Garvin R. Alfter was born on March 6, 1954 in Metropolis, Illinois.  Soon after that his family moved to Aurora, Illinois where Garvin would complete his education and find his future wife.

Garvin’s walk with the Lord began when he was 14 years old at the First Apostolic Church of Aurora, Illinois where he repented, was baptized in Jesus Name, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Garvin graduated high school in 1972 and in December of that same year he married Judy (Danette) Lewis also of Aurora, Illinois. God has blessed this couple with four children and four grand-children.

It was also in 1972 that Garvin received his calling into the ministry. Throughout the years he developed his ministry by serving as a Sunday School teacher, Choir Director, Youth Minister, Christian School Principal, Bible School Instructor, Evangelist, and Pastor. He has also held Sectional, District, and National organizational positions.

His journey of ministry has led him through many cities and states as well as twelve foreign countries and three continents. He has served as a temporary Bible instructor for the Bible School in Izmail, Ukraine.  He has preached conferences in Africa.  He has combined his love of Sunday School and missions by teaching Sunday School training seminars in France.  While living in Houston, Texas he assisted in starting a Home Missions church in Elsa, Texas along the Mexican-American border. 

In 1992 the Alfters were elected to fill the pastorate at the First United Pentecostal Church in Union City, Tennessee.  While there, Garvin furthered his education by studying psychology at the University of Tennessee in Martin.

During the 11 years in Union City God poured out a tremendous revival. Among other great things the church realized a 400% Sunday School increase during this time.

The Alfters were first introduced to Faith Tabernacle Worship Center in November of 2007 when he was invited to preach the anniversary revival. The love affair between this talented couple and this wonderful church has grown and grown ever since. In June of 2008 they were offered and accepted the position of Associate Pastor in charge of praise and worship.

When asked, Garvin will tell you that he has been blessed to have been able to serve the Lord alongside many wonderful men of God. Men like Billy W. Lewis, Charles R. Free, Bill Coltharp, H. V. Hodge, and Curtis Burton have all had a tremendous impact on his life and ministry.