Obituary of Achoy Oonnikunnel Mathews

Achoy O. Mathews was born O.V. Mathew on March 17, 1935 in Vadavathoor, Kottayam, Kerala, India, the youngest of 10 children born to Cherian and Annamma Varkey. In 1949, Achoy, as a 14 year old, gave his life to Christ and almost immediately had a passion for ministry. In 1962, after receiving an invitation to attend Oyster Bay Bible School in Oyster Bay Long Island, Dad left India and immigrated to the United States. He married the late Tatana Marr on July 31, 1965. Tatana passed away in 1992 and Dad married the lovely Accamma Jacob on June 1, 1996. Dad became involved and pastored several churches during his life. He holds the distinction of being the founder of India Christian Assembly, the very first Indian Pentecostal church in the United States, which he started in 1968. He was also the pastor or co-pastor at Elim Full Gospel Assembly, Restoration Ministries and Charis Christian Center. For the last 3 years of his life he served at Gateway Christian Center as an associate pastor. Dad was also involved in many different professions and careers. He owned and operated a printing press, a driving school and a real estate business. For eight years, he worked at the NYC Department of Corrections as a correctional counselor. He was a tax preparer and was involved in the incorporation of at least 90% of the Indian Pentecostal churches that are in operation today. He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, Accamma (Becky), his 5 children: Jock, Kavita, Preetha, Jose and Jayson and his 7 grandchildren: Christian, Jonathan, Tatianna, Jaden, Joshua and Kevin. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Achoy, we ask that you consider a gift to the Father's House home for orphans in India. Please go to fathershouseasia.org.