It all started by presenting a paper on wholistic development in April 1991, at the KEGF annual conference in Alwaye. On the strength of that presentation, on 25th June 1991 a new charitable society was launched by the name “Evangelical Social Action Forum”. Mr Jacob Samuel, co-founder of ESAF, suggested the name. During the time of its inception it had 5 life members, 7 annual members and 8 honorary members. The society was registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act March 11, 1992. Its founder president was Rev. Itty Mathew and Miss. J. Danabai was the vice president. Mr. K Paul Thomas was the Secretary supported by Mr. Jacob Samuel as joint Secretary and Arun Ramakrishnan as Treasurer.

1992-1995 was a period of study. Later in 1994, ESAF had its first voluntary staff. Mr. George. K. John. Gradually the list of committed staff grew steadily. A separate office was setup in 1996 and the society started functioning in a more systematic way. In 1999 the Registered office was shifted to Hephzibah Complex, Mannuthy. In the same year computerization was implemented at the head office level. Then we started organizing Career counseling and Employment Guidance Programs, Promoting income generating self-employment schemes and creating awareness about the dignity of labour.

In June 1992, ESAF organized its first programme on career Guidance at Christavasramam, Manganam for 30 fresh graduates. In September 1993, a weekend Seminar on “ Development an Evangelical Perspective” was conducted at Kottayam. Seminars on Street Children, Banking with the poor, and Micro Enterprise Development hosted by EFICOR gave insights into the problems of the deprived millions.