Legacy is what a person leaves behind after they are gone or after a significant season of life in which they have created a lasting impact or influence.
Let’s face it, I’m no young chicken anymore. And most of you who have partnered with ACE over the three-plus decades aren’t either. We call it “aging gracefully”, or perhaps “growing in wisdom”. I can’t say I’m always aging gracefully or grabbing all the wisdom I can as each day passes. However, I do know something about legacy…
Allen and I are watching ACE become a continuing force of strength and impact in St. Mary for all our local families and staff. That makes us happy. Not the old part, but seeing the goodness of God transforming this tiny little ministry into a comforting place of outreach in times of uncertainty in our world. And that is good news for all the ACE staff and individuals who donate and serve.
Recently, some dear friends of ACE, the Pembertons, let us know that their father had transitioned to heaven and left his 2016 Silverado 4×4 pickup truck behind in the garage, where this truck had lived most of its life. They asked if ACE could use this well-taken-care-of vehicle in Jamaica, because, as most of you know, vehicles like trucks and vans are extremely expensive and hard to find on an island. Plus, U.S. vehicles have steel in the doors and are quite heavy, which is a good thing for farming. The answer was “Yes!!”
Little did we know that importing a vehicle of any kind is quite a challenge. Eight months later, this beautiful truck (what Jamaicans call a “van”) arrived with the Kentucky plates still on it. As Allen and I smiled at this strong truck, we immediately sent up a prayer of thanks, and then, as we do with all our vehicles, prayed and dedicated it to God’s work. So yes, legacy comes in many forms. Mr. Pemberton left a legacy of a family committed to serving our great Savior, Jesus, and serving his community in Kentucky all his days.
Even though he has transitioned, we hope he is happy to know that his Silverado continues to do the work he did in America, right here in Jamaica. Thank you, Pembertons, and all those individuals who helped us get the loyal truck here. Now the truck’s work begins, all over again in Jamaica.
Legacy truly is a great word after all. And it’s not just for old people.
If you want to help keep your legacy going by transporting items like furniture, kitchen items, and farm equipment to Jamaica, let us know. Our list of needs is always growing!
