Edavaka Mission 2017 Monthly Meeting Schedule.
01/28/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Alex George, Livingston
02/11/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Roy Thomas Clifton
03/25/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Reji George West Orange
04/03/2017 Passion Week Prayer
05/13/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. &Mrs. George Varughese, Piscataway
06/10/2017 Cancelled. Due to blood drive program
06/11/2017 Edavaka Mission Charity Fund Raising - Auction
07/08/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Alex George, Livingston
08/12/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Shaffi Varughese, Parsipany
09/16/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. John Mathew, Hopewell Jnc.
10/08/2017 09:30 a.m Mission Sunday Service
10/14/2017 11:00 am at the Residence of Mr. & Mrs. M. C. Jacob, West Orange.
11/04/2017 09:00 a.m MTVEA South East Center ‘A’ meeting at Our Church
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Edavaka Mission Fundraising - Auction on Sunday June 11th, 2017.
Edavaka missions annual fundraising :-
The Auction event is scheduled for June 11th Sunday,
The funds collected will be given to various charity works,
Last year Our Edvaka Mission did support the following:-
- Medical aid to a patient in Kerala
- Education aid to a Nursing student in Kerala
- Renovating the roof of the de-addiction center Ranni Nilakal Dio
- Donation to Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center - Market Mission New jersey
- A donation to MTVEA Center A project, to support Ranni Nilakal Dio
All are requested to bring at least one "auctionable" item from each family and buy one item during the auction.
Edavaka Mission Committee Members - 2017.
President: Rev. Philip P Mathew,
Vice President: Mr. George Zachariah Sr.
Secretary: Mr. George Varughese
Treasurer: Mr. M.C. Jacob
Librarian: Mrs. Jolly Thomas
Prayer Gr. Representatives:
A: Mrs. Susan Zachariah
B: Mrs. Mini Joji
C: Mrs. Rachel Varughese
Regional Representative: Mr. Byju Varghese
Auditor Mrs..Rani Philip
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Introduction
The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association had a very humble beginning. Believers interested in evangelistic and intercessory activities used to assemble periodically for prayer and fellowship. In 1924, the then Metropolitan, Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma, because of his vision, took the initiative and leadership in forming an organization among these believers. The members got together for Bible study, prayer, sharing experiences and serving the sick.
Later on, the activities were extended to different parish levels and the unit of the organization established was named the “Edavaka Mission”. A seven fold activity manual was accepted and followed by most of the individual parishes.
The New Jersey Mar Thoma church Edavaka Mission unit was established in 1978 and functions as a strong body in Christ’s service. We, the members of the Edavaka Mission are very active in following
the seven steps of our mission such as, Bible study, Intercessory prayer, Sharing experience, Serving the sick, Prayer Group activities, House visit and Evangelism. We strongly believe that eachMarthomite is an evangelist and must carry on the torch of Gospel until his/her death.
We arrange monthly prayer meetings, witnessing sessions and support evangelical and missionary works in India. Our Edavaka Mission arranges house visits and try to extend our hands to help the needy people, from time to time, in and around our parish.
THE MAR THOMA CHURCH OF NEW JERSEY VOLUNTARY EVANGELISTS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT - 2016
You will be my Witnesses: “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”. (Acts.1: 8). The purpose of the Voluntary Evangelists Association is to witness Jesus Christ in our day - to - day life.
The Edavaka Mission is the parish unit of the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association and it works for the spiritual revival of the church. Every one 18 or over are the members. So YouvajanaSakhyam, Young couple, Sevika Sangham, Sr Citizen all are include in the Edavaka Mission. Where ever such groups are active, then parishes experience joy and spiritual power.
Every member of the Church should be a missionary filled with such joy and assurance of salvation as to be Christ’s witness. The object of the Edavaka mission is that every member of the Church should be a witness to Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of NJMTC VEA, it is my privilege and pleasure to present the Annual Report of NJMTC VEA for the year 2016 before the general body of NJMTC VEA :-
Executive Committee 2016:
President: Rev. Philip P.Mathew,
Vice President: Mr.George Zachariah Sr.
Secretary: Mr. George Varughese
Treasurer: Mr. M.C.Jacob
Librarian: Mrs.Jolly Thomas
Prayer Gr. Representatives :
A: Mr. Byju Varghese
B: Mrs. Mini Joji
C: Mr. M.C Alexander
Regional Representative: Dr. Mathew T John
Auditor Mr. Alex George
Some of our programs.
• Meet once a week for fellowship, intercessory prayer, Bible study
• Monthly meeting to study and sharing experiences
• Visit the sick and the needy and give spiritual fellowship and material help to them.
• Seek opportunity to convey the message of the Gospel to non-Christian friends. Go out and share the Gospel.
Executive Committee Meeting:
This year we have conducted four executive committee meeting
1. On Saturday, Jan 9, 2016 after the first prayer meeting, to decide about the first meeting
2. Tele conf meeting on 3/26/16 to discuss the details to -Plan & Organize the " Combined VEA and Sevika Sangham Center meeting on April 9 th, 2016
3. On Saturday, Aug 13,2016; at our Church. To discuss about the Charity Distribution and the Next 5 months activities planning.
4. Next meeting to present the 2016 annual accounts and Budget for 2017
Business Meeting:
On Jan 9th after the first edavaka mission prayer meeting held a business meeting to do the planning for the Year 2016 program
Monthly Prayer Meeting.
During the year, second Saturdays of each month were set aside for the Edavaka mission monthly prayer meetings. Our meeting had the following agenda Opening Prayer, Songs, Bible Reading, Intercessory Prayer, Messages Offertory and Lunch.
Various meetings were held at Members houses and at Church. Our special thanks to Mrs. Mariamma Chacko, Mrs Sosamma Varkey who opened their house for the prayer meeting and provided lunch. We are grateful to Rev Philip P Mathew, Mr. Alex George, Mr. M.C Jacob, Dr T.M John, Dr. Sam Chackalamannil for giving the messages and also to all who performed the intercessory prayer and Bible reading. Thankful to all who diligently participated in all meeting. Thanks to Mr. M.C Jacob for providing light lunch “Kanji & Pa-ya-r”/ Pizza etc for the meetings held at the church.
One of the meetings were held as a combined Sevika Sanghom/Edavaka Mission meeting and another as a combined Senior Citizen Fellowship/Edavaka Mission meeting.
Computer literacy class
Mr Vinod John along with other IT professionals from our Church took the lead to perform the "computer literacy class" for the Senior members of our church. Our special thanks go to Byju Varughese, Noby Byju, Sol Varghese, Sheryl Sol, Shawn Cheriyan, and Jency Shawn for leading the sessions, For the seniors it was very interesting and informative class.
Tele Conference Bible Study
We are on the sixth year of the “Bible study - through Telephone conference call”. During the current year every Tuesday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm a group of 15 to 20 devoted families attended the Bible study regularly. They Studied the New Testament and participated in the intercessory prayer, Rev Philip P Mathew regularly took the classes. Dr T. M John, Dr. Alex T Thomas, Mr. M C Jacob & M. C Alexander assisted taking the lead during Philip achen’s absence
Parish Convention
Members took an active role in the parish convention held at the Church on Oct 21-23. Rev C J Thomas an eloquent speaker gave the message.
Media Center & Library
In the year 2003 our Edavaka Mission members raised funds for one of our earlier projects the “Media Center & Library”. Installed the overhead projector & screen during the first phase. As a second phase expansion of our Media Center, Library was established. Many of our members contributed a good number of books. We request all our members for contribution of Books & CDs and donations for the expansion of the Library. It is our earnest desire that each one of our members to make the best use of this Library. Mrs. Jolly Thomas took care of the Library during the current year.
Income and expenditure account 2016:
Our Income in 2016 including the opening balance was $4650.62 and the expense was $3452.73 with $1197.89 income over expense. Thanks to all Edavaka Mission members for their support, and generous contribution in-kind and Cash.
Edavaka Mission Fundraising - Auction
Bring and buy sale was our major source of income to support Edavaka Mission Charity work. On Aug 13th after service at the church Mr. M.C Jacob helped to conduct the bidding Mrs. Susan Zachariah, Mrs. Mini Joji and Mrs. Renu Thomas helped in recording the accounts. 36 families brought in items for auction and 37 families took part in the auction sale. The funds collected were distributed to various charity and missions works.
Mission Project 2016
Our Edavaka Mission members collected funds through “Bring and Buy Sale”. During the year we have supported the following charity efforts.
$500.00 Ranni Nilakal Dio Roofing fund
$500.00 Aleyamma Varghese, Thyvasseril, Manimala Education aid
$500.00 P C Thomas, Plathodathil, Thellyoor Medical aid
$500.00 Market Mission for drug and alcohol Rehab aid.
$250.00 MTVEA NA&E Ceter A donation to Ranni Dio. Roofing fund
Observation of Sannadha Suviseshaka Sangha Dinam 2016
We observed October 02, 2016 as Sannadha Suviseshaka Sangha Dinam. Mr. Philip Jacob had been deputed from Staten Island MTC to our parish, who made a brief announcement of the activities of Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association and also spoke from the Word of God . Dr. Alex T. Thomas from our church was assigned to St. Peters MTC
South East Center A Meetings:
Two Center meetings were held during the year:- Our vicar Rev. Philip P Mathew is the current S.E.Center ‘A’ president.
The first Center Meeting a combined meeting of Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association and Sevika Sanghom of South East Center A parishes was held on April 09, 2016 hosted by our Church. Members from Center A parishes participated in the meeting. Rev. B Mathew, Vicar, St. James MTC was the main speaker, who spoke from the Word of God based on Isaiah 6: 1-8 on the subject ”Spirituality revealed through worship”.
A farewell meeting was organized in conjunction with the transfer of four Achens -Rev. Roy Mathew, Christopher Daniel, Mathews Abraham and Y. George and their families from our Center to other parishes, immediately after the Center A meeting. The meeting expressed sincere thanks to all Achens for the excellent leadership and spiritual guidance rendered by them
The second Center Meeting was held on September 24, 2016 hosted by St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church, New Jersey. Rev. Varughese Mathew, Vicar, St. Stephens; Mar Thoma church was the main speaker , who spoke from the Word of God on the subject “Deliverance through repentance” based on Hosea 7 : 8 – 16.
South East Regional Meetings:
During the year only one Regional meeting was held instead of usual two meetings. Our members participated in the S.E Region Meeting held on April 16, 2016 hosted by St. Stephen’s Mar Thoma Church. Our member Dr. Alex T Thomas served as the secretary of the S.E Region.
Region & Center ‘A’ Dues
We are up to date in all payments to the region and center ‘A’ dues. $150 for region.$ 100 for Center ‘A’ registration and $ 250 our share towards the Center ‘A’ Mission project. The amount so collected amounting to $1000.00 was sent to Ranni Nilackal Diocese, as financial assistance for re-roofing the Navjeevan Kendram de-addiction center.
Annual General Body Meeting:
Two General Body meetings presided over by the President Rev. Philip P Mathew were held during the report year as below:-
Although late the Annual General Body Meeting2015 was held on June 26, 2016 immediately after the Church service. Rev Philip P Mathew presided the meeting. Annual Report for the year 2015 was presented by Mr. Alexander P Mathai on behalf of the 2015 NJMT VEA Secretary Mr M C Alexander, which was passed. Treasurer Mr. Alexander P Mathai presented the audited Account for 2015 and also Budget for 2016, which were discussed and passed.
The second General Body meeting was held on November 6, 2016 immediately after the Holy Communion Service and Announcements, to undertake the Election of office bearers and committee members of the NJMT Voluntary Evangelists Association for the Year 2017.
President: Rev. Philip P Mathew,
Vice President: Mr. George Zachariah Sr.
Secretary: Mr. George Varughese
Treasurer: Mr. M.C. Jacob
Librarian: Mrs. Jolly Thomas
Prayer Gr. Representatives:
A: Mrs. Susan Zachariah
B: Mrs. Mini Joji
C: Mrs. Rachel Varughese
Regional Representative: Mr. Byju Varghese
Auditor Mrs..Rani Philip
Year End Chain Prayer
We have organized the year end - 24 hour- chain prayer from Dec 31st 6:00 am thru Jan 1st 6:00 am. 43 families, took part in the Edavaka Mission Year-end Chain prayer.
A Chain of Prayer is when you attend a prayer meeting without interruption in order to see a breakthrough in your life. Whether it is healing, a financial breakthrough or spiritual deliverance that you need, a Chain of Prayer helps you develop the faith and determination to overcome.
The purpose of Chain of Prayer is to offer a 24-hour Prayer Vigil for congregations and persons who want to share an opportunity for a time of uninterrupted dialogue with God. A Prayer Vigil is continuous prayer by many persons during a certain period of time. It is a powerful force in spiritual preparation for expressing the evangelistic mission of the Church
One prayer is not enough. Even Jesus taught us to pray always and never give up (Luke 18.1).
A Chain of Prayer is a biblical strategy for conquering blessings: God delivered His people from the Egyptians with 10 plagues; He told Joshua to march around Jericho 13 times; the prophet Elijah prayed for rain 7 different times. It works! It has worked for thousands of people just like you and it could also work for you. No matter how big your problem is, a Chain of Prayer will help you overcome. In fact, being faithful to a Chain of Prayer is proof of your faith to God. It’s time to declare war against your problems.
Prayer topics included our special needs, pray for our self, family – spouse, children, parents, siblings; friends, neighbors, fellow church members who are going through difficult time in their life, and for our church and leaders -Evangelists, Priests, Bishops; also political leaders of this country as well as our home land etc.
Appreciate all those who made special requests, to be included in the list even thou the list was full. We give thanks to all families, who took part in the Edavaka Mission Year-end Chain prayer.
Conclusion:
On behalf of the NJMTC VEA Committee, I take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the President Rev. Philip P Mathew and family for the spiritual guidance and excellent leadership rendered for the activities of our Edavaka Mission. It is our prayer that Almighty God may strengthen our Philip achen & family to serve the Lord effectively in the coming year. We also remember with gratitude the services and guidance rendered by the executive Committee members and all the Edavaka Mission members for their active participation and support during the year. May God continue to strengthen and bless each one of us in the days to come. We thank God almighty for the blessing He has showered upon us as to serve as Edavaka Mission in The Mar Thoma Church of New jersey.
Secretary,
NJMTC VEA