Rev. Raju Jacob assumed office as the 16th Vicar of our parish and was accorded a hearty welcome on Sunday, 21st May, during the Holy Communion service.
Mr. Libini Eason George (Vice President) delivered the welcome address and extended best wishes and prayers to Raju Achen, on behalf of the CSI Parish (Malayalam) Dubai, for his ministry in Dubai. Raju Achen hails from Kanjikuzhy (Kottayam) and his mother parish is CSI Ascension Church, Kanjikuzhy. He completed BD Degree from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, and was ordained as a Presbyter in 1990, by Bishop Rt. Rev. M C Mani. Prior to coming to the UAE, he served in Kottayam (Cathedral), Charkkari Mission, Delhi, Toronto, Trivandrum, Neelampara, Pannimattom, Baker Compound, Kumaranalloore and Kollam and as Building (Property) Manager of the Madhya Kerala Diocese.
Rev. Raju delivered the sermon and led the Holy communion service in Dubai and later in the evening at our Fujairah Church. Achen reflected on the theme "The promise of the Holy Spirit", with reference to John 14:16 (And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.). Achen reminded that we should realise that the Holy Spirit is God himself. He is a living person whom we can interact with and can influence us as a counsellor and comforter. The presence of the Holy Spirit universalise the presence of Jesus. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit as the possession of God. We hear God's voice through the spirit of God, and the spirit helps us to lead a fruitful life.
Sermon video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1p5UCwyNw