Gerald Sawyer

Reverend Gerald F. Sawyer was born in Amory, MS on November 4, 1941 to George and Mary Sawyer. He passed from this life on March 16, 2021.

Brother Sawyer faithfully served as pastor of Antioch United Pentecostal Church for 42 years. To his congregation, he was not only a pastor but also a dear friend. He deeply loved his church and family, and his life was marked by an unwavering passion for global missions. Over the years, he helped build at least 380 churches around the world. Even in his final days, his burden for missions remained strong—his last request was to fund the construction of one more church, a goal that was fulfilled.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Reverend Sawyer received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Global Missions. The honor was formally acknowledged by the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves, and Senator Angela Hill on April 11, 2016.

Since 2000, Brother Sawyer and the Antioch United Pentecostal Church have contributed more than $804,630 to global missions, supporting 44 missionaries and giving monthly to Partners in Missions. His efforts helped establish churches in countries such as Belize, Nicaragua, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Uganda.

Through his leadership and generosity, countless congregations around the world now have places to worship. His legacy is reflected not only in the buildings he helped construct, but in the lives changed through the Gospel. Reverend Sawyer’s dedication, vision, and compassion stand as a lasting example of faithful service and commitment to the Kingdom of God.