P V George

Among the evangelistic workers of the early 20th century, P.V.George has been a man with a difference, one whose memory lingers on in the minds of the people not only of his own age but also in the ages that came.

Born in 1895 as the son of Sri. Varkey Upadeshi and Sis. Achamma, he formed a trio with Bro. C.T. Mathai and Bro. E.I. Jacob, great men of God. But George, or Bro. G, as he was affectionately called, was one whose physical, mental and spiritual faculties were quite singular, way out of the ordinary. Among the believers in Kerala, it can be said that one so able and wise as he could rarely be found.

His physical attributes were characterized by thick eyebrows, followed by a gleaming pair of eyes that seemed to have a strange hypnotic power about them, and that mesmerized anyone who dared to look into them. If he cast his gaze on any particular person, they felt as if he was looking into their heart, into their very inner being.

He had no problem in approaching people and influencing them. Consequently we could say that he had good PR going on everywhere. This special power of his could be seen in his radiant eyes. Not only in evangelistic work but also in anything he undertook, he was able to convince others of his point of view.

One example can be seen in the Annikadu Convention. Simon Sir and his disciples had come and so were many other senior gospel workers. Bro. E. P. Varghese was also present and so was Bro.G. Through all the days of the Convention things went on well and in a peaceful manner and as per the desire of the newborn believers to obey the Lord in the waters of baptism, on the final day a baptism service was scheduled. Many were baptized and a revival was witnessed in those parts.

The day after the baptism, when the believers including those mentioned above were seated in the outskirts of a house near the Convention hall, a sudden commotion was heard. They were alarmed to see an annoyed man fuming and coming towards them shaking his fists, his face red with anger. When he reached them, the believers learned that he was an evangelist from the Mar Thoma Church and was totally disturbed at the fact that his wife had got baptized the previous day in his absence and without his prior knowledge or consent. He was livid and blamed the brethren for luring his wife and other people away from their church and for imposing "false" doctrines upon them. Simon Sir refrained from talking to him, but PV George got into his act. He took this man into a house, and a conversation for some time, and came out with him. To everyone's surprise, the man who was full of rage was now as timid as a household pet. Such was Brother G's powers of persuasion.

Many such incidents are associated with the life of Bro.G. Not only in the spiritual realm but also in other fields of life, where for good of others he liberally utilized this exceptional gift of influencing people. Bro.G made use of this gift mainly for the welfare of his fellow beings. He made it a point to help others in getting what was due to them and this aspect of his personality can be perceived by a look at the following instance in his life. Mrs. Benjamin, the second wife of Bro. G's father-in-law, had been working at a Middle School in Ernakulam for many years before her marriage. She resigned from her post on account of her imminent wedding and thus was not able to complete the stipulated time for attainment of a monthly pension. When Bro. G came to know of this situation, he decided to meet the Divan of Cochin and plead Mrs. Benjamin's case with him. As per his decision, he arranged a meeting with Mr. Herbert, the then Diwan (Government Administrator) of Cochin and came back successful in his endavour after having convinced the Diwan that Mrs.Benjamin was eligible in special circumstances for a pension.

In those days, most preachers began their messages with such lengthy introductions that they gradually digressed into many other topics and finally had very little time left for the gospel. Bro.G was much against this practice and strongly criticized this shameful practice. He showed them through his own example that Christ was the sure and only foundation of all gospel messages and everything else was worthless. So while preaching the Word, Bro. G always made it a point to emphasize on the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel rather deviate into other general issues. His aim was to proclaim Christ to the masses and he never lost sight of this aim while caught up with his ministry. Bro. G was thus famous for the clear and simple manner in which he spoke without beating around the bush. His words and message were so unadorned that even a little child could follow him without effort. His strong manner of speech and expression made his audience sit spellbound and take in every word he uttered. In his book ' Unique Christ and Mystic Gandhi he shows the same powers of communication.

From early childhood itself, Simon Sir and his manner of proclaiming the gospel had fascinated Bro G. Hence in the early stages of his public ministry he spoke imitating Simon Sir's style of ministry with a lot of poetry and songs interspersed between his messages. But as he matured in the Lord, he developed his own independent style of presentation, which gave him courage to speak the gospel without becoming self-conscious.

As most of the assemblies of those times were newly established, there arose many problems relating to how things should be carried out and differences arose between people on diverse issues, small and big. Bro. G. played a key role in looking into these issues and took utmost care to solve them amicably. Through thorough investigations he would find out the real state of affairs of things and once convinced of the best way of proceeding, he would take all possible means to restore the lost love and unity in the church. He would not rest unless he brought about a compromise between the 'warring factions'. His determination and strong will power could be seen in his resolve to get down to the truth of the matter and sort things out in the best possible fashion.

Those days a feeling of despair and frustration had descended on many believers due the increase in clashes among church members on the basis of whose 'party' they belonged to. Many believers were desperate to leave the church and seek shelter elsewhere. Bro.G understood the mental despair of these and tried to bring in peace and harmony.

Bro. E. P. Varghese testifies that during his time of despair, it was only Bro.G's patient and devoted guidance that brought him back to the Brethren Assemblies. He always made it a point to explain that just as we love Jesus and take care to please him we should love His church and take care to please all that are part of His church. Bro. G. always emphasized the point that one should be responsible to both Christ and His church as the church has been formulated as per the commandment of Christ. Bro. G explained this fact to those who wanted to leave the church and persuaded them not to leave the church, which is the Body of Christ.

Thus, Bro. G was greatly instrumental in strengthening the church and guiding it to great heights. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13) was the verse that propelled him on urging him to face every difficulty with a steady heart and a smiling face. His example has instilled hope in very many a people of his age and continues to do so even today. In 1955, at the age of 60, while attending a Wedding Eve party at a friend's place, his heart suddenly stopped beating and thus peacefully he gave up his spirit into the hands of his Lord and Master and bade goodbye to this world leaving behind his dear wife Thankamma and 10 children (Daisy, Godly, Baby, Sam, Babul, Lily, Jessy, Raju, Ivy and Sunny).