The Evangelical Church of India (ECI) celebrated their 40th biennial All India Conference in New Delhi from 22 – 24 October 2024. They commenced their 3-day conference with a special tribute to their founder late Bishop Ezra Sargunam who passed away at age 86 after a brief illness on 22 September 2024. The 295 attendees participated and witnessed the work and ministry of this stalwart leader of the Christian community and a great statesman missionary of this era. Known to ECI leaders as Father Bishop, he was an outstanding leader in India's post-independence era of Christian missions. Missionary Statesmen are rare leaders mostly from Western nations. However, he deserves this title, and this is a special tribute to the life and legacy of this man of God.
Early life:
Bishop Ezra Sargunam was born on July 19, 1938, in an obscure village in the State of Tamil Nadu, South India. After his high school education, he earned his graduate and postgraduate degrees from Serampore University (Calcutta) and the Fuller Theological Seminary, California, USA,
Missionary:
He was a missionary who was always eager to share the gospel, distribute literature, train leaders, and plant churches. Even when he was a student, he was burdened by religious youngsters, who did not know the truth. With zeal, he planted the first church in Porur, Chennai. As an ardent church planter, he pioneered a few churches in Chennai (Madras) city. He raised an army of church planters who went to many rural and urban areas, effectively planting churches in many districts in several states.
Visionary:
Bishop was not only a grassroots-level worker, but he was also a man of vision. With a national vision of taking the gospel to all people in India, he gathered all churches, mission agencies, and numerous Christian leaders in 1986. The gathering was historic, and he released the Mission Mandate, which became a reference book for mission studies for many leaders.
Mobiliser:
One of his favourite songs, he sang to mobilize people to be engaged in missions. (Dasarey itharaniyai anbai yesuvukku sonthamakuvom) Hearing his messages, many young men and women came forward to give their lives for missions. They were willing to sacrifice their lucrative careers to serve the Lord in unreached areas.
Society and culture:
Bishop had an incisive understanding of Indian society and culture. The hierarchical caste system and demeaning of humans caused great distress, and he stood up for the rights of the marginalized, oppressed, and exploited.
Writer:
Despite his ministry, travels, and administrative works, he wrote in the magazine of the Evangelical Church of India. It was instructive, and educative and created social awareness among the readers. Probably, he could have written more.
Political activism:
Unlike many Christian leaders, who were indifferent to governance and politics, Bishop Ezra had a keen understanding of politics in India. He was not afraid to take political stands, meet politicians, and mentor them to do good. Unashamed he gave copies of the Bible and shared the gospel with several top leaders.
Protesting persecution:
When one of the ECI churches was desecrated by placing idols inside the church, he traveled to Gujarat and protested by observing a public fast.
Minority commission:
As Bishop Ezra was always working for social empowerment, the Government of Tamil Nadu appointed him as the Chairman of the State Minorities Commission in 1996, a position he held for four years.
Bold personality:
Bishop was neither ashamed of the gospel nor afraid of those who opposed the gospel. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel on all platforms, even from political stages in the presence of government ministers and officials.
State honours:
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin paid respects to Ezra Sargunam, and announced state honours him. On 26th September he was buried with Tamil Nadu government state police honours.
Personal relationship:
My wife and I were dedicated as missionaries in ECI church, Janakpuri, Delhi in 1986. Somehow, we did not have much opportunity to work together.
Rich legacy:
His life and focused ministry and missional exploits would remain a great legacy. It is reported that there are 10000 congregations, over a hundred educational institutions, and bible colleges. The Evangelical Church of India that he founded will continue to grow and preach the gospel until the Lord comes again.
J.N. Manokaran is the South Asia Regional Director of the Community Bible Study International, and lives in Chennai, India.
