prepared himself with a bachelor’s degree from Lee University, and became a youth and children’s pastor first in Conley, Georgia, and later in Greer, South Caro- lina. He earned a master of education degree from Georgia State University, and a master of arts in pastoral ministries from the Church of God Theological Seminary (now Pentecostal Theological Seminary).


In 1975, Roger Powell established the Peachtree City, Georgia, Church of God with 19 charter members, and served as its pastor for 10 years (1975-1985). Dur- ing a revival in which Allan Mathura was the guest evangelist, Pastor Powell felt impressed of the Lord that Allan should become his successor as pastor of the church. Following Pastor Powell’s resig- nation and reassignment to a church in Hawaii, on March 24, 1985, Allan became the second pastor of the Peachtree City Church.


In addition to the warehouse build- ing in which the church was estab- lished, two places of worship had been developed under Pastor Powell’s leader- ship. In 1987, Pastor Mathura dedicated the third. Almost immediately recog- nizing the limitations of their facilities and land, the church then purchased 10 acres for a future relocation project. On May 15, 1997, the congregation relocated to its new site and conducted its first services in a 500-seat sanctu- ary. Ten adjacent acres were purchased, and in 2002, having become debt-free, construction began on an additional expansion, consisting of a family life and ministry center, music suite, and preschool department. Between 2003 and 2008, additional properties were purchased—one for Joseph’s Storehouse, which provides clothing, food, and furnishings for the needy, and one for Recovery House, which helps to restore those who struggle with life-controlling behaviors. The church also operates HeBrews Coffee House—a fully-licensed


ship services, was moved from the church building to a local civic auditorium, which was packed with worshippers, fam- ily members, colleagues, and well-wishers. Among those who gave tributes to the Mathuras were Roger Powell, the found- ing pastor, along with Pastor Mathura’s father, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and present and former staff members. Local educators, staff members, and oth- ers also gave tribute to the pastor’s wife, Dr. Valerie Mathura, who has served for many years as a public school teacher, and currently serves as principal of a local elementary school.


Allan Mathura with his father, Sam “I KNEW THAT I WOULD


ULTIMATELY PASTOR. IT WAS ALWAYS MY DESIRE AND MY INCLINATION. THE MORE I TRUST GOD, THE MORE HE AMAZES ME, AND HE GIVES ME EVEN GREATER TRUST.” —Allan Mathura


Starbucks store. In 2006, the name of the church was changed to South Metro Ministries.


On Sunday, March 21, 2010, the congregation celebrated its 35th anniver- sary, and the 25th year of the Mathuras’ leadership. For that day’s service, the congregation, which averages more than a thousand each Sunday in three wor-


Because of his heritage, Pastor Mathura has a heart for building the kingdom of God throughout the world. South Metro Ministries has constructed several churches and orphanages overseas. Pastor Mathura has made numerous ministry trips to his native Trinidad, as well as to India, the land of his ancestry. At the anniversary celebration, Church of God World Mis- sions Field Representative Jimmy Talley presented an award to the pastor and the congregation for having given more than a million dollars to world missions! Pastor Mathura presently serves as the first elected member of the North Georgia State Coun- cil, and as a member of the World Mission Board for North Georgia.


This son of a converted Hindu has been used of God in the development of a tremendous local church. When asked about his call to ministry, Pastor Mathura said, “I knew that I would ultimately pastor. It was always my desire and my inclination. The more I trust God, the more He amazes me, and He gives me even greater trust.” Asked his vision for the church, he replied, “I want South Metro Ministries to be a church for all people—an international church where people of every ethnicity are welcomed and received. I want us to be a church that is Word-centered—a church that is known for preaching and teaching the Word of God.”


EVANGEL • JULY 2010 25


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