Current Board Members
Dr. Jesse Paul Clay joined the Board in 1966, becoming recording Secretary in 1967. He chaired the 20th and 25th anniversary celebrations in 1967 and 1972. He became Financial Secretary in 1973 – and continues to serve in this capacity. He was elected President in 2023 shortly after the former President, Rev. Thorpe’s passing. I have had a love for mission for most of my life. It was through my late wife’s late father, Rev. William O. Jackson, that I became involved with the AAMC
Gbato John Ballah was born in Harbel, Liberia. I was a difficult child, so my dad sent me to Bopolu at the age of ten, where I attended Bopolu Public School. I was drawn to Bopolu Bible Mission (BBM) thru a close bond between me and my cousin Anthony Zinnah (an orphan on BBM) and was Baptized by (Uncle) Rev. Andrew Trusty in 1969, after receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have a love for BBM, and I humbly serve as Vice President of AAMC, and Chairman of the 75th Anniversary.
Emma Marie Trusty, a missionary who served on the Bopolu Bible Mission with her husband, Rev. Andrew Trusty, former Field Director, and four children for many years. My experiences on the field remain with me and impact my life in every way. I joined the board because missions work is very important to me. Currently, I serve as the Recording Secretary. Participating on the Board provides me the opportunity to continue impacting this very necessary ministry.
Marie Cunningham, the current secretary, began serving under former President Kenneth Thorpe. As the church secretary at Grace Tabernacle Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Thorpe, I was asked to work with AAMC in connection with the services provided at the church. Serving at AAMC since 2002, I love the mission of AAMC.
Brother Milton A. Coleman Sr. has been actively involved with the AAMC board since August 1978. While attending the Manna Bible Institute. Accompanying Dr. Harvey P. Davis, Acting President of the AAMC Board he assisted in promoting the vision of AAMC work in Bopolu Bible Mission. I became a board member in 2020, and currently serves as the Treasurer.
Dr. Melvin D. Wayns, Jr. is an Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Church. He has been preaching the Gospel for 59 years and served as Pastor for 45 years. Missions have always been his passion and he has been an AAMC Board Member since 1968. He is also a Police Chaplain in the Philadelphia Police Department.
Edythe Reeves, the third child of Dennis and Famata Reeves. My father, Dennis Reeves, collaborated very closely with the missionaries working and living on the Bopolu Bible Mission, completing various jobs including ministry after he was led to Christ. I am blessed and proud to also be a product of Bopolu Bible Mission. For the past 30 years I have been working in the healthcare field. I am grateful to God for the sacrifices the missionaries made to get me where I am today, To God Be the Glory.
Rev. Beverly Baugh-Awide, an ordained minister since 2017, is also a retired Special Education Teacher and a School Counselor serving 30 years in this capacity. Rev. Baugh-Awide serves as a member of the AAMC board of directors, because she has a heart for her brothers and sisters in Liberia. She is honored to be a part of the legacy started by the dedicated missionaries who founded AAMC.
Nyanli Sarnor Lalugba, born in Bopolu Liberia, attended Bopolu Bible Mission in 2005, Joining with Joe Reeves and others to reopen (BBM), I have been an active sponsor. In 2022, I became a member of the Afro American Missionary Crusade Board, and it is a pleasure working with the board members.
Bishop Dr. Jesse Paul Clay, Jr., is the Pastor and Founder of Jehovah Christian Ministries located in Capital Heights Md. Following in the footsteps of his late grandparents, Rev. William O. Jackson, former President of AAMC and Mrs. Marguerite H. Jackson, former President of the Women’s Auxiliary of AAMC. And his parents, Deacon Dr. Jesse Paul Clay, current President, and the late Beryl Yvonne Jackson Clay who served on the Women’s Auxiliary. Having a passion for Missions he has been on the AAMC Board since February 2023.
Reverend Sydney Flores is excited about missions. Working in several areas including Brooklyn, New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia to provide the gospel message to men and women wherever I am, and especially working with young people in Philadelphia area. As an ordained minister at Greater Exodus Baptist Church, and as Temple University’s Football team chaplain, I have opportunities to share the good news. As one of the newest AAMC board members, I look forward to contributing any way possible.