The Open Door: The History of Our Church

The Foundation Stone of Testimony (சாட்சியின் அடித்தளக் கல்)

In 1973, at a Gospel meeting in Madurai's Thamukkam Grounds, a seventeen-year-old girl stood among the crowd and declared her faith: "Jesus has forgiven my sins, and I have accepted Jesus as my personal Savior." Though her words seemed small in that moment, God preserved them in His eternal memory.

The Lord gave this young believer a prophetic word that would guide her entire ministry:

"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name." — Revelation 3:8 (NKJV)

"உன் கிரியைகளை அறிந்திருக்கிறேன்; உனக்குக் கொஞ்சம் பெலன் இருந்தும், நீ என் நாமத்தை மறுதலியாமல், என் வசனத்தைக் கைக்கொண்டபடியினாலே, இதோ, திறந்தவாசலை உனக்கு முன்பாக வைத்திருக்கிறேன், அதை ஒருவனும் பூட்டமாட்டான்." — வெளிப்படுத்தின விசேஷம் 3:8 (TAOVBSI)

That young woman was D.R. Sobana—through whom God would write the history of Good Samaritan Mission, Keelapavoor.

Years of Formation and Growth (உருவாக்கம் மற்றும் வளர்ச்சியின் ஆண்டுகள்)

Early Discipleship (ஆரம்பகால சீடத்துவம்)

After accepting Christ, Sobana found guidance under Professor Nirmala, who later became Principal of Lady Doak College, Madurai. This mentorship proved crucial in shaping her understanding of faithful ministry and biblical foundation.

In 1981, God strategically positioned Sobana at Central Bank of India in Keelapavoor. As she settled into this new community, the Lord placed a burden on her heart to pray earnestly for the people of that region. The following year, 1982, marked a significant spiritual milestone when she received the anointing of the Holy Spirit in Chennai, accompanied by a vision of Daniel in the lions' den—a prophetic picture of God's protection and faithfulness in difficult circumstances.

First Fruits of Ministry (ஊழியத்தின் முதல் கனிகள்)

Throughout the 1980s, God began to move in powerful ways. Families throughout Keelapavoor and surrounding villages encountered God's transforming grace. What started as personal prayer and witness grew into a fellowship that transcended individual homes and spread across the region. Through seasons of joy and challenge, God proved His faithfulness again and again.

The ministry continued to grow through persistent prayer, faithful witness, and divine provision. In August 2000, the first organized Fasting Prayer meeting was held at Mani Theatre in Keelapavoor, marking a new phase of corporate intercession and spiritual breakthrough.

On June 4, 2001, the Good Samaritan Mission Trust was officially established and registered with the Government of Tamil Nadu—a legal foundation built on years of spiritual groundwork and God's abundant grace.

Building by Faith Without Funds (பணமின்றி விசுவாசத்தால் கட்டுதல்)

The Vision Becomes Reality (தரிசனம் நிஜமாகிறது)

December 2007 marked a pivotal moment in the church's history. With great faith but no financial resources, the foundation stone was laid for a permanent church building. This step required tremendous courage and trust in God's provision.

For seven years, the church family watched God work through His people to provide every need. Donations came from unexpected sources, labor was volunteered, and materials were supplied through divine orchestration. In August 2014, the church building was completed and dedicated by Rev. Dr. I. Rathinam Paul—a testament to God's faithfulness.

"This was the LORD's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes." — Psalm 118:23 (NKJV)

"அது கர்த்தராலே ஆயிற்று, அது நம்முடைய கண்களுக்கு ஆச்சரியமாயிருக்கிறது." — சங்கீதம் 118:23 (TAOVBSI)

Leadership Transition and Shared Vision (தலைமை மாற்றம் மற்றும் பகிர்ந்த தரிசனம்)

Passing the Mantle (மேலங்கியை ஒப்படைத்தல்)

On April 4, 2021, in a spirit of wisdom and humility, Sobana formally transferred leadership to her son, Abilash Praveen. Recognizing that healthy ministry extends beyond any single individual, a Leadership Team was simultaneously established to share the responsibilities of shepherding God's people.

This transition marked not an ending but a new beginning—ensuring that the ministry would continue to flourish through shared leadership and collective wisdom rather than depending solely on one person's gifting.

Recent Seasons of Growth and Learning (சமீபத்திய வளர்ச்சி மற்றும் கற்றல் காலங்கள்)

Renewed Initiatives (புதுப்பிக்கப்பட்ட முயற்சிகள்)

The years following the leadership transition have been marked by intentional spiritual development:

2023 brought the restart of structured Bible Study and the launch of a Leadership Forum to develop servant-leaders within the congregation.

2024 saw strategic partnership with Shepherd's Academy for enhanced Scripture learning, along with the re-initiation of the Christmas Carol Service, strengthening both internal growth and community outreach.

2025 has launched with ambitious spiritual formation programs: an Overview of the Bible Seminar, a comprehensive 60-week Discipleship Training program, and Purpose Driven Life studies across all fellowship groups.

Learning Through Both Success and Challenge (வெற்றி மற்றும் சவால் இரண்டின் மூலமும் கற்றல்)

Not every initiative succeeded according to initial plans. The Jebamalar Magazine, launched with great enthusiasm in 2023, could not be sustained through 2024—teaching valuable lessons about the need for adequate volunteer commitment, structural planning, and consistent execution.

Bible Study itself evolved through multiple formats—from traditional offline gatherings to online studies and eventually to structured self-study programs. Each transition required flexibility, patience, and perseverance from both leaders and participants.

These experiences serve as important reminders: we are not perfect, but we are being perfected by God's grace. We have not arrived, but we are being formed into His image. God builds His church not only through our strengths but also through our acknowledged weaknesses and humble learning.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

"உங்களில் நற்கிரியையைத் தொடங்கினவர் அதை இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவின் நாள்பரியந்தம் முடிய நடத்திவருவாரென்று நம்பி." — பிலிப்பியர் 1:6 (TAOVBSI)

The Attitude of Learning (கற்றுக்கொள்ளும் மனப்பாங்கு)

Pride: The Silent Enemy of Growth (பெருமை: வளர்ச்சியின் மெளன எதிரி)

As we celebrate God's faithfulness in our church's history, we must guard against a subtle danger: pride. Pride rarely announces itself loudly—it often begins quietly within the heart, even when we accomplish great things for God.

"Your heart became proud on account of your beauty..." — Ezekiel 28:17 (NKJV)

"உன் அழகினால் உன் இருதயம் மேட்டிமையாயிற்று..." — எசேக்கியேல் 28:17 (TAOVBSI)

When the heart becomes proud, several destructive patterns emerge: we begin to think we no longer need help from others or from God; we stop listening and learning because we assume we already know everything; we take credit for what God has given us; we start looking down on others; we gradually forget our dependence on God; and we make increasingly poor decisions based on self-reliance rather than divine guidance.

The Danger of Trusting the Gift More Than the Giver (கொடுப்பவரை விட கொடையை நம்புவதின் ஆபத்து)

Scripture warns us about trusting in what God has given us rather than in God Himself. When we rely more on our abilities, influence, or wisdom than on the One who granted these gifts, pride takes root and corrupts our spiritual judgment.

"Professing to be wise, they became fools." — Romans 1:22 (NKJV)

"அவர்கள் தங்களை ஞானிகளென்று சொல்லியும் பயித்தியக்காரராகி." — ரோமர் 1:22 (TAOVBSI)

Biblical history provides sobering examples: Solomon began with great wisdom but allowed pride to turn his heart toward idols; Haman possessed significant political power but became blinded by pride to the consequences of his actions. Pride distorts our judgment, blinds our spiritual eyes, and ultimately leads to downfall.

Maintaining a Teachable Heart (கற்றுக்கொள்ளக்கூடிய இதயத்தை பராமரித்தல்)

True spiritual maturity is marked by maintaining a teachable spirit regardless of our experience or accomplishments. This requires honest self-reflection and humble dependence on God's continued guidance.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." — Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

"அல்லாமலும், எனக்கு அருளப்பட்ட கிருபையினாலே நான் சொல்லுகிறதாவது; உங்களில் எவனானாலும் தன்னைக்குறித்து எண்ணவேண்டியதற்கு மிஞ்சி எண்ணாமல், அவனவனுக்கு தேவன் பகிர்ந்த விசுவாச அளவின்படியே, தெளிந்த எண்ணமுள்ளவனாய் எண்ணவேண்டும்." — ரோமர் 12:3 (TAOVBSI)

Vision for the Future (எதிர்காலத்திற்கான தரிசனம்)

Our Clear Calling (நமது தெளிவான அழைப்பு)

The vision God has given Good Samaritan Mission remains crystal clear: Transforming lives through the love of Christ—both spiritually and practically. This calling extends far beyond Sunday morning gatherings. We are commissioned to equip families for godly living, disciple believers toward spiritual maturity, provide care for the sick and suffering, offer hope and practical help to the economically disadvantaged, and carry the Gospel message to every household in our community.

This comprehensive vision cannot be fulfilled by pastoral staff alone or even by a single family's dedication. It requires the active participation of every member of the Body of Christ. Some are called primarily to intercession, others to hands-on service, some to generous giving, others to leadership roles. Whatever your specific calling, the Lord has need of your faithful participation.

"Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth." — Psalm 110:3 (NKJV)

"உமது பராக்கிரமத்தின் நாளிலே உம்முடைய ஜனங்கள் மனப்பூர்வமும் பரிசுத்த அலங்காரமுமுள்ளவர்களாயிருப்பார்கள்; விடியற்காலத்துக் கர்ப்பத்தில் பிறக்கும் பனிக்குச் சமானமாய் உம்முடைய யௌவன ஜனம் உமக்குப் பிறக்கும்." — சங்கீதம் 110:3 (TAOVBSI)

New Frontiers of Ministry (ஊழியத்தின் புதிய எல்லைகள்)

As we look ahead, new opportunities for ministry continue to emerge. The launch of our Purposeful Aging Day Care Program represents our ongoing commitment to honor and care for the elderly in our community, ensuring their later years are filled with dignity, fellowship, rest, and renewed purpose.

This initiative, like every ministry that has come before, began with prayer, requires faith, and depends entirely on God's provision through His people.

Reflection and Application (சிந்தனை மற்றும் பயன்பாடு)

As we reflect on the remarkable journey from that teenage girl's testimony in 1973 to the thriving ministry of today, several questions emerge for personal consideration:

• Am I using the gifts God has given me primarily for His glory or for personal validation?
• Is my spiritual wisdom being preserved through humility or corrupted through pride?
• Do I still approach God and other believers with a learner's heart?
• How is God calling me to contribute to the ongoing vision of transforming lives through Christ's love?

The history of our church demonstrates that God delights in using ordinary people who maintain extraordinary faith, who remain teachable in every season, and who trust Him to provide for every vision He births in human hearts.

The open door that God promised in 1973 remains open today—not because of human effort or wisdom, but because our faithful God keeps His promises across generations. As we step forward into the future, we do so not in our own strength, but in the confidence that He who began this good work will surely bring it to completion.