David Barla, 87, of Tezpur, Assam, India, went to be with the Lord on Apr. 2, 2025. Funeral service was held Apr. 3 amidst the family and loved ones. Memorial service to celebrate his life and to give honor and glory to the Heavenly Father for his life is scheduled for May 1.
David, the oldest son of Habil and Salomi Barla, was born May 30, 1937, in Chabua, Assam, India. His early childhood, he grew up in a remote rural village, Digholia. He then went on to stay at boarding school and graduated 10th grade from George’s Institution in Dibrugarh. He moved to Tezpur with his parents and graduated from Tezpur Government High School. He also completed his bachelor’s degree at Tezpur from Darrang College and moved to Kolkata in 1965 to pursue three years of theological degree in BD at Bishop’s College.
David was united in marriage to Aruna Sangma on May 6, 1974. Together they raised four children and served the Lord in love and awesome fear of God.
David was an ordained pastor and a school principal. For few years, he also had taken the added responsibility as a superintendent to oversee a sponsored boarding of about 200 school children at Sydney and Sarah Endle Hostel. After his retirement as a school principal at the age of 60, he served the church full time. He was shepherding over five churches with more than 1,000 congregational members in different locations of the district, who were hungry for God’s Word. He was a dedicated pastor who gave in to studying and teaching God’s Word in all simplicity to many of his illiterate congregations. He found tremendous joy in being with God’s family and catering to their spiritual and physical needs to his ability. He was indeed a joyful and cheerful giver in every aspect of his life. Students away from home and needy people would flock to his home. He along with his wife would happily serve food, time, and energy into their lives. There was always extra food prepared for anyone who happened to show up at his doorstep. He and his wife made sure nobody left his house hungry or empty. Missionaries passing by would always find a welcoming shelter at his home at any time and for as many days. He poured his life into spreading God’s Word with love and through his life. He wanted to be a doctor but ended up being the doctor for souls.
David lived through some interesting historical time and events. While he was in fourth grade, India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947. As a man, he was discipled by a British missionary. David lived through the horrific terrifying Chinese invasion of the northeast part of India in 1962 when people fled for their lives, money burnt in banks, prisoners were released, and many devastations until the ceasefire. He sheltered the American reporters covering the news during that time. David also survived the great Assam earthquake of 1950, which caused a lot of destruction. Its aftershock continued for months, which gradually and completely submerged many buildings and a church under water in front of his very eyes.
David enjoyed the fellowship of believers and never missed any church events or activities. He loved tea and made the best hot tea with ginger and lemon leaf. Throughout the day, he enjoyed reading his Bible and listening to God’s messages and hymns. His favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.” He enjoyed visiting and meeting with different pastors and church leaders other than his church members. Among the Christian community, he was very much loved and respected, not mentioning the love and honor he gained among the non-Christian community. Everyone knew the only Christian home existed in the vast non-Christian neighborhood. The legacy of his servant hood and faith life will continue in the hearts of everyone who knew him and his loved ones he left behind.
Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his children Deena (Lochan) Borah, Sara (Josh) Cromer, Anna (Martin) Caflisch, and Christopher (Mahima) Barla; his three grandchildren Pragya, Jemimah, and Eliana; his sister-in-law Nelli Barla; his brother-in-law Anil Hazarika; his nieces Supriya and Eva; and his nephews Ashis and Probal.
Preceding David in passing onto the eternal home and glory were his wife Aruna, his parents, his brother Surja Barla, and his sister Snehalata Hazarika.
In Memory of My Baba (Daddy)
Baba ... woke up early in the dawn of morning
We would find him reading Bible, praying, and meditating
Water and black lemon ginger tea he will not miss
While sweeping the house in a joyful bliss
Chicken, beef, and pork his stomach did relish
But God’s Word is what his heart would cherish
With much patience, long suffering, and sacrifices
He brought us all up to make life’s wise choices
He was truly a good shepherd to the Barla household with an unseen staff
Quietly amidst us, would listen to our talks and laugh
Till today it amuses me that his laughter had no sound
But we his kids knew his joys knew no bounds
Sitting at the front porch in quiet solitude
I think he dwelt in God’s Word in vast magnitude
His relentless love and trust in God
Helped him face life’s struggle with a simple nod
Never did we see Baba grumble or frown
There he goes happily for his eternal crown
So long Baba till we meet
Forever to be at Jesus feet …
We love you Baba! Cannot thank God enough for blessing us with a Baba like you.
Sara Jane Cromer
