Tyra Frazier

I attribute my success to God Almighty. Because without him, I am nothing. Everything I've been able to accomplish in ministry, all the people I've been able to reach and serve, it all comes back to keeping the Lord first. That's the foundation of everything I do.

My advice would be to, one, keep the Lord first. And two, just remember to love the people. It's important to me that I'm available for the next woman who may question whether she should do it or not, because a lot of religions, a lot of denominations still don't accept women preachers. So whatever I can do to encourage somebody else that may be thinking about entering ministry, coming up in ministry, even if I could mentor them, that will always be something that I would be interested in. I want to be there for the women that may be discouraged and help them know they can do this.

Some of the biggest challenges are the language barrier, since the church I currently pastor is in a mostly Hispanic neighborhood, and there's also a lot of drugs in the area. Sometimes people don't want help, so it's about finding ways to communicate with the community, see what needs are there, and try to meet them. You still find ways to love them where they're at and try to minister to them and get help if they want it. On the opportunity side, I get to always be a blessing to somebody. I love children, and one of the highlights each year is when the church does a back-to-school giveaway. Just to see the smiles on the children's faces, and during Christmas when we do our Christmas giveaway, it is the same thing. To be able to interact with the families and see the children, and to know that they are excited and happy about getting something, anything, a toy, just anything, is always warming to my heart. To be able to work in the community and bless these little babies, to make sure they have what they need for school and have something for Christmas, and whenever else I can get things and give out, I will always do that.

I often reflect on this song by Jackie DeShannon, and she says, what the world needs now is love, sweet love. One of the main values is that we continue to love one another, that we respect each other, and that we continue to be people who are for humankind. And I'll go back to it again and continue to show love. Love is the language of faith, and it's what guides everything I do, both in my work and in my personal life.