It was the year 1987. Thirumeni was to come to Lonavala for
Western India Youth Conference. The then Vicar of St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church,
Pune, Rev K. M. Issac arranged a Holy Qurbana
on 22rd October 1987 which was a Thursday. According to the instructions of Thirumeni, he
arranged for a “Aathya Jaatha Samarpana
Susroosha” (Dedication of the First Born). Issac Achen who is a very important
person in my life asked my parents if they were ready to dedicate their child
for ministry. My parents after a lot of prayer agreed to do the same. I was
only 5 years then. I did not know what I was getting into. Parents were ready
to dedicate me fully trusting in the providence of God. My mother recalls that
“The appearance of Thirumeni was like a Sanyasi. His simplicity was very
evident.” That day three children were to be dedicated. One was Rev Ronald
Raju, myself and one more boy. After the first part of the Qurbana, Thirumeni
called the 3 of us along with respective parents to kneel before the Altar. My
parents recall that “Thirumeni in his prayer was filled with Holy Spirit. His
face had a radiance that we had never seen. When he put his hands to bless the
three of us, we could feel the work of the Holy Spirit.” My mother further
remembers the sermon he delivered. She says “Thirumeni emphasized the
importance of Evangelization of Maharashtra. We need young people to Go for our
Great God. I thank the parents who dedicated their children for the Glory Of
God”.
I remember very little of what happened then. But the
continuous narration of my parents of that event made me part of it. It helped
me form as a child ready to go for Ministry. I modeled myself accordingly. It
formed my character. I yearned to be a minister. Things were all fine till my
graduation. Then the confusions set in. I did not know whether this was my
calling. I doubted whether I was meant for it. These confusions disturbed my
parents. But they prayed. I remember my father say “We dedicated you with full
faith. It is now your choice. If God wants you to be his minister he will call
you. We are sure that the prayer of Thirumeni was the work of the Holy Spirit”.
I really appreciate the fact that in my trials my parents understood me and
prayed for me. Their biggest hope was the event that took place of 22nd
October 1987. After my personal explorations at Navjeevan Centre under the
mentorship of Rev Dr Moni Mathew, I finally realized my calling. I expressed my
willingness to go for ministry. I remember the face of my parents. The faith
that they lived by had won over my confusions.
When I look back today I thank God for calling me to his Great
Ministry. I feel very unfit and unworthy but I know God had planned it even
before I knew it or could understand it. “For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11. On the occasion of 25 years since
Thirumeni was called to Eternal Rest, I thank God for using him and moulding
me. Praise be to God.
Rev Merin Mathew
Mar Thoma Syrian Church
Vicar of the Northeast
India Parishes
Guwahati
