Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
A community is known by its history. Even though the Kerala Pentecost Community has crossed a century, its history has never been recorded.
The present Christian Community, much like in its beginnings, continues to endure trials and suffering as in the first century. Over the years, the Pentecostal congregation has grown immensely and cannot be excluded from the broader Christian Community. However, a Christian organization should not be recognized merely by its strength in numbers but by its foundation on the Word of God.
The twentieth-century Pentecostal movement was greatly influenced by foreign missionaries. By 1911, Pentecostal missionaries had started spreading the message widely across Kerala, leading to the establishment of many Pentecostal congregations. In the following years, the Pentecostal congregation in Travancore strengthened, and people worshipped God in truth and spirit. Historical records show that by the mid-twentieth century, Pentecostalism had spread widely across Kerala, with thousands joining in worship. In later years, many individuals sought jobs and missionary work in different parts of the world, including Europe and the Arab countries, where they initiated Malayalam Pentecostal worship services.
The History
The history of the church dates back to 1976 when a vision was birthed in the hearts of a few families who had immigrated from India and gathered in various homes to worship God while preserving the traditions and cultures of their homeland.
In 1976, Pastor P.D. Thomas, Pastor P.M. Philip, Pastor George Joseph, and Brother Georgekutty Yohanan arrived in the UAE and, desiring to worship the Lord, established a church named Satwa Pentecost Fellowship. During this period, Pentecostal communities in the UAE were scarce. The ministry efforts of Pastor P.D. Thomas and Pastor P.M. Philip significantly contributed to the church’s growth under the leadership of Pastor P.D. Thomas.
Pastor P.M. Philip (Joy Pastor)
Between 1979 and 1980, there was a significant awakening of Pentecostalism in the UAE. In 1980, Pentecostal Revival Church was formed in the Dubai Trinity Compound. In the subsequent years, a Youth Committee was established, which further facilitated the church’s expansion. After some time, Pastor P.D. Thomas returned to Kerala, and Pastor P.M. Philip assumed leadership of the church. During this period, with the support of the church and the youth committee, outreach efforts such as camp visits and preaching the Gospel to Malayalee communities were prioritized. As a result, God enabled the church to grow immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine. Simultaneously, ministries such as Sunday School and Ladies’ meetings were also established for the church's spiritual growth. Vehicles were arranged to transport members from Dubai, Sharjah, and other areas, contributing to the church’s expansion. Many were baptized, joined the church, and received the Holy Spirit.
At the beginning of 2007, Pastor P.M. Philip’s health began to deteriorate, and in May 2012, he was called to eternal glory. God blessed Pastor P.M. Philip with a long period of ministry, during which he led many people to Christ.
Church Leadership Timeline
- Pr. Shynoj Ninan (2009 - 2012)
- Pr. K.S. Abraham (2012 - 2021)
- Pr. Joseph Cherian (2022 - 2025)
- Pr. Sam P. Abraham (2025 - Present)
Today, nearly 40 years later, Pentecostal Revival Church has grown into a thriving congregation with over 80 regularly attending families, continuing to expand each year. As we look to the future, we are committed to finding new ways to reach out to our community and spread the message of the Kingdom of our Lord Almighty.