Getting to know: Preacher enjoys developing sermons

Dora Church of Christ Pastor Gary Simpson was born and raised in South Africa.

His family has also lived in the United Kingdom.

His wife, Robin, was born and raised in Portales and they met through a friend. They have been married for 16 years and have three children, Charlyn 10, Sarron, 7, and Chantelle, 4.

Simpson attended Southern Africa Bible School in Benoni, South Africa, and graduated from Lubbock Christian with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

What got you interested in being a preacher?

Since I could remember, I’ve always wanted to preach. So what I’m doing right now, is a fulfillment of a life-long goal. Since I was a little boy I’ve always wanted to preach.

Is there a particular part of the Bible you find yourself constantly going back to when preparing a sermon?

I preach from different books. This last year or so we’ve been in the Gospel of John, which is one of my favorites. Presently, on Sunday morning I’m preaching from the Gospel of Mark.

What is your favorite scripture?

First John 4:7-21 through the end of the chapter. It is a chapter on love. A lot of people are familiar with 1 Corinthians 13 as being the love chapter. But what John writes in 1 John rivals that one for sure.

What is the most rewarding part of being a preacher?

I hate to say preaching because I’m the preaching minister here. But I love preparing and inventing the sermons. I love doing that and interacting with people. I think one of the greatest joys of my life outside of dealing with my own family, is talking with people about the Bible. Having scriptural type discussions, that’s very exciting to me.

What are your hobbies?

Right now, restore a tractor. I’ve been busy with that. It is a 1947 Farmall Cub that is the first year they made that tractor. But I like reading and visiting people. I play pool at the local Senior Citizens Center with the boys. I like working in my shop in metal, wood work and stuff like that.

What is your favorite dessert?

Cherry Cheesecake.