After nearly four decades of faithfully pouring their hearts into American Caribbean Experience, Marla and Allen Fitzwater began a three-month sabbatical this September.
Since founding ACE in 1988, Marla and Allen have dedicated much of their lives to answering God’s call to serve the people of Jamaica. What began with a willingness to say “yes” has grown into a ministry that has touched countless lives through relationships, service, discipleship, education, healthcare, and community development. Through every season, we have seen God’s faithfulness and provision for ACE.
The ACE Board of Directors believes this sabbatical provides an important opportunity for Marla and Allen to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities of ministry and spend intentional time resting, praying, reflecting, and seeking God for the season ahead. Scripture reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything, and we pray that this will be a season of genuine renewal for them both.
While Marla and Allen are away, the ministry of ACE continues—and we are reminded that this ministry has always belonged to God.
Our stateside and Jamaican leadership teams are working closely together to ensure our programs, staff, teams, and the families we serve continue to receive the care and attention they need. Althia Duckie-Foster, ACE Jamaica Director, is leading operations in Jamaica, while Susan Eisenhauer, Stateside Director, continues to oversee U.S. operations. Both are working closely with the ACE Board of Directors throughout this period.
This season also gives us an opportunity to recognize the many people God has brought together to carry out the mission of ACE. From our dedicated Jamaican and stateside staff to our volunteers, churches, mission teams, donors, sponsors, and prayer partners, each plays an important part in the work God is doing through this ministry.
We ask you to join us in praying for Marla and Allen during these months—that God would give them true rest, renewed strength, wisdom, and a fresh sense of His presence and direction.
We also ask you to pray for Althia, Susan, our staff in Jamaica and in the United States, and the ACE Board of Directors as they lead during this season. Pray for wisdom in every decision, unity among our leadership and staff, and above all, please pray that we remain attentive to where God is leading ACE. This season will serve as a stress test for the ministry, helping us find gaps in our current processes and communications to ensure a sustainable future for our ministry.
Thank you for continuing to walk alongside us. Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and faithful partnership allow ACE to continue serving children, families, seniors, schools, and communities throughout St. Mary Parish.
For nearly four decades, God has faithfully provided for ACE through people just like you. As we enter this new season, we do so with gratitude for all He has done, trust in His provision for today, and hope for all He has yet to do.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1