Mathen (Bobby) Mathew, Elder

Bobby was born in S. India to Syrian Christian parents and although having been exposed to Christianity at an early age, did not grasp the good news of salvation until his High School years in Madras, India. His father, who was first saved in 1970, was eager to see his children come to faith in Christ and wrote many letters urging his children to be saved. That witness along with the witness of faithful Christians from Youth For Christ to teachers resulted in his becoming a true believer in 1974. Bobby and his younger brother arrived in NY that year to join their parents. He graduated from High School in Houston and then from The University of Texas at Austin. He began working in the Upstream sector for a major oil company in 1981 and that same year was one of the founding members of Houston International Christian Fellowship (HICF) along with Martha whom he married in 1984 as they both shared a common vision. Reaching others for Christ has been central to their marriage and family life. They have 2 grown children (David & Esther) who also love the Lord. The Lord Jesus has faithfully preserved their marriage and family allowing them to labor in His field through His strength and has provided His protection and resources in incredible ways. Now retired after 40 years of secular work, he looks forward to all that God will continue to accomplish for His purposes in the years to come.