In 2002, Harvey L. Porter dreamed he saw himself directing a large choir. The dream seemed confusing, since Harvey says he cannot sing—even a little bit. "I just couldn't see the spiritual realm of how God was preparing me for this special ministry," he said.

Harvey viewed a sign language video at work. Because he had worked with autistic children in the Genesee Intermediate School District for more than 18 years, Harvey had a soft place in his heart for communicating with children and adults who have special needs. After watching the video, he hungered for more knowledge about sign language. He studied signing books, such as: Joy of Signing, Religious Signing, and American Sign Language.

Harvey began to practice signing to music. Before long, he gave his first presentation during Sabbath school at the Fairhaven Church where he worshiped regularly. Because of the positive responses he received, Harvey thought to himself, Okay, I can do this. He was encouraged to continue to grow in this ministry.

About a month later, Harvey was invited to minister at the newly-formed Eternal Life Ministries Church. Again, others seemed to appreciate his gift of signing. He wondered, Maybe God is using me to touch others in this ministry. "Is this my gift, Lord?" he asked.

In Summer 2005, God's Hands of Praise sign language choir with director Kim Nolen from the City Temple Church in Detroit, Michigan, presented a concert at Harvey's church. "They were awesome and such an inspiration!" said Harvey.

After the concert, Harvey was approached by Cheryl Schuppler. She asked him to form a sign language choir at Eternal Life Ministries Church. "I am self-taught, and I'm definitely not an instructor in sign language," Harvey argued with Cheryl. She won that argument, and Harvey reluctantly consented to lead, though he didn't feel he had enough experience. Eternal Hands of Praise was formed with Harvey, director; Cheryl, president; and Paula Robinson, choreographer.

Since its inception, Eternal Hands of Praise has presented at numerous churches, funerals, community events, and other venues. Today, Harvey presents his ministry as a solo performance as well as with the group.

Recently, the Flint Journal featured Harvey, and he was a guest on Comcast Channel 17 in February. Harvey has used his God-given gift at family reunions, a cancer support group, a birthday party, a baby shower, nursing homes, and for a senior citizens' dinner. Recently, a DVD was released following Harvey's December 2006 concert.

Harvey hopes his ministry will continue to grow and bless others. His goal is to share words of hope this year on several gospel television programs on networks such as BET and TV One. "I want to go as far as God leads me," said Harvey. He has earned a bachelor's degree in communication, and hopes it will be an asset in his ministry. Harvey said, "I like to communicate and connect with people on a spiritual level."

To request Harvey for your special occasion, please call 810-789-8071 or 810-618-6186.

Diane Thurber is the Lake Union Herald managing editor, and Harvey Porter is a member of the Eternal Life Church in Flint, Michigan.