John "John the Evangelist" Ward

Mr. John Ward, "John the Evangelist", age 58, a man after God's own heart, has entered into his glory on Sunday, January 3, 2016. He was born on December 15, 1957, in Anniston, AL. He owned and operated John Ward Excavation Services and Solomons Mines, both in Vancleave. He ministered to people daily everywhere he went. To him church was not a building but people. He would pray with you and for you anywhere and anytime whether it would be at the post office, a restaurant or on the side of the road. John was a longtime member of Faith Christian Center in Ocean Springs. He was known for his love of the Lord and passionate about winning souls for God's Kingdom. He traveled to Kathmandu, Nepal, Papua, New Guinea and various cities throughout Mexico preaching the gospel and hosting crusades where he was lovingly known as "Fire Man." John was saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit and then given a special anointing to preach the gospel. He has devoted his life to preaching the gospel as Jesus commissioned not only the Apostles to do but every believer: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mark 16:15-18. John delivered a simple and practical message of the love and grace of the Lord. The unique style of ministry that the Lord graced him with, took him from his hometown of Vancleave, MS to the uttermost parts of the earth. When John preached the captives were set free, the yoke broken, sickness and diseases were cured and saints of God were stirred to a deeper walk with Christ Jesus. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ward and a niece, Tara Ward Burleson. Survivors include his beloved wife of 39 years, Lynn Ward, a daughter, Sommer Ward, grandson, Caden Taylor McGrath, mother, Angelina Ward, four sisters, Maria Palmer, Linda Satterwhite, Annette Newcomb and Andrea Farrell, brother, Kenny Ward, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 6, from 10:30 am until 12 noon, with a 12 noon funeral service, all at The Revival Tent, 7400 Jim Ramsay Rd, Vancleave. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to Faith Christian Center for Orphans of Nepal, P.O. Box 1497, Ocean Springs, MS 39566. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.