The Open Door: The History of Our Church

In 1973, at a Gospel meeting in Madurai's Thamukkam Grounds, a 17-year-old girl stood and testified: "Jesus has forgiven my sins, and I have accepted Jesus as my personal Savior." Though that testimony seemed small at the time, God kept it in remembrance.

The words God gave to that young girl were: "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut; for you have a little strength, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8-9).

That girl was D.R. Sobana — the one through whom God began the history of this church.

The Foundational Years

After accepting Christ, Sobana was encouraged and discipled by Professor Nirmala (later Principal of Lady Doak College, Madurai). In 1981, Sobana joined Central Bank of India in Keelapavoor and received a burden to pray for the people of that region. In 1982, she was anointed by the Holy Spirit in Chennai, receiving a vision of Daniel in the lions' den.

The first fruits of ministry came in the 1980s — Rani, Ponmathi, Pragasi were saved. The Gospel began to spread to surrounding villages. Through years of persistence, prayer, and persecution, the ministry grew.

In August 2000, the first Fasting Prayer was held in Keelapavoor at Mani Theatre. On June 4, 2001, the Good Samaritan Mission Trust was established and duly registered with the Government of Tamil Nadu — by God's faithfulness and grace.

Building by Faith

In December 2007, the foundation stone was laid for a new church building — with faith, but without money. God provided through His people, and in August 2014, the church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. I. Rathinam Paul.

"This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." — Psalm 118:23

The Legacy Continues

On April 4, 2021, Sobana formally handed over leadership to her son, Abilash Praveen. A Leadership Team was also formed so that the ministry would not rest on one person alone, but on shared shoulders as the Body of Christ.

Since then, the church has seen:

2023 — Bible Study restarted, Leadership Forum initiated
2024 — Partnership with Shepherd's Academy for Scripture learning, Christmas Carol Service re-initiated
2025 — Overview of the Bible Seminar, 60-week Discipleship Training launched, Purpose Driven Life study in all fellowships

A Church That Learns and Grows

Not every initiative succeeded. The Jebamalar Magazine launched in 2023 could not continue into 2024 — teaching us that some ministries need more hands, more structure, and more consistency. Bible Study changed forms — from offline gatherings to online studies and back to structured self-study. Each change taught flexibility, patience, and perseverance.

These experiences remind us that we are not perfect, but we are being perfected. We are not finished, but we are being formed. God is building His church not just through our strengths, but also through our weaknesses.

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:6

Vision for the Future

The vision God gave us is clear: Transforming lives through the love of Christ — both spiritually and practically. We are called not only to gather on Sundays, but to equip families, disciple believers, care for the sick, uplift the poor, and bring the Gospel to every home.

This vision cannot be fulfilled by one person or one family. It requires all of us — as one Body in Christ. Some are called to pray, some to serve, some to give, some to lead. Whatever your part, the Lord needs you.

"Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power." — Psalm 110:3