The history of
All Saints CSI Parish, Jebel Ali
In unity, we find strength and in faith, we find hope.
The formative years...
It was in the year 1999, that the youth of Dubai CSI Church were actively involved in spreading the Word of God as an outreach initiative to areas such as Jebel Ali. It was under their leadership that permission was obtained for Rev. C. Y Thomas Achen to conduct a prayer meeting at the Chapel at the DUBAL premises, this Prayer was a blessing to many residents living in the Jebel Ali area and camps.
This prayer meeting in Jebel Ali set the precedence to have regular worship in the Jebel Ali area. It was in the year 2003, under the leadership of Mathew Jacob (Viju), a proposal was presented to the then Vicar of Dubai CSI Parish, Rev. Saji K Sam and the Dubai CSI Parish Committee. It was unanimously agreed to begin regular CSI worship service in Jebel Ali. The venue was fixed at Christ Church, Jebel Ali, Hall no.5 at 9.30 am on Fridays for regular CSI worship.
The first CSI service at Jebel Ali Christ Church commenced on 5th March 2004 at 10 am. This service was inaugurated by the then Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel and was attended in large numbers by Dubai Parish members. Following this, regular service was initially scheduled for two Fridays in a month led by the Dubai CSI Parish Vicar. The Youth Fellowship of Dubai CSI Parish played a key role in strengthening the Jebel Ali ministry, they were actively engaged in bringing members from the Al Quoz and Jebel Ali labour camps to attend the worship service in Jebel Ali.
We continued with two regular services in Jebel Ali, and although many challenges were faced during this time, God kept His promise and led us through it. In 2010 under the direction of Rev. C I Jose, the service in Jebel Ali was increased to three Fridays of regular worship service. It was during this time that our first singing team was set up with six members led by Ruben Mathew as our organist.
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In the year 2011, under the leadership of Rev. Jiji John Jacob Achen, the Jebel Ali worship attendance started to grow rapidly and there was a yearning desire to
have regular worship every Friday. With the support of Mr. Mathew Varghese (Vice-President), Dubai CSI Parish, approval was obtained to hold divine services every Friday at Jebel Ali.
It was during this time that we perceived the need to start a Sunday School for the children of the Jebel Ali community. In the second half of 2011, a children’s devotion session was initiated before the service at 9:30 am. On 22nd June 2012, the Jebel Ali Sunday School was inaugurated by Rev. Jiji John Jacob with regular classes. This ministry was led by Rejinold Manakkal, Ruben Mathew, Sanuja George, Sunitha Philip, Teena Cherian, Soumia Shine, Rinzy Victor, Victor Chacko, Dr. Anna and Romy Manakkal. The Sunday School started with 36 students.
The Jebel Ali worship services reached its peak in 2013, with over 100+ worshippers attending the Friday worship service. On seeing the overwhelming attendance, in May 2013, the General Body of Dubai CSI Parish approved regular worship service every Friday except for Good Friday & Unity Week Services. From here on God blessed the Jebel Ali worship from strength to strength.
In the latter part of 2013, a singing team was formed initiated by Shibu Itty and Ruben Mathew which added to the harmony and life of the worship service. Song practices were aided by Jino Mathew Joy. On 19th September 2014, under the guidance of Rev. Praveen Chacko, a formal robed Choir was consecrated for Jebel Ali Service, and Mr. Manoj Filbert donated the Worship Cross.
A new hope – God’s promise continues
It was in the year 2015 that a greater need for outreach in Jebel Ali was recognized. After initial discussions with Rev. Praveen Chacko and the Jebel Ali worship community, a formal request was presented to the General Body of Dubai CSI Parish to expand the pastoral care in Jebel Ali Area.
On 22 nd May 2015, it was unanimously decided by the General Body of Dubai CSI Parish to have this ministry developed in Jebel Ali. The next steps progressed under the leadership of Rev. Praveen Chacko and the Dubai CSI Parish Committee Vice-President, Mr. Libni Eason George.
God blessed the Jebel Ali worship service and answered our prayers of establishing a Parish of its own. A dedication service was held on 5th November 2015, 8 pm at the Christ Church, Jebel Ali led by Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas K Oommen, thus All Saints CSI Parish, Jebel Ali came into existence.
Rev. Byju Eapen Achen was the first Vicar of All Saints CSI Parish, Jebel Ali and he started service in May 2016 and was joined by Susan Kochamma.
In 2019, we welcomed Rev. K.M John and Lissy Kochamma who led the worship service in All Saints CSI Parish, Jebel Ali. Achen was joined by his two daughters, Feba John and Karoline John.
In 2022, we welcomed Rev. Charles M. Jeril and Leslie Kochamma, along with their daughter Eirene.
As it says in Romas 12:4-5, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others". Together in unity and genuine love for each other, we shall continue to be an inspiration and source to those who seek comfort.
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We thank and praise our Almighty God for his abundant blessings on our Parish, let us continue to pray for His provision and blessing in every area of its growth. To provide us with the resources, both financial and human, so that we may carry out His work effectively. Let us seek blessings for our ministries, organizations and outreach programs, that they may bear fruit and bring glory to His name.