LEWISTON — The Rev. Gerard “Jerry” Begin, 61, of Lewiston, passed away Thursday, Sept. 30, at his home on 24 Ashmount St., with family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston on June 6, 1949, to Henri Begin and Noella Beaulieu Begin. He was educated in seminary in Bucksport and was a graduate of Lewiston High School and San Antonio School of Theology.

He was ordained in 1984 under John G. Lake’s Ministry and the Full Gospel Fellowship of Texas. He was vice president of the Ministerial Fellowship of the USA in Kennewick, Wash., and was president of the Evangelical Pastors Prayer Fellowship of Androscoggin County for 10 years. The Rev. Begin was founder, president, and pastor of Spirit of Fire Evangelistic Ministries at 241 Bartlett St. in Lewiston.

He trained and served as bishop of ministers and ministries around the world. The  Rev. Begin’ s passion was serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by reaching the broken hearted through healing and deliverance and meeting the needs of the people. He served the community and state in developing programs and services addressing the needs of the people, receiving Lewiston’s Citizen of the Year award in 1997. Rev. Begin developed and taught extensive courses in Biblical principles, counseling, and healing, serving his Lord Jesus to the very last day of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Monique; six children, Scott-Henri Begin of Lewiston, Avril Begin of Kentucky, Wayne Begin of Kentucky , Keith Begin of Washington, Aaron Begin and wife, Leslie Begin, of New Mexico, and Gregory Begin and wife, Sarah Begin, of Kentucky; seven grandchildren; and his brother, Maurice Begin, of North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his father, Henri Begin, and mother, Noella Begin.