“Follow me.” Two words spoken in a student hostel room in 1994 that ignited a lifetime of holy fire. Samuel Terver Orkar didn’t just hear the call of God; he answered with his entire being. Today, we don’t just bury a man; we crown a consecrated warrior coming home. My dear brother Samuel Terver Orkar.
Born in Jos, Plateau State, forged in Benue’s crucible, Samuel Terver was brilliance incarnate – the “naked wire full of current.” Yet, when Christ grasped him, that raw energy became a focused beam of divine grace.
“I have decided to follow Jesus no turning back,” wasn’t a hymn for Sam; it was his blood oath, his total dedication. No turning back. No regrets. Even when the cost was staggering.
The world demanded a corporate first son; God demanded a cross. Samuel chose the cross. He forsook earthly inheritance for heavenly treasure. Amidst family concern and whispered doubts, he became the family’s divinely appointed “tithe to the Lord. His response? A gentle challenge: “Pray the Lord sends the offering too! His faith wasn’t shattered by his father’s passing during his call; it was tempered in that fire, emerging unbreakable.
And oh, what fruit that sacrifice bore!
Sam’s dedication, passion, consistency, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ didn’t just sustain him – it ignited a family revival. He was the seed that fell to the ground and died, yielding a miraculous harvest (John 12:24).
His life became the springboard that launched all his siblings into ministry:
Malcolm, an ordained minister, pastor, and global evangelist.
Luter, a missionary and evangelist carrying hope worldwide.
Denen (late), a faithful deacon and minister.
Victoria Kwaghdoo & Deborah Doowuese, serving ministers in their own right.
He didn’t just support his family; he saved them. Many in our extended family now walk faithfully with the Lord, serving in countless capacities, because Sam’s testimony wasn’t just spoken – it was lived as a daily, burning sacrifice.
“Brother Sam” – a name synonymous with infectious joy, unwavering faith, service and love in action.
For 23 years, he marched under Calvary Ministries’ “CAPRO” banner.
From Kwantakumawa to Lagos, he wasn’t just a missionary; he was a mobilisation force. “Director of Partnerships” was his title, but “Conduit of Christ’s Compassion” was his identity.
He lived the punchline: “Don’t just tell the Good News; be the Good News.” He proved it – leading medical missions, empowering men, women and children, praying without ceasing for his roots. Sam was a pioneer, like his maternal grandfather, Rev. Daniel Tiza, who sowed seeds of the gospel during his pastoral ministry Sam watered those seeds with his very life.
He wore crowns of service with joy: Head of the Joseph Iorpuu Orkar family. Supportive son to Esther, Father to Matthew Fater and Ebenezer Terhemba. Father-figure to his youngest sister and his late brother’s children. Devoted husband to Evelyne. “Love,” as many have testified , “was Samuel’s first language.” He bore the weight of expectation, not as a burden, but as a sacred trust fulfilled in Christ’s strength.
Samuel lived by the creed: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” And what a life lived to the glory of God! He was a sticker to the rules – God’s rules – with absolute belief in their transforming power.
My dear brother Samuel Terver Orkar, you fought the fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8). I had a front row seat. I witnessed it. I testify to it.
The echo is clear: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your master!” (Matthew 25:21).
The earthly tent is folded (2 Corinthians 5:1), but the legacy blazes on. Your absence dear brother is now a canyon: for Evelyne, your cherished sons, Matthew and Ebenezer, our mama, your beloved mumsy, bearing the unbearable weight of burying two sons, your siblings, your village, your mission family.
We feel the silence where your laughter rang, the space where your leadership stood firm.
But hear this, people of God: Samuel Terver Orkar’s story isn’t over! He poured himself out so the Gospel cup could overflow.
His life wasn’t just a light; it was a detonation of grace that transformed generations and will continue to transform many.
The harvest of souls in his own family stands as an eternal monument: Proof that the seed of faithful sacrifice yields a hundredfold.
So I weep, your mother weeps, your wife and children weep, your siblings weep, your loved ones weep, your mission family weeps, we weep, yes.
We feel the profound ache of “departed when most needed.” But above all, we CELEBRATE!
We celebrate a life that screamed “JESUS IS LORD OF LORD AND KING OF KINGS AND HE IS WORTH IT!” from the rooftops to the village paths.
Samuel you traded the temporary for the eternal, the expected for the extraordinary, the comfort of home for the global harvest field.
Now Rest, brother, mighty soldier of the cross. Your earthly assignment is gloriously complete. Your heavenly welcome is resounding. Until the Trumpet sounds on that Resurrection Morning… we who are still here will carry the torch you lit so brightly. We will run the race, fueled by your unwavering example and the harvest you inspired.
Farewell, faithful soldier, farewell God’s servant, farewell brother. Your life yielded abundantly. Amen.
Wtitten by Rev Dr Malcolm Orkar
