Lanford Eugene Porter, Sr. was born December 2, 1957 in Jackson, Mississippi.  He is the seventh of ten siblings born to the late John Henry Porter and Marie Porter. He attended Sumner Hill High School, Hinds Community College and Jackson State University. He has a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications.  Pastor Porter received the gift of the Holy Ghost on March 26, 1977 at Greater Bethlehem Temple Church (GBTC) under the leadership of the late Honorable Bishop Phillip Coleman, Sr.

 

As a young saint, the Lord blessed Pastor Porter with a passion for souls. This passion for souls has driven him to be a powerful witness and soul winner for Christ. He served in many capacities at GBTC including choir member, president of the choir, altar worker, head of the seeking committee, Deacons board, Sunday School Teacher, youth mentor and Minister. He served GBTC faithfully for thirty years before the Lord called him to be a pastor.
 

On January 1, 2006, Apostolic Restoration Ministry was born in his home. In February 2010, he retired from Nissan North America to work full-time in ministry.

 

Pastor Porter is married to his high school sweetheart, Darlean Manyfield Porter. Together they have two sons, Lanford E. Porter, Jr. and Keidron Porter. 

Elder Porter, an Ordained Pastor in the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, is a lover of people. Although it takes effort, time and commitment, he loves the challenge.  He says seeing a lost soul saved is like a new lease on life, a great source of inspiration and strength.