Anniversary: Rev. Titus Nanayakkara

Rev. Titus Nanayakkara or better known in the loving term of 'Titus Aiya' in the city of Galle and in the Southern region passed away on February 6, 2007, and it is two years since he was called to rest with his master Lord Jesus Christ.

He was the pastor of Smyrna Church Galle for nearly four decades developing and nurturing the congregation. He was truly a good shepherd who denied himself for the good of his flock. He followed the footsteps of his Master and Redeemer Lord Jesus Christ in moulding his pastoral role.

He was an aggressive evangelist who humbly crusaded for the truth. He sacrificed much of the comforts that he could have enjoyed in order to be true to his calling. He walked many miles to most unreachable places taking the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. As he travelled he spent many sleepless nights in fulfilling the great commission.

One of his strong desires was to put up a Prayer Center where the desperate and the helpless could come to seek help in prayer and find consolation.

Rev. Titus was a man with a large heart with an extraordinary sympathy for the people in need. He wanted to care for any child on the road as if it were his own. It was his sheer desire to help needy schoolchildren that prompted him to initiate the reference library and the study centre for the use of students preparing for examinations. He never limited his services to any section of the society. The majority of the children who benefited from this services were non-Christians and of different ethnic groups.

He never hesitated or thought twice to offer his own meal to a person who would drop in to his residence at a mealtime.

His only worldly pleasure was planting anthurium and orchids. He had a wide variety and a vast collection. Whenever he visited a remote place he was sure to find a rare species of an orchid, and he would commit himself with an untiring efforts to take care of the plant and when it bloomed he was the happiest on earth.

He was undoubtedly a master trainer. He was always ready to take the lead when guiding fresh hands. He would delegate responsibility yet he would hold himself accountable for results. He was always practical and down to earth in his thinking. He was a skilled craftsman and he insisted that everyone should master some kind of craft by acquiring technical skills.

One of his ultimate goals was to establish a Vocational Training Institute, which would benefit many youths. He held on to this vision till his dying day. Usually, we Sri Lankans blame young people for being a burden to the society, but Rev. Titus held a completely different point of view. He promoted the golden theory that it is better to light a candle than to curse darkness. In his resting state, Rev. Titus will surely bless the Lord who made his vision of Smyrna Vocational Training Centre become a reality after two years of his earthly demise.

Whenever any violence or unrest erupted in the area he was the first to offer to mediate and settle the matter. He was highly respected and regarded as a trustworthy mediator by all religions and ethnic groups.

At times of natural disasters he helped the displaced masses without any discrimination. People in need and despair came to him for advice, support and refuge. He never let them down or sent them away empty handed. He always had a positive answer or an alternative method to bring them out of their morass. He always willingly offered to walk the second mile without any hesitation. He never expected any glory or to be in the limelight in return for what he sacrificed or committed. He always offered the due glory to his Master and Saviour Lord Jesus Christ.

There are many pastors, teachers, social workers and a host of noteworthy people in all walks of life who have had the gentle influence of this great man. The fire that he has ignited in many hearts continue to light up the lives of many multitudes round the globe.

His three beloved children, Nisha, Mark and Mayali being the torch bearers whom he gifted to us, there is no doubt that they will continue to shed the same or even greater light on the lives of deserving masses. Dear Sister Indrani, the beloved wife and the ardent supporter and strength of late Rev. Titus Nanayakkara can be happy that when we all meet him at the glorious feet of our Lord Jesus Christ that we have accomplished the vision which he left with us on Earth.

- J.V. Weragoda