Bishop Samuel L. Carruth is the Presiding Prelate of the National Pastors’ Fellowship Assemblies and the founder of Holy Light Church of Deliverance in Portsmouth, VA. This anointed vessel of faith and vision has been a trailblazer in the Deliverance ministry for more than sixty (60) years. By virtue of his undying love and commitment to sharing the Gospel, thousands upon thousands have escaped the power of darkness, and embraced the newness of life with Christ.

A prophecy given to Bishop Carruth at the age of seven affirmed that he would preach the Gospel to many, and be a deliverer just as Moses to the children of Israel. For years, however, he neglected the voice of God, was diagnosed with chronic tuberculosis, and was not expected to survive. Nonetheless, when he accepted Christ, he was miraculously healed, and heeded the call of ministry.

Bishop Carruth’s evangelistic ministry catapulted and his testimony of God's healing power was inspiring and compelling the masses to commit their lives to Christ. He traveled extensively with his wife and family throughout the country conducting revivals, and experiencing God's amazing miracles. Simultaneously, he served faithfully as the Assistant Pastor of Deliverance Evangelistic Church under the leadership of Pastor Benjamin Smith. The two were notable for their teamwork which established them as pioneers in Deliverance Ministry, and spiritual warfare.

Fifty-seven (57) years ago, Bishop Carruth founded Holy Light Church of Deliverance and launched his renowned "A Message for Today" radio broadcast, an essential source of encouragement and practical Christian teaching. He also successfully completed his Christian education at Jamison Bible University where he received a Doctorate of Divinity. As a result of his devotion to teaching the Word of God, Bishop Carruth established the Holy Light College of Bible, a four (4) year Bachelor’s degree program. Throughout his pastoral years, the Lord has empowered him to raise up and nurture generations of bishops, pastors, leaders, businessmen, and countless ministers in the Kingdom.

Certainly, the favor of God has blessed Holy Light Church of Deliverance to earn the highest esteem among local and state governments alike. As a distinguished contributor to the community, Bishop Carruth has spared no expense or effort to minister to the needs of the people. He was led by God to launch, “Picnic in the Park”, an outreach ministry that takes the Word into low-income housing developments and Area wide Crusades that reach beyond the walls of the physical church.

Bishop Carruth has also served the community in various positions, from assisting the Portsmouth Police Department, and the Juvenile and Domestic Courts to adopting schools, and being the Vice-President of WJCB – TV 49, a local Christian television station. He is still the broadcaster of one of Hampton Roads’ largest, and longest airing Christian radio ministries on Christian Broadcasting Corporation 1400 AM and Praise Radio 104.9 FM, as well as several other initiatives and advancements for the community. For his dedication and longevity, Bishop Carruth’s commendations, outstanding achievements, and awards are too numerous to chronicle. Yet, the honors continue; the most recent being in 2019, the Encore Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2020 Hampton Roads Ecumenical Council of Bishops Episcopal Leadership Award.

Bishop Carruth is the loving patriarch of a family in ministry. He and his beautiful wife of 69 years, the late co-founder, Mother Mary C. Carruth, exuded the power love and faith while nurturing four (4) incredible daughters: the late Minister of Music, Linda C. Blake, Missionary Fayette C. Alston, Bishop Carruth’s successor: Pastor Dorene C. Norris (Deacon Robert), and Elder Shorron C. Vinson (Deacon Noel), eight (8) grandchildren and their spouses, five (5) great grandchildren, one (1) great, great granddaughter, and a special niece and nephew with their families.

Now in the office of Overseer, Bishop Carruth has ensured that genuine love resounds throughout the generations and members of our church family. It makes Holy Light Church of the Deliverance a beacon in a world of darkness, a place of refuge and hope, which has coined its tag, “The Lighthouse”.