Soul-winning and spiritual re-awakening of the world
Many members in Christ Apostolic Church the Gambia know little about this great CAC men’s
association. As such, it is quite unfortunate that they do not know much about the association.
Altogether, the history of Christ Apostolic Church Men’s Association (CACMA) is hereby
narrated for the benefit of all CACMA members and others. For example, especially all married
men and all male ministers in Christ Apostolic Church, the Gambia Ultimately, this will bring
them to the knowledge of the association. Firstly, the purpose and good intention of our
forefathers was to raise up the hands of Moses in CAC (Exodus 17:8-13). Secondly, to act like
the church in Antioch (Acts 13:1-5).
Immediately after the revival at Oke Ooye, the church started to spread widely all over the
country. The problems of ministers to work in the church planted became more apparent. In the
early stages, our founding fathers used to put people who are interested in God’s work under a
senior pastor. He trains them as students for a period of three to six months. Afterwards, they
could be posted to assume duties in churches. In previous years, such students were called tuule
in Yoruba. It literally translates to learners who are to weed their master’s farm. They also carry
the boxes of our forefathers. At times, they were called half leaders and after the completion of
their studentship course, they will be called leaders.
Therefore, the church continues to grow in number and knowledge also increased. The
establishment of a standard bible training college became necessary. This provided a uniform
training for the church ministers. So, the school of prophets and evangelists was established at
Ilesa in 1949. Thereafter, CAC Bible Training College was established at Ede in 1952. Under the
leadership of Pastor D.O. Odubanjo. Lectures commenced immediately and all other methods of
teaching (three to six month training) ceased. The only exception left were those following our
forefathers, especially Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.
As soon as school took off, the question comes begging – how do they cater for the staff and
students? Subsequently, church leaders brought an idea to mobilise men in the church to
contribute money to run the school’s affairs. They brought together all married men in the name
Christ apostolic Church Men Association (CACMA). Thereafter, it was charged with the
responsibility of contributing one shilling per person per month in each assembly. This was done
at the end of each month. for the feeding of students and remuneration of the staff. The money
was usually sent to the missionary headquarters at Ibadan for disbursement to the schools. When
the schools were brought together to establish CAC Theological Seminary at Ile Ife, CACMA
still continued catering for it. For example, a gigantic hostel was built, completed, and dedicated
for the use of the students in 2005. From then, the four phases of fencing the seminary compound
was embarked upon and completed except the riverine side. Other achievements of CACMA
were the establishment of CAC printing press at Agege, Lagos. Moreover, the bookshop at
Akure was due to the efforts of the association. The press had grown to an enviable standard but
the bookshop could not improve due to staff mismanagement.