Dr. Thomas Raymond Snyder

Dr. Thomas Raymond Snyder was born on May 12, 1948 in Morristown, New Jersey. The fourth son of seven children born to John and Helen Snyder of Locust Valley, New York. Helen was a homemaker; John was an auto mechanic who had previously achieved the rank of Master Sergeant during World War II as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress.

Dr. Snyder’s adolescent years were good ones. However, their family was poor. This meant no telephone, little or no enriching activities, and work at the very young age of eleven. Dr. Snyder always seemed to be for the underdog even during his youth. Often, he would step in when someone was being bullied or picked on (a trait that would follow him throughout his life). Many times, he found himself using his fists instead of other forms of reasoning, no matter the odds. This sometimes resulted in precarious situations. He lettered in football and graduated from Locust Valley High School in Long Island, New York in 1966. Despite receiving several scholarships, he was unable to attend university because of family difficulties. Later, he married Evelyn Michalowski. They had three children together, Lorraine, Karen and Thomas Joseph. There would be nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren added to the family.

Dr. Snyder also found musical talent in his youth and even organized a band called “The Blue Dukes.” In 1964, the group performed at the World’s Fair in the Meadowlands, Queens, New York. The band was later offered a recording contract, however, Father God had bigger plans for him. Dr. Snyder worked tirelessly, both day and night, for his young family. In 1973, he received a degree in Business Management from LaSalle Extension University, Chicago, Illinois. All of his accomplishments, his degree, a family, and ownership of a successful contracting business, seemed to herald, “there was still something missing.” After searching for almost a year and a half for answers and petitioning “God if you exist, then reveal yourself to me,” Dr. Snyder had a most powerful born-again experience. Jesus revealed himself, and after 42 years, it is as fresh today as it was then. The next two years were exciting for Dr. Snyder. He had divine energy. Learning everything he could, he read God’s word day and night. He wanted to serve the Lord with all his heart. He did anything and everything he could to serve God; he passed out flyers for Clinton White Crusades, drove church members back and forth to church meetings, offered up his house, car, and time for God’s service, went to as many meetings as possible, and even handed out Bibles from door to door at his own expense. As he grew in saving knowledge, he revisited people in his life and asked for forgiveness; everyone could see the evident changes that took place in this man’s life. Then, he had a supernatural visitation; the Lord Jesus visited him in a shaft of light. It was so peaceful, so magnificent, and beautiful; all doubts, fears, and reservations gave way to a life dedicated to the service of God! Through divine intervention, Dr. Snyder met Pastor AJ Rowden, founder of the Evangelistic Center Church, Kansas City, Missouri. Pastor Rowden became Dr. Snyder’s mentor.

Pastor Rowden enlightened him to worship in the Spirit. God had created a bond between the two servants, and Dr. Snyder flourished in the spirit. In 1977, Pastor AJ Rowden issued Dr. Snyder a minister’s license. Two years later, he was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel. The next 10 years of Dr. Snyder’s life were filled with bountiful evangelism. He traveled the world ministering and helping establish churches in Israel and Wales, United Kingdom. Lives were touched through his preaching the love of Jesus, and everywhere he went, miracles followed. Everyone could feel the presence of God. The power of the Holy Ghost was evident and moving in his life. As a result of Dr. Snyder’s ministry, English author and Evangelist Peter Newman acknowledged Dr. Snyder when he penned his book God’s Donkey: From Down and Out to Evangelist – a Spiritual Odyssey (1985). Dr. Snyder’s life would move in a new direction once more. In 1988, the Lord directed Dr. Snyder to move from New York to Wisconsin where he established the Evangelistic Center Church. One year later, under the guidance of his lifelong friend and associate, Dr. Vijay G. Prabahakar, he received an award for “Outstanding Service” for his assistance in opening the first Winnebago Health Care Center in Wisconsin. This, once again, unveiled the heart of this caring man for the concerns of others. In August 1988, Dr. Snyder graduated from Jesus Calls’ Institute of Power Ministry with honors. He also began publishing Jesus Heals Magazine. This magazine proclaimed Jesus’ glory throughout the entire world by the mighty miracles that were wrought by God through Dr. Snyder. During Dr. Snyder’s travels, he prayed for a man that was very ill and near death. Working through Dr. Snyder’s obedience, God would open another door to touch the man’s infirmity. The man completely recovered and was healed by the grace of God. His name was Thomas Salvaig, an associate of Jesus Calls Ministries. This course of events allowed Dr. Snyder to be introduced to another great man of God: Dr. DGS Dhinakaran. Dr. Dhinakaran was the evangelical minister who founded Jesus Calls Ministries and Karaunya University, Madras, India. By means of Dr. Snyder’s fervent love of God and being guided by the Holy Ghost, he began doing meetings in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1989, Dr. Snyder and Dr. DGS Dhinakaran, through a special taped message from India, held a divine revival meeting titled, “Jesus Calls Crusade.” The spirit of compassion touched many lives that evening through the gifts of the Holy Ghost. In 1993, God was moving throughout Dr. Snyder’s life. Miracles were taking place, and the love of God was making a difference in lives that were in need of Jesus’ touch. People received God’s love by hearing Dr. Snyder on his weekly radio program on WBKV 1470 West Bend, Wisconsin, by meeting him at mighty miracle meetings throughout the United States, and by receiving a touch of the Spirit through Dr. Snyder at home and abroad. He was imparting God’s love to all in need. No matter the day or no matter the time, Dr. Snyder would pray for all in need. 1994 was a momentous year for Dr. Snyder. He received the South Asian Family Services Dwight L. Moody Ecumenical Leadership Award. Also, Dr. DGS Dhinankaran appointed Dr. Snyder to the position of Spiritual Advisor on the Board of Directors for the Karunya Educational Foundation in Chicago, Illinois. This position, Dr. Snyder upheld with great honor and integrity. That year, he received, with true humility, an honorary doctorate from the Institute of International Education, Madras, India. Dr. Snyder was always on the move for Jesus. Wherever the calling was, wherever the spirit led him, there he would be. In 1995, Dr. Snyder founded Lamb of God Ministries. With Jesus Heals Magazine, the two sponsored Dr. Snyder at the Jack Reardon Civic Center, Kansas City, Kansas. The multi-day conference was entitled the “Nine Gifts of the Holy Ghosts Workshop.” Participants received certificates upon completion. This event was held in conjunction with three evenings of “Jesus’ Mighty Miracles.” Many were touched and witnessed firsthand the power of God working through Dr. Snyder. Pastor AJ. Rowden, Dr. DGS Dhinakaran, Trudy DeMeo (Heart of The Trinity Prayer Community), and Rev. Earl and Verna Roundtree (Evangelistic Center Church), spoke highly of this man of God in the July 1995 issue of Charisma Magazine, endorsing the event. Many of the miracles that happened during these meetings have been published in the Jesus Heals Magazine.

Through this event, Dr. Snyder received many invitations to preach God’s word with power throughout churches in the Midwest. Dr. Snyder was humbled to be named Chairman of the International American Friendship Society in 1996. During the same year, he was invited to travel to India as part of an international symposium to honor Dr. J. Jayalalitha, Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for her inspiring and dynamic achievements. Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar led the delegation of state senators, leaders of various acclaimed world organizations, and honored dignitaries. On behalf of The International American Friendship Society, Dr. Snyder, presented the Honorable Chief Minister with an accolade of distinction. Dr. Snyder compared her to the Lord Jesus Christ for her labors of compassion and mercy towards the children and female population in her state. During this mission to India, Dr. Snyder also visited the Children’s Home of Hope, an orphanage sponsored by Mrs. Lily Prabhakar. Moved with compassion, Dr. Snyder spent many hours speaking with the orphans, praying for them, and listening to their excited voices of hope and innocence. The delegation was also honored with an audience with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. Dr. Snyder’s account is as follows: “Mother Teresa entered the room. She stopped and carefully looked around. There was a large chair waiting for her at the head of the seating. She looked straight at me and proceeded to take hold of a milk type stool; then started to bring it toward myself. When others tried to help, she said, “ I can do it.” She brought it right next to myself, sat on it, looked up into my face and said, “you are about Jesus.” My heart melted. She spoke to me personally about what the Lord would have her share, a direct message from Jesus to myself. She also told me that God had chosen her successor and it was time for her to be with Father. The tender love of Mother Teresa, will stay with me for a lifetime; how humble I feel even today at this experience. Her words are even now being fulfilled in my life.” Upon returning home, God spoke to Dr. Snyder to find a global city and build him a house.

Dr. Snyder chose Tampa Florida and established Lamb of God Christian Center. He worked tirelessly during the next two years serving the people of Tampa with community outreaches touching the hearts of God’s children. In 1998, Dr. Snyder met a beautiful, godly widow, Linda Peek-Raulerson. This Spirit-filled woman who possess a great love for Jesus and Gods’ children worked closely with Dr. Snyder. Their passion for Gods’ service would unite them forever. They were married April 23, 1998. Ministering together around the world and sharing Jesus’ love, this dedicated couple serves with an undying commitment to God’s people. In 1999, Dr. Snyder’s passion for music again surfaced in a CD titled Inspired of God, by the church’s band JC Logos. He personally co-wrote, played, and help produced this CD. He hosted a benefit concert for the Metropolitan Ministries at the Tampa Bay Convention Center during which the album was released. Special guests Javen Campbell, formally from Without Walls International Ministry and a local band named Skinny participated. All proceeds were donated to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Florida. Dr. Snyder’s compassion to help the less privileged is a cornerstone of his personality. In 2000, Dr. Snyder received the Millennial Christian Leadership Award. This award was given to him by the Federation of American Christians of North America for his tireless, merciful, and unselfish love and service to all nationalities and ethnics. In 2005, construction of the Lamb of God Christian Center was completed. It took three years from start to finish; taking an active part in its construction, Dr. Snyder rolled up his sleeves dedicating countless hours to the labor of love and service. The first decade of the millennial was truly a successful one for Dr. Snyder, but his hard work and devotion to God’s mission did not stop. His determination to spread the love of God throughout the world continued. He was given a revelation and penned Tribulation or Raptured: The Choice is Yours. God had given him the gift and expression of a ready writer. The book was published in June 2011 with a special forward by Dr. Paul Dhinakaran, Jesus Calls Ministries, Madras India, the son of his longtime friend and brother in Faith Dr. DGS Dhinakaran. Dr. Paul Dhinakaran acknowledged the power of the Holy Ghost works through Dr. Snyder accompanied by signs and wonders, especially the gift of healing. This book was showcased in Frankfurt, Germany in 2011. Dr. Snyder’s radio interviews concerning the book included Stu Taylor of Boston WBNW 1120 AM, WPLM 1390 AM, WESO 978 AM. In 2012, Dr. Snyder attended a special book signing in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Not only did Dr. Snyder sign books, but through the mercies and compassions of God, prayed for many of those in attendance.

As Senior Pastor of Lamb of God Christian Center, Tampa, FL, Dr. Snyder continued to comfort the brokenhearted and periodically visit other churches and hold meetings at the Tampa Convention Center and in Glen Cove, New York with several other ministries. However, being moved with compassion and heartfelt concern for global conditions, doors opened to actively serve on the global scene once again. In 2017 Dr. Snyder, along with his wife Rev. Linda Snyder, journeyed back to India as part of the GSA Divine World Congress. This honor has truly humbled this man of God. To think that the Almighty God of Heaven and Earth would bring religions together for the purpose of Peace and Harmony in our world; and it is being done! During the mission abroad, Dr. Snyder appeared on Sonic Visions’ Rakshana TV Hyderabad, India. He shared how God was hearing the prayers of the world. He visited the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri K. Edappadi Palaniswami expressing his views concerning global Peace and Harmony as well as praying a blessing for his honor. He again visited the Children’s Home of Hope orphanage. Perhaps the most humbling experience of the mission was Dr. Snyder’s audience with the President of India the Honorable Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Dr. Snyder presented President Mukherjee with a Holy Bible. President Mukherjee presented Dr. Snyder with the GSA Global Spiritual Icon Award. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Snyder stated “if our service can touch just one heart, the world will be a better place.” The GSA World Divine Congress is planning its next meeting in Tampa, Florida in December 2017. Dr. Snyder along with Lamb of God Christian Center have been asked to host the event. We are hoping to assemble representatives from every religion to pursue common ground concerning World Peace and Harmony. Dr. Snyder currently resides in the Tampa Bay area with his wonderful wife Linda. He continues to inspire the world with the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.