About Gwendolyn
HER ROOTS
Gwendolyn Ruth Stephens Strawder is a native Alabamian. She was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Alabama by parents Fred and Ruth Stephens and graduated from Citronelle High School before attending Faulkner State Junior College and the University of South Alabama. Gwen majored in education and taught school in Mobile County’s public school system for many years.
THE GROWING YEARS
Gwen was raised in church and was an active choir member as well as a soloist singing specials all of her teen life. Throughout her life she had a heart cry to know God in a more intimate way. Upon graduating from college, she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and joined North Bay Christian Center (a word-of-faith church) pastored by Ross Roberts where she was very active as one of the leading praise and worship singers as she grew in the knowledge of God’s word.
A NEW BEGINNING
After a very difficult failed marriage relationship, Gwen realized God loved her still and had a plan for her life and that He is a God of second chances. In fact, God sent a minister to her home town to start a church. Gwen was invited and became a member and met Anthony Strawder late in 2014. They were united in matrimony in November of 2015. Gwen has retired from her teaching career and now spends her time as wife and full-time supporter of her husband and the ministry given him.
THE FUTURE
Gwen says her main calling is to be a faithful Christian and demonstrate the love of God to people while serving alongside her husband in his calling.