For alumnus Rev. Alford Miller, everything started at Hartford Seminary. The pastor of True Life Ministry in Hartford’s north end is incredibly grateful and fondly remembers the lasting impact Hartford Seminary has had on his life. We sat down to catch up with him last week on campus.

A 1992 graduate of the Black Ministries Program, Rev. Miller has led True Life Ministry since 2005 and has been involved in missions work and ministry since the early 90’s. He attributes his passion and desire to continue his work to the lessons learned at Hartford Seminary.

“The seminary was the first step in my ministry,” said Rev. Miller. “It opened my eyes to different people and religions; it opened up the world without dictating which religion you should belong to. Coming here gave me a perspective of ministry that I hadn’t been exposed to before.”

Rev. Miller fondly recalls teachings of Dr. Alvin Johnson, Bishop Dr. Alfred White and Dr. James Walker, among others, while at Hartford Seminary, and used those teachings in numerous capacities after graduation.  He was a preacher in the Connecticut Department of Corrections, preaching to those in minimum and maximum security prisons throughout the state.

As a missionary, Rev. Miller has made a major impact in Haiti, Jamaica and made two extended visits to Liberia in the early 2000’s. During his visits in Liberia he helped distribute large quantities of food to those in need along with countless medical supplies so desperately needed.  Rev. Miller and his church also do continuous work in Jamaica and are currently spearheading a project , with the help of local Pastor Michael Robinson, to send supplies to the Lionel Town Hospital in the parish of Clarendon. “They always need supplies, doctors and nurses,” said Rev. Miller of the work being done in Jamaica. “We work with many organizations to try to get as much help as possible for them there.”

Rev. Miller and True Life Ministry has worked with the Executive Director Rev. Venton Forbes of FaithCare which sends doctors and nurses to hospitals around the globe to do missions work in the healthcare field. He has also collaborated with IMEC in Massachusetts, which donates medical equipment overseas.

Additionally, Rev. Miller and his church try to meet the needs of their community through local food pantries, donations, and general outreach with the help of Community Renewal Team in Hartford.

As pastor for the last 12 years, Rev. Miller has led True Life Ministry through a pair of relocations and built the church into a nurturing environment where all are welcome. During our conversation, Rev. Miller walked into the meeting room at Hartford Seminary and recalled, “this is where it all started; my foundation for learning, it opened up all the opportunities I’ve had.”

If you are interested in making a donation to the mission’s work of True Life Ministry, please visit www.truelifemin.org or reach out to Pastor Miller directly at 860-840-9906.