BANGALORE, INDIA (ANS) -- A longtime leader, visionary and pioneer missionary, Pastor T.T. Joseph of the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC) of Karnataka State, passed away at his residence in Bangalore, late on Monday night, March 8, 2010, at 11:45 pm.

Pastor T.T. Joseph

He was 83 years old as he breathed his last and he was surrounded by four of his five children during the last hours.

Pastor Joseph had experienced growing physical problems, including chest pains, in the weeks preceding his passing. A few days earlier, he was in the hospital and had just returned home.

On the evening of March 8, he had dinner with his children and, after family prayers, retired to his bed, followed by his children who stayed at his side. Shortly afterwards, he passed away in their presence.

Over the years, Pastor T.T. Joseph strongly helped in establishing the work of God wherever he lived and worked such as Bahrain, Bangalore and Karnataka State at large. This was his mission whether he worked at a secular job or as an ordained minister of the gospel.

Before his outstanding ministry contributions in Karnataka State, he worked at an engineering job in Bahrain from 1956 to 1990. His good job in Bahrain enabled him to gain much wealth, which he used generously for ministry in Karnataka and other places. Through his generous contributions of time, effort and financial giving, the work in Karnataka state grew rapidly.

In 1967, he moved to Bangalore, bought a house, and made it available rent-free to pastors. For the first five years, a church worshipped in the house he bought and generously provided. That same year, IPC Karnataka region, was started with four churches and three outstations. Pastor T.T. Joseph served as the President of the IPC Karnataka State from its inception until July 2009.

Until his promotion to glory, Pastor Joseph served as Emeritus and Senior Minister of IPC Karnataka state.

The increasing spread of the work in Karnataka from 1967 unto the present day came in large measure from the vision, faithful prayers and tireless work of Pastor T.T. Joseph.

IPC Karnataka is divided into ten different districts and six other mission areas. Today, there are about 300 churches and several outstations in Karnataka.
Although his main area of responsibility was Karnataka, Pastor Joseph also contributed significantly to the work of IPC in other states throughout India

Pastor Joseph and his dear wife, Annamma, were blessed with fifty-two years of marriage. They were married September 1, 1955. His wife was a tireless worker for the Lord, given to hospitality and coordinating the women’s ministries. All their children learned to love the Lord and contribute financially to the ministry.  On December 30, 2007, Pastor Joseph’s wife went to be with the Lord.

In recent years, even when he was not physically well, he continued to attend meetings and classes, always on time, motivating others to greater dedication to love and serve their Lord Jesus.

Rev. Dr. T. Valson Abraham, General Secretary of IPC said, “We praise God for Pastor T.T. Joseph’s many fruitful years. We pray that his bountiful work will continue to multiply in influence throughout India for many years to come.”

The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), in a statement, said “We join with the believers to pray for the bereaved family members and friends. May God continue to bless the mission and vision of IPC."

Pastor T.D.Thomas, Vice President of IPC Karnataka State said, “We have a lost a great leader a pioneer of our ministry in Karnataka state. Pastor T.T. Joseph had a great burden and heart to extend the ministry of Karnataka. On behalf of the President and IPC Karnataka state, I express my condolences on his death and pray for the bereaved family”.

Speaking to ANS, Pastor T.D Thomas said that the funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 10.00 am.

James Varghese is a reporter for Masihat newspaper in India, and is also a freelance journalist working for ANS.