New York: The Native American Mission, led by the Diocese of North America – Europe of the Mar Thoma Church, has been in charge of missionary work for 20 years among the Native American Choctaw community in Oklahoma.
It was started in 2002 in three parishes under the auspices of the United Presbyterian Church, a group of aboriginal Choctaw members living in the southeastern part of Oklahoma. Rev. Jean-Holmes Wilson provided the initial assistance.
He is currently leading the mission in collaboration with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Rev. Randy Jacob, of the Choctaw sect, assisted with the work in the area. He died in a car accident in 2017. Aid is now being provided by his wife, Betty Jacob (Coordinator, Cumberland Presbyterian Church). The Mar Thoma Church is now functioning mainly in 8 parishes of this church.
The Native American Mission under the Diocesan Mission Board, headed by Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenus, Bishop of the Diocese of North America – Europe, is spearheading operations in the area. The main activities are Leadership Conference, VBS, Scholarship for Learning Assistance, Health and Mental Awareness.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church honored the Mar Thoma Church with a plaque in recognition of its 20 years of service at a ceremony held in conjunction with the Vacation Bible School at the Israel Folsom Camp Center in Oklahoma on June 6,7,8. Choctaw Christian Education Board Chairperson Jan Buris was the chief guest at the event.
Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel and George Mathew, Mission Convenors, on behalf of the Mar Thoma Church, received the plaque. Rev. Thomas Mathew (Carrollton), Rev. Y. Alex (Farmers Branch), Rev. Priests and spiritual leaders Shyju C. Joy (Mesquite), Rev. John Kunjappi (Oklahoma), and Rev. Joby John (Plano) attended the ceremony.
The ceremony commemorates Patrick, an engineering graduate who died in a car accident 9 years ago while working on mission activities in the area.
Rev. George Abraham Kalluppara (Diocesan Secretary), Rev. George P. Babu (Diocesan Treasurer), Rev. Christopher Phil Daniel (Convener), Rev. Thomas Mathew P, Rev. Alex Kolath, Rev. Alex Abraham, Bishop Dr. Mar Philoxenos The Diocesan Native American Mission is governed by a committee consisting of Sheeba Kuruvilla and Juliana Cherian.