Samuel was born in Taiwan, grew up and worked in Canada (Ernst & Young), and graduated from Dallas Seminary where he now serves on its board. He served with the church in China and has written extensively on China. He has also authored book chapters in diverse genres including innovation, orality, and persecution. Formerly the CEO of Seed Company, currently he is the Lausanne catalyst for orality and is also the founder and principal of Karam Labs. He and his wife, Robbi, live in the United States.