Pastor Claude Cummings III​

Claude Cummings III is the founder and pastor of Victory International Church Houston (The VIC). A native Houstonian, Pastor Cummings was born in the historic Fifth Ward. He was educated in North Forest ISD and graduated from Klein Forest High School.  He earned a Master of Arts in Education from Tarleton State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from West Texas A&M University, and a Teaching Certificate in Christian Education, from the College of Biblical Studies.

Pastor Cummings was raised and baptized at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor F.W. McIveen. He accepted his call to minister the gospel at Fifth Ward MBC, under the tutelage of Pastor Emeritus Leonard N. Barksdale. After three years of faithful service, Pastor Cummings was ordained to preach the word of God. Following his ordination, he served as the Youth Pastor at Fifth Ward MBC for five years. It was during this time that he was led by the Holy Spirit to plant an outreach ministry. In the fall of 2013, he followed that lead and launched He Heard My Cry (HHMC).

Since its inception, HHMC has collected and distributed food, clothes, shoes, and toiletries to those in need. While visiting with a colleague, Pastor Cummings learned of a church in Baytown, Texas, whose pastor relocated to another state. He soon accepted an invitation to minister the gospel. After meeting with the members, he was voted in as pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church.  Two years later, he returned to Houston to plant He Heard My Cry Christian Fellowship Church. The ministry was dedicated to Feeding the Flock, Following the Savior, and Fellowshipping with Believers.

Pastor Claude Cummings is a passionate teacher and preacher of God’s word. It is his heart’s desire to lead more people into a personal and passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Cummings and his lovely wife Joaquina have been married for 15 years. They have been blessed with three beautiful daughters, Jillian Rae, Claire Elizabeth, and Laila Rose.