In Loving Memory Shibu Abraham
Sudden death of our brother in Christ Shibu Abraham, 21 years (St. Andrews MTC, NY), has caused so much pain and grief to many of our Youth members, especially to our North East Region Youth Fellowship members. His unexpected death caused so much unspoken and unexpressive grief, pain and sorrow. He was an active youth member and assumed many leadership responsibilities in his parish in the past. He has served as the lay leader for the English Holy Qurbana, the youth fellowship secretary and an active Sunday School leader. He was also a medical student studying to be a Doctor.
To lose a beloved youth from our midst is never an easy thing. When we go through this tragedy, we are reminded of the fact that Jesus Christ understands our pain and grief. Jesus himself had to go through the experience of grief and pain in his life, the greatest verse in the Bible could be the shortest too...Jesus wept. Jesus cries with those who cry.
Jesus promised us his peace during these difficult times; “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus Christ proclaimed to this world that Death does not have the final word, rather Jesus the giver of Life has the final word through his resurrection. Yes, he conquered the grave. As Church observes Lent and prepares to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter), we are confident that because Jesus lives our dear friend Shibu also lives for eternity.
Yesterday we had a prayer meeting at their home in the evening and many of our young people had gathered there. I thank all the St. Andrews Youth Fellowship members for their active presence for making the funeral arrangements.
This family needs our prayers and presence. Please attend the viewing and funeral service, if you can. May God comfort and console all our hearts.
With love and prayerful regards,
Biju Simon achen
Special Youth Prayer service: April 3, 2009 7:00 PM at St. Andrews Mar Thoma Church, Yonkers, NY (58 Crescent Place - Yonkers, NY 10704)
VIEWING: At St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, 34 Morris Street - Yonkers, NY
April 4th, 2009 SATURDAY: 2:00 - 5:00 PM & 6:00 - 9:00 PM SUNDAY: 3:00 - 5:00 PM & 6:00 - 9:00 PM
FUNERAL SERVICE: April 6, 2009 – Monday 9:00 AM (St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Yonkers, NY)
The Rev. Biju Pulikottil Simon
North East Region Youth Chaplin
The Mar Thoma Church
Diocese of North America and Europe
194 Bregman Avenue
New Hyde Park, NY, 11040, USA