CBA Souvenir New Semi FInal

Enjoyed the bonding and togetherness

I am pleased to hear our Assembly is BetsyJacob picnics, memory verses( on which I mostly
celebrating its sSilver Jubilee and it gives rely on), youth meetings, sisters prayer;
me immense joy to share a few words of Koshy Uncle would do teachings from there. these have influenced my Christian life.
my experience. My Christian foundations I remember skipping pages about especially when I was going through a
were built from Thane Assembly until I was Tabernacle but the Bible teachings and difficult and utterly broken time in my life..
15 after which, we moved to Borivali. We doctrines taught made such a difference. I The Elders and the ladies were always there
started going for Bible study in St Francis especially loved the singing, assembly to guide, encourage and inspire. I enjoyed
School. Soon, Borivali Assembly became the bonding and togetherness in everything
official and I, as a young girl, became part of we did. Thank you Uncle Koshy, Uncle
Sunday school. We were like a small family. James, Uncle Rajan and our dearest Late
It was a place where I learnt so much and my Uncle Ivan, Philip and every single soul for
Christian life was slowly being refined and your valuable contribution to my Christian
transformed As a young girl, the Old growth.
Testament was too complex to understand
but soon it started to make sense since

The joy of being a door keeper First baptism service

BlessyCyril&Family By the grace of God, I spent my It is indeed a great joy to know that CDThomas&Family
childhood days in Thane Assembly Christian Believers' Assembly is
where there was great emphasis on completing 25 years of testimony in
Gospel Outreach and living for the Lord. Borivali. I personally thank and praise the
During my teens we moved to Borivali Lord for the wonderful testimony this
Assembly and it was the Lord's great assembly has held during the past years. I
blessing and plan that we should be here. count it as a blessing to have been a member
After having understood the importance of of this assembly during 1992 – 1993; the
initial stages of my walk with Christ. I came

the gospel, it was time to strengthen my foundations in the word of God. And to let that happen, to the saving knowledge of Christ from a catholic family in 1991 and came to Mumbai in 1992. I
the Lord chose Uncle Koshy Mathew to teach us the book of Romans in depth. It was a real obeyed the Lord's command of water baptism in 1992 during the first baptism service of the
blessing to study with uncle who was completely thorough with the word of God. It helped me all Borivali assembly. Brother Ivan Desai, who is now with the Lord, baptized me along with a few
through my pilgrim journey. It was here that I decided to obey the Lord in the waters of baptism. other sisters. I still remember the advice uncle gave me; to thank and praise the Lord always in
The Sunday school was the best time with awesome singing and brother Philip encouraging my Christian life. It is very important for a new believer to see and learn the right biblical
every child and youth to use their talents for the glory of God. doctrines and practices during the initial stages of his Christian life, which will help him to hold on
Ivan uncle always taught us that signing should be from the heart for God's glory and not a form till the end of his life. I had this privilege from this assembly, which has helped me to continue to
of show to be put on. do so till date.
All the aunties have been an encouragement to me and that has helped me in my married life. I My life with Lord Jesus Christ has also completed 25 years in 2016. We, as a family, are now in
praise and thank God for our beautiful assembly and pray that the Lord bless each abundantly fellowship with Believers Brethren Assembly - Sharjah.
and help it to grow. Our greetings to all the elders and members of the assembly in this joyful occasion.
My family and I love everybody and miss all the members. May our Lord bless you all to grow more and more in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

All glory to the Lord An assembly that orays and cares for its members

It's really wonderful to look back and thank DavidMathew&Family Christian Believer's Assembly,
the Lord for His faithfulness towards the Borivali, brings in lots of memory for
Assembly Testimony in Borivali through us. I came as a bachelor to this JosephSamuel&Family
all these years. All glory to the Lord Jesus church, got married and God blessed our
Christ who began a good work and continues family here. Borivali assembly was like a
to sustains it. It was our privilege to have home away from home for us. We as a family
been associated with the assembly in the went through lots of ups and down here, but
past years and participate in various the assembly's support and prayers were a
ministries. The Lord used that time for our great strength for us. We remember CBA as
encouragement and edification. an assembly that prays and cares for its
Our prayer is that the Lord Almighty would members. It's an assembly that encouraged
continue to use the assembly testimony in the youth in taking lead in exhortation and
the years to come for His glory, for the worship and giving God glory by taking part
furtherance of His kingdom and the blessing in different activities in the church. We are
of the saints. quite fortunate to have been part of this
wonderful assembly. Even though we have
In Christ,
David & Grace moved on from Mumbai, we are still in touch with the folks at Borivali. We hope we can come
back to and visit CBA – Borivali, one of these days. May God continue to bless the assembly and
its ministry towards God's children.

CBA: A mark of true love and honour Win many more souls

We testify that Guruswamy&family I was posted for my first job near Borivali Ebenezer&Family
the warmth area in Mumbai. By then I was a believer
shown by for many years having accepted Christ at
CBA, Borivali towards our a young age, but it was at CBA I received the
family is exemplary. The training to study the Bible and present it
conduct of all the systematically. By the encouragement and
gatherings was marked feedback of the elders and members I was
by true love and honour, given a platform for verse by verse
especially to us as a exposition.
family, which has been a All the members showed keen interest in

huge privilege to us. to us which we feel as a privilege. evangelism in the nearby area and prayed for youngsters like me. Even though I just spent 2
We treasure those memories of the early 2000s, when I was a young railway man, with my kids years at CBA, the motivation I received here is an encouragement even today for me and my
and my wife riding a bike, with the four of us barely making it,but joyously riding through the young family to serve the Lord along with the local brethren.
streets IC colony to attend the assembly meetings, some casual visits to church members' As a family, we continue to pray for this assembly that it will continue to be a shining light for all
houses which were always filled with unparalleled joy and sumptuousness. believers and win many more souls.

We are at Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh, which is the frequent place for the Preacher at Large -Our
beloved Dr. Koshy Mathew . Whenever we see him and meet him at our place we refresh our
memories of CBA-Borivali and the members.

It thrills the heart to see the assembly grow Encouraging each other that we may run well

You can take a person out of Borivali The memory of racing back home on
assembly but not the assembly out of Sunday afternoons from St Francis
a person! Every day is a reminder of Technical Institute is still fresh in my
things seen and learnt at my home assembly. mind;the four of us (Anub, Benny, Anita, and

My entire childhood, teenage and early youth me), packed into one auto rickshaw with one
was spent at CBA and I praise God for the
responsible adult. The rick stopping in front
wonderful Sunday school teachers and of the Sharon gate marked the start of our

elders I had. Looking back, I now see how race. We would bounce out at once, much to

important the discipline taught to us was. the chagrin of the adult, and make a sprint for

How can I talk about the assembly and not the finish – the line of cars parked on the

mention our Sunday school principal Philip other side of the apartments. Oblivious to

uncle who has put in such great effort into oncoming traffic, finishing first, or at least a
imparting music to the children. Even today
respectable second, was our goal.

half way across the world, the songs and Apart from the obvious, I also thank God for

verses taught in Sunday school is what we these fun-filled memories we were able to
make. Very few experiences can match the
have to cling on to in difficult times.

Praying that CBA continues to be blessing to unbridled delight of a childhood spent
many more as it has been to me.
Daniel&Jane growing up with assembly people. It has

forged friendships and spiritual bonds that

have withstood the test of time and distance. Joshua&Steffy
Remembering the race also reminds me of

the spiritual race we are all called to run. Not competing with others to finish first but encouraging
each other that we may run well (2Tim 2:5). I thank God for the spiritual foundation that the
assembly laid equipping each one of us to run well.

JohnnyBaker&Family Always in our prayers

We fellow-shipped with Bethel assembly for many years, until the Lord opened a door
to gather in Borivali. We started in a local school, by having bible-study/prayer for
some time during the week. The Lord was working and exercising the Christians and
soon we began to break bread. We had many of the Lord's servants, both local and from
overseas visit us at that time, and we were encouraged to seek greater things for the Lord. Many
were saved during that time and some added to the fellowship of the Christians. The work began
to grow and the Lord prospered. The Lord was moving and there was an exercise among the
Christians to obtain a permanent place for meeting. Much time was spent in meeting, discussing
and more than anything else praying together. We moved away to the USA in Feb 1993, but are
now in fellowship with the Christians that meet to His precious name in Jackson, Michigan. The
Christians that meet in Borivali are always in our prayers that the Lord will keep and prosper His
work for His own glory and honour until He comes!
God is Faithful!
Maranatha,

The Lord has done great things! Coming back for holidays was always a joy,
not only to meet my physical family, but also
As a family, it gives us immense joy to have fellowship with my spiritual family.
and delight to look back over the On the occasion of this silver jubilee I would
years and thank the Lord for his like to congratulate all our assembly
blessings. Christian Believer's Assembly, members.
Borivali, has been a key factor in our spiritual
growth for our lives as well as our children's. Georgekutty&Annamma
Reminiscing over the last 25 years brings a
feeling of nostalgia. My children Jinu and JER 42: 3
Juby were saved and baptised here. The “Pray that the Lord your
Sunday School teachers and elders in the God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”
assembly played a vital role in developing
them to who they are now. In spite of my
absence from the assembly in relation to my
job in Saudi Arabia, the assembly has
supported my family in every possible way.

CBA helped us grow in the Lord

JinuGeorge&Family Greetings to all our beloved in CBA. I It is with great joy in the Lord that we as a
am amazed at how time has flown family congratulate you all on the completion
by and that CBA has reached the of 25 years and praise God for all the great
25-year mark. I vividly remember the day things He has done towards the assembly
when we as a family attended the inaugural Truly, it is God's hand and all glory goes to
meeting of CBA at St. Francis Technical Him
school. We as a family were anxious and My earliest memories are with the Sunday
excited to be a part of CBA and also little sad school and the assembly in Borivali. Having
to part from our then assembly “Rehoboth accepted the Lord, obeying Him in the
Brethren Assembly” at Malad. waters of baptism and being in fellowship
I thank God who has allowed us to be a part with the assembly has been the greatest
of CBA and worship with the saints. I miss blessing in my life .
you all and miss the love, the care and It is in this spiritual home that I was nourished
affection that we as a family experienced. with wonderful teachers mentoring and
The most whom I miss is Ivan Uncle, he was guiding me through the Word of God. My
spiritual standing is attributed to the prayers
like a father figure, mentor and a friend. I thank all our uncles and aunties who helped us grow in and effort put in by the elders and teachers in JubyPaul&Family
the Lord by way of teaching the Word of God, encouraging words, songs and teaching musical
instruments. Some have even helped my sister and I academically. We were blessed to have this assembly. The prayer of the assembly was always that the Lord would guide where we
you all. I have not mentioned any names (except Ivan Uncle) since it would not be fair if I should go and what we should do and that has been passed onto our family as well .
unintentionally missed anyone. Happy to see many new families join CBA and may the Almighty Once again, with great joy we heartily congratulate you on completing 25 years and our prayer is
add many more individuals and families and may you all grow in the Lord and only his name be that you keep on with the ministry entrusted to you by the Lord in extending His Kingdom in that
exalted and glorified. locality.

An encouragement etched in forever Paul planted, Apollos watered. But God gave the growth

Our heartiest congratulations, to It's a great privilege and honour for me to
Borivali Assembly on completing 25 write few words about Christian Believers
years. We thank and Praise God for Assembly, Borivali for their 25th
this. Anniversary Celebrations by the grace of

My fondest and most cherished memories of God. As an oasis in the desert, it was divine

this assembly, during the 2nd half of the 90's, plan and provision that I was in fellowship
with Borivali Assembly in the year 1995, as a
was on Sunday's, when the brothers used to

visit the surrounding slums in IC Colony for jobless bachelor residing with my brother

Gospel outreach. Tracts in Hindi, Marathi & Philip in Mumbai. I was able to sustain those

GladlyJoseph&Family other languages were distributed in every days only because of the constant

house and I was able to be a part of this encouragement and support of the

ministry then and to witness Christ among Assembly members along with spiritual
those people hailing from various parts of India.
fellowship. I have no other words to thank
One memory that remains etched forever in my mind, is the encouragement given by Uncle Ivan
them enough and would like to acknowledge StephenAmbrose&Family
Desai. One day after the worship meeting, he came straight to the youth group standing outside every one of them with love and gratitude.
During that period, I was able to grow in my
and said, "Having good communication skills in English, why can't you all stand up and worship spiritual life too, besides the continual advice the believers under its fold by the grace of
and counseling received from the Assembly
the Lord. So we all can join and say Amen." This touched my heart and helped me stand up and Elders. I wish the Assembly to grow God. May the Lord Almighty bless the
physically and spiritually, whereby it will be a
praise God during worship even till today. pillar of spiritual support and guidance to all Assembly and its members in every way.

By the end of 2002, God helped me to start a blessed family life. Together we were edified by the "Paul planted, Apollos watered but God

prophetical bible studies conducted by Br. Koshy Mathew from Revelation and also other gave the growth."

prophetical books. Devotional messages by Rajan Uncle and messages related to practical (I Corinthians 3:6)

Christian living by James uncle edified and equipped us to lead a better Christian life. Also the

singing of inspiring English, Hindi songs have always encouraged us & are still being missed by

us. Moulding place in
our spiritual life
As we look back the aisle of time we have more precious memories like these. We as a family
I had been a part of Christian Believers'
have truly been blessed by this assembly and thank God for the role it has and still plays in our Assembly, Borivali for almost 10 years
(as a young bachelor for 4 years and then
Christian life. as family). For my wife and meI, it was
moulding place in our spiritual life. We are
May God Bless the Assembly and thankful to God for the fellowship, care and
guidance which we enjoyed in the assembly.
keep it strong. The biggest blessing of the assembly, I
believe, is a strong spiritual leadership, who
-Gladly Joseph not only preach the doctrines, but also
practice it. I am happy to hear that assembly
is completing 25 years in September. May StanleyJoseph&Family
God continue to bless the assembly and use
it for His glory till the coming of our Lord.

The Lord went above and beyond and gave me CBA Living no longer to ourselves, but to Him!

I came from Kerala to Mumbai in the year I am both nostalgic and grateful to express
1982 and was a student at Borivali. My that it was in this assembly, that my family
one earnest prayer was to find a good and I were fed with the finest of the wheat just
church gathering. It so happened, that when after being saved by the grace of God from a
heathen background more than 20 years
I was sharing the gospel with one of my ago.
classmates, I found out that he was a The Lord of wonders miraculously led my
wife and me to Borivali Assembly, early in
believer too and he introduced me to Bethel 1996, just after bringing us out of the utter
darkness. Indeed, our fellowship of almost
assembly, Santacruz. I went there the very five years in the assembly was a time of
spiritual growth and maturity. There in the
next Sunday and was happy to be part of the assembly, as babes, we received the
blessings of being fed with the pure milk of
fellowship there. the living word. The love and care of the
brothers and sisters enabled us to forget our
Over the next few months, I was introduced attachment to the gentile lives we had come
from. It was the Lord's doing for us to be there
to many people and one of them was Baker in the midst of God's loving people. KeshabKorkara
Aunty at Borivali. This house was my Dear ones, may there be more continuing
excitement and love for God. May our God of
spiritual home during my student years. grace continue to bless the assembly as a
whole even as 25 years of His faithfulness is
Every Saturday evening I would spend time being celebrated.

at Baker Aunty's house. I have many

memories of her hospitality and having a

great time of fellowship with grandma, aunty,

Johny, David, Aruna and also Nimbergi

Uncle & Aunty whenever they would come to

visit. K.JJoseph&Family
One incident particularly stands out. The
warden that was in charge of the hostel that I

was staying in had asked all the boys to bring times. This incident rooted in me the heart to Living no longer to ourselves, but to Him!
the 'rosary' from the Bandra feast that was reach out to those in need.
happening around that. As I refused, I gave For some time we would go to Vasai to share We attended CBA between 1999- Roch&Family
my warden verses from the Bible, stated my the gospel and for fishing and as we would 2000. All praises to Lord alone.
reasons of refusing to buy the rosary, I was return home late into the night it was Ivan Fellowship we enjoyed was them continued to keep in touch through
able to share the gospel with him. However, uncle that opened his doors to us. I will never memorable starting from welcome letter. email or phone calls. Thank God for the
he gave me an ultimatum and told me that if I forget the rich and delicious food that aunty Aspects like Attendance (nearly same in fellowship.
didn't have it within the week, I would have to would lay out for us the next morning. worship as
vacate the hostel. The Lord went above and beyond in well as other meetings), Punctuality
As a bachelor, living outside on my own answering my prayer for finding a good (irrespective of long distance travel in
during those days was an expensive venture church gathering. Mumbai), Discipline
and it was Baker aunty who so graciously May Our Good God bless the Assembly (biblical) are noteworthy and guided us in
invited me into her home and provided for me gathering at Borivali and may He add many later attended assemblies to follow.
like a her own son. Even today, I remember more to the church through this gathering. Encouragement
her words and the Christian family fellowship -Joseph K.J. for individual spiritual growth was provided
I shared with them during those difficult for by the elders and co-believers. Some of

It thrills the heart to see the assembly grow A learning curve with the Sunday School teachers

Hi, I'm Glory Roberts-Valthaty and I It is a happy occasion indeed knowing that
currently living in Scotland with my CBA, Borivali, is completing 25 years. I
husband Noel and our daughter always remember fondly, the days when
Faith. My parents Mr.VE Chandrashekar and we ( my sisters and brother ) attended the

Mrs. VFM Chandravathy (faithfully serving Sunday school as children and then started
the Lord with the Telugu assembly in
attending the assembly gatherings as well.
Santacruz)were burdened about the fact that We were encouraged greatly by Ivan Desai

that as kids, we were fluent in English,we uncle and his kind words and visits to our

wouldn't be able to grasp the Biblical truths place. My first Sunday school teacher was

in Telugu easily and so when CBA Borivali Shirley aunty and then Rajan uncle and RuthValsingam&Family
Koshy uncle. It was a wonderful learning
was established in September1991,they

encouraged us to join the assembly! curve with them. The enriched gatherings
I have since then been blessed to be part of week after week as well as the watch night services were always a blessing. Each person big or

Borivali assembly!We attended all the small encouraged us as children and then as young adults to grow more in the Lord. Our
formative years were spent there. Today, on this joyous occasion I pray that our Lord may
gatherings of the assembly and were

blessed by each and every meeting! continue to bless all of you and may CBA, Borivali grow more and more for His glory.

Every time I visit the assembly, I'm thrilled to God bless.

see the growth in the assembly and Ruth. Valasingam

especially the Sunday School which has

always been dear to my heart. GloryRoberts&Family
We as a family always remember CBA
Borivali very fondly in our prayers and pray Psalms 55:14 We used to take sweet counsel together;

that God will continue to keep the assembly

shining for His glory! within God's house we walked in the throng.

-Glory Roberts-Valthaty I started attending worship meetings and
Sunday School as a school boy with my
Thriving and increasing in fellowship sisters when the assembly gathered at St

Greetings, my dear brothers and Francis technical institute. Subsequently,
sisters in Christ! Congratulations on
completion of 25 years. the assembly shifted to Sharon Apts where I

came to know our Lord and today as the

CBA, Borivali, has played a vital role in my assembly is completing 25 years I would like

path to a successful Christian life. I have fond to thank all the brothers and sisters for all

memories of eating deep spiritual food to their prayers, fellowship and warm smiles.

eating awesome sandwiches at the annual Especially would like to thank Koshy uncle

CBA picnics! You all are a part of my young and remember Bro Ivan Desai and also my

life, the truths I learnt in Sunday school have early Sunday school teachers Mrs Sajini

helped me in times of need but also helped to Rajan, Mr AC Rajan and Mr Philip Ambrose.

RebekkahValthaty&Family stay humble and give Him the glory in every 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is

good thing He gave me. in the light, we have fellowship with one

My earnest prayer is that God may continue to guide the assembly and use it mightiy in the days another, and the blood of Jesus his Son

to come. May you continue to thrive and increase in fellowship! PaulValthaty&Family cleanses us from all sin.

Fresh spiritual food at every single gathering

I have been a part of Borivali assembly JaphiaSaju
right from the time I was a child.. Being a
part of Sunday school, I have enjoyed
singing songs, memorizing verses, learning
lessons from David and goliath, to the very
love of God by sending His son to die on the
cross for the sins of mankind. I was lead to
faith by my father and later in July 2011, I was
baptized and I joined the fellowship of this
assembly.
From the very gospel to doctrines of
Christianity, I have learnt and understood by
the ministries of the gifted brethren of the

assembly. I enjoyed the Christian fellowship, which is assimilating as one body in worship, love
and care. The teachings and guidance from the believers, elders and Sunday school teachers
have helped me in my spiritual and earthly warfare as I moved out according to will of God in
connection to secular studies. I have visited many assemblies but the spiritual food I got at
Borivali assembly has always been new and fresh every time. I praise God for enabling me to be
a part of this wonderful fellowship and I continue to pray that, this assembly always be a blessing
to many in the coming days.

A mighty warrior A man of god
His body like iron rod
(2 sam.8:18;23:20-22) Ruled over cherelithes and perelithies
And had easily won great ght's
by Benaiah Saju
A man from kabzeel
Tore lion's like a peel
A man of king david
A man so mighty that his name is stated

He was the son of jehoida He cant be seen He cant be touched But he can be felt .
Whose name was benaiah This artwork is made in a single line ,representing One God.

Ruled like great ruler Omnipotent Omipresent Omnicient God
And never was a battle in which he was a loser - By Benny

More honourable than thirty
But not among the three

His name appears with zadok and nathan
And this was his life with god and not satan





The life of Ivan Desai

(15thMay1936-3rdApril2007)

ByNitishPatel(soninlaw)

Resting Ivan Arthur Desai often used to say when The home at DrDr. Desai Bungalow was
he spoke of seeing the Lord Jesus in purchased around 1947 by his father for his
INTHE heaven, “What joy it will be!”. He could not two daughters and Ivan Desai came to live
imagine how wonderful it will be. He is now in there. In 1962 his parents came to stay there
Lord the presence of the Lord Jesus beholding also following his father's ill health in
His glory (John 17:24) and where there is Banhatti.
fulnessfullness of joy and at His right there
are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). In those days there were just a few buildings
and nearby was a jungle with the river
Ivan Desai was born to Gujarati Christian Dahisar running through it to the sea and
parents, Arthur and Emily Desai in Rabkavi, there was a British army camp nearby. My
Karnataka on 15th May 1936 where his father in law told me he used to swim in that
father practisedpracticed as a doctor. His river but no one would dare think of
parents were believers but belonged to the swimming in it now!
Exclusive Brethren who did not have
fellowship with other Christians. It was only Ivan Desai married Grace Vyas in 1967 and
after his father's death in 1969, that his they had four children, Ellen, Daniel, Salome
mother took the family to Bethel Assembly in and Timothy. Though brought up in a
Santa Cruz Bombay. They were brought up Christian family he did not trust in the Lord
in a very strict fashion and all had to be Jesus till later in life. It was through the
properly dressed for dinner, English style!

Ivan Desai had a great interest in cars and
moved to Bombay around 1958 to learn the
trade of a car mechanic at the National
Garage in Bombay Central. He knew many
hardships in those early days. The following
year his father purchased a garage for him in
Bandra West and later he moved his garage
to Dadar where he set up business and had
four mechanics working for him. He was
known as a strong man liftingman lifting car
engines and the doctor told him when he was
70 that he had the heart of a 21 year old. We
thought he would live to 100 but the Lord was
pleased to take him early.

instrumentality of late brother P. O. George of travelled all over India attending conferences God and never wavered in his faith in God (1 was to his heavenly home that God called
Fort assembly that he was first convicted to and was well known. His home was a place Peter 1:6-8). He was a great comfort to him at 10:45 am on that morning of 3rd April.
trust in Christ. Sometime in the mid of much hospitality and they would entertain others in their sorrow. He asked Bro. Joy Muringathery who was
1960smid-1960s he was passing nearby the many full time workers and believers who taking care of
Fort assembly when P. O. George invited him visited Bombay. He was one of the instrumental brethren in him in the hospital during these days to read
to the gospel meeting. There was a the planting of the Borivali assembly in 1991. his favourite portion, Psalm 91. While waiting
missionary from the UK speaking from Isaiah He would awake very early every morning to He was also overjoyed when there was an for his son Daniel to come in the vehicle to
53 verse 5 and God's Word spoke to him and read his Bible and pray. I have many assembly planted in his birthplace at take him home he was walking in the hospital
he remained behind wanting to be saved. He memories of him sitting in the balcony early Rabkavi which he visited to help with the ward exercising his legs when he suddenly
cannot remember who the missionary was in the morning reading Charles Mackintosh's work. He laboured much in the Tata Power felt faint. A blood clot had gone to his lungs, a
but many years later when shown a photo of Bible commentaries which he read through House Borivali East slum and sought to well known risk factor in knee surgery.
Archie Naismith who was visiting India at that again and again year after year. This was his establish an assembly there. Joymon Muringathery prayed as the nurses
time said it was most probably him. favourite author. took him back to his bed and the doctors
Ivan visited the United Kingdom with the sought to resuscitate him. His lasts words
Though he made a profession of faith and When in fellowship at Bethel Santa Cruz or family three times in 1996, 1999 and 2004 were “Amen” to brother Joymon's prayer.
went to the meetings for a while, he was later in Borivali he was the first at the Sunday and on each occasion was helping with the
tempted one day by friends to go to the morning meeting long before anyone else to gospel work and preaching to all our He is waiting for the redemption of the body
cinema with them just as he was going to the prepare the table for the Breaking of Bread. unsaved relatives. They sat in their chairs in laid to rest in Sewree Cemetery. What joy it
assembly. They said they had a ticket for him He would sit and meditate upon the Lord till silence as he blasted the gospel trumpet to will be when we shall all meet in the glory to
and he was snared by the Devil to turn away the meeting started. them! see Jesus our Lord and Saviour and never to
from the Lord for many years. He was living a part.
worldly life until 1971 when an accident He was known for his fearless preaching of He said never in his dreams he thought he
happened at the garage that changed his life the gospel and his love for visitation. We would ever visit England. He enjoyed his There is so much more we can say about him
forever. A customer's cigarette lit up a tray of have a photo of him preaching the gospel to a times here and encouraged the young and others can add to this but we trust this
petrol on the ground trapping some rickshaw wallah while travelling in his people of our assembly who affectionately brief article on his life encourages each one
mechanics in the corner. Ivan sought to take rickshaw from Vasai station and telling him of called him the “Bombay Dada!” after hearing to follow his faithful and godly example.
the burning tray away but it tipped onto him his need of Christ and of hell and judgment to his grandsons calling him “dada”.
dousing him with petrol and he was set on come! “Remember them which have the rule over
fire. He told me he thought he was going to His work was physically demanding and He did not have a lazy bone in his body and you, who have spoken unto you the word of
die and in the sky he saw sparkling letters, though very tired he would still go straight was always seeking to do some practical God: whose faith follow, considering the end
“For your disobedience!” from work to visit the widows and those in work whether in India or UK. of their conversation.” (Hebrews 13:7)
need. He had a shepherd's heart and love for
By God's grace he survived and while in all. He was a loved and respected elder in the He showed his love by hugging with great
hospital he turned to the Lord and after he Borivali assembly who still miss him to this force and squeezing the breath out of you!
recovered was baptisedbaptized and day. orOr he would punch you on the arm.
received into fellowship at Bethel Assembly
Santa Cruz. He believed it was at this time he He knew many sorrows in life with the In later life, his knees became so worn out
was truly saved. accident in the garage, the tragic deaths of that he was in tears due to the pain. It was
his daughter Salome, his grandson Ahsish decided he should go for knee replacement
He never looked back at the world and his life and his son Timothy meeting with an surgery which took place at Lauds Hospital
will was filled with a love for God's Word, accident which partly paralysedparalyzed in 2007. Both knees were replaced and he
God's people, the and those who are lost. He him for life. But he never was bitter towards was looking forward to returning home but it

Mr & Mrs. Ambrose THELIFE&TESTIMONYOF K.A.Abraham
StalwartsfortheLord
(Jan10th,1931-8thJune,2006)

LordBro and sis Joseph Ambrose year 2007 after enjoying the Borivali “A Hero is an ordinary individual who was a loving,
moved to Mumbai in the year 2005 assembly for nearly 2yrs. and sister finds the strength to persevere and caring, witty and
from Nagercoil, Tamilnadu(where Nesabai Ambrose went to be with the endure in spite of overwhelming energetic person,
he served the Lord for more than 25 Lord last year November in Coimbatore obstacles". -Christopher Reeves. Truly Dad passionately
years) with much hesitation to be with at her elder daughters home. epitomized this in a big way, though he involved in our
their son Ambrose Philip, as they were We have the hope that they are resting became a widower early in life , carried the studies and
weak due to old age sickness. They were with the Lord and that we will see them responsibility of bringing up five children career decisions,
given proper medical care by his son and one day. single handedly( 3 of his own and 2 of my gave us the best
daughter in law Epsiba Philip. mom's sister's)moved to Mumbai in '89 post education we
They did not regret their decision to move retirement and soon in early '90 lost his could get in a
to Mumbai as they thoroughly enjoyed eldest daughter, yet not broken. Found his
the assembly fellowship here in Borivali. strength in God, always wore a radiant smile. town like Patna. We have learnt much of our
In fact they felt they should have come to Our Dad was an upright man high on life skills from him from "money management
Mumbai few years earlier. Many servants integrity, energy, multi skilled from tailoring, to cleaning our shoes- No job was too small
of God and assembly believers, visited cooking, accounting and administration. He for him. We never ever saw him borrowing
them, spent time with them and prayed regularly attended all the meetings of the money, we always found him to be lending
for them which gave them much strength assembly in spite of his physical frailty. He money to the best of his capacity. He
in their old age and sickness. always had a smile on his face and certainly walked in the blessing of
Bro Ambrose went to be with Lord in the interacted with all the believers in the Deuteronomy 15:6- "The LORD your God
assembly. He suddenly took ill and was will bless you as he has promised. You will
bedridden. When the sisters and families of lend money to many nations but will never
the assembly visited him in the hospital he need to borrow". Truly we were blessed to
still had that cheerful disposition. At home he have a Dad like him.

Ashish Desai V.T. Thomas Appachan
(1994-1998)
(25/12/1924-01/01/1999)
“It pleased the Lord to take this gentle gem
to add to His Kingdom in glory!” He was called Home on a watch night
service. After giving a challenging
testimony he went his seat and sat
down. Immediate he collapsed there and
went to be with the Lord. What a Blessed
Life!!

Life sketch of Mr C.K. Joseph goodness and faithfulness of God in their After enjoying a good meal and sharing a
lives. Br Koshy gave an encouraging good laugh with relatives he sang the famous
(April4th,1927-August8th,2010) message from the life of the oldest couple song: “Paadum njaan Yeshuvinu..jeevan
Zacharias & Elizabeth. Dad and Mom were povolum nanniyode..”(I will sing for Jesus
Our Dad was born to C I Kunjicka & ever grateful to God for this occasion in their ..until my last breath). The Lord called him
Annamma on April 4th, 1927. Till lives. home on August 8th, 2010. We praise the
Dad was around 10 years old his Lord for the godly heritage we had in Dad.
parents were going to the Marthoma Church. We think of Dad as a quiet, happy and We miss him here on earth, but know with full
Subsequently his father heard the gospel content person. He loved God's Word and assurance that Dad is more alive than ever
through Mahakavi KV Simon and he God's people. Our home was always open to and enjoying the presence of His Saviour.
surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. believers and their families. We are thankful “In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that
During those times families lived together to God for the love, concern and care many beautiful shore.”
and shared the produce of the land. When believers have shown to Dad and our family.
our grandfather made this public declaration Mom was a constant backing in prayer for As his daughters we will always remember
of his faith in baptism his parents and other him. God graciously granted them all that that to Dad, the gathering of the saints was
family members opposed and disowned him. they needed at the right time. At that time important and he modelled that so well to us.
Our grandfather along with other believers they worshipped the Lord with the saints in He was very protective and strict in raising us
were taken under the wings of Mahakavi KV Thane Assembly. Dad taught Sunday School four girls. He always wanted to make sure
Simon, who faithfully taught them the Word and diligently attended all the meetings and that family would get to church atleast
of God and they became his disciples. Our took part in all the activities of the assembly. 15minutes before meeting started. Dad saw
Dad and all his siblings would accompany After a few years they shifted residence to to it that all four of us had an offering to put in
their father as little children for the bible Bandra and began to attend Fort Assembly. the offering bag every Sunday. He was a very
studies, prayer meetings and street While there he had the role of ushering in giving person. He gave his time and his
preachings. Subsequently Dad too saints. God gave him special grace for this limited resources for the ministry of God's
committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at task. He also had the opportunity to serve as people.
a young age. Our Dad learnt all the spiritual the treasurer, which he did very faithfully. Dad was well loved by all who knew him. Br
classical songs from those visits with his In the twilight years of his life, they shifted Jacob Samuel from Bandra had this to say
father. their residence to Borivali and he started about Dad. “Appichayan was amongst the
enjoying the fellowship of the saints at last of the great Christian men as he was
In the early fifties after completing his Borivali Assembly. While there Dad and very humble, guileless and deeply
studies he came to Bombay in search of a Mom were able to complete their 50th affectionate to everyone with no desire for
job. He was employed with the Western Wedding Anniversary. We children decided power or position. His demeanor and
Railway and got married to my Mom on May to have a small thanksgiving service on May cheerfulness brought much joy to both
3rd, 1956. Dad worked here till his retirement 1st 2006 to remember and celebrate the young and old.” People loved talking to
and during his tenure in the Railways he had “Happy Appachan”. Dad was also light
the opportunity to be part of a prayer group hearted and had a quirky sense of humour
which would meet during his lunch hour. which is hard to forget. Some of his favourite
During the early years of their married life lines were: “Hurry up slowly….both the three
they faced a lot of challenges with regards to of you.”
accommodation. They stayed in various He enjoyed a good meal, a good song and a
parts of Mumbai city with minimum facilities. good laugh always. That is how he spent the
last night on this earth, on July 27th 2010.

Samuel Lazarus AuntyREMINISCINGTHESWEET Fernandes
FELLOWSHIPWITH (byFelicityMathew)

Samuel Arthur Lazarus was a God Samuel Lazarus My memories go back to the year
fearing believer. He always sought -Went to be with the Lord on: 25th October, 1994 November , when I met Aunty
God's blessing and guidance in his 1996 Fernandez for the first time. She
work. One day, sudden tragedy struck. On with her daughter Victoria and family had
the 25th of October, 1996, my husband's come to attend an evangelist family
journey on earth came to an end and entered conference conducted at St. Francis
his heavenly abode to be with the Lord. He management institute's auditorium.
always had in his wallet a cut out of the verse Thereafter Aunty with sister Victoria, Br
Psalm 32 vs.8, “I will instruct thee and teach Nathu and Valerie started coming to Borivali
in the way which thou shall go. I will guide Assembly. Aunty Fernandez was a lovely
thee with mine eyes.” sister. She had an earnest love for the saints
He will always be remembered for the way of Borivali. She travelled every Sunday all
he depended on the Lord and the way he led the way from Vikroli and made it a point to
his family in the few years that he had with us. reach Sharon apartment before 8:30 am.
She continued to attend every Sunday in
Sr. Aliya Joseph Bro CT Joseph spite of any hardships like rain or train. Aunty equally. She was a binding cord of love
always had a smiling face. I had an intimate between all family members.
(04/12/1926-24/4/1994) 04/06/1929-25/09/2009 fellowship with her. As she was staying alone Once few sisters decided to visit Aunty at
at Vikroli, I used to call her quite regularly. If Vikroli, Aunty kept a grant lunch ready for
My beloved father and mother could she didn't get my call, Aunty would call me them. I can't never forget Aunty's tasty soup.
enjoy the fellowship of the saints at back. I do remember when we shifted to our new
Borivali. Appachan could have the Many times after the Sunday' meeting, Aunty flat at Consort , she could not come for our
fellowship for less than a year but Ammachi and her daughter Victoria used to come house warming, but rather she came and
was blessed with 16 long years of fellowship home and share with me many of their stayed with us in the following week.
before they were promoted to glory. We are burden. Many times we 3 used to sit together When Aunty was diagonised for malignancy,
grateful to the brethren for the love and care sang hymns and prayed together. It was a she faced it very boldly. She used to sing "
and especially for the Malayalam translation sweet fellowship.Her favorite song was Because HE lives I can face tomorrow.
provided for them. "There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No Another her favorite song was "The Great
not one, No not one ,Jesus knows all about Physician now is near" .Her calmness and
our struggles. He will lead till the day is done. quietness added her beauty. When we
In the Assembly, she used to sit next to me. visited her during her hospitalization, she
When sister Victoria was diagonised for seemed to be very bold in the Lord. She
malignancy, as a mother though she was recited Ps 23. Her last days were very
mentally troubled , aunty was a big support painful.Yet she showed so much of calmness
for Victoria and family. They too loved her. All . When she was on the sick bed,she really
her daughters, daughters in law loved her enjoyed
the fellowship of brethren.Very faithfully she

used to send her tith to the assembly with
saints.During our last visit, she made us to
sing her favorite song" There is not friend like
the lowly Jesus, No not one, No not one.
Still I remember Aunty was not willing to
leave my hand, her longing eyes were so
touching. As she loved to sing. Last days she
was staying with her son at Andheri. They all
are Catholics.Therefore she insisted before
her family members that Borivali assembly
should conduct her funeral service once she
is promoted to
glory. Truly lord led her all the way as she
used to sing ,and when the appropriate time
came , Lord called her to the heavenly home
on June 18th 2011 from all her pain and
agony to the land that is fairer than the day
for which she longed so much. All saints of
Borivali had come for the funeral.Aunty is
resting in the
Lord ,waiting for the resurrection. after the
ministry of the God's word her mortal
remains were confined at Sewari Christian
cemetery on19th June with a blessed hope
to meet dear Aunty again on that Glorious
day.