"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's"

Romans 14:8

John Thundil Simon

John Thundil Simon was a man who walked humbly with God, a life marked by faith, resilience, and unwavering service. Born on May 6, 1950, in Kappil, India, he was the third child of the late John Daniel Thundil and Kunjamma John Thundil. His family was part of the nominal Christian CSI faith, and in 1962, the family became members of The Pentecostal Mission Church.

After graduating from school at the age of 19, John left his hometown, Kerala, to seek work in Calcutta. A year later, he returned to Kerala to work in the fishing industry and eventually moved to Mumbai (Bombay) in 1972. In 1975, John found God, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and was water-baptized in the Pentecostal Church. He surrendered his life to Christ; from that moment, his life became a powerful testimony of God's transformative grace.

In 1976, John married Leelamma in the Pentecostal Mission Church in Kerala. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, raising two sons and a daughter to walk in the fear of the Lord. In 1982, John faced one of the greatest trials of his life when a truck drove over his body, leaving him in a coma for nearly a week and hospitalized for 46 days. Doctors were preparing to amputate his left leg, but God had other plans. During this time, John experienced two powerful visions: in one, while unconscious, he saw someone sitting at the foot of his bed, touching his leg and being healed; in the second, during rehabilitation, he saw himself walking independently again. These visions were fulfilled through divine intervention. Even in his weakest moments, John praised God, repeatedly saying "Sthoathram" (Praise the Lord). This unwavering faith moved a Pentecostal nurse to advocate against amputation. His life and leg were ultimately saved through God's grace, the prayers, and the support of servants of God, family, friends, and church members.

Life in Mumbai after the accident was not easy, but John and Leelamma remained steadfast in their faith. Every morning and evening, they committed their lives to God in prayer. John initially opened a phone booth shop, which allowed him to expand into other businesses, including a café, to support his family. Despite their financial struggles, they generously opened their home to multiple family members and others, allowing everyone to establish their futures. John's selfless nature extended beyond his family—he spent countless hours praying and petitioning local authorities to bring electricity and clean drinking water pipelines to his town. These efforts brought life-changing improvements to others.

In 2001, John and Leelamma left India and migrated to the United States for their children's future. He worked multiple jobs, learned to drive, and continued to seek God's guidance daily. His passion for sharing God's goodness led him to read the Bible in English and use Malayalam and Hindi translations to understand the verses, allowing him to share God's word with friends, colleagues, and family.

In 2020, John faced another major trial when he was involved in a severe accident. Doctors doubted he would ever walk again, but once again, God had higher plans, which included him walking. Through this trial, John's unwavering faith and GOD's steadfast love became his strength and peace.

John found joy in life's simplest blessings. He loved gardening, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Above all, he meditated on God's word and composed praise songs. His zeal for prayer was unmatched—he faithfully prayed for his family, friends, and church members until his final days.

On February 14, 2025, John's earthly journey came to a glorious end, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, servant of God, and his brother-in-law and wife. While they were praying and seeking God, John opened his eyes, raised his head, smiled with tears of joy, and peacefully entered the presence of his Savior.

John's legacy is one of faith, resilience, and trust in God. He is survived by his devoted wife, Leelamma; his three children ( Jincy, Renu, and Reny); his son-in-law (Anil), two daughters-in-law (Jeena and Heny); and seven beloved grandchildren: Anjali, Rohan, Jeremiah, Rebekah, Lydia, Obadiah, and Esther. He is also survived by three sisters, one brother, extended family, friends, and church members.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them"

Revelation 14:13