Bishop Joshua Samuel Canion was born on May 7th in Hempstead, New York, to Bishop Rodney S. Canion and Evangelist JoAnn N. Canion—a lineage rooted deeply in holiness, prayer, and apostolic ministry. From his earliest years, he was nurtured in the rich spiritual heritage of The New Gospel Temple, first under the leadership of his grandmother, the late Dr. Minnie M. Canion, and later under his father, Bishop Rodney S. Canion.
Most importantly, Bishop Canion experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ in April 2005. In March 2007, during what is remembered as the “Upper Room Experience,” he was baptized and gloriously filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost—an encounter that marked the true beginning of his apostolic calling.
With a heart surrendered to God, Bishop Canion preached his Initial Trial Sermon on December 16, 2012. He was later ordained an Elder by the late Bishop James H. Gaylord and, on January 26, 2024, appointed and installed as Pastor by Bishop James Pullings, Jr., both of the 1st Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Eastern New York Church of God in Christ.
In June 2023, following the undeniable voice and leading of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Canion accepted the divine mandate to establish a new work. With God’s confirmation, he stepped out in faith to found the Kingdom Life Temple of Deliverance. The ministry was officially established on July 1, 2023, and held its inaugural service on August 20, 2023. Since that time, countless souls have been saved, filled with the Holy Ghost, healed, delivered, and empowered. The ministry has witnessed miracles, signs, and wonders—clear evidence of God’s hand upon the assignment.
Continuing in the apostolic grace upon his life, Bishop Canion moved forward to establish the Kingdom Life International Fellowship (KLIF) and was affirmed as its Elected Presiding Prelate and Chief Apostle in September 2024. Under his leadership, the fellowship has grown to encompass more than twenty churches united in Kingdom purpose. Understanding the necessity of spiritual covering, Bishop Canion and the Kingdom Life Temple of Deliverance humbly submitted under Archbishop Keith R. Wright, Sr. and the Liberty Pentecostal Fellowship in December 2024.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Bishop Canion’s calling was further affirmed when, upon the unanimous election of the KLIF General Board, Archbishop Keith R. Wright, Sr. solemnly consecrated him as a Bishop in the Lord’s Church and installed him as the Presiding Prelate and Chief Apostle of the Kingdom Life International Fellowship.
On October 27, 2018, Bishop Canion married the love of his life, Lady Sandra B. Canion, whose steadfast support, grace, and love have enriched his life and ministry. Together, they are committed to advancing the Kingdom of God and transforming lives for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Bishop J. Samuel Canion stands as a prophetic voice, a holiness preacher, a builder of leaders, and a servant of the Lord whose ministry is marked by integrity, compassion, and apostolic authority. His life declaration remains:
“And because GOD is the greatest power, we shall NEVER be defeated!”