Rev. Dr. Jacob Kurien's Obituary
Rev. Dr. Jacob Kurien entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 13, 2026, at the age of 85. He was born on May 28, 1941, in Kerala, India, and given the name Kurian V. Kurian. When he was a year old, he experienced the loss of his mother. At the age of 15, he graduated from school and joined the Navy, beginning a journey marked by discipline, courage, and steadfast commitment. Through hardship and perseverance, he developed a deep faith in God that became the foundation of a life devoted to service.
On April 24, 1972, Jacob married Leelamma. Their marriage of 54 years was built on faith, love, and a shared dedication to God’s calling. Within two months of their wedding, Jacob planted his first church in North India, launching a ministry that would touch countless lives around the world for more than five decades. After immigrating to Canada in 1975 and later settling in Houston, Texas, in 1977, Jacob balanced work, family, and ministry while faithfully pursuing God’s purpose for his life. Around 1980, he founded an Indian Assembly of God church in Houston and later established World Outreach Ministries, expanding his mission work across the globe.
Jacob traveled extensively, carrying the Gospel throughout North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. He ministered in countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, England, Australia, Russia, South Africa, Hungary, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico. Often supporting these efforts through personal sacrifice, he demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s provision and a passion for reaching others with Christ’s love.
His ministry extended beyond preaching. He helped establish churches, support pastors, develop a hospital and orphanage ministry in India, and founded a Bible College in Kerala in 1998. Through these efforts, he equipped leaders and strengthened ministries that continue to impact lives today.
Above all, Jacob loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Leelamma; his son, George Kurien; his daughters, Ann Thomas, Elizabeth Jacob, and Rachael Kurien; nine grandchildren; and countless friends, ministry partners, and believers whose lives were touched by his faith and example.
Rev. Dr. Jacob Kurien will be remembered for his unwavering faith, sacrificial service, and extraordinary devotion to Jesus Christ. His legacy lives on through the churches he planted, the leaders he mentored, the family he cherished, and the countless lives transformed through his ministry. “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
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