About Me

Gayla was born on March 28, 1958 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 suffering a direct hit from the tornado. Leaving the family with 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 her adult 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 30 years as Ambassadors of New Life Foundation of which she is the Managing Director. Their focus continues to be in many nations teaching, educating, feeding, bringing medicine and clothing to those less fortunate.

Gayla has received many rewards 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, she is also the writer of various subjects including:
Time Management for Women
The Worship Leader’s Manuel
Kids Kingdom Cirriculum
The Love Scrapbook Club
The Successful Working Women’s Institute.

1999 brought yet another innovation Gayla founded Role Models of America as an encouragement to women who succeed to model and lead the next generation. Role Models of America was designed to allow women to use their abilities and talents to fulfill the desire to help others. Role Models of America provides the platform by which these Role Models can communicate with other women by making available forums in which to offer guidance. Role Models of America operates RMA Thrift Stores and has an EBay store by the same name. Food Pantries, Dress for Success and Furniture donations are made available to those in need.Food Pantries, Dress for Success and Furniture donations are made available to those in need. RMA also now has a online ministry offering encouraging aid to women found in situations such as domestic violence, divorce, childhood abuse, widowhood, as well as breast cancer, eating disorders and abortion. Many more subjects are also offering as Role Models are encouraged to write and share their experiences in life and God’s help. Found at www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

Various educational events have included the RMA Style Show, The Women’s Fall Fair, The Ladies Etiquette Tea , LifeSkills Class, Beauty Queens and currently a Pro31 class – a year long study in the vocational development of true womanhood.
Recent events have expanded Role Models of America to Men, Youth and Children having Chapters forming at home and abroad.

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