Nimrod Jacob Merchant

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord." – Matthew 25:21

Nimrod Jacob Merchant, 84, of Liverpool, NY, a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus, and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was called home to Glory on December 26, 2020. Affectionately known as Nim, he was born in Godhra, India, and was the only son and second eldest of four siblings.

Though born and raised as a pastor's son, he recommitted his life to Christ soon after his marriage. Nim realized his sinful state, where 'the wages of sin [are] death' and accepted 'the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ' (Romans 6:23). He grew spiritually through a disciplined life; reading God's Word, praying continuously, and serving others. He urgently shared The Gospel message through tracts whenever he could, knowing God's will is that none should perish but rather all come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9). He was a good steward of the monetary resources God blessed him with, giving generously to various ministries and those in need – in his community and abroad.

He earned his Master of Science in physics from Wilson College, Bombay India and later moved to London. After working for four years in London, England, he moved to Syracuse in 1972 with his wife Usha, and son Manish. He worked at The Rescue Mission while studying to become a computer analyst at Bryant & Stratton. He then worked at O'Brien & Gere Engineers Incorporated before retiring as a senior programmer 25 years later.

He was a man of action, instead of defaulting work to others, he would say, "God has given me two hands, I will do it." This hard-working mentality enabled him to teach himself medical billing/coding which he used at his sister-in-law Dr. Indra Koshy's practice. After his arrival in Syracuse, he served as an active and involved deacon for the International Assembly (IA). He also served as a board member of the International Friendship Evangelism for many years. Nim served in various aspects of the ministry as the needs arose.

He preferred to work behind the scenes to glorify The Lord, rather than receive the praise of men. He was a selfless man, and highly motivated to serve others. His service at IA ranged from chopping vegetables for Sunday fellowship meals and helped provide student transportation to recording Sunday Services at the IA and recording/distributing messages for The Holy Convocation. Nim faithfully served as treasurer for the Assembly for many years until his homecall.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Usha (Perry), Liverpool, NY; son Manish Merchant, Albany, NY; daughter-in-law Saroja (Premsagar), Albany, NY; beloved grandchildren Asha, Amit, Reena, Prakash, Paul, Anju, and Ben; sisters Vatsala Paul, Sarala Rao, Subodhika Christian; as well as nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Amy Merchant, and father Rev. Jacob Merchant.

Calling hours will be held at the International Assembly, 4274 Lafayette Road, Jamesville, NY 13078, on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 9am-11am. His service will follow at 11am (IA). Burial will be at White Chapel Memory Gardens Cemetery, DeWitt, NY.

The proceedings will be live streamed online due to capacity restrictions and for those abroad. View Live Stream Here

To leave a message of condolence for Nim's family, or to share a special memory of Nim, visit the guestbook below. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the International Assembly.

Donations can be made online at internationalassembly.org. Gathering size within the church will be based on the most current NYS occupancy requirements. Masks are required and social distancing is to be observed inside and outside of the church.