Mathura Stays Active as Pastor Into His Nineties
April 12, 2023–Rev. Sam Mathura of Greenville, S.C. passed away on April 7, 2023. At the time of his death at age 93, he was pastor of the Greenville Paris Church of God, a post he had served for the last 35 years, making him perhaps the oldest active pastor in the Church of God.
Affectionately known as Brother Sam, Mathura was born in Trinidad, West Indies on March 29, 1930. Raised in the religion of Hinduism where they served many gods, at 17 years old, he heard a street preacher talk about the Lord God Jehovah and his son, Jesus Christ. He found where the preacher was staying, heard the Word, and was drawn to Christ, instantly giving his heart to the Lord.
Brother Sam answered the call to ministry immediately after his salvation experience and began preaching on the street corners in San Fernando, Trinidad. He served as a pastor for approximately 50 years; 15 years at the Montrose New Testament Church of God in Trinidad and the last 35 years at the Greenville Paris Church of God.
Mathura also served as an evangelist for almost 25 years, preaching in the West Indies and in the United States. According to his posted obituary, “people were healed on many occasions because of Brother Sam’s prayer and faith. Because of the miracles manifested, he gained the reputation as ‘The Faith Healer.’ He was a great servant of the most high God. For about 75 years, he preached the gospel and spread the great news of salvation.”
Brother Sam was married to Joyce Bhagwat, who received Christ at one of Sam’s street preaching services. She too, converted from Hinduism and for over 40 years, served by his side in ministry. They were the parents of four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was laid to rest yesterday, April 11, 2023, at Greenville Memorial Gardens in Piedmont, S.C.
“Brother Sam set a powerful example for staying active in ministry until called home,” said General Overseer Tim Hill. “While it may not be pastoring, I am always encouraged to see our ministers staying ‘active’ in the pursuit of winning souls to the Kingdom. Ministry is a life calling and folks like Sam Mathura deserve double honor.”
