Dr. Bijoy Kumar Roul, founder and chair of the Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church, Cuttack, Odisha, India, died 12 July 2024. He represented BIC Odisha on Mennonite World Conference’s General Council since the church became a member in 2003.  

“I had known Bishop Bijoy Roul to be a leader with a deep commitment to live out Matthew 28:19 amidst many challenges he faced,” MWC regional representative for South Asia Cynthia Peacock says.  

“His faith led him to disciple his team of coworkers which resulted in establishing 105 local congregations with more than 6 000 members and several house fellowships as well as 4 hostels for Christian boys and girls. He served faithfully till his last in spite of failing health and kept the BIC churches united in spite of the distances and remote places they are located. He tried to cooperate as much as possible to relate with MWC and promote MWC within BIC Odisha,” she says. 

“We are grateful for the service of church leaders and we mourn with those who have lost a mentor and friend. We pray for wisdom as BIC Odisha discerns succession for his role. May the members of BIC Odisha continue to walk in faithfulness to Jesus, courageously sharing the gospel of peace despite local challenges,” says César García, MWC general secretary. 

“He was a great missional leader and mentor. I consider him my spiritual father. I truly appreciate his commitment to the church as well as church planting. He always encouraged us to take our ministry with a greater sense of responsibility, and his life was a living example of full dedication into God’s kingdom,” said Sunil Kadmaset Setlur, a BIC Odisha church member who served as MWC staff through YAMEN (2022-2023). 

The funeral service took place on Sunday, 14 July 2024, attended by family, friends and church members. Bijoy Roul was 73 years old. He is survived by two sons and one grandchild.