Binil Samuel Memorial Fund

Binil Samuel was a member of the Chicago Mar Thoma Church, and participated in the inaugural season of the Summer League in 2007 with the Lakers. Within two week following the final day of the season, Binil passed away through in hit-and-run accident on the morning August 6th, 2007. His passion for the church and for building relationships was the driving force in his participation last year, and he is greatly missed in the community.

For 2008, the Summer League staff has decided to donate all profits from this year's season to the Binil Samuel Memorial Fund, a fund set up under Binil's name to provide financial aid to the children in the NavJeevan Centre in India, with whom Binil had worked closer with before. Below you will find a letter from the family outlining the details of this fund.

If you would like to provide a donation to help cover the expenses of Summer League or to provide additional donations for this fund, you can e-mail us (summerleague@cmtcyouths.org) and we will work together with this.

BINIL MATHEW SAMUEL MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND

Established: December 23, 2007

At the request of the friends and family of Binil Mathew Samuel, the Vicar and Managing Committee of Binil's home parish, the Chicago Mar Thoma Church, has granted permission to establish an education memorial fund under Binil's name. Annual interest from this fund shall be used to support the children of the Navjeevan Center in Bombay who wish to pursue post high school education. The Navjeevan Center is an institution that harbors children of the red light district in order that they can be rehabilitated, educated and loved in an environment favorable for their futures. The Chicago Mar Thoma Church Youth Fellowship has adopted this community as their mission field over the past few years and has continually supported the ministry there. Navjeevan is a ministry that was also very dear to Binil's heart, as he was able to spend a few months serving this institution. His continued relationship with the ministry grew his heart for India, as well as his passion for the Lord. Although Binil always hoped that he would be able to visit the children again and continue partnering with the ministry, his sudden passing deprived him of the opportunity to do so. For these reasons, we believe that it would be more than appropriate that the Navjeevan Center is named as the beneficiary of this memorial fund.

We would like to give an opportunity to Binil's family and friends to be a part in raising funds for this cause. If you are willing to partner with us in this matter, donations can be made in favor of the Chicago Mar Thoma Church. Please make a note in the memo that states "Binil's Memorial." We assure you that this fund is not for the personal gain of our family or the Chicago Mar Thoma Church. It will be used to serve the needs of the children at Navjeevan, and we will hold to the strictest of accountability. Thank you very much for your prayers and support in this valuable cause as well as your continued prayers during these difficult times. God Bless.