Chempikara Samuel Stephen was born on May 2nd
, 1948, the fourth child of the late P.T. and Mariamma
Samuel, in Kozhencherry, Kerala, India. He was raised in a God-fearing home and was saved in the
church.
As a young man, Stephen was known in his community for his integrity, honesty, and organizational
skills and was elected to be the church youth secretary and treasurer. Stephen was also an avid stamp
collector, artist, and swimmer. After completing high school, Stephen went on to further studies and
received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology.
On September 9, 1976, Stephen married Sosamma Varghese and immigrated to the United States
shortly afterward. The Lord blessed their union with three children Susy, Sally, and Samuel. Two
wonderful sons-in-law were added to the family, Reji and Joby, and the Lord also blessed them with four
beautiful grandchildren: Rebecca, Josiah, Nathan, and Abigail.
Upon coming to the United States, Stephen worked as a security officer at the World Bank in
Washington DC for thirty-six years before he retired. While employed there, Stephen used every
opportunity to share the Gospel with his co-workers, welcomed them to his home, and invited them to
attend his church, New Testament Church, in Washington, DC.
Stephen enjoyed spending time with his family on outings and especially enjoyed seeing God's glory in
nature. He especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life, and was
there to celebrate their achievements and many milestones. Stephen instilled the importance of family
prayer and raised his children with godly discipline.
Stephen, along with Sosamma, had a heart willing to serve and his life was spent caring for the needy,
sponsoring the well-being and education of several children who would not otherwise be able to afford
it, visiting and praying for the sick, and supporting the work of the Lord around the world. Stephen was
always eager to welcome new visitors in the church to his home for a meal. He was very active in church
and was a Sunday School teacher for many years. Both Stephen and Sosamma were also responsible for
bringing many relatives to the United States and were essential in helping them to get situated.
Stephen's health began to decline in 2016 and Sosamma was lovingly by his side, caring for him night
and day. On June 23rd, 2019, Stephen slipped peacefully into the presence of God, surrounded by his
family and the ministers of God while they were praying.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sosamma; his daughter, Susy and her husband Reji; his
daughter Sally and her husband Joby; his son Samuel; his four grandchildren Rebecca, Josiah, Nathan,
and Abigail; his two sisters, Marykutty and Rosamma; his two brothers, Johnson and Thomas; and many
extended family members who he dearly loved and cherished.