Rev. Carlos Alvin Welch

2/29/2020

Rev. Carlos Alvin Welch triumphantly leapt home to Jesus on February 29, 2020 at age 91.  Rev. Welch was born in Winnfield, LA on August 24, 1928, the third of 12 children, to Fred & Morean Welch.  While studying in Chicago, Carlos met Sarojini Macwan, and on July 23, 1955, they were married and became partners in life, play, and God’s work.  Ordained as an Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church Louisiana Conference, Carlos was appointed in 1955 to the Board of Missions to work in India.  Carlos was a missionary, seminary professor, program founder, and psychotherapist.  He became “Papa” to hundreds internationally (having spent 42 years in India) and was beloved in an era when English speaking people were often mistrusted. 

Carlos graduated from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA; Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL; and completed a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  Carlos heard his call to a life in ministry from God at age 12.  He taught Pastoral Care at six seminaries, worked as hospital chaplain at Christian Medical College in Vellore, India, and the medical college in Jabalpur, India.  During his time there, Carlos was a member of the Vellore Rotary Club, and introduced the doctor who co-founded Polio Plus to the Rotary and to the World Health Organization.  Carlos went on to build five pastoral counseling training centers around India.  Prior to retirement, he managed the Wellness Clinic of the Board of Global Ministries in Atlanta, GA, providing counseling to outgoing and returning missionaries.  He loved to sing about God’s love, and his witty humor (in English AND Hindi) brought joy to many.  Other achievements are too numerous to record. 
Carlos’s favorite time of day was teatime, and he often entertained guests with tales from his life and his imagination. He traveled often to Germany, India and as far away as Australia, to visit family and friends.  He valued most this comment from his mother:  “You were the most loving child I ever met.” 
Carlos is survived by his wife, Saroj; their children & spouses, Ashwin (Peggy), Yasmin (Joseph Oelkers), Ravi (Gunhild), and Arun (Jody); grandchildren, Rasul (Heidi), Viay (Katy), Shalini (Julian), Shahina (Robin) and Maya; and 5½  great grandchildren.  Extended family includes 4 siblings, nieces, nephews, and at least 410 “children of the heart”.  We remember “Papa” Carlos with joy and thanksgiving.