From Thursday, May 14th, through Saturday, May 16th, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center in Chicago-Downers Grove became a gathering place for sisterhood, faith, and fellowship. The International Association of Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows, Inc. (IAMWMW) Central Region held its 44th Annual Regional Conference — a three-day event that drew attendees from across the United States and as far as the Bahamas.
The conference united ministers’ wives and widows from seven Midwest states, all coming together under one powerful theme: A Sisterhood Embracing Change Through Love and Unity. The gathering was a testament to what women of faith can build when they commit to showing up for one another — across state lines, across distances, and across seasons of life.
Among the most celebrated guests was Elder Dr. Vernita Josey, who serves alongside her husband Bishop Arnold Josey, at Commonwealth Mission Baptist Church and holds the distinguished role of “Mother” of the Global United Fellowship Bahamas Region. She made the journey from the Bahamas to be present — and she would not have had it any other way.
“I’m just excited to be here with our sisters in the central region,” Elder Dr. Josey said. “I came all the way to Windy Chicago — it was very cold last night — but I came to celebrate with them. I’ve been looking forward to having a great time this weekend.”
Throughout the three days, attendees were inspired by numerous guest speakers who took the podium to address the importance of unity within the ministry community.
Outside the conference sessions, vendors lined the halls showcasing a variety of products and services, giving attendees an opportunity to shop and support fellow entrepreneurs.
Central Region Vice President Regina Shaw expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support the event received from the local community and the Convention Bureau.
“We’ve gotten great support from the community and from the Convention Bureau. There’ve just been a lot of people that have poured into this event, and we’re looking forward to having a great weekend,” Shaw said.
An Open Invitation
Illinois State President E. Michelle Harris, Esquire, used the occasion to extend a warm invitation to preachers’ wives who have not yet found their way to IAMWMW.
“We are looking for additional preachers’ wives to join with us, because we just have so much to offer in terms of supporting each other — and we are stronger together.”
The 44th Annual IAMWMW Central Region Conference was a reminder that the women who stand beside their husbands in ministry deserve a place where they, too, are seen, supported, and celebrated. In Downers Grove, they found exactly that.
