Job Deacon departed for his heavenly abode on 2nd October after finishing a life of more than 100 years walking with Jesus Christ on the face of the earth.

The feature is developed from an interview with him recently.

Anyone who has visited Nedumkuzhi AG Church in Kerala knows Job Deacon. One of the early members of that church, this honourable father is now 103. Though he is 103, his face doesn’t betray the weight of his age. The long years of his journey of faith couldn’t mar his pleasant face. The Deacon’s face, which always wears an innocent smile, reflected the courage of faith and perfect maturity acquired through his experiences.

This father, who has good memory, talked to me at length about many fellow-believers and enquired about many people during his talk with me. Continuing his spiritual journey with the strength of faith, Job Deacon experiences God’s care daily.

Job Deacon was born on Karkidakam 5, 1082 of Malayalam year, that is in 1905 AD. He was born among five siblings as the son of Samuel and Maria in the house of Amaravila Kuttanadi. His parents were CSI believers, and they encouraged Job in godly matters. Job engrossed himself in spiritual matters since he was a boy, and always attended worship services in the church.

At the age of 23 young Job listened to the then famous evangelist, Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, and that was the spiritual turning point in his life. The message of gospel truths about repentance touched the heart of Job. The question, “Where will be your eternity if you die today?” shook the young Job, and he came forward with sincere repentance. During the prayer he received confirmation of his salvation with tears of great joy. Accor-ding to him, the joy and peace that he received that day was difficult to express through words. After his salvation, Job attended worship service in LMS church for some years.

In 1947, Pastor Yesudas Regulass from Cheriakonni came to Nedumkuzhi for gospel work and he conducted prayer meetings in houses. Job attended these meetings. During this time, Job heard the message about water baptism from a preacher, Jnanadas, and he along with his family decided to be baptised in water. Subsequently they were all baptised in water by Pastor A.C. Samuel in a convention conducted by Pastor R. Rasalam in Parandodu. Then Job along with his family came out of the LMS church and began to attend Pentecostal church.

Evangelism has been the first priority in Job Deacon’s life, and his still encourages the gospel work of Nedukumkuzhi AG Church by his presence. He had been a witness for the gospel not only in Nedumkuzhi, but also in many other places. He was one of the pioneering workers of AG Churches in Kuttathatti (Uriakode) and Aruvikkara. Also, he worked with Pastor Koshi Vaidian during the initial stages of AG Church in Ambalakkara in Kottarakkara.

In olden days, no loudspeaker was there. So one person with a loud voice used to repeat after the preacher. Job Deacon used to repeat the preaching of Pastor Varghese Regulass. Also he had preached in various places.

God has given many visions to Job Deacon. One day while praying in his house God gave him a vision and told him that a church will be established in that place. After that vision Nedumkuzhi AG Church was established. Job was happy to say that God is still giving him visions.

During his younger days, Job worked as a Sunday school teacher. Also he used to exhort other believers. Job Deacon has a habit of praying for hours. He gets up every day very early, and spends his time in prayer and reading the Bible. He listens to radio news, and prays for important and relevant matters.

Job had the habit of reading the Bible daily since his was a boy, and he is still continuing that habit without any break. He has completely finished reading the Bible many times. His favourite book in the Bible is the book of Revelations, which he has read many, many times.

He recollects the inexpressible spiritual joy which everyone used to experience during worships in olden days. Job Deacon remembers that during those days they used to pray for sick people until they are healed.

Job Deacon exhorts the present generation, “to desire the Lord’s service, and finish the race with faithfulness to reach the other shore – that should be our joy. Here we have suffering, but we have to endure that. Then the Lord will surely reward us.”

His wife was Sr. Devayi, who is now resting in the Lord. He has four children: Lilly Bai, Samuel, Pastor Jnana Shikhamoni and Esther. Job Deacon, who always says with happiness, “I am living because God has given be long-life,” is continuing his journey with the strength of faith towards the eternal hope.