Pastor Joy Varghese

Founder / Principal

In 1960, Pastor Joy Varghese received a divine calling from the Lord. From his early childhood, he passionately preached the gospel and drew large crowds who were amazed by his words. His ministry reached out to various denominations such as Marthomites, Jacobites, CSI, and Roman Catholics, and he received encouragement and support from respected figures like the Most Reverend Yohanan Marthoma Metropolitan and other bishops.

In 1963, Pastor Joy experienced a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit, which was acknowledged even by the bishops of the Marthoma Church. He tirelessly preached the gospel in villages, towns, street corners, and different churches, earning him the name 'Joy Thonniamala' in Kerala, India.

During the years from 1964 to 1968, Pastor Joy had the privilege of working with the late Pastor P.M. Philip, who played a significant role in his spiritual journey. Pastor Philip baptized him and introduced him to the spiritual world, providing unwavering love, encouragement, and guidance.

In 1969, Pastor Joy relocated to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where he collaborated with Pastors P.M. Samuel and P.T. Chacko. Later, he traveled to Bombay and worked alongside the late Pastor K.V. Kurian. While engaged in gospel work in Gujarat, Pastor Joy faced assault and persecution for his preaching. Paradoxically, this experience led to an opportunity to work in Northern India.

India, being predominantly a non-Christian nation, often witnesses hostility and opposition towards Christians. Pastors and ministers face assault and persecution in various locations, but this never deterred Pastor Joy from proclaiming the gospel.

To effectively serve in Northern India, Pastor Joy recognized the importance of learning Hindi and obtaining a Bachelor of Theology degree. He joined the Central India Bible College (CIBC) in ltarsi, where Pastor T.M. Simon played a crucial role in guiding and encouraging him. It was at CIBC that Pastor Joy had the privilege of meeting the late Pastor Kurian Thomas, the college's Principal and Founder, who became a spiritual father figure to him and provided valuable guidance, support, and prayers for his work in Northern India.

Following his studies at CIBC, Pastor Joy ventured to Rewa with the vision of conducting gospel work while establishing a local office there. Rewa, known for its anti-Christian sentiments, posed challenges to spreading the gospel. However, through Pastor Joy's ministry, a church was established in Rewa, and he also oversaw the construction of a three-story building, a parsonage, and a Bible Training Center that could accommodate around 150 people.

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Joy received support and contributions from several individuals, including Rev. A.L. Smith, the late Rev. Kurian Thomas, Dr. P.A. Philip, and many others. Despite objections and opposition, Rewa Theological Seminary was inaugurated and dedicated by Rev. A.L. Smith, serving as a testament to the Lord's ministry. However, despite their efforts, the population influenced by their gospel work remains less than one percent.

Pastor Joy's outreach extended beyond Rewa, reaching the areas between Jhansi and Varanasi where there were no Christians or churches. Through his efforts, many Hindus, Muslims, and non-Christians came to know the Lord. The future plans of his ministry involve planting more churches and sharing the precious gospel with people in villages.

God provided Pastor Joy with an opportunity to come to the United States to be a witness for Jesus Christ. Currently residing in Columbus, Ohio, Pastor Joy recognized the presence of thousands of non-Christian Indians in the country and felt a divine inspiration to reach Indian families living in the USA. Thus, he established a church in Columbus, Ohio, and was blessed with a dynamic new office location in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His goal is to reach Indian families across the United States, Canada, and throughout the world, sharing the Good News and declaring the truth of salvation.

In recent updates, Rewa Theological Seminary has been initiated, attracting students from different regions of India and non-Christians who have joined the seminary. The students undergo four years of study before embarking on church planting in small villages.

Running the seminary and supporting impoverished children who lack basic necessities has presented financial challenges due to growing opposition and decreased funding. Pastor Joy humbly requests contributions to meet the needs of Rewa's children, students, and teachers, as new converts face social stigma and require prayer and support to grow in Christ. Rewa places great value on education and encourages students to excel in the liberal arts, life sciences, and acquire technological know-how to face cultural challenges and meet the standards of the modern world.

Despite the business world not considering God's work essential, Pastor Joy and his ministry remain dedicated to serving God with their whole hearts, seeking to make a difference globally. Supporting young Christian enthusiasts and sponsoring impoverished children require financial support, and even a cup of water given in Jesus' name will receive blessings. The ministry has been a blessing to many in India and the United States, and Pastor Joy aims to expand their efforts, leading more people to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. In this pursuit, all brothers and sisters in Christ are regarded as equals.