Former Executive Secretary of the Southern Asia Division passes away

Dr. Kalapala John Moses, who served as executive secretary of the Southern Asia Division (SUD) from 1998-2005, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2021. He was 83 years old.  
Moses was born on October 21, 1937 to Kalapala John and Sampurnamma in Atkur, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India. His father died when he was six months old and his mother was determined he would become a highly educated servant of the Lord. 

She sent him to Narsapur Boarding School to be educated at Seventh-day Adventist Schools. After high school, Moses went to Spicer Memorial College, where he completed his degree with dual majors of Business Management and Religious Philosophy. After his graduation, Moses worked as a pastor. However, a hunger for education led Andrews University in the US state of Michigian, to complete his MBA.

After graduation Moses returned to India to serve the Lord. He joined Spicer Memorial College as a lecturer in Business Administration and applied Theology. During his time at the college he served in many roles including, Secretary of Faculty, Foreign Students’ Advisor, Public Relations director, Professor of Business Administration, Dean of the school of Business studies (MBA program) and Executive Vice President. He completed his Ph.D from Pune University in Business Administration.

After leaving Spicer Memorial College, Moses became the President of the Central India Union. In 1991, he became the director of Global Mission Institute for SUD, a position he served in until he accepted the role of Executive Secretary in 1998.

Moses dedicated his life to the service of God and the betterment of the Adventist community in India. He was known by many as a mentor and teacher. He was known to always be ready to help and serve God’s children. 

Ted N.C. Wilson, president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared his condolences and memories of Moses on his Facebook page. “Dr. Moses, who served as Executive Secretary of the Southern Asia Division for several years, was a champion of God’s work and a strong supporter of the worldwide Advent movement through God’s leading,” said Wilson. “He dedicated his life to the service of God and the betterment of the community. We extend our profound sympathy and condolences to Dr. Moses’ family and friends. One of these days very soon, the Lord will return and raise Pastor Moses back to life. What a hope we have in Christ!”

Moses’s wife, Kempu Moses Kalapala, preceded him in death in 2002. He leaves behind two sons and their wives, two daughters and their husbands. Seven grandchildren and one great grandson.