Pastor Valson Kochukalayil Samuel (67) entered eternal glory on Wednesday, August 12th, 2020.
He was born on April 16th, 1953, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India to the late Pastor N.V. Samuel and Annamma Samuel of the Manammootil family. He was the oldest of four children, all of whom were raised in a godly manner in the Pentecostal faith and were part of the Church of God. He dedicated his life to the Lord at the age of 12, was baptized in water as a teenager, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of 21.
Pastor Valson was strongly influenced by his grandfather, the late Pastor M.K. Varghese (Binder Geeverchan), one of the pioneers of the Church of God movement in South India. Pastor M.K. Varghese was a member of the first graduating class of Mulakuzha Bible School and ministered alongside Rev. Robert F. Cook (Cook Saip). Pastor M.K. Varghese authored many Spirit-filled Malayalam songs such as Kunjattin Thiru Rakthathal, Karthavu Than Gambeera Nadathodum, Jayam Jayam Halleluyyaa, Sarvaloka Shrishdithave Sarvathinum Nathha, Seeyone Nee Unarnezhunelkuka Shalem, Swathanthrathin Kaahaladhvani, and Ie Rathrikalam Ennu Therum.
After spending his first few years in North India, Pastor Valson spent his formative years in Keekozhur, Kerala with his grandparents. He completed his pre-degree at Mar Ivanios College (Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) and graduated from St. Thomas College (Ranni, Kerala) with his BSc degree in Botany. He was a collegiate athlete in basketball and cricket (captain). After graduation, he worked for BICC in United Arab Emirates. In 1981, he furthered his education by becoming an Associate of The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (London, UK) and then continued working for BICC in Saudi Arabia.
Pastor Valson married Mini Samuel, daughter of the late E.M. Mathew and Aleyamma Mathew, on January 11, 1982 in Keekozhur, Kerala. They settled in Carrollton, Texas where the Lord blessed them with two children, Sherleen and Stetson. Pastor Valson became a CPA in 1992 and worked professionally in different roles. Even while working he had a passion for the Lord’s work and started the Good News Vanguard Ministry, which planted several churches in the remote villages of India. He continued to work professionally until 2001 when he received the call from the Lord to leave his job and serve in ministry full-time.
Pastor Valson started Gospel Lighthouse Church of God (Carrollton, Texas) in 2000. He was known as a fiery preacher and a dedicated Bible teacher and his message was not one of compromise. He urged others to be baptized in water, baptized in the Holy Spirit, and live a Spirit-filled and Spirit-led life as true disciples of Jesus Christ. His message called others to renounce their life of sin and pursue sanctification, righteousness, and holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. He focused on mentoring and discipling through small groups in different parts of North America. He often travelled to the most remote areas of India for several months at a time, working to dedicate, equip, and train many young ministers for the service of the Lord. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Valson made full use of his time by virtually connecting with believers across the globe 7 days a week. Even on August 12th, he completed two sessions of his regular Bible study before being promoted to glory with his Savior Lord Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife Mini Samuel, daughter Sherleen Varghese (Bentley), son Stetson Samuel, and grandchildren Eden Varghese and Levi Varghese. He is also survived by his brother Pastor Johnson Samuel (Sally), sister Annie Parapurathu (Kunjumon), and brother Pastor Finny Stephen Samuel (Sheeba).
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