MARTHOMA HOUSE…A SYMBOL OF LOVE & JOY
Native American Mission
Introduction
The mission draws our attention to a culture which was assaulted, unfairly treated and crushed by those invaders who were open heartily welcomed by the native people of this land .They called them ‘Indians’, and uprooted them from their lands. The Choctaw tribe with whom we work, were among those who were forced to move out in the 1800’s, 1,200 miles across 3 states to Oklahoma. Half the population died on the way. This journey is referred as ‘The Trail of Tears’ which ended up in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, the place where we, Marthomites met with them and have started working with them five years ago.
Choctaw Presbytery and Mar Thoma Church
The bond between the two churches took place 48 years ago when an young Marthomite , O.C. Abraham worked with The Choctaw Indians in this area for several months. In 2004,with the birth of the Native American Mission of the Diocese, this relationship was renewed.
(Rev. Eugene Wilson, Welcomed the Marthomites to Choctaw community in 2004. He was 14 years old when he met O.C, Abraham at a church camp in 1961)
Soon the Marthoma Church's presence was felt through various activities such as V.B.S., Youth rallies, church camps and other events, paving the way for mutual understanding and spiritual enrichment.
(Partnership with Mar Thoma Church and Choctaw Presbytery paved the way for Mutual spiritual enrichment).
Dream of a Mission House
One year ago, a young Choctaw Indian, Greg Bohanan participating in Starfish ministry in Chicago, moved to Oklahoma with his family to work with the Choctaw Youth . The enthusiasm for mission was not crushed due to the lack of a proper shelter for him and his family .They started Biblical teachings, recreational activities, and cultural arts projects to help kids regain some of their God given, lost and stolen heritage. The need of a house for the Bohanan family was keenly felt and the Mar Thoma Church responded to the call. The Native American Mission, with the support of the Mar Thoma youths, Youth chaplains and well wishers from the Mar Thoma churches rendered their support to make this dream a reality.
Let me quote Mr. Bohanan's words which reflect his joy in Christ:-
" … So now you can see how blessed we are to have a house with a bathroom and kitchen. Moreover, what made this new home even more special was that the Bishop found this project important enough to take time from his busy schedule to bless our home and that the Mar Thoma community of believers joined together to celebrate its completion in Jesus' name…"
Dedication Service
The 'Mar Thoma House' Broken Bow, Oklahoma, is a project of the Native American Mission of Mar Thoma Church under the guidance of, Diocese of North America and Europe and in partnership with the Choctaw Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, USA. The Dedication Service and celebrations took place on November 27, 2009 at Camp Israel Folsom, Oklahoma by Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa in the presence of Rev. Varghese P. Mathew, Rev. Mathew Joseph, Rev Johnson George, Rev. George Varghese, Rev. Minoy N. Kuruvilla, Rev. Jaisen Thomas and Choctaw pastors.
(Mar Thoma House at Folsom Camp at Broken bow, Oklahoma)
Public Meeting
Immediately after the dedication service, a public meeting was organized where the attendees entered the Chapel in procession with the accompaniment of the drums by the Bohanan children. Rev. Randy Jacob, moderator of the Choctaw Presbytery led a worship service. Rev. Eugene Wilson and Rev. Austin Battiest assisted in the service. A choir consisting of youths from Choctaw churches and Mar Thoma churches sang during the service.
Mrs. Nirmala Abraham, Convener of the Native American Mission, welcomed the Bishop, ministers, dignitaries and guests. She compared the love and labor poured by all the individuals in building the Mar Thoma house to the epithet on Mother Teresa’s tomb, ’Do small things with Great Love’ . A choir from the Mar Thoma church of Dallas, Farmers branch rendered a melodies Malayalam song.
During Thirumeni's key note address, Thirumeni emphasized that the gathering was a celebration of diversity, sharing of resources and crossing of the boundaries to praise God together. He mentioned that The Mar Thoma House will stand as a symbol of joy and a token of love to the Native American community in the USA.
(Thirumeni giving the key note address)Rev. Eugene Wilson, Rev. Jaison Thomas and Mr. George Thomas gave brief reflections of the Mission
Presentation
A handmade traditional Native American gift was presened to Theodosius Thirumeni by the Bohanan family. Plaques and gifts were presented to the volunteer contractor, Mr. Corneal Cusher and the carpenter, Jeff Mc Kinney by Rev. Randy Jacob and by Mr. O.C Abraham to the volunteer electrician, Rev. Austin Battiest. Mrs. Lovely John recognized the volunteer services rendered by her friends from Oklahoma City, Mr. Ben Mars and Mr. and Mrs. Monty Meinert.
Mrs. Mildred Ashalintubbi, Board of Director, Camp Israel Folsom presented the key of the house to Mr. Greg Bohanan and family .A dream became realty in that moment for which the first stone was laid on June 3rd 2009.The tears of joy were rolling down from the eyes of the Bohanan family as well as the spectators.
Rev. Jaisen Thomas, George Thomas, Lovely John, Nirmala Abraham (Convener), O.C. Abraham, Rev. Randy Jacob, Thirumeni, Leelamma Issac, Shirly Abraham, Faith Parra and Betty Jacob (not in the picture) rendered their valuable services as building and dedication committee members under the able leadership of our Diocesan Bishop.
participants of the dedication Events)
Conclusion
The day came to an end with the vote of thanks by Ms. Betty Jacob, Coordinator of the
(Betty Jacob)
Choctaw Presbytery, followed by a reception at the dining hall for the participants.
The 'Mar Thoma House' will always proclaim the celebration of joy and will remind all of us that we have to move miles before we sleep……
Mrs. Nirmala Abraham