John Pathalil Samuel June 12, 1933 - May 12, 2016

Rev. John P. Samuel was born on June 12, 1933, in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India to the late Mr. Mathai and Rachel Yohannan. Achen, as he later became known, was a very gentle and obedient son. He was one of six children. He departed this earth on Thursday, May 12, 2016.

Achen's primary education took place in Puthenpeedika while his middle school and high school studies occurred at Pathanamthitta Marthoma School. After completing high school, he completed a bachelor's degree at Catholic College in Pathanamthitta and later obtained a Bachelor of Divinity from Union Biblical Seminary in Yavatmal (Yeotmal).

In 1966, Achen began to minister in Bombay, Bhopal and New Delhi as an evangelical priest. In 1970, Achen was married to Grace Daniel of the Erithical House in Thazhathangadi, Kottayam and they later had two children. A major milestone took place in his life in 1971 when he was filled with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In 1980, IFGM Bible College was established with a vision of preparing workers for ministry. Because of their vision for saving souls, IFGM hasplanted churches in four states of India: Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharastra and Kerala.

In 1972, Achen emigrated from India to the United States. He and his wife Grace resided in New York for eight years, and planted a congregation there. In 1980, Achan moved to Oklahoma and planted another congregation. In 1990, he continued his theological studies and completed his doctor of ministry from Oral Roberts University in 1993.

Achen is survived by his wife Grace Samuel; his children, Wesley Samuel, Dan Samuel and his wife Amber; and his grandchildren, Sophie Grace and Surrie Faith. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister and their respective families.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 9am – 8 pm and Friday from 9am – 1pm at Buchanan Funeral Service with a Wake service at 6:30pm at The Bridge Church in Mustang. Services to celebrate his life will be 10am, Saturday, May 21, 2016 at The Bridge Church in Mustang with burial at Yukon Cemetery.