Thomas Mathai's Obituary
Rev. Thomas Mathai was born on May 20, 1936, to Thazhayil-Valuparampil Mathai and Kunjam-ma Kizhakkemalayil in Elanthoor-Valyavettom, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.
Growing up in a Pentecostal home, he was an active member of the Kuzhikkala IPC church.
Artistic in nature, he earned an associates degree in fine arts. At age nineteen he left rural Kerala behind and went to the cities of North India where he found employment with the Indian Railways. He earned a civil engineering degree and served in various locations throughout India, taking special interest in the construction of bridges and maintenance of railway lines.
On December 23, 1965, Thomas married Elizabeth (Kunjumol) Peedikaparampil in Mylapra.
Their marriage of 58 years was marked by his deep, unwavering devotion to his wife and their shared focus on furthering the gospel. God blessed them with a son and two daughters: Dr.
Shibu Thomas, who passed away in 2020, Dr. Sheba Poulose, and Sybil George. In 1969, Thomas came to the United States to study at Maryland Bible College. He later moved to New York, where he became a member of the India Christian Assembly. In the early 1970s, he founded Elim Full Gospel Assembly, which grew into a multi-cultural church. He did this while working various jobs to support his family. His dedicated work ethic was evident in all his jobs from sweeping the floor at the A & P grocery store, to a two-decade career as an Investigative Engineer for the New York City Housing Preservation Department.
Thomas remained dedicated to his pastoral service, conducting weekly Bible studies, delivering sermons, and discipling church members. Oftentimes during his lunch break, he distributed tracts and preached downtown. When his elder brother, Pastor Mathew Samuel, envisioned the first Malayalee Vacation Bible School in New York City, Thomas was instrumental in carrying out his vision. He arranged logistics, encouraged volunteers, and organized rides to ensure that children received the gospel message at an early age. Wherever he lived, his home was always welcoming of visitors and a place of respite for traveling ministers. Thomas was a source of wisdom and practical support to new immigrants. He sponsored numerous extended family members and friends over the years as they endeavored to start a new life in America.
Education was a lifelong priority for Thomas. He encouraged everyone around him to pursue their studies and strive for excellence. A remarkably present father, he helped his children with homework, yet also encouraged them to develop their interests and talents. He taught his children to love music, to see the humor in life, and to appreciate the world's natural beauty while fostering in them a love for the Lord. Industrious and hard working by nature, in his latter years, he continued to learn, earning a Master's Degree in Organizational Management to further his career development. He enjoyed literature and published two books of Malayalam poetry: Albhutha Purushan (the life and work of Jesus in the Gospels) and Illatheamma (on the book of Ruth).
Thomas deeply loved his family, spending quality time with them and investing in their lives. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Thomas, as well as his children and grandchildren; Rachel, Liza, Anna, and Caleb Thomas in New York; Sheba, Esther, and Stephen Poulose in Houston; and Sybil, Roy, Hannah, Becca, and Nathan George in Oklahoma City.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Pastor Mathew Samuel and Marykutty Abraham, as well as his son, Dr. Shibu Thomas. Pastor Thomas Mathai entered into his rest on September 20, 2024. He will be remembered for his unwavering passion for the gospel, his profound love for his family, and his dedication to the local church and community. A disciplined and hardworking man, he demonstrated integrity and served the Lord faithfully throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
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