Farewell to Rev Bobby Mathew & Family

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St. Thomas Family gave an emotion filled farewell to Bobby Achen and Family on 26th April 19 in a meeting held after the Holy Qurbana service at St. Thomas Centre, Salmiya. The farewell meeting presided by Parish Vice-President Mr. Christy Thomas started by a prayer from Rev. Dr. P.L. John Panicker (Ex. Principal, EJM and AMM Institute, Kombadi) and was followed with a song by Church Choir. Parish Secretary (2018-19) Mr. John Varghese welcomed the guests and in his welcome speech extended thanks and praised  to Bobby Achen and Family for their commitment and services to the Parish during their stay in Kuwait. In his presidential address, the Parish Vice-President reiterated Achen’s contributions by highlighting his these key attributes; by saying Achen is a a high quality leader, he is a legend and a loving person. He continued to say that Bobby Achens contributions by close follow ups at the Delhi Diocese, to re-allocate a wrong fund (About Rs.13 lakhs raised from Messiah concert by the Choir, sent by Parish to Diocese for support to Vijayanagaram Mission) allocation to a permanent endowment at Dharmajyoti Vidhyapeedam and the Parish hall addition demonstrates Achens quality leadership. Spiritual nurturing effort by Bobby Achen has gained him a position as a ‘Legend in bible teaching and interpretation’, and Achens loving and empathetic approach to sick and suffering people was an attribute that others can follow. Felicitation speeches were delivered by representatives; Office Bearers (2019-20)- Mr. C.M Philip (Parish Vice-President), Kaisthanasamithy 2018-19- Mr. Santhosh Mathew Kaithotta, Sunday school- Mr. Juny Thomas Mathew, Edavaka Mission- Mr. Boban Varghese, Sevika Sanghom – Mrs. Jeny George Kurian, Choir – Mr. Ashish Kurian, Yuvajanaskhyam – Mr. Rony Koshy Kuruvila. Choir presented a melodious farewell song which relaxed the emotional mood of the function. The farewell poem compiled and recited by Mr. Alexander Vaidyan was unique and touched on the pastoral care and love of Achen and family. The poem recitation raised few moments of emotional outbreaks and was well appreciated by the audience.  The Parish purse for Achen was presented by the trustees of year 2018-19 & 2019-20. A self-made portrait of Bobby Achen was presented by the artists Mr. Roji & a photo album with pictures of the main events was compiled and presented by Mr. Selvin Jose. Bobby Achen in his reply speech thanked the Parishioners for their excellent support and love. He stated that the Parish is an excellent example of a mission parish and encouraged to maintain the service support for mission activities. Ani Kochamma in her reply speech, thanked the Parishioners for their love and support extended to the family, she appreciated the outstanding support and care received from Sevika Sanghom.  Parish Secretary Mon C. Mathews John gave the vote of thanks. The farewell meeting was concluded with prayer by diocesan assembly member Mr. Abraham Varghese, doxology by choir and benediction by Bobby Achen. Delicious chicken wrap snacks of Jackpot restaurant was distributed to all present during the function.