HARTSFIELD, Ga. — Sinner Friend Missionary Baptist Church in Hartsfield invites the public to its annual revival service at 7 p.m. April 8-12.

The Rev. C.J. Ponder III will be the evangelist of the week. The Rev. W.B. Sales is pastor.

The son of a preacher, Ponder worked his way to become the minister of music under the leadership of his father for 15 years, followed by seven years as assistant pastor. After his father began suffering illnesses and the effects of age, Ponder was named interim pastor under his father’s guidance. Three years later, he was named senior pastor and his father became emeritus pastor.

Ponder is pastor of The R.E.A.L. Church – Moultrie, formerly Greater Newton Grove Cathedral; The R.E.A.L. Church – Tifton, formerly Dayspring Inspirational Church; The R.E.A.L. Church – Ellenton, which he founded; and The R.E.A.L. Gathering, formerly The Gathering, also located in Moultrie.

He graduated from Colquitt County High School, attended Macon College, and received his Ministry of Prophecy Diploma from V.O.P. Institute in Los Angeles. He is currently enrolled in seminary school at Andersonville Theology College.

In February 2005, he founded Pathway to Heaven Ministry, which now includes two entities: Pathway to Heaven Outreach Center and The Grove Development Center.

In April 2014, he founded Greater Inspiration, a 501c3 organization that provides free services to low income and economically deprived residents of the county. It includes a year-round Christian camp, The R.E.A.L. Blessings Thrift Store, an emergency shelter, food pantry, youth mentoring programs and other seasonal outreach events.

Ponder is married to Kutana Ponder and has four sons, Jacorey, Hi’mod, Cornelius IV and Cornelius V.