By Amanda Hall • National GMA Corresponding Secretary
The National Girls Missionary Auxiliary (GMA) held their annual retreat June 12-15 at Daniel Springs Baptist Encampment in Gary, TX. This year’s theme was BRB (Be Right Back) from Rev. 22:12. The theme song was “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns.
There were 325 girls in attendance from 5 different states and over 40 different churches! The GMAs were blessed to see 7 girls accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The girls raised over $14,000 for the national project — 50% Daniel Springs, 45% Joplin Tornado Relief and 5% General Fund.
Tuesday night after everyone arrived, we had a wonderful message preached by our camp pastor, Donny Parrish. Wednesday, the Queens enjoyed a fabulous Queens’ Day at Iglesia Bautista in Carthage. They had pedicures, a crazy photo booth and some great food. The Queens also learned about modesty and “What Not To Wear.” Thank you to Carol Taylor, Queens’ Day Coordinator, for putting this together.
Back at camp, the girls from Maiden to the Princess step had forward step classes. They also made salvation bracelets and assembled Shepherd’s Bags for Evangelistic International Ministries (EIM). Wednesday night was Queens Coronation by Mrs. Teel Witt. The theme was “LOL: Live Out Loud” from James 1:19-27.
Thursday was a fun filled day of “Minute To Win It,” GMAs Got Talent, swimming and much more! The day concluded with the Miss and Jr. Miss presentation by Jayna Williams and Beth Caldwell. The theme was TBC (To Be Continued) from I Peter 2:1-2. The program thoughts were given by Charlotte Johnson and the results were: Alternate Jr. Miss GMA Kailee Martin of Mississippi, Jr. Miss GMA Megan Gunnels of Arkansas, Alternate Miss GMA Olivia Fairley of Mississippi and Miss GMA Katy Hicks of Arkansas.
Friday morning was the installation of 2012-13 officers by National WMA President Carolyn Colvert. Mrs. Colvert challenged everyone to pray for these officers this coming year: President Addie Bender of Arkansas, First Vice President Emily Luck of Arkansas, Second Vice President Katy Hicks of Arkansas, Recording Secretary Makaye Key of Texas, Corresponding Secretary Amanda Hall of Arkansas, Pianist Kaylen Fagala of Arkansas, Song Leader Olivia Fairley of Mississippi and Historian Hayley Maynard of Texas.
Newly-elected Second Vice President Katy Hicks announced the National GMA camp theme for next year — “We Are The Light Of The World” from Matthew 5:14-16. First Vice President Emily Luck announced the goals for next year’s GMA camp — 400 people in attendance and $ 25,000 for the project (90% Laura Kanaykina, Ukraine and 10% General fund.) The tentative dates for next year’s GMA camp are June 18-21.
For more information on the GMA program, GMA camp or how you can be a part of this organization, go to www.nationalgmaofbmaa.net or contact Corresponding Secretary Amanda Hall at Worthyisthelamb4.11@gmail.com or National WMA Director of Youth Auxiliaries Robin Clark at robinclark@windstream.net.
