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After a brief gap, the UCC community heard the prophetic voice of Rev.
Thomas John in the college chapel. While inaugurating the Students
Christian Fellowship on June 29, 2007, achen reminded us about the convictions of
our founder fathers while accepting the `conscience clause' of the
Travencore Durbar in 1921.
Recalling the vision of the founders of UCC, achen briefly summarised
the duty of Christians as `not to be ministered unto, but to
minister'. "We have no greater desire than that like our Master before
us `who went about doing good', we may, poor and despised as we are,
shoulder our humble share of the day's burdens among the many tasks
that confront the nation at the present time"
In Achen's opinion true Christian administrators must be brave enough
to discard minority rights. At a time of sectarian conflicts and
increasing communalism, we have to redefine `the Christian' in our
self understanding. It was great to hear Thomas John achen's thought
provoking message, enabling us to search for the ways of enhancing
Christian presence.
Rev. Thomas John's Influence on My Life
by Dr. Mathai Fenn
As class teacher, friend, and hostel warden, Rev. Thomas John (and his family) have a profound impact on my life. It is this very message that turned my life around completely. To stop looking at oneself and why no one loves me, but to see who I CAN love. As I am writing this, I look back and its hard to find ONE living person who has had this kind of impact on my life. I am sure that I am not the only one. He also inspired me to become a teacher and taught me that teaching isn't about dumping facts, but about touching and transforming lives.
Rev. Thomas John and I have differences in many ideological grounds, but as a teacher and as a human being, he will be my inspiration for life.
I know such words are usually said once a person dies, but I see no reason why one shouldn't deliver a eulogy when someone is alive to hear it.
Webmaster's Note:
Rev. Thomas John has captured the essence of Jesus Christ's teachings -
provide unconditional service. Unfortunately, in this day when everyone is
preoccupied with accumulating material possessions and worries only about "what
is in it for me", this message is lost.
"Be like a Tree that gives Shade even to those who are in the act of Cutting
it down.
Serve others through Self Sacrifice"
Amma
"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in
our life, or in the life of another."
Helen Keller
"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you
don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish!
And what your potential is!"
Anneliese Marie Frank (Ann Frank), 1929-1945, German Jewish Refugee and Diarist
Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for
something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future--Think how really
precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your
family. Every minute should be enjoyed, savored.
Earl Nightingale |
