Pastor Mathew Edavettal
On the Lord’s Day, our beloved Pastor Mathew was promoted to glory in the presence of angels and his loving family. Pastor Mathew is highly honored for his unflinching devotion to God, uncompromised preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, profound knowledge of the holy scriptures, and unwavering faith in God’s goodness. Family, friends, and those who received his ministry respected his wise counsel, loved his exposition of the Bible, and cherished the blessing of his prayers. He was an exemplary role model, who taught by his lifestyle of praying for the welfare of those who opposed him, incredible generosity to the poor, and willingness to sacrifice for others. From his early childhood, Pastor Mathew faced multiple struggles and hardships. Even though he was never in the military, Pastor Mathew contended with countless difficulties as a determined general. Those who got close to this general found him to be a passionate lover of people.
Pastor Mathew was born in Kerala, India in a poor family. He worked hard, frequently did not have enough to eat, and struggled to educate himself. He received both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Universities in India. He started preaching the gospel at age sixteen. In his early years, he pioneered Christian ministries in India, taught at Sharon Bible School, and later came to America to preach the good news and raise money for gospel ministry. He initially settled in Portland, Maine where he taught the Bible in several churches, and also pastored at Emmanuel Christian Church. Eventually he moved to Louisiana where he established Marksville Christian Fellowship, which later changed its name to Christian Jubilee Fellowship. Pastor Mathew led a very simple life, so he would be able to support those who had no one to help them. Through his sacrifice, he was instrumental in funding the construction of two orphanages in India, a homeless shelter in Monroe, Louisiana, and churches in New York and Louisiana. He also helped the poor in Africa and supported orphans in Guatemala. Moreover, Pastor Mathew was disciplined and used every spare minute to study the scriptures. Thus, he was able to encourage and benefit those who listened to his teaching of the Holy Bible.
Pastor Mathew and Mercy married on February 4, 1960. They raised three children Lal, John, and Josie. They have five grandchildren Joyce, Sheba, Joshua, Gabrielle, and Michelle. They have one great-grandchild. Pastor Mathew has lived and ministered in Kerala, India, Northern India, and Portland, Maine. In Louisiana Pastor Mathew has ministered in Pineville, Hessmer, and Monroe. Over his lifetime, Pastor Mathew has also gone to numerous places in India and America to minister. In his later years, due to Mercy’s health, Pastor Mathew and Mercy eventually moved in with his daughter Lal in Monroe. Even when he couldn’t pastor his church due to advancing age, he continued to teach several Biblical classes especially on the 24-hour Boston Prayer Line and Voice of Deliverance. On the prayer line he also prayed for others as his health allowed.
Pastor Mathew was preceded in death by his parents and older siblings. He was greatly saddened by the death of his older brother George, who was close to him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, three children, five grandchildren, one great-grandson, younger brother Abraham and sister Ammani. Pastor Mathew will be missed for being a loving husband, devoted father, brilliant teacher of God’s word, persistent prayer warrior, and faithful friend.