Our very own Marla and D’Vaun were featured on a recent podcast!
Thank you to TJ Mauldin for taking time to talk with both Marla and D’Vaun to hear their stories and experiences with ACE and what led them to where they are now. If you’ve never heard them speak or even if you know them well, it’s a great reminder of how God works through us all for the good of the world around us. Give it a listen!
Any great undertaking doesn’t start where the results are seen; it starts with a spark of inspiration, a simple idea, a tiny prick that over time becomes a little more than a sensation to ignore. Then God confirms that He’s implanted destiny, and it so happens you’re carrying the seed.
The village has been ACE’s seed. If you’ve been around long enough, you’d have probably heard the pitch (more than once, too). God has inspired us after being his hands and feet in childcare trying and failing, being frustrated when our help only goes so far because we have limited access to our children and our parents aren’t equipped to follow up, God bless their hearts. The village was God’s light bulb moment to us (He has all the great ideas).
You’ve already met Latoya Newel and her family (if you haven’t you’ve been neglecting the newsletter; God’s watching you), For those of us whose memories aren’t as great (I gave you an out), Latoya’s family experienced turbulence after turbulence in their life. All this meant ACE had to go deeper in trying to help. We gave her a job, she stayed with us a while, living in several houses on our property. But nothing can replace a home of your own, and that’s when God reminded us of that brilliant idea He gave us all those years ago.
We’ve made so many attempts to start building the Village for so many others; however, as they say in Jamaica, “Wherever God is, the devil presents himself thrice as much.” We decided that God’s ability to help is greater than the roadblocks that came up. We stepped out in faith and started the process again to make sure that this mom with her five kids had a home., Though the journey was long (with lots of help from sponsors and teams) and we didn’t always follow the route we started, we are beginning to see where God wants to take us. Our first family is in the Village – home, sweet home.
One of my now favorite verses, Romans 8:38-39, speaks to God’s faithfulness and commitment to us, in the same way neither red-tape nor limited resources nor forces of darkness can stop God’s plan to water that seed of faith, a seed that leads to the fruits of our labor and the love of Jesus Christ.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
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Have you ever seen the shoeboxes in the lobby of your church or school marked “Operation Christmas Child”? Those red and green boxes are for a program facilitated by Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational outreach organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to people in need around the world. You may have been on the preparation side of this program, filling up boxes with toys, hygiene products and school supplies, helping to ship them off to more than 100 countries. https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/the-journey-of-a-shoebox/
ACE was honored to team up with Samaritan’s Purse on the other end of this event to distribute boxes to some of our very own children in St. Mary, Jamaica. It’s never just “drop the box and go” — Samaritan’s Purse has developed a beautiful multi-faceted program with stories, booklets and songs to truly show God’s purpose in the children’s lives and in the gifts they receive, helping to create life-long relationships with Jesus Christ.
The boxes are given out in conjunction with a 12-lesson series called The Greatest Gift over the next few months. This long-term program helps the children learn more about Jesus and to create opportunities for discipleship, not only for the students but their whole families. Even more special, for all the children who complete the twelve classes, ACE will have a graduation, and each will receive his or her very own Bible, provided by Samaritan’s Purse!
What a wonderful experience it was to be a part of this, to see their smiles upon receiving their boxes and to know the Bible stories and prayers will continue to surround them as the days go on. Thank you to the Jamaican chapter of Samaritan’s Purse for allowing us to work with you. We look forward to each and every opportunity to come!
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Most of you know or have heard us mention Dawn, our Child Sponsorship Stateside Coordinator. She has worked diligently for nine years with our Jamaican staff via email and phone calls, coordinating sponsor/child relationships, home visits, and learning about the needs of the children in our program.
What’s amazing about Dawn is that you can mention a student’s name and she will know every detail about that child and his or her sponsorship. She’s a walking Child Sponsorship encyclopedia. Marla mentioned in a previous newsletter, how, even during a hospital stay, she had her computer open, keeping the sponsorship program current, without missing a beat. She has taken this role into her heart and truly makes this impact area of ACE shine.
So, we are so sad to announce that she is retiring in the next few weeks. While we know many great things await her and her husband as they plan their own adventures, we will miss her deeply. Transition is hard, but, in this case, the job is staying in the family in the best possible way — not just our ACE family but Dawn’s family!
Remember Amber, or rather Ms. Amba? She is Dawn’s niece and an integral part of ACE’s history. Seventeen years ago, she came to ACE on a short mission trip, came back as an intern, worked on our Stateside staff, then volunteered full-time with ACE in Jamaica for five years, leading the iQuest program, teams and education initiatives. Amber has seen and done just about everything ACE-related, even helped with the initial setup of the Child Sponsorship program, as she saw the needs of kids and families through her interactions at the schools, even sometimes taking a child into her home.
The Child Sponsorship program and its processes have been streamlined over the years by all who have had a hand in it, both in Jamaica and in the states. How fitting it is for Dawn to hand the baton back over to Amber, now a mom herself, well-versed in the needs of the children of St. Mary and the workings of our ACE ministry. Welcome back, Amber, and best of luck, Dawn! We love you both!
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With 2023 here and lockdowns in the distant past, we at ACE had hoped and prayed the infirmary we had been calling “ours” for so many years would be open, with the residents happy to see all of us and our volunteers. Sadly, that hasn’t happened. Though we keep sending short messages to our friends like Richard and others through employees, telling them that we love them, it isn’t quite the same as getting hugs and face-to-face smiles.
I guess a pity party would be in order or even anger if we allowed ourselves to focus on what we’ve lost not being able to get back in. However, God quickly reminded me that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just the things we’ve seen and known but to look expectedly to what lies before us – sometimes, in plain sight.
Instead of going to the infirmary, we now visit the families who live near our property that have elderly and infirmed. Our staff goes two times a week, team or no team, and these compassion visits have changed our hearts in so many beautiful ways. Without barriers, we can administer the level of care that they need and ensure that 100% of what we bring goes to the residents of our community. We will be able to go deeper with our assistance and personal connection, knowing God puts us where we are needed. When one door shuts, another door opens. While we still pray for a return to our infirmary family, we are grateful to have found new opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Yesterday, the ACE staff sent over pictures of their visit to one of our elderly and handicapped neighbors just down the road from ACE office. It’s said that pictures say 1000 words and, well, I think this might be the time to use this phrase.
By the way, we need volunteers who can cut hair on these visits, as well as do shaves, nails, bathing, cleaning and so much more! You don’t need to be a professional, you just need to be available. Bring your skills down to Jamaica!
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That’s the report for this weekend for Jamaica. As tropical depression #9 is gaining strength to enter our personal space here in Jamaica, we are advised to prepare for 65 – 80 mile an hour winds and 6 -12 inches of rain. Being a girl from Miami, Florida, spending most of my young life there, preparing for these types of storms is second nature.
While the preparation is extensive for making sure the animals and the buildings are safe, it always impresses me to watch how a blue sky and calm seas can become grey and stormy in a matter of hours. The sea rages up 10 to 15 feet, while rain is blowing sideways, lightning everywhere. It reminds me of Psalm 135:6-7: “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. He causes the vapors to ascent from the ends of the earth; who makes lightnings for the rain; who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.”
A hurricane to me is a great reminder of the Mighty God who loves me no matter what the weather looks like outside. I find that very comforting inside with my animals and Allen. Next time your storm season rolls through, remember who the Author of such magnificence is.
UPCOMING MEDICAL TRIP DATES:By partnering with medical groups from the US, ACE holds quarterly medical clinics throughout the parish. In working with the Jamaican Ministry of Health, our teams are able to make regular visits to the government clinics, enabling these communities to receive the care and treatment they so desperately need. By holding regular clinics, the health problems of the communities are treated regularly therefore decreasing the acuteness of the illnesses.
Our trips run Saturday to Saturday and the cost is $850 per person for the entire week; Please note starting January 1, 2025, this price goes up to $899 per person. This includes your stay and food at Galina Breeze Hotel, transportation to and from the airport, organized medical clinics, 24-hour security, and transportation to and from the clinic sites. (Free day activity is an additional $35 that you will need to have with you on the island) Airfare is not included. Please note that this is a group rate and is based on 4-6 per room. If you need a private room and there is availability (determined by ACE and the hotel), you may have one for an additional $25/night for double occupancy, $50 for single occupancy.
If you’re interested in learning more about our medical trips, or you wish to book a trip, click the button below to contact our stateside office.
TRIP COSTACE trips are for teams of 15 or more, but individuals and teams smaller than 15 can be accommodated in certain circumstances.
Length: 8 days/7 nights (standard trip is Saturday to Saturday)
Cost per person: $850 + airfare (including $100 non-refundable deposit)
Please note starting January 1, 2025, the trip cost per person will be $899 + airfare (including $100 non-refundable deposit).
Children 12 and under are half price. Children 3 and under are free.
We require that our teams arrive and depart from Montego Bay airport, arriving prior to 3:00 pm and departing no earlier than noon. We are 95 miles from Montego Bay and 75 miles from Kingston, but the drive is quicker and safer from Montego Bay due to road conditions.
What is included in the cost?
√ Ground transportation between airport and hotel (2 hour trip each way)
√ Room and Board (group price based on 4-6 people per room)
√ All meals during your stay at the hotel
√ 24-hour security
√ Daily bus transportation to local outreach (10-35 minutes)
√ Most construction supplies, if applicable (paint, block, cement, etc.)
√ All tips and taxes
√ Full local staff and ACE staff
√ Access to hotel pool, tuck shop, and ocean side fire pit
√ Optional site trip for one leader to Jamaica prior to trip (airfare not included – please inquire about dates)
√ A life-changing experience!
X Airfare costs – flight requirements above must be met for free ground transportation, with arrival and departure on Saturdays (unless arrangements are made prior to booking)
X Mandatory short-term travel insurance. We can coordinate this through our ACE partner, Travel Team Brokers (contact us for pricing) Or teams can provide their own (proof of insurance required).
X Food during travel to and from the airport
X Off-day costs (an afternoon activity planned by ACE with transportation; bring $35 to cover lunch and admission expenses)
X Optional purchases at hotel or at off-day site
About the Scriptures
We believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and that men were moved by the Spirit of God to write the very words of Scripture. Therefore, we believe the Bible is without error.
About God
We believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ is the second member of the Trinity and (the Son of God) who became flesh to reveal God to humanity and to become the Savior of the lost world.
About Humanity
We believe that all people were created in the image of God to have fellowship with him but became alienated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, people are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through their own efforts.
About Salvation
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, God freely offers salvation to those who place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin.
About the Christian Life
We believe all Christians should live for Christ and not for themselves. By obedience to the Word of God and daily yielding to the Spirit of God, every believer should mature and be conformed to the image of Christ.
Agenda items may include
There will be an “off-day” opportunity, usually a beach or other relaxing activity, toward the end of your week; teams must bring $35 per person in cash to participate. This is a perfect way to end a week of hard work!
The negative impact of poverty is most deeply felt by the youngest and most vulnerable part of the community—the children. Like Jesus in Matthew 19, ACE believes it is our duty to welcome these children with open arms, offering them love and protection. We are committed to give the children of our community a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty by empowering them to reach their full potential by being educated, cared for, and in good health.
WE ARE a Christ-based outreach ministry dedicated to community transformation in the parish of St.Mary, Jamaica through strategic initiatives in education, enterprise, healthcare, and discipleship.
HOW DO WE DO IT? ACE enables volunteers to join in its outreach through a variety of hands-on experiences. Individuals and groups from all over the world come to volunteer their talents and know-how, which helps provide self-sustaining solutions to local problems, and in turn, empowers the people of St. Mary, Jamaica.
WHAT IS OUR IMPACT? With more than 30 years experience working in Jamaica and a deep understanding and passion for the country, ACE serves as a model for successful community outreach. Additionally, while making a direct impact during their time in Jamaica, volunteers often return home with a new understanding and passion for service which results in continued ministry to those in need throughout the globe.
Being a beacon for Christ is the fundamental purpose of everything we do. Equally important is how we do it. Our duty is to let His light penetrate the darkness by being love in action.
We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk… because faith without action is dead. As we are often asked why we do what we do, the answer is simply, the door is open for us to lead the way for children and families to experience a relationship with their Saviour, so we are seizing the opportunity and partnering with Christ. We work with our local church to ensure continued spiritual growth and care.
Community Discipleship- Discipleship is intentionally incorporated into everything we do. In addition to one-on-one discipleship efforts, ACE coordinates and hosts conferences for more in depth mentoring and outreach to men, women, business people and couples.
Marla Fitzwater, Founder and Executive Director of ACE, arrived on the island in 1988 coordinating short-term mission teams to work in Jamaica. Her work began to form what is now ACE.
During the early years, Marla quickly observed that those receiving the primary benefit from volunteer efforts were actually the people and organizations who were serving. These visitors were touched by the experience and inspired to continue serving others upon returning home. Ironically, the local community had not experienced any long lasting change. Despite the projects and improvements, the community inevitably returned to a poverty state physically, mentally and most of all, spiritually. She also learned that poor healthcare and lack of education was a reality and that without improvements in those two basic areas, people just wouldn’t have a chance to grow and flourish the way God intended.
Through these tough lessons, the strategy for ACE’s outreach was born. To this day, our ministry focuses in four main areas of Impact: education, healthcare, enterprise, and discipleship.
There is an old proverb, “If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” History proves that lasting change in a poverty culture is achieved by empowering the people to reach their full potential and become self-sustaining. ACE is invested in our community long-term and in conjunction with our partners in the US, we are identifying the circumstances of those around us in order to find real solutions for their unique needs.
History proves that lasting change in a poverty culture is achieved by empowering the people to reach their full potential and become self-sustaining. ACE is invested in our community long-term and in conjunction with our partners in the US, we are identifying the circumstances of those around us in order to find real solutions for their unique needs.
The ministry of Jesus on earth was teaching and healing. Rarely is there one without the other. We have found that if you talk about the love of God but fail to meet the basic and urgent needs of the people, it might as well be hypocrisy.
By partnering with medical groups from the US, ACE holds quarterly medical clinics throughout the parish. In working with the Jamaican Ministry of Health, our teams are able to make regular visits to the government clinics, enabling these communities to receive the care and treatment they so desperately need. By holding regular clinics, the health problems of the communities are treated regularly therefore decreasing the acuteness of the illnesses.