"Andrew" in the Greek language means "manly". This perfectly describes the tall, slim and charming young man called Andrew Karthak. He was one of the closest associates of Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj.
Andrew received his education in Kalimpong. Though he grew up in a godly family, he only accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal savior in 1988 at an evangelistic meeting conducted by Sadhuji. From the moment he gave his life to the Lord, he felt the call of God upon him to serve God. He then joined Jesus Ministries and become Sadhuji's first associate and a dear spiritual son. |
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He travelled extensively with Sadhuji to the remote places of the Himalayas in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Together, they witnessed Christ to the numerous Tibetan monks and to the common people living in towns and villages. Besides that, he was also involved with the Hyssop Singing Ministry. He travelled with this team to different parts of northern India and reached out to hundreds of people with the love of Christ Jesus through his melodious voice.
In 1992 he went to Singapore to attend a Bible School. There he met his lovely future wife, Amutha Arnasalam. After a brief moment of courtship and with the blessings of their respective families, they were happily married on February 19, 1994.
Andrew suddenly developed a serious infection in his lungs. Though he underwent long treatment both in Singapore and India, his health kept on deterioting. During those darkest period of his life at the hospital in Chennai, India, he never voiced questions about God's love for him and was seen diligently reading the Bible and spending time in prayer and worship. No sign of discouragement was seen on his face while he was struggling for his life. Andrew belongs to the Lord Jesus. He is His to do with as He wills.
In the last week of April 1994, his health greatly improved to the amazement of the doctors. All friends and relatives were very relieved and looked forward to see Andrew and Amutha. But suddenly on 2nd May his health deterioted. Amutha saw clouds of glory hovering above Andrew's body for a few hours. While it was still dark on the morning of May 3rd 1994, Andrew finished his race as he was called home to be with the Lord Jesus. Andrew, in over the several months of illness, never once questioned God, never asked "why me", never said "this is not fair", never breathed a breath of bitterness nor anger. Did Andrew or his beloved wife, Amutha, experienced defeat? No! Because Andrew stayed faithful and true to the Lord until the end. HE WON! Death has no sting, the grave has no victory and cannot hold him (1 Cor 15:55-57)
Andrew's life is a great inspiration and challenge to today's youth. He was an overcomer - victorious and steadfast in his Christian faith to the end. He was an overcoming warrior in his life. Andrew was called, he was chosen and he was found faithful (Rev.17:14). Of him the Lord Jesus will truly say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matt. 25:13)
