About Me

My mission statement is..... to love, to understand, and to communicate clearly.

Gayla was born in Benton, Illinois to Sam and Joyce Latta. Adventure came early as a tornado ripped through the small town of Benton Illinois. Only 3 days old, cradled in her father’s arms, the young family was kneeling in prayer beside a closet when the entire house was blown away, leaving only their lives intact.

At age 6 Gayla moved with her parents and three brothers to Liberia, West Africa, 65 miles from the nearest motor road in a mud house located central to a jungle village. Along with three brothers, Gayla attended school taught by her mother. The experience of this early adventure provided her with an early education in Missions, which impacted for life.

Upon return to the United States to complete schooling, Gayla met and married Evangelist Gregory Holley on December 27, 1975. As itinerant ministers and teachers, the couple travels throughout the world continually for over 32 years as Ambassadors of New Life Foundation of which she is the Managing Director. Their Ministry continues to be in many nations teaching, educating, feeding, bringing medicine and clothing to those less fortunate.

Gayla birthed their baby girl, Angela, in Harare, Zimbabwe, at the close of the civil war of Rhodesia during their years among the natives. She also home schooled their daughter for 10 years.

Orphanages for hurting children, and homes for those who are in poverty, her compassion for the young, encircles the world. MOMS AGAINST HUNGER is the platform by which she and her daughter and grand daughter operate, providing meals for thousands of children and mothers.

Thousands of packaged formulated rice meals have been distributed to provide essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and vital nourishment to the starving. Together these MOMS AGAINST HUNGER work to provide aid to those who will die without food around the world. She has mentored her daughter and now grand daughter to also provide for suffering humanity.

SPECIAL HONORS, CERTIFICATES AND AWARDS:

One of the Thousand Points of Light in America. In 1991, Gayla was awarded #389 in President George W. Bush’s 1000 Points of Light.

Gayla has received many awards for her Community Service and her advocacy for women and children. Nominated as the “The Woman of Distinction for the Ten Top Women in Houston, Texas.”

A singer, songwriter, playwright and author. The following are a list of her Publications:
Time Management for Women
The Worship Leader’s Manuel
Kids Kingdom Curriculum
The Love Scrapbook Club
The Successful Working Women’s Institute.
Most recently her extensive study and writings on Proverbs 31
brought yet another innovation.

Gayla founded ROLE MODELS INTERNATIONAL as an encouragement to women who succeed to model and lead the next generation. ROLE MODELS INTERNATIONAL was designed to allow women to use their abilities and talents to fulfill the desire to help others.

ROLE MODELS INTERNATIONAL provides the platform by which these Role Models can communicate with other women by making available forums in which to offer guidance.

ROLE MODELS INTERNATIONAL operates:
RMA Thrift Stores,
Food Pantries,
Dress for Success,
Furniture.
ALL available to those in need.

RMI also now has an online MINISTRY…offering AID to women found in situations such as:
domestic violence,
divorce,
childhood abuse,
widowhood,
breast cancer,
eating disorders, and ABORTION.

Role Models are encouraged to write and share their experiences in life and God’s help.

Various educational events have included:
RMI Style Show,
The Women’s Fall Fair,
The Ladies Etiquette Tea ,
Life Skills Class,
Beauty Queens
Pro31 class – a vocational development of true womanhood.

Her teachings include all groups of females ranging from little girls to senior mature women in need of support.

Gayla is the mother of Angela Mooney, wife of Sean Mooney, co-Pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship, LaPorte, Texas. She enjoys her grandchildren, Gracie and Jake. Industrious and creative, she is never bored and seeks to fulfill her gifting and callings in life.

Interests
Gayla loves reading, singing, sewing, painting, designing interiors, cooking, writing, entertaining, teaching women, trying new things, creating new projects, making new creations out of broken things and broken lives.

Education:
Certificate of Ordination – 1984
Illinois State University -1987 Senior Counselor for Women’s Crisis Centers
Dame of Grace of The Knights of Malta - 1998
Doctor of Divinity Degree - 2009 American Bible College
The Therapon Institute Licensed Pastoral Counselor – 2003
The Therapon Institute Belief Therapist – 2003
Light Learning Institute – Extraordinary Women Course - AACC 2003
American Association of Christian Counselors – Member since 2005
Served as an Executive Board Member of The Bridge – a Shelter for Battered Women
Facilitator and Teacher of Marriage Class
Houston Police Department – 16 hours of Profiling Criminal Behavior – 2000