Our Story
"Formation of the Church"
In the year 1998, during the blessed visit of Pastor T. G. Koshy to the land of the UAE, the Holy Spirit stirred the heart of Br. Jacob George to engage fervently in ministry. Supported by a few devoted founding members, discussions were kindled about initiating a worship service in Abu Dhabi.
Recognizing that many brethren from the Sharon Fellowship Church in Kerala had been graciously attending other congregations within the UAE, Pastor Koshy rekindled the divine vision for establishing a SFC center in Abu Dhabi. This vision was affirmed and embraced during a house meeting held in the residence of Br. James Varghese
Prompted by the Holy Spirit, a few individuals began to gather and pray weekly in the house of Br. James Varghese. After several months, the prayer meetings were then moved to the home of Br. Jacob George, who wholeheartedly committed himself to establishing the church in Abu Dhabi and later became the Pastor of the Church.
First Church Service
On the 20th of August 1998, Abu Dhabi Church received the authorization from the headquarters in Kerala to commence a Sharon Fellowship Church in Abu Dhabi. On the 1st of February 1999, the Sharon Fellowship Church in Abu Dhabi held its inaugural service in St. Andrews Center, Abu Dhabi.
On this same blessed day, this church gathering was officially sanctioned by the Sharon’s church council to be the local church in Abu Dhabi. Br. Jacob George were ordained as the Pastor, and Br Varghese John were ordained as an Associate Minister.
Worship Service at St. Andrews Center
From the 1st of February 1999, this humble gathering of fewer than ten believers assembled on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Mar Thoma Parish Center Hall within St. Andrews Center. The then vicar, Father M. M. Thomas, graciously granted permission for these meetings. In time, we were further welcomed to convene in the Mans Bridge Hall every Friday for our church services. The initial format of our gatherings included conducting CEM (Christian Evangelical Movement) every third week and holding cottage meetings every Thursdays.
Challenges
Though initial support was indeed offered by the faithful, Pastor Jacob George faced immense trials and tribulations to remain steadfast in his ministry. Yet, the Lord spoke to him through the holy words of Psalm 78:15-20: "He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers. Yet they sinned still more against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God spread a table in the wilderness?'"
The Holy Spirit conveyed to him that God is indeed able to cause water to gush forth from a rock in the wilderness, even amidst a rebellious people, provided he was willing to take the rod and strike the rock in faith. This divine revelation fortified Pr. Jacob George, empowering him with the strength of the Holy Spirit to persevere in his ministry with renewed vigor and unwavering faith.
Who can despise the small beginnings!!
In the early meetings of 1999, the congregation comprised only a handful of believers, often numbering fewer than ten. At times, Brother Biju Thomas stood as the sole attendee of our church service. In an era when many were drawn to larger congregations, a few steadfast and humble believers clung to the modest beginnings of our church. Brothers like Yohannan Samuel, Roy Matthew, P. S. Varghese, Santhosh Eapen, and Johnson travelled from Mussafah, even bearing the significant expense of taxi fares, which was no small burden in those days. From within Abu Dhabi city, the support of Br. Georgee Valayil, Br Biju Thomas, Br James Varghese, and their families was immensely valuable during these formative stages.
Work of the Lord
Despite all these challenges, God strengthened Pastor Jacob George and a few fervent founding members to pray and labor for the Lord in faith. Miracles began to unfold, and individuals were convicted to receive baptism. Small gatherings started to emerge as a result of these initial efforts and the mighty work of the Holy Spirit. As the congregation grew and flourished, Br. Jose Mathew was ordained as an Associate Minister on the 2nd of April in the year of our Lord 2010, further strengthening our fellowship and ministry.
Moving to the New Hall in Mussafah
When the worship space in Mans Bridge became insufficient, God's people began to pray earnestly for a new place to gather. Miraculously, within just a week, God answered their prayers. At that time, the Mussafah Brethren Center was under construction, and they responded positively to our inquiries. However, the requirement was to deposit ten years’ rent upfront, amounting to 100,000 Dirhams which was a hefty sum for a small church at that time. Yet, God began working through His people in remarkable ways.
The day after the need was announced, Br. Sabu Thomas called Pastor Jacob George, offering 1,000 Dirhams immediately and another 1,000 Dirhams the following month, despite his modest salary. His willingness to give sacrificially sent a powerful message to all members that this was a time for action and generosity, trusting God’s provision.
Upon knowing, Br. Biju Thomas also offered 20,000 Dirhams. With this momentum, Pastor Jacob George called area leaders and brothers to discuss the need further. Remarkably, 80% of the required funds were collected from the few members whom God enabled to contribute.
To ensure the advance payment could be made on time, Br. Biju Thomas arranged a loan of 100,000 Dirhams for six months, giving the church the immediate capacity to secure the space while continuing to gather the remaining funds. This entire process became a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision. It was a living illustration of the scripture from Zechariah 4:8-9: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.'"
Indeed, when God initiates a work and calls His people, He is faithful to bring it to fulfillment, often bringing something out of nothing. Today, God continues to work through His people under the leadership of our current pastor, Pr. Shibu Varghese from 2023. We firmly believe that even greater things are yet to come, all for the glory of God in this land.