Rev. Jacob Cherian

Rev. Jacob Cherian’s life was defined by his unwavering faith in Christ and his deep commitment to sharing the Gospel.Jacob was born on July 1, 1934, in Alleppey, India, the eldest of four sons born to the late K. C. Chacko and Rosamma Chacko of Mekkattu House.After graduating from Alappuzha SD College, Jacob left for Bombay, where he served as a Gazetted Officer with the Atomic Energy Commission for over a decade, a high-ranking position within the Government of India. Even as a young man, his passion for serving the Lord was evident. While living in Bombay, he was actively involved in preaching God’s Word, frequently conducting open-air meetings and ministering in the local church. Those early years marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Christian ministry.In 1961, he married Leela Skaria, and together they were blessed with three children.In 1968, Jacob came to the United States to pursue higher studies in theology. He later began a successful career with Hartog Trading Corporation, where, through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become vice president of the company.Alongside his professional career, Jacob remained steadfast in his calling to serve God. He helped organize one of the original South Indian Pentecostal churches in New York, which later developed into the India Christian Assembly.A visionary leader with a profound passion for the spiritual unity and growth of the Malayali Christian diaspora, Rev. Jacob Cherian left an indelible mark on the community as one of the pioneering architects of the Pentecostal Conference of North American Keralites (PCNAK).In the earliest days of the movement, he stepped forward to shoulder the responsibility of guiding the growing fellowship. He served faithfully as co-convener of the historic 2nd and 3rd annual PCNAK conferences. His early leadership, steadfast faith, and dedication to the Gospel helped establish the spiritual foundation for what would become a monumental annual gathering, impacting generations of families across North America.Jacob was ordained as a minister and became known for his powerful preaching and his ability to communicate the Word of God with conviction and authority. He had a commanding presence, a powerful voice, and a true gift for preaching God’s Word. Throughout his ministry, Jacob conducted numerous Gospel meetings in Bombay and in the United States, alongside many prominent preachers and evangelists. His preaching and ministry touched countless lives here andabroad.His faith was not confined to the pulpit. He lived it through his generosity, hospitality, and willingness to help others. As one of the early members of his extended family to establish a life in the United States, he opened his home to relatives who followed, helping them build new lives in America. He was also a devoted supporter of Christian ministry, generously supporting church construction and other ministry efforts throughout the years.In 1999, Jacob and his wife retired from New York to Orlando, Florida, where they resided until 2018. A lifelong student of the Word of God, Jacob continued his theological studies during his retirement years and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Luther Rice Seminary, Atlanta. He is survived by his three children, Nancy, Finney, and Ruby, and their spouses, Kurian, Elizabeth, and Koshy. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were a source of great joy and pride in his life.Above all, Jacob will be remembered as a man whose life was centered on his faith, family, and devotion to serving the Lord. His legacy lives on through his family and the many people he encouraged, helped, and ministered to throughout his long and blessed life.