106-year-old pastor spreads gospel

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (WANE) -- - He's been spreading the gospel longer than most people live. Wednesday, the world's oldest traveling evangelist brought his message to Fort Wayne.

You can say Bishop Otis G. Clark is 106 years "young".

He lives independently, still drives his own car and doesn't take any medications. He credits his longevity to being on the right team--God's.

"Best side, is God's side," Clark told NewsChannel 15.

Bishop Clark wasn't always on that side though. He was born in 1903, and it wasn't until the age of 25 that he gave his life to God.

Clark was in jail for bootlegging during the Prohibition area when a group from the Salvation Army witnessed to him about Jesus Christ.

Since then, he's been sharing his message of faith and redemption around the country. He recently returned from a mission trip to Africa, and he spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Fort Wayne at a Fall Revival held at Union Baptist Church.

"I thought that Bishop Clark would be a wonderful example for those of us who follow the tenants of the Bible and believe in God," explained Union Baptist Pastor, Reverend Sylvester Hunter.

In front of a packed congregation Wednesday, Bishop Clark shared his story and his secret to staying so young. He's been spreading the word of God for 80 years, and he's seen a lot change in his lifetime: like the end of segregation and the election of the first African-American president.

"We didn't think nothing like that would happen, not in our little minds," laughed Clark.

And, just to see the vibrant senior was an inspiration in itself. Many who gave up their time for the revival say they left with a special blessing.

"Just to see someone that has been seasoned to live through the history and share it with us, it was just awesome," said attendee Herbert Singleton.

"Wonderful. Wonderful spirit. Gentle spirit. Jolly spirit, just a wonderful Man of God," added Reverend Hunter.

Bishop Clark lives in Seattle.

Reverend Hunter says he plans to ask him to come back and speak again, next year.