Pastor John "Raju Pastor" Thomas

On September 21, 2021, Pastor John Thomas (Raju Kodunthara), was called to be with the Lord, whom he faithfully served until the very end. He was a loving husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and friend to many.

Pastor John Thomas, affectionately known to many as Raju Pastor, was born to the late Mr. K.C. Chacko and Mrs. Kunjamma Chacko on October 23, 1945 in Kumbanad, Kerala. He was born and brought up in a Pentecostal family that was strongly devoted to the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC) movement. After his high school studies, he dedicated his life to the work of the Lord. He pursued his higher studies by completing Hebron Bible College (Kumbanad, Kerala) and then began to work in the mission field in Andra Pradesh. Thereafter, he was married to Sosamma Thomas (Ammini) of the Kanarikavunkal House, Vakathanam, Kerala on February 23, 1976 in India. He then joined Ammini in South Florida the next year. While in Florida, he established the first Indian Pentecostal church in 1977. He not only served as a pastor but also was involved in various other capacities of ministry including sponsoring IPC churches in Upputhara, Kerala, President of IPC North American Southeast Region, National Convener of 14th IPC Family Conference, and PYFF Pastor’s Coordinator.

Pastor Raju made an impact on everyone he met and faithfully remained a servant of the Lord for the last 53 years. He was a hardworking & compassionate man. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life. His greatest honor was to be a Pastor and his greatest passion was to build relationships with people. His children and grandchildren were his pride & joy. They always expected calls from him with details about the weather and sports. He could always be found with a smile on his face right along with a joke to share to make you laugh. His main desire was to serve God and care for his family. We are grateful for the beautiful example he set for our family and the great legacy he has left behind.

Pastor John Thomas is survived by his wife, Ammini Thomas, his daughter Lisa and husband Shelby, his son Stanley and wife Anitha, and his 3 grandchildren - Emma, Gianna & Sofia. He is preceded by his brother, Roy, and survived by brothers Babu, Sunny, Mony, Jessy, and Reji and their respected families. Many lives were touched by his love, kindness, generosity and hospitality and he will be dearly missed.

Today, we reminisce and celebrate the deep impact of the great life well-lived that will mark our hearts for years to come.

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4