Pastor T.M. Simon missionary to India promoted to glory!!

Pastor T.M. Simon
November 12, 1936 - January 24, 2009

Pastor T.M. Simon went home to meet his Savior Jesus Christ to receive his eternal reward on January 24, 2009 at 7:55 A.M. Pastor T.M. Simon was born at Ranny, Pathanamthitta District of Kerala on November 12, 1936 to Late Rev & Mrs. T.K. Mathew (popularly known as Karamelil Mathaichan), one of the seven founders of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God.

Pastor T.M. Simon came to the city of Bombay in the year 1955, where he fellowshipped with the IPC Chembur Church. In 1956 he had the infilling experience of the Holy Spirit. He was baptized in water on April 7 1957, by Late Pastor P.M. Philip.

Pastor T.M. Simon started his career in 1958 as Personal Secretary to the Rear Admiral at the Naval Flag office Ministry of Defence, Government of India in Bombay.

Obeying the higher calling to serve Jesus Christ in 1964, Pastor Simon resigned his Government Job to serve Jesus Christ in the Northern Parts of India. He studied under the tutelage of Late Pastor Kurien Thomas at Central India Bible College, Itarsi, MP. After the completion of Bible College Training, in 1967 Pastor Simon went on to establish churches in Ratlam, Betul, Shahpur, Hosangabad , Sarani Goda Dongri and Ahmedabad. At Ratlam Railway Station, he stayed under the open skies surviving on just water seeking and praying: God Where do I go from here? On the seventh day, God spoke to him to share the message of Jesus Christ to the tribal brothers and sisters in the Central India living in the mountainous regions. While serving there, he met face to face with a mountain lion and bear, but, God miraculously protected him. He went through hard times, hunger, pain, and persecutions. Inspite of all the adversities he continued undauntedly serving God and serving people.

On a furlough to his home state of Kerala, God beautifully arranged his marriage with Ms. Kunjamma David, (daughter of Late Mr. & Mrs. K.P. Devassey), who had a call to serve God in the Northern Parts of India. They got married on February 22, 1968 and moved to Gujarat to serve Lord Jesus Christ. They were blessed with a baby girl Hannah on January 7, 1969 who went home to be with the Lord in the same year July 1969.

From Ahmedabad, he moved to United States of America in 1970 where he completed his Theological Education at Florida Bible College and Tennessee Temple Seminary and University under the feet of great men of God Dr Mark Cambron and Dr. Lee Roberson. He came back to India in 1974 to continue the entrusted work of Serving Jesus Christ and the People of India. Despite offers of pastoring a large pastorate and teaching positions in the United States, he chose to serve Jesus Christ in India making New Delhi his home.

In Delhi the earlier years were spent ministering at the Pentecostal Church of God, Green Park from 1974 -1983 along with Pastor M.K. Chacko. In 1983 he founded New Testament Church Mission and continued to be the Senior Pastor and President of the organization until his death. He loved the church members of New Testament Church Mission, would always be there for them, cried with them, laughed with them and admonished if they would go wrong, speaking the truth in love.

Pastor Simon was passionate in teaching the Word of God to all those who loved to learn; he was always referred as a Well Trusted Authority of Bible and Theology. A Great Theologian, he founded three Bible Colleges and taught more than ten thousand Students of the Bible. He was often reckoned as the Pastor of Pastors and Teacher of Teachers.

Pastor Simon was an approachable encouraging servant of God. He helped everybody and anybody in need. He was generous and gave with a cheerful heart. He was man of great principles following Christ centered leadership of serving others first, man of Great Faith, never wavering from the course of His High Calling, and never compromising on God's Word.

Pastor Simon loved India and the people of India. He was a very patriotic man devoted to his country India. Being born when India was not free, he was excited to see the freedom of India. He used to love the Armed Forces and respected the service of men who protected the land of India. Taking the children to watch the Armed Forces retreat from the Republic Day celebrations was one of his pastimes. He played badminton and carom board with his children. He prayed for India and the people of India. He fought for justice where tyranny was rampant. He used to express his thoughts and opinions in various newspapers expressing his concern over rampant problems. He loved the City of Delhi dearly and always said to his friends and families that Delhi will be the final resting place of his mortal remains. He loved humor and always had a witty thought. He always used his presence of mind to handle adverse situations effectively. He was tactful in solving conflicts and establishing peace. He loved Hindi, English, Urdu and Malayalam literature. His oratorical skills and command on all these languages had always a great impact and transformation on the listeners.

The purpose of Pastor Simon's life was to share with everyone about Lord Jesus Christ who has promised eternal life for all those who believe on Him. "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus Christ that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have eternal life."

He is survived by his dear wife of 41 Years Mrs. Kunjamma Simon; three sons: Pastor Mathew Simon, David Simon, and Abraham Simon; daughters-in-law: Shyni, Kimberly, and Daisy; grand children: Priscilla, Jonathan, Elijah, Hannah and Joshua.

FBCAA Radio on the Air

On January 8th 2009 the Florida Bible College Alumni Association went on the Air, well on the internet. After purchasing a new computer system and software the FBCAA is now broadcasting on it's new internet radio station.

The Radio station uses a music licensing service to keep track of all the licensing issues with the music played on the radio station.

The radio station features FBC groups and singers such as Eternity, The Sound of Truth, His Ambassadors, The Internationals, The Spokesmen, Malachi, and many more FBC favorites.

Also broacast are sermons from Dr. Mark Cambron, Lee Stanford, Yankee Arnold and others. We are in the process of obtaining new and current content from FBC Alumni and other sources. We will soon have Rev. Stan Ponz of Make It Clear Ministries providing a weekly 10 minute presentation.

Be sure to tune in. Click Here to Listen.

If you would like to help support the cost of this ministry please go to www.floridabiblecollege.com and click on the "Donate to the FBCAA Radio Fund" button on the left side of the web page.