The Gambia Methodist Laymen’s Association (GMLA) last Sunday celebrated its 24th thanksgiving anniversary at the Bethel Methodist Church in Banjul.

GMLA was inaugurated in Wesley Church, Dobson Street, Banjul in February 1985 with the aim of promoting the spiritual, financial and social life of the church, with the acronym ‘Care’ (communion, action, responsibility and ennoblement) which serves as their motto.

The thanksgiving anniversary which was held immediately after the Sunday services was characterised by different activities - presentation of gifts to children, awards to the members of GMLA and other church members as well as distribution of Valentine’s Day roses among the GMLA’s couples, church members and other  invited guests. Sammy Davies, the conductor of the event, gave a short prayer while the GMLA members all rose on their feet to sing the Ralling hymn of the association, entitled: “Thou God of Truth and Love.”

William Aina Cole, president of GMLA in his thanksgiving speech, dilated on stewardship. He said during the celebration, they are bound to reflect on their achievements, constraints and so on. He continued that Methodist Church like all other churches, is blessed with individuals of varied abilities which could be used extensively without counting the cost. “We must realise that God is calling  on us to participate in  accomplishing the numerous works in his vineyard. This is clearly stipulated in the Scriptures: “Make God’s service your delight, He will make your want His care.”

He added that the association’s role should now change from being an organisation staying in the arena of quiet and docile servants, to one of the soldiers of Christ. He reiterated their status as an action oriented organisation, well prepared to fight the good, fight to participate in bringing peace to the world and wipe out starvation by bringing reconciliation where it is needed.

He then urged members not to forget that Jesus Christ at one point as stated in the scriptures, fed five thousand hungry people. He quickly added that GMLA is neither Christ nor have the power to give everybody, but urged members to remember that the widow’s mite was greatly appreciated.
Shortly before the intersessionary prayers, Reverend Norman A. Grigg, chairman and general superintendent of the Bethel Methodist Church, prayed for the GMLA, the audience and the nation as a whole.