Serving Family, Church, Neighborhood, and Community.
More About Mae Bell McPherson
The Footprints of a Warrior
MORE ABOUT MAE B. MCPHERSON CONTINUED
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Mae Bell McPherson
Prayer Warrior
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Although Mae was dedicated to her roles as wife and mother, she was equally committed to her service unto the Lord. Having inherited the mantle of prayer from her father, she held noonday prayer Monday – Friday for over 25 years at Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ. In this noonday service, which attracted people of all races and religions from far and near, people received the Holy Ghost, healing for their bodies, and salvation for their souls!
People would call "Sis. Mac" from all over and ask her to pray with them about a situation, allowing her to become a prayer partner to many people. When medical conditions challenged her health, and was unable to get to the church – she was careful to turn her heart towards heaven at the noon hour. A committed prayer warrior and intercessor, she was obstinate in stressing to people everywhere the importance of consistent prayer in the church.
Missionary and Evangelist
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Having accepted the Lord in her early adult years, Mae played a vital role in the church's operation. She became a faithful, willing worker of the Lord.
Not only was she faithful, she believed in bringing her children to church – every service. Her father taught that 'if the church is good enough for you, it is good enough for your family.' On many occasions, she would also take neighborhood children to church along with her family.
With a loving, drawing spirit and a heart to serve beyond the walls, Bishop Clemon saw a call on her life, and she became a licensed Missionary. Seeing that she embodied a praying spirit and a zeal for studying God's word, he appointed her President of Prayer and Bible Band.
As a Missionary, she was faithful to visiting the sick in the hospitals and nursing homes, and the shut-in at their homes. Loving to cook, she always had food prepared, which she would offer to neighbors; and she loved to bring meals to the seniors. Seeing the need to assist individuals and families suffering from food insecurities, she took it upon herself to contract with local grocery stores and wholesale clubs to obtain bread and pastries at no cost to distribute to congregants, local fellowships, and throughout the community.
She served as President of the local, state, and national Usher Boards. During her tenure as President of Mt. Olive Usher Board, she established several units from the usher board: the Lillian Memorial Usher Board (ages 18-30), the Junior Usher Board (ages 9 – 17), and the Tiny Tot Usher Board (toddlers), and the Nurses Unit. To help the youth raise funds for their annual usher anniversary, she implemented the Sunday School store. With a desire to assist the youth in their academic endeavors, she also established the Lillian Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of her mother.
As the Lord continued to use her in outreach ministry, she became a licensed Evangelist under Bishop Wilbert M. Chapman, Sr. — a gospel son of her father. In this role, she became the Evangelist Coordinator, overseeing and implementing the church evangelism program, training workers, and actively participating in the evangelism ministry to influence others for Christ and bring them into the church. Sis. McPherson would sponsor outreach services every summer in Mt. Olive Church's parking lot, across the street from Berkeley Heights Housing Complex. Soul winning was her passion — and with a fervent desire to see souls filled with the Holy Ghost, she was always willing to work the altar. Evangelist McPherson also ensured that there was appropriate literature such as Daily Bread and tracts on hand for distribution.
Besides her dedicated service to leading the various auxiliaries, she served faithfully on the Pastor's Aide committee, always willing to sell dinners and deserts to assist in meeting financial goals. With a warm and inviting spirit, Evangelist McPherson also served on the New Member's Orientation Committee, where she assisted in guiding prospective members on church protocols and helping them become engaged in the service of the Lord.
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Mother and Beyond
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Growing up in a Christian family who frequently entertained guests, from her childhood years until her passing, Mother Mac developed a love for cooking and baking, with Peach Cobbler being one of her famous desserts. Her social ease and skill at entertaining made her approachable by people of all ages, races, and socio-economic status.
Knowing the plight of a teen mother, Mother McPherson's experience gave her a greater understanding and compassion for single mothers and young struggling families. As an advocate for women and mothers, she would often talk of her desire to start a support group for women dealing with various issues.
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Her nurturing, "mothering" spirit resonated with a special love for children throughout the family and her church, especially among the youth. She affectionately received several monikers, including "Aunty Mae" and "Mother Mac," as her church family had taken to calling her.
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When the Junior Church Mother relocated, Bishop Chapman saw that this role would be befitting for her, and she became Mt. Olive's Junior Church Mother. With sleeves rolled, Mother Mac worked diligently with the youth, ensuring that they were involved and on their post for service, especially the Youth Crusade, Church Anniversary, and Pastor's Aide Anniversary. Apart from encouraging attendance and participation, she implemented many fundraisers to assist in raising tangible offerings.
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Apart from the many hats that she wore, the Lord bestowed many gifts upon her. The Lord would reveal things to her through dreams. Furthermore, many would call her to interpret their dreams. She also had a keen sense of discernment; what the Lord did not reveal to her in dreams; she would often discern in the spirit. As a chosen mouthpiece of God, Mother Mac operated in her gift of tongues and boldly proclaimed the mind of God. Although she did not walk in the office of a prophetess, she spoke with prophetic utterance — what she said came to pass. She also operated in the gift of healing. By the power of God, many people received healing as the Lord led her to lay her hands on them.
She served faithfully on the Mother's Board of her local church. After rising through the ranks, she became Assistant State Mother of the Central Connecticut Diocese Upper Room District. In this role, Mother Mac served on the State Credential Board, licensing missionaries and evangelists. She traveled throughout the states representing Christ, and she forged lasting friendships with people from all walks of life.
With an eye for fashion, Mother Mac was a bona fide fashionista who loved wearing hats. From her attire to accessories, she was well coordinated when she stepped out: wearing elegant hats on Sundays, and dapper hats to accentuate her casual wear throughout the week. Indeed, Mother was a classy woman of God – well admired and highly respected by all who knew her. Despite her love for fashion, she was mindful of the necessity of wearing the whole armor of God.
The Warring Years
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In January of 2012, Mother McPherson was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cell cancer. Although she went through radiation treatment to lessen the condition's effects, Mae's diagnosis failed to deter her commitment to her call. As multiple myeloma took its toll, it did not quench her spirit; her faith was relentless.
She was determined to pray and perform her missionary and outreach duties until there was no breath left in her body. Many nurses would hear her praying in the midnight hours as her bodied lay wrapped in pain. Despite her condition, she would yet share a word of encouragement with the nurses and hospital staff, encouraging them to get to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Despite her failing strength, Evangelist McPherson decided to make one final run on the evangelistic trail in the Summer of 2015. Engaging with sinners and compelling the lost to come to Jesus during this outreach service, she organized what would be her final street service. Called by God and anointed for service, she dedicated herself to doing the work of an evangelist as long as she lived.
The Final Battle of a Warrior
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In the following years, Mother McPherson persisted through her battles with multiple myeloma. She was a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself — but determined to fight the good fight of faith to finish her course. Mother Mac was always surrounded by her children and grandchildren, who loved her so dearly. On May 3, 2016, Mother Mae McPherson transitioned from labor to reward.
The Legacy of a Queen
As the second oldest daughter of fourteen children, Mae treasured her role as a big sister and her family's strong matriarch. Mae B. McPherson was a phenomenal wife, mother, and friend. Unlike any other woman, she left a lasting impact on whoever crossed her path.
To her children, Mother was so much more. She was a wise woman, the vein of our family; she corrected us with affection, and she exemplified the love and joy of Jesus until the end. Mother hoped that whatever we do be molded and shaped by Godliness, excellence, and commitment. May our children and our children's children carry forth with pride the dignity of her memoirs and the various traditions that she established.
Her love and concern for others emanated throughout her family, church family, neighborhood, and the community. Her visions and her valor inspire us. Her life reminds us that family is more important than fame; integrity is more important than influence; people are more important than possessions, and service is more important than success.
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