For 25 years, ACE has offered what we call iQuest. As most of you know, this is a leadership course for young adults who are being guided to serve here in Jamaica. They participate, lead and serve in many capacities before finding their place in the world of “making a difference”.
Sometimes, I wonder how past interns are doing. Many check in at least once a year to say hello and give me an update. I’ve come to love these “kids” – now grown adults, some married, some with children, some single and thriving. Allen and I just came back from witnessing an iQuest wedding in Delaware. Kayla, our intern from last summer, married her longtime sweetheart, Thomas, and they will be moving to the Virginia area to begin his service in the US Coast Guard. It’s heartwarming to see and hear from these young men and women, knowing ACE has been even a small part of life’s journey.
Recently, I received a text from Hannah, one of many former interns who found purpose through ACE, and I asked if I could share her words with you, especially for those who may be considering learning to serve first and lead later:
[After other doors closed for me], I really felt like the Lord was asking me to live in the present and focus on serving my family, being refined by Him, investing in my workplace and those around me. I just started praying over next steps this past fall again and feel so much peace about applying to work in mobilization full-time. I just wanted to update you because being in Jamaica with ACE and your reference played a big role in [my joining up with Center for Mission Mobilization in Fayetteville, AK]. I had the opportunity to visit their team a few weeks ago and it really confirmed how I’ve felt the Lord leading me as I left feeling so encouraged by how the Lord is working in and through their team.
I think I will learn and grow in this role immensely (preparing me to go overseas in the future, Lord willing) and it will be so life-giving as I get to walk alongside college girls and churches in living as world Christians. Thank you so so much for writing me a reference and being an example to me. I am so grateful for you and ACE. I’m honored that y’all are excited with me. ACE has played a big role in my life and walk with the Lord.
If you feel like sweating, serving, putting yourself last to grow spiritually in ways you cannot by any other means, then think about signing up for the iQuest 2024 season. This is by far a very challenging course, but as they say in the gym, “no pain, no gain”. We can’t wait to see where the Lord takes you!
~ Marla
TRIP COST
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.