NEW ORLEANS — In New Orleans, the city that care forgot, Keith Sam made it his life’s mission to make sure people remember what the bible teaches.
If you spent any time on Canal Street, you may have seen Sam, the man in the umbrella cap, preaching relentlessly for hours.
Yvette Sam says for as long as she can remember, her brother had a calling to minister to those on the street.
“I can remember at 13 years old, catching the bus down on Canal Street and seeing and witnessing my brother preaching,” she said. “He’s a man of faith. He’s a faith walker.”
Actor-director Anthony Bean said his cousin’s faith never wavered.
“People who came to New Orleans and visited New Orleans and those who just walk on Canal Street, they would always recognize the “umbrella man” who was standing on the corner, preaching the word,” Bean said.
Sam’s spiritual journey is nearing an end.
Doctors diagnosed him with terminal stomach cancer.
We spoke to him from his hospital bed as he prepared for surgery.
Sam told us you must accept what you cannot change.
“He has a purpose, all things in life as well as in death,” Sam said. “That’s the reality we’ll all have to face.”
While Keith Sam may be gravely ill, he told us he’s okay with whatever may come.
“Even though we are ill, even though we’re well, the word says to live as Christ,” Sam said.
“He knows that he’s very sick,” Bean said. “He knows that. But unlike many people who have no faith, he’s not worried. He’s been waiting for this moment most of his life to see the King.”
Yvette Sam believes her brother can rest easy knowing he made a difference on Canal Street.
“I’ve gotten and received numerous calls, especially since he’s been ill and even prior to becoming ill on how my brother has really, really impacted their lives,” she said.
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