This is the life testimony of my beloved brother in Christ, John Mathew,a man whose journey of faith and service stands as a living witness to God’s grace and calling.

John Mathew was born in 1950 to devout Christian parents. His father, K. Mathew John (affectionately known as Kochumon), and his mother welcomed him into their farmhouse home with great joy. For the first seventeen years of his life, John was their only son, until a younger brother was born.

Just twelve days after the birth of Baby John, tragedy struck, the family was afflicted with chickenpox. His grandparents and mother suffered greatly, and during that difficult time, no one came to visit them except a humble village worker from their farm who faithfully brought them food. In that season of trial, his parents made a solemn commitment to God that their son would be raised to serve Him.

Growing up in a peaceful village home, John never lacked food or shelter. His father worked diligently on their farm, raising cows and poultry, while his mother skillfully managed the dairy produce, selling milk, butter, and ghee in nearby shops. John often helped his father by grazing the cattle and taking them to the green meadows. Though he was a bright and obedient student, active in both school and Sunday School, a quiet emptiness often lingered in his heart.

At the age of twelve, during one of his days in the meadows tending the cows, John had a profound encounter with the Lord. That divine experience stirred his soul and drew him closer to God’s call upon his life. Later, during a Vacation Bible School (VBS), the director who stayed at their home recognized John’s potential and recommended that he pursue studies at Bangarapet Bible College.

After completing his pre-university studies, his grandfather generously offered to pay his college fees. His father lovingly packed a trunk with his belongings and sent him off to Bible college. In his second month there, a relative named Varghese from Naranganam Kattaparan, who had worked in Africa, arranged for John’s entire college expenses to be covered through another relative abroad. Though he had limited pocket money, God’s provision sustained him throughout his studies.

Following this, John pursued further training at the Allahabad Agricultural Institute and later in the International Child Welfare (ICW) program. On February 13, 1981, he married Mercy, a woman of faith and grace. God blessed their union with two sons, Jocy John Mathew and Koshy John Mathew.

After their marriage, John and Mercy began their journey of faith and service together. The early years of their marriage were marked by simplicity, hard work, and deep trust in God’s provision. Despite limited means, they never lacked the essentials of life, for the Lord continually supplied their needs in remarkable ways.

John’s passion for ministry grew stronger with each passing year. His early encounter with the Lord in the meadows had shaped his vision,to serve God wholeheartedly and touch lives with His Word. With a heart full of compassion, he ministered among children and families, sowing seeds of faith through Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, and community outreach programs. His gentle voice, humble demeanor, and unwavering conviction drew many to Christ.

Alongside ministry, John also engaged in practical work, using his agricultural training and welfare education to uplift others. Whether teaching farming practices or guiding rural families toward better living, his life beautifully blended faith and service,demonstrating that God’s love is expressed not only in words but also in action.

Mercy, his devoted wife, stood faithfully by his side,sharing in his vision and strengthening their home through prayer and perseverance. Together, they raised their two sons in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Their home became a place of warmth, faith, and fellowship, where visitors always experienced the peace of God’s presence.

John’s journey of faith was not without trials. Yet every hardship deepened his trust in the Lord who had called him from his youth. His resilience, humility, and steadfast prayer life became an inspiration to many. Over the years, he remained a pillar of faith, mentoring younger believers, supporting fellow servants of God, and standing firm in his convictions even through life’s storms.

Today, as we reflect on his life, we see the testimony of a man who walked closely with his Savior. From the quiet village meadows of his boyhood to the fields of ministry entrusted to him, John Mathew’s life stands as a beautiful example of obedience, faithfulness, and God’s sustaining grace.

I thank God for the life of our beloved brother in Christ, John Mathew, whose journey reflects a rich tapestry of faith, humility, and unwavering devotion to God. From his quiet beginnings in a small village to a lifetime of service and witness, he remained steadfast in his calling. His life reminds us that true greatness is not measured by worldly success but by faithfulness to God’s purpose.

John lived as a humble servant, loving his family, serving his community, and shining the light of Christ wherever he went.

He had been called by the Lord from his youth, and He had continued to strengthen and uphold him in his golden years. His latter days had been crowned with peace, divine health, and unshakable joy. Every seed he had sown in love and truth will flourish for generations to come. The Lord had delighted in his faithfulness and had surrounded him with His presence as a faithful companion until the end.

He has now entered the eternal presence of his Savior, whom he loved and served so faithfully.

Though we grieve his absence, we rejoice that he rests in perfect peace and everlasting glory.

With love and Gratitude,
Sister Annie.