Ministry Legacy
I was a member of Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church when I was first introduced to Gloria Steward. She came to our church and helped develop the Women’s Ministry. Later, I was selected to serve as President of the Women’s Ministry. Through that connection, we were invited to attend the C&M Strong Christian Ministry Retreat.
Gloria Steward invited me and several women from my church to attend our first retreat with C&M Strong Christian Ministry. The retreat took place from Friday through Sunday and was traditionally held during the first weekend in November for many years. During that time, Gloria introduced me to Deedee Strong, the niece of Mrs. Imatha Wright, the founder of C&M Strong Christian Ministries. Deedee introduced her to me as “Aunt Mae,” and I have called her that ever since.
My first impression was that the people were very friendly and welcoming. The experience was truly fulfilling. Throughout the weekend, we participated in several workshops centered around the retreat’s theme for that year, along with powerful messages from guest speakers. We praised God through prayer and praise dancing, creating an atmosphere that truly brought us into the
presence of the Lord. There were special speakers in both the morning and evening, as well as testimony services where individuals shared how God had worked in their lives.
Each year the retreat helped me grow closer in my relationship with Jesus Christ. It also gave me the opportunity to fellowship with other women who love the Lord. We connected with women from different cities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Some who attended were not yet saved, but many accepted Jesus Christ during the retreat.
Attending the retreat for more than 25 years has been a significant part of my life. It strengthened my spiritual growth and supported my walk within ministry. It also equipped me to comfort and encourage others in Christ by sharing God’s Word.
Over my 25-plus years with the ministry, I served in several roles including President, Vice President, and Retreat Coordinator.
One of my most rewarding moments was when my daughter became involved in the ministry. She has many talents and has used those gifts to serve within the ministry. Seeing her contribute and grow has made me very proud and thankful.
I hope that the service I gave through this ministry helped lead someone to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. I also hope that those individuals went on to share their faith with others so that more people could come to know Christ.
During one retreat, our group was upstairs praising God while another conference group was meeting downstairs. Our praise became so joyful and powerful that the group downstairs came upstairs to see what was happening. They enjoyed the atmosphere so much that some of their members began joining our conference little by little. Since then, some of those members have continued attending our conference every year.
I have seen the ministry grow over the years. I played a role by inviting friends, church members, and people I met along the way. I also encouraged women from other churches to attend the retreat and experience the ministry for themselves.
One of my most cherished memories was bringing a busload of women from my home church to attend the retreat. It was a blessing to see so many women experience the fellowship and spiritual growth together.
The most important lesson I learned is to always keep God first in every situation. Pray for His guidance, wait for His direction, and when He gives the answer, follow it faithfully.
I was introduced to Mrs. Imatha Wright by Deedee Strong, who called her “Aunt Mae,” and I have used that name ever since. Aunt Mae and I worked very well together. We communicated openly about the ministry and always accomplished what needed to be done. I truly enjoyed being part of the ministry with her, not only as a leader but also as a friend. Her leadership was excellent, and I still miss her presence today.
My prayer is that the ministry will always remember its mission and the reason it was established. Always keep in mind that God is the one in control. Aunt Mae has always been a praying woman who sought God’s direction. I pray that the ministry will continue to follow God’s assignments, grow in faith, and help others come to know Him as their personal Savior.
Linda Ross
