As an educator, pastor, and a devoted family man, the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor was anything but timid. He was fearless in the face of adversity and resilient during times of challenge. His unwavering faith in God’s dependability kept him rooted in humility, but also propelled his belief in achieving the impossible. Bishop Pryor was a leader who was passionate about creating a “bridge-building” ministry as a way of bringing people together during a period in history when division by race, socio-economic status, and denomination was the norm. With the support and wisdom of his loving wife, Evangelist Ruth C. Pryor, Bishop Pryor left a mark on the Great Lakes Bay Region community that is still touching and changing lives today.

Evangelist Pryor’s contribution to the growth of the ministry throughout Bishop Pryor’s tenure is immeasurable. She continues to be a radiant beacon of light and hope in the community as she diligently teaches others how to embrace the principles of holiness, prayer, and confidence in their lives. Ever faithful to the VBM family, she currently serves as the head of the Women’s Department, an active prayer warrior, and church mother.

This is their legacy…

• Increased the in-reach and outreach ministries at the church from less than a dozen to more than 60 ministries, including global ministries.

• Grew the membership from a small faithful group of Christians to a vibrant congregation of people of various ages, socio-economic status, and educational backgrounds.

• Built a 50,000 sq ft facility on a former wheat field to harvest souls and people along I-75, which includes an administrative and educational wing, gymnasium, and a state-of-the-art sanctuary that seats 1400.

• Expanded outreach efforts by establishing a separate 501c3 called VBM Community Outreach, Inc., which partners with community agencies and schools to offer enhanced services to Saginaw County youth and family services in the areas of: educational programs, mentoring, health & nutrition, recreation, drug & violence prevention, career development, summer camp and a host of activities to build healthy and safe communities.

• Operated a HUD-certified housing counseling agency, Victory Resource Center, which provided free counseling for home ownership and foreclosure prevention to families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

The Chief Praiser...