Pastor Matthew John Farkas went to his eternal home Sunday, August 27 after church. While he will be greatly missed and our hearts ache, we are extremely grateful he is with his heavenly Father.

Pastor Matthew was born on August 21, 1960, in Johnstown, PA to Victor Francis Farkas and Mary (Huffman) Farkas. In his youth, his passion was athletics, particularly bowling, swimming, and baseball. He was even on his way to the minor leagues for baseball when he was tragically hit by a car. Being told he was never going to walk again, Matthew was determined that he would—and walk he did! Around the age of 16 a Presbyterian minister started “harassing” the family, and eventually he ended up attending a Baptist school where he came to know the Lord. Afterwards, he decided to attend Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK, leaving the love of his life in PA…but not for long. Matthew and Brenda (Prange) Farkas were married on December 26, 1981, and eventually they had four wonderful children: Laura Lynn (Farkas) Lewis, Rebecca Lynn (Farkas) Willis, Sarah Lynn Farkas, and Matthew John Farkas II.

Matthew devoted his life to serving the Lord and others. His greatest desire was for people to know God deeply and personally and to see those trapped in addictions set free, like God had done for him. During his time in ministry, he also obtained a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, a Bachelor of Ministry from Central Bible College, and a Masters of Ministry with honors— with his passion of study being Greek. He published a book called You Can Make it to the Other Side and was currently working on a book about faith. He and Brenda were co-producers of the show “Say What?” on Fact TV and “Doing Life” on SAPA. His children will always cherish the fact that even during his busiest seasons of life he made sure he was at every sporting and school event, cheering them on. Some of his hobbies included hunting; gardening; studying the Bible and writing; watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and having pizza time; jig saw puzzles; and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Pastor Matthew Farkas was a loving father with a heart of compassion who loved people greatly. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Farkas; parents, Victor and Mary Farkas; four children, Laura Lewis, Rebecca Willis, Sarah Farkas, and Matthew Farkas; brothers, Victor Farkas, and Timothy Farkas, and sister, Melissa Carlis, as well as 8 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5 from 4:00-7:00 at the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls. A Celebration of Life will take place at Living Hope Fellowship in Bellows Falls, VT on September 6 at 11:00 AM, followed by the burial at Rockingham Meeting House, and a reception at Abundance Acres in Andover, VT. In honor of pastor, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to send donations to Living Hope Fellowship to aid in this time of loss and transition, 582 Rockingham Road, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

Thank you so much, Pastor Farkas, for your love and service to the people of Bellows Falls and the surrounding areas, and maybe one day we ​will make you proud when we get to heaven and say we finally understand the difference between the Greek words Logos and Rhema.

2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls.