whether it was mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, or any other task that needed to be done, he was always ready to roll up his sleeves and get the job done.

In the summer of 1990, a fire was ignited in his heart to bring the Gospel to the unreached Indian community, both in the US and his hometown of Malabar. He spent 24 years preaching the Gospel in Malabar, establishing 11 churches and lead- ing many to Christ. He also encouraged and equipped leaders there who continue the ministry in his absence. During his time in Philadelphia, he also spent 8 years ministering to the unreached Indian community in South Jersey. His kind and gen- erous heart blessed countless people throughout his life, as he was always willing to give to those in need without hesitation or condition.

In 2011, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He fought this illness with all of his strength for more than 6 years, always with the hope of being healed in order to continue the ministry in India. His unfettered determination to serve the Lord wholeheartedly in sickness and in health is an inspiration to all who knew him and watched him through this trial. During the course of his life he conducted numer- ous open air Gospel meetings, led many to the saving knowledge of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and had the honor of baptizing many believers.

He is survived by his wife Saramma, his three sons along with their wives (Dennis & Liz, Freddy & Blessy, and Daniel & Joyce), as well as his six wonderful grandchildren (Emilie, Micayla, Kaitlyn, Rebekah, Luke, and Joel). We will all miss him dearly but rejoice in the truth given to us through Jesus Christ that we will see our beloved Pastor, husband, father, and grandfather once again in our Heavenly Home. This is a truth that he worked all of his life for with great striving so that others may also share in the joy that he is now experiencing with his Father in Heaven.