History
The C&M Strong Christian Ministries was birthed, established and ordained in 1982. It was branched from the Collie B. and Mary Lee Strong Family in the “home that love built”. This Love provided a home for family and a shelter for others. Everyone was welcomed; No one was turned away and God always provided. This love left a Legacy with the family of Collie B. and Mary Lee Strong and in 1982 the family began its Ministry within the family, passing down it’s legacy of love and the love of Jesus Christ on to the next generation of grandchildren, nieces/nephews and cousins in a setting of Bible Study and Prayer Meetings every first weekend of the month, teaching how to pray, praise and worship as a family under the direction and leadership of Imatha Wright known as “Aunt Mae.”
Eleanor Jackson, Imatha Wright’s sister, known as “Aunt Jewel” was given the Vision by God to extend the Ministry to others and plan and coordinate its first prayer retreat in 1986. “Aunt Mae” continued to lead and direct and took over the planning for future and ongoing Prayer Retreats. Friends and church members were invited and through word of mouth, the Ministry grew and Outreach was born.
The Ministry began ministering to the elderly in nursing homes and to children and adults in churches through various programs and workshops. The Ministry has touched many lives and discipled even more. This has been accomplished through annual prayer retreats, monthly Bible Study and prayer groups, drama presentations, praise/dance ministry, prayer, family and parenting workshops, children/youth summer camps and partnering with community churches in their activities and assisting them with workshops, seminars and conferences.
The C&M Strong Christian Ministries continues today with the "First Weekend’’ Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings every month and continues with the Prayer Retreats every first weekend in November. Imatha Wright has stepped down and no longer directs the ministry due to health issues but has passed the baton to her niece, Chay Griggs, who is now serving as the current director.