About Good Samaritan Mission

Our Story

Good Samaritan Mission is a church born out of one woman's obedience to God's call. What began as a quiet act of faith in 1973 has grown into a vibrant community of believers in Keelapavoor, Tenkasi — worshipping, serving, and caring for one another in the love of Christ.

The Beginning (1973–1982)

In June 1973, at a Gospel meeting in Madurai's Thamukkam Grounds, a 17-year-old girl named D.R. Sobana accepted Jesus as her personal Savior. God gave her the promise of an “open door” — “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” (Revelation 3:8). Though that moment seemed small at the time, God kept it in remembrance.

In September 1981, Sobana was posted to Keelapavoor through her work at Central Bank of India. Every evening, she would see the spiritual needs of the people and felt a growing burden to pray for them. She began to weep and intercede, believing God had placed her there for a purpose.

On 8 August 1982, while in Chennai, Sobana was anointed by the Holy Spirit. She returned to Keelapavoor filled with joy and peace, and that very night God gave her a vision — she was to carry His love to the people around her.

A Growing Fellowship (1982–2001)

What followed were years of persistent prayer and faithful service. Sobana began holding house prayers and sharing her testimony. The first believers came — families touched by God's grace, lives transformed through faith. Small prayer meetings grew into a vibrant fellowship.

Every Sunday, believers would invite pastors and evangelists and go to surrounding villages — Keelapavoor, Karumadaiyur, Mulakkaraiyur — to share the Gospel. The fellowship grew steadily. Youth joined in worship, children's ministry began, and women took active roles in evangelism and song.

Among the many faithful servants was Bro. Stephen Subbaiyah, who stood with the ministry as a father, brother, and tireless worker. His devotion and sacrifice remain an enduring part of the church's story.

As the congregation grew, they moved from house to house and eventually to a thatched shed — holding Sunday worship and fasting prayers in the open, trusting God for provision at every step.

On 4 June 2001, the Good Samaritan Mission Trust was registered with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan, the vision was to provide help both spiritually and physically — to bind the wounded and the broken-hearted, and to serve the poor, the neglected, and the desperate.

Building by Faith (2007–2014)

In December 2007, during a season of fasting and prayer, God spoke clearly: it was time to build. On 29 December 2007, the foundation stone was laid for a new church building — with no money in hand, only faith. The promise from Zechariah 4:6–10 sustained them:

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts… The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it.”

The construction journey was a testimony of God's provision at every turn. When funds ran out, they prayed. When the rains came and the thatched shelter collapsed, they worshipped in the half-built structure. Friends, relatives, and fellow believers were invited to contribute — not just money, but labour, encouragement, and prayer. The building rose brick by brick, sustained by faith.

After about seven years of patient building, the church was completed. On 28 August 2014, the Makimaiyin Aalayam (Temple of Glory) was dedicated by Rev. Dr. I. Rathinam Paul. From the very first Sunday, worship services have continued without interruption — a house of prayer for all people.

Leadership

On 4 April 2021, Sobana formally handed over leadership to her son, Abilash Praveen. A Leadership Team was also formed so that the ministry would rest on shared shoulders as the Body of Christ. Since then, the church has deepened its commitment to Scripture-rooted teaching, structured discipleship, and compassionate service to the Keelapavoor and Tenkasi community.

Key milestones under current leadership include Bible Study and Leadership Forum initiatives (2023), partnership with Shepherd's Academy for Scripture learning (2024), a 60-week Discipleship Training program (2025), and Purpose Driven Life studies across all fellowship groups.

Our Vision

Transforming lives through the love of Christ, embracing both spiritual nurture and practical charity to fulfill God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Our Mission

To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love through comprehensive community support and development.

Our mission encompasses spiritual discipleship, supporting the underprivileged, and enhancing community welfare through education, healthcare, and social services — walking in obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the call to show mercy (Micah 6:8).

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:17–18

What We Believe

• The Bible as the inspired, authoritative Word of God
• One God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• The deity, virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ
• Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone
• The Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers every believer
• The Church as the body of Christ, called to worship, fellowship, and mission