User:Plibinbaby/sandbox

History It was in 1973, that a spiritual movement, called Edamaruku Christian Prayer Fellowship started in St.George Jacobite Church at Edamaruku, a place near Thodupuzha of Idukki District, Kerala. Rev. Fr. Paulose Kunnummel was the inspiration behind this movement. The goal of the fellowship was to proclaim the gospel, preach repentance and the salvation Jesus gives to all. The members of this fellowship considered themselves as the children of God, encouraged each other to be in fellowship with the Lord and with each other. They gave tithe to support gospel work and to help the poor. Gradually, the work spread into nearby places like Pannur, Edamaruku, Amayapra, and Mulappuram. The word of God was taught to the people here and many came to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were also eager to share the new found joy with others. At a later stage, Rev. Fr. Saju Varghese Kannamkuzhiyil, Rev. Fr. John Thomas Kanjiramalayil, Rev. Fr. John Jacob Puthuran and Rev. Fr. Jose Mathew Thadathil, were also added to the fellowship. In 1974, another fellowship named St.Paul’s Prayer Fellowship, was formed in Jacobite Christian Church. And since 1980, both the fellowships started working together with the same vision. This movement spread widely into northern diocese of Jacobite Christian Church and a spiritual awakening followed. Prayer groups were organised in many parishes, by which the gospel message was proclaimed. Every month a general meeting was arranged at Muvattupuzha. Rev. Fr. John Parappuzha and Rev. Fr. Varghese Kunnumpurathu also came to the fellowship during that period. Rev. Fr. Paulose Kunnummel and Rev. Fr. Saju Varghese were executive committee members of Saint Paul’s Prayer Fellowship. This awakening caused hunger for the word of God, and the leaders and the laymen started to study the word of God. The Holy Spirit enlightened them regarding the fundamental teachings of the first century church. In the light of these Biblical teachings they analysed the practices of the established church and found 50% of Judaism, 25% of paganism and a mere 25% Christianity in it. This analysis prompted them to think differently and forced a change in their life and teachings. And, it, of course, caused some conflicts with the Main Line Church. In 1988, as the opposition grew, with a thirst to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit and the word of God, some priests and fellowship leaders formed an organisation named, “Malankara Christian Prayer Fellowship” (M.C.P.F.). Rev. Paulose Kunnummel was the director of this organisation. They were dedicated to study the word of God and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. And on August 3rd 1990 they took a bold step to come out of the established church and submitted their resignation from all their duties. As an obedience to the word of God and a decision to follow the footsteps of Jesus they took Water Baptism on August 4th 1990. Since then, God has used them to build the body of Christ in different parts of Kerala. The Church later came to be known as “Malankara Christian Church” and the Lord has added many faithful people to it. Over the years God has guided the church through many trials and cleansings. Meanwhile, some left the church, but many came to the Lord and were added to the church. A cry for the restoration of the first century Christianity was always there. As we look back the painful and challenging ways we have come across, we sense the fatherly hand of the Almighty God in guiding and shepherding us. Today we are a registered organization, Malankara Christian Prayer Fellowship (M.C.P.F.) as per the provisions of Travancore - Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Registration Act (Act, XII of 1955). The organization consists of a director, Assistant Director, General Secretary, Treasurer and other committee members. This core group is known as council and the council takes the decisions regarding church matters, maintain the funds etc. In Malankara Christian Church God has appointed apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists for the building up of the body of Christ. At present we have 86 local churches in Kerala and 3 in Orissa. These local churches come under 17 regions (centres) headed by general ministers. We have 13 general Ministers, 81 pastors and 59 evangelists to minister to the saints. In 2008, we took a major decision to separate the church from the organization, with a vision to give the ministers more opportunity to serve the church as in first century church. Another shift was from the collection of tithe to free will offerings. We give all glory, praise and honour to Almighty God the Father, Jesus Christ who is the head of the Church and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. Here we stand, as the body of Christ, to present ourselves as a glorious and holy church without spot or wrinkle at His return.