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Q. How did you get into ministry?

A. I grew up in a rough Boston housing project called Columbia Point in a family of nine children. Although I'd been a hardworking student, paying for college seemed impossible. But my mother's favorite expression was "Pray, and the Lord will make a way somehow." I viewed that as good advice for other people. But when I decided to go to college and seminary because I believed the Lord had a call on my life, I had no other choice!

I packed for college and even went to orientation, but still didn't have any money. I'd have to pack up my belongings and make the 100-mile trip back home. But an heir to a corporate fortune heard about my plight and paid for my college and seminary education.

How did this impact you?

After I graduated, I went to my benefactor's office to thank him for all he had done for me and asked him what I could do to pay him back. The man responded, "Help somebody."

I've spent the last 20 years in the ministry with that goal in mind. I've pastored in the drug-ridden, crime-infested inner city as well as well-manicured suburbs. And I've learned that the blessing of God is like a boomerang. As I've tried to help somebody, the Lord has blessed me.

Help somebody! Volunteer your time and focus your energies into community service programs and the outreach ministry of your church. The Scripture reminds us to "cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again" (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

—Vernal E. Simms is the senior pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia

Credits: Adapted from — William J. Key & Robert Johnson-Smith II, From One Brother to Another (Judson, 1996)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information click here.

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Prayer for the Week

Jesus, open my eyes to the needs of Your hurting children. Stretch out my hands to touch them. ell.

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