Before 2008, my perception of Jamaica was based on the cruise ship port in Ocho Rios and commercials for the huge all-inclusive resorts. All of that paints a picture of a thriving culture where everyone is living the dream life. It was not until June of 2008 that I really experienced the true heart and culture of Jamaica and its people.

"30 years of growth and some things never change”. That’s the thought I had this past week as I mixed concrete at GLLF with my team of 27. You may be thinking that I was bemoaning the opportunity that lay ahead of me, but I really wasn’t. I actually love cooking in the Jamaican sun while mixing concrete, by hand, surrounded by my family and team. It sure beats sitting in an office staring at a computer all day!

Remember last month’s Marla Minute when I said I was getting old? Well, this proves it. One of my many favorite songs during the 1980s (and many of you weren’t born yet!) was a song called “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”. Since Father’s Day falls in the middle of this month, we want to reflect on ACE’s admiration for the men and boys that help us at ACE.

Answered Prayers & Prayer Requests

PRAYER REQUEST We are still seeking a full-time pastor/mentor for our Peace House. We have some leads, but until God confirms it, we ask that you continue to pray for that person.

ANSWERED PRAYER ACE as a whole has been praying for a way to get electricity up to the Village. The solar panels and the generator just can’t work right now, as they say in Jamaica. Latoya has struggled for over a year and says, “we’ve got to do something” and we agree. We are pulling all the neighbors who want to have electricity to come together to put poles in the ground from the closest hookup of JPS tower and get the wires running. Pray we will get this going by Fall. It’s a good start.

PRAYER REQUEST Pray for former intern and current stateside staff member Chelesa and her family. This month, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl that they named Everleigh.  She was born with a congenital heart issue and requires multiple surgeries. Please pray for baby Everleigh and her sweet family as they navigate this journey.

ANSWERED PRAYER Galina Breeze is getting a face lift with new sinks, a new paint job and a few lamps. Our head of maintenance, Don is getting help from our volunteers to help install what is needed. 

PRAYER REQUEST We are getting close to October, the date ACE must pay off Green Life Farms. Out of $1.2m US, we only owe approximately $150k US. Would you consider helping us get over the top to close out September free of debt? This farm means a lot of jobs for Jamaicans and a healthy economy for our Parish and families.