Claude Cummings III is the founder and pastor of Victory International Church Houston, (The VIC). He earned a M.A. in Education from Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX.), a B.A. in Business from West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX.), an A.A. from Weatherford College (Weatherford, TX.), and a Teaching Certificate from the College of Biblical Studies. A native Houstonian, Pastor Cummings was born in historic Fifth Ward, educated in North Forest ISD, and graduated from Klein Forest High School. He was raised and baptized at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor F. W. McIlveen. Pastor Cummings accepted his call to minister the Gospel at Fifth Ward Baptist Church under the tutelage of Pastor L.N. Barskdale.

After three years of faithful service, Pastor Cummings was ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following his ordination, he served as the Youth Pastor at Fifth Ward MBC for 5 years. It was during this time he was led by the Spirit of God to plant an outreach ministry. Knowing he was being led by the Spirit of God, in the fall of 2013 he launched He Heard My Cry Outreach Ministry (HHMC). Since its inception, HHMC has collected and distributed clothes, shoes, and toiletries to those who are in need. While visiting with a colleague Pastor Cummings learned of a church in Baytown whose pastor relocated to another state. He accepted an invitation to minister the Gospel and after meeting with members. He was voted in as Pastor of the New Hope Church in Baytown, Texas. After two years as Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Pastor Cummings relocated to Houston to plant He Heard My Cry Christian Fellowship Church. He Heard My Cry was dedicated to Feeding the Flock, Following the Savior, and Fellowshipping with believers.

Pastor 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 Fourteen years. They have been blessed with three beautiful daughters, Jillian Rae, and Claire Elizabeth, and Laila Rose.