One of the greatest joys of serving as the Jamaica Director at ACE is witnessing the transformation that happens when children are loved, mentored, and encouraged to grow in their faith. Recently, I was reminded of that blessing during a simple visit to help one of our sponsored children, Jahvaun.
During a home visit, our staff discovered that Jahvaun needed new school shoes. He had literally worn a hole through his current pair in less than eight months! Because Jahvaun suffered from meningitis as a child and now wears braces on his legs, we consulted with an occupational therapist who recommended a special shoe designed for children who wear braces. While these shoes are more expensive than a typical school shoe, they provide the support and comfort he needs.
We wanted to ensure that Jahvaun’s sponsor in the United States had the correct shoe size before purchasing a new pair to bring on her next visit. When our staff asked Jahvaun’s grandmother for his shoe size, she responded simply, “Size 2.” Knowing how important a proper fit would be, Latoya and Bulla decided to take an extra step.
After one unsuccessful attempt to find Jahvaun at school earlier in the week, they returned again, determined to get an accurate measurement. Their persistence and genuine concern ensured that Jahvaun would receive exactly what he needed.
What makes this story especially meaningful to me is that both Latoya and Bulla have been parents of children in the ACE sponsorship program for 12 years. Their family has been receiving the love, encouragement, discipleship, and support of sponsors who invested in their lives. Today, they are employed by ACE and are serving the very communities that helped shape them.
As I watched them go the extra mile for Jahvaun, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud. Through mentorship, hard work, and growth in their faith, they have come so far. They were not simply completing a task—they were caring for Jahvaun the way others once cared for them. Their compassion, determination, and servant hearts are evidence of what God can do through faithful investment in a person’s life.
Jahvaun’s story itself is one of resilience. Having lost his mother, he is being raised by his grandmother. School can be difficult, and he struggles with teasing from other students because of his disabilities. Yet during a recent home visit, we saw a different side of this remarkable young man.
With excitement and confidence, Jahvaun gave our staff a tour of his yard, pointing out flowers, plants, and trees while explaining their names and uses. He was animated, articulate, and full of knowledge. It was a delight to see him in an environment where he felt comfortable and valued.
As I reflect on this visit, I see more than a child who needs a new pair of shoes. I see the impact of sponsorship across generations. I see a young boy with incredible potential. And I see two people whom we have poured into, now faithful members of our team, living out the love of Christ by investing in someone else’s future.
Moments like these remind me why this ministry matters. Thank you for helping us create stories like this—stories of hope, growth, faith, and lives transformed through the love of Jesus Christ.
