Moving to Florida at 14 was a pivotal moment in my life. It was a time when I was trying to understand what true manhood looked like and how to become a successful man myself. During that season, Gary L. Salter Jr. stepped in and immediately made a meaningful impact on my life. Whether it was helping me grow as a musician, an athlete, or strengthening my faith, he invested his time and wisdom into guiding me in the right direction.

Even today, as I stand as a husband, father, and ministry leader, he remains someone I can lean on in times of need. His mentorship has played a major role in shaping the man I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the lasting influence he’s had on my life.

— Anthony Mables

Having the opportunity to work alongside Gary for over 10 years was a true privilege. I watched him grow into a genuine community leader, someone who not only leads with integrity, but lifts others toward their true potential. His sincere dedication to empowering people on their own growth journeys, and his ability to inspire through both action and encouragement, has made a meaningful impact on everyone around him. Gary truly exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and unwavering commitment to community.

- Cindy Colletti

Where do I even start is the real question! Bishop Gary aka “my Pops” has been nothing but good to me, even when it came to correcting and constructive criticism, oh boy did it sting but it was necessary. He took me under his wing and guided me to becoming the woman I am today, he showed me what love was from a father’s stand point, he taught me how to fight back when the enemy came up against me!! He challenged my thinking and pushed me to never give up. Most importantly he brought me closer to God and showed me countless times what faith looks like! I want to personally say thank you pops and know your labor with me was not in vain! I love you ❤️

- Charde Brown

Bishop Gary is a man who I have known for many years. When I first started working with him back in 2014, he was the person who guided me through all of my hardships and taught me everything I needed to know about being a great teachers assistant. Going through life, and even after all of the years, Pastor Gary always opened his arms for a shoulder to cry on and his ears as somebody to listen when needed. Pastor Gary is a man of patience, love and compassion. He lives a life of devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ and puts passion into everything he does. I can’t thank Pastor Gary enough, for everything he has done for me.

-Lindsey Thorson

Bishop Gary and his wife, have been a significant part of my life long before he ever carried the title “Bishop.” His love and dedication go far beyond a title—it’s simply who he is at his core. As a young person, I witnessed firsthand his genuine love and commitment to the youth and people in our community. He didn’t just talk about love—he lived it by welcoming us into their home, praying with us, guiding us in truth and transparency, and creating a safe place where we felt seen and valued.

Through his consistency and care, I learned that love is truly an action word. When I think of him and his family, I’m reminded of the scripture, “Love bears all things…” (1 Corinthians 13:7). True mentorship is rooted in love. His investment in my life played a pivotal role in helping me understand the love of God in a personal way and created a family connection that will last a lifetime. For that, I will always be grateful.

- Apphia Glenn

Gary Salter has helped me not only as a mentor, but also as a spiritual, mental, and even physical father figure. From the way that I dress, to the way that I think and conduct myself—even to the way I submit myself and serve God—his guidance has had a powerful impact on my life.Through biblical principles, he helped me discover a deeper part of myself as a man in many different ways. When I first came under his mentorship, I was impatient with myself. I didn’t always have the right verbiage to express myself in a productive way, and I had a habit of quitting whenever things became difficult.But through his mentorship, I came to understand that “change is a process, not an event.” He taught me to have patience with myself while he coached and guided me. Because of that, I was able to endure many conundrums and challenges from different aspects of life—situations I normally would have walked away from.

He helped me understand that you never walk away defeated from a task or obstacle.That mindset allowed me to push forward and conquer certain obstacles in my manhood. He reminded me that I am more than a conqueror.He also taught me the art of conversation, which has helped me better manage and improve my platonic, business, and romantic relationships. His mentorship has shaped the man I am continuing to become, and I’m grateful for the wisdom, patience, and example he has given me.

- Immanuel Innis