Taking seriously the Church Witness, 5 immigrant families from India living in the United States, gathered over a period of time in the 1995 to discern the implication of the Johannine commission of “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you” in their life and community both in the United States and Motherland India. As they reflected together on the meaning of the Gospel and the mission of the Church, it became clear about a contextual approach to translating the Gospel in India. Few of their concerns were that the proclamation of the Gospel should not be a copy of western models; the church ought to be rooted in the Indian soil, and a church that is representative of all the people of India.
By the end of 1996, the families courageously took a step of faith by starting the Voice of Calvary International Ministries (VOCIM). Through holistic approaches of compassion ministries, community development, education programs and Gospelbased ministries, they entered into the Lord’s mission. At a leadership level, Geomon George was appointed to be the President and Pastor T.M. Varghese was appointed to coordinate the first mission field in Kerala, India. As mission fields expanded to different parts of Idukki, God miraculously provided to the needs of the Gospel ministry.
As new believers grew, VOCIM began the process of transitioning into forming new faith communities. This new invitation from God required us to be more intentional in our missioned calling. This started with a change in name to church ministry as International Gospel Church working under the Board of Trusties. With much prayer and discernment, the five friends formed the Board of Directors and appointed Geomon George to continue to serve as the President, Pastor Thomas Mammen as Vice-President, and Br. Rajan Thomas as Regional Secretary.
One of the key initiatives of the International Gospel Church (IGC) through Pastor Thomas Mammen was to start deep rooted Bible Study classes in different parts of Kerala. In the beginning of those days, almost 2 years, the worship services were conducted at Pr. Thomas Mammen’ Residence. In the meantime, by the invitation of Br. Thampi Thomas, Pastor Thomas Mammen started a Bible classes at Priya Tower in Chenganacherry. Many of the participants committed their life to Christ and took Believer’s baptism and it was so challenging for IGC to the formation of a new faith community came into being at the upper room of the Priya Tower. Which was later Mr. Thampi Thomas donated that floor to the International Gospel Church for worship services. The growth of the Changanacherry faith community enabled the formation of another new community in Pannimattam, Pallom. Br. Kunjumon Chacko gave permission to use his church building that was later IGC purchased for worship service and now that property has the permanent IGC Administrative Office. By the time IGC expanded to different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Ayoor became a center for the Southern Zone and Mukkada near Mundakkayam became a center for the Eastern Zone and Chenganassery is the center for Northern Zone of Kerala IGC for Gospel-based ministries and to form new faith communities. Now lots more of new Churches added to each Zone and some new mission stations also started.
By 2002, International Gospel Church grew from 1 state to 4 States of India, forming new faith communities of believers praying for the reign of the peaceful kingdom of God. For community developments IGC started schools in different States. Also has tailoring Institutes, for reaching the neglected and rejected peoples, IGC started worship services in Leprosy Colonies. In Punjab we had more than 50 Churches and 8 Leprosy Colony Churches. Since 1996, we are striving to share the good news of the Gospel through preaching, teaching, healing and suffering in a broken World. By 2018, IGC expanded and opened the door of Evangelization though 10 States of India. Please pray with us that we will continue to be “rooted and build up” in Christ and in His Teachings. Holy Spirit will help us to strive though and winning the perishing souls in the coming days.
