Outreach | American-Caribbean Experience

Marla’s Minute: Friends & Fundraising

by American-Caribbean Experience | Aug 25, 2025 | Community, Outreach

This month, Allen and I have focused on visiting friends of ACE in Mississippi. Yes, fundraising is always important, as well as receiving volunteer help through our teams. Yet, as we were driving back to Atlanta to prepare to leave for Jamaica, both of us agreed that the best part of this trip was catching up with friends we haven’t seen in years, talking about life, and being introduced to new friends. The common denominator is and has always been ACE.

God has blessed ACE with incredible people who, year after year, support, send, pray, and recommend others to (what we would like to call) the best ministry in Jamaica and the whole Caribbean! This trip, we were introduced to new pastors and new friends who offered professional help furthering our bee business, as well as our growing towers. Allen and I are forever grateful for the way God knows our needs before we even ask.

Get ready for some new products ACE will be selling in our various micro-businesses to sustain the heart of our outreach programs. It’s going to “bee” so sweet and tasty!

Blessings,
Marla

Marla with Trip Leader Anthony and His Family

A Tasty Jamaican Dinner at the Fundraising Event

Fundraising Event for ACE at First Baptist Madison

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Marla’s Minute: Wellness in July

by American-Caribbean Experience | Jul 21, 2025 | Book A Trip, Community, Outreach

What a treat it was this month to have a first-time medical and dental team volunteer at ACE to help us serve St. Mary Parish!

Normally, wellness teams join us in February, so you can imagine the courage and dedication this team from First Baptist Madison had wearing their scrubs in the summer heat and hauling their equipment into the depths of St. Mary Parish.

The Ministry of Health had asked us to visit Rock River, a location that ACE has not hosted a clinic for in over a decade. But, after an hour’s drive from the hotel, our team was greeted by large lines and even larger smiles.

The primary school up the hill allowed us to use their facility for dental visits and to conduct an educational training class for the students. We also operated out of our wellness center at Green Life Farm, and we were able to dedicate a full day to our special needs students and their families.

Beyond this wellness clinic offering dental and medical checkups, I’m honored to say that Edgehill School of Special Education has significantly benefited from ACE volunteers this summer. Teams also helped us pour a concrete driveway for them and upgrade their computer room, all before they start the new school year.

Overall, in just one day, we were able to provide 63 dental checkups and 41 medical checkups. Several of the volunteers from the team were not in the medical field, but they were still so eager to offer support in any way they could. Our team was so proud to watch them step up without hesitation and do a phenomenal job during the clinic.

I want to give a big thank you to every provider and volunteer who came just in time for us to prepare for the start of the school year.

Blessings,
Marla

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Althia’s Angle: Magnifying God’s Greatness at VBS

by American-Caribbean Experience | Jul 21, 2025 | Community, Outreach

Every July, ACE hosts a three-day vacation bible school (VBS) for the children in our community. While we usually host three different camps in multiple locations, this year was a little different. Last-minute changes in volunteer numbers left us with only one camp to host at Freehill Basic and Primary School.

Yet God showed up in mighty ways and reminded me that ACE focuses on going deep, not wide.

The team from FCC Stillwater came organized, prepared, and more than ready to host an outstanding VBS with the theme, “Magnified! See the Greatness of God.”

It reminded me of the song, “Come, let’s magnify the lord. For He is worthy to be praised.”

We used props and bright colors to capture the kids’ attention. We used magnifying glasses to look at insects and butterfly wings so we could see how the smallest things can play a big part in our everyday lives. We sang beautiful songs of worship to Him and danced around joyfully. All to illustrate how we can magnify God in our individual lives. Every detail was accounted for, and every activity tied in wonderfully with the theme – even our Oreos activity, which highlighted the sweetness God has to offer.

The kids loved the topic, and I was so touched by everything they had to say about the week. They left knowing the God of our universe sees each and every one of them.

One moment in particular that stood out to me was meeting Todd, an older gentleman with special needs who attended his first-ever VBS this summer. The joy radiating off of him as he painted with the kids was unforgettable. At the end of the week, he gave me a big slap on the back and an even bigger hug, and he told me how much he loved me. He also promised to return next year. That greatly warmed my heart, and I know he left VBS feeling the love of God and the warmth of our ACE family.

Even with another VBS happening the same week nearby, we still served almost 50 children, teaching them about the goodness and greatness of our God. The first two days, the team split into two so half of the team could help our staff clear roads in our pastures and repaint the campus.

On the last day, however, the whole team came together to put on the grand finale at VBS. We were able to really focus on each child and provide a ratio of almost one volunteer to one child. Remember how I said we go deep, not wide? This is what we’re talking about. This is how we get to really invest in the lives of the people we minister and bring them closer to Jesus. All thanks to God, everything just fell into place for VBS.

I still can’t believe that last week we hosted our final team for the summer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for blessing us with an incredible summer, furthering ACE’s mission, and magnifying God’s greatness here in St. Mary, Jamaica.

Whether you came down on a mission trip, directly supported us financially, supported an individual so they could come down to serve, or took the time to pray for us, your assistance made our work possible this summer.

Thank you,
Althia

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Faithful with the Tasks at Hand

by American-Caribbean Experience | May 18, 2025 | Community, Outreach

When God closes the door to something that has been very special to many people, there are emotions that surface: sadness and frustration, as well as some anger and asking God why He chose to close that door! This is what many of us experienced when the gate to the entrance of the Port Maria Infirmary was shut to outsiders, leaving all of us wondering about the well-being of our infirmary friends. There was also the concern that they would experience abandonment and not understand why we no longer came to visit them.

But God! He knew this was going to happen, and He already had a plan ordained for ACE to embrace. He knew there were many elderly and infirm who desperately needed help within the communities where our sponsored children live. We were already visiting some of these dear people on a limited basis, but as we dug deeper into these communities, we found people who were often starving and living alone in deteriorating homes abandoned by family members. Many were in deep despair because they live in remote areas and there didn’t seem to be anyone who cared about what was happening to them.

As we became more aware of these dire situations, ACE Mobile Infirmary (AMI) was born to meet the physical and spiritual needs of these dear people. Our compassionate staff visit them regularly, and teams that come down to Jamaica also get to visit them, helping take care of their homes and property, sharing Scripture, singing, and praying for them.

Since lack of food is an issue for many, our staff provides them with a hot meal and a grocery bag of food that is easy for them to prepare. As an example of how desperately many of them need food, let me tell you about Pauline.

When we recently stopped by her house, Pauline greeted us with a huge smile and told us she had been praying that we would visit her that day. She had also prayed that God would provide food for her, since she had no food in her house! As we prayed for her before we left, she also prayed for us that God would keep us safe on the road.

Another one of our AMI regulars is Ricardo, a pleasant young man who is paralyzed from the waist down due to falling from a second-story roof while on a construction site. He needed a new home that didn’t have decaying walls or leak when it rained. With the help of four teams and our ACE staff, we spent several weeks building and painting his new home, complete with a ramp for accessibility. Teams were also able to build a small, one room home for Clive, an elderly gentleman who lives in a remote area. When we recently visited Clive, we could see that he is taking great pride in his new home by keeping it neat and tidy.

Verna was also delighted that we came to visit and was thankful for the food we brought. As Latoya combed and braided her hair, Verna sang one hymn after another and continually thanked God for how good He has been to her. Yes, we sang along with her! We also prayed for her, and she prayed for us in return.

Of course, we still would love to return to the infirmary, but we know that is in God’s hands. In the meantime, we will be faithful to the task He has given us to be Christ’s ambassadors, helping our AMI friends in any way that we can and knowing the joy and delight it brings to their lives—and to ours. God is faithful and so, so good!

In Christ,
Arlene, Long-Time ACE Volunteer

Pauline in the ACE Mobile Infirmary Program

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Marla’s Minute: Growing Towers & Growing Patience

by American-Caribbean Experience | Mar 26, 2025 | Outreach

For many months, ACE has been excited to share our new endeavor, Green Life Fresh, aimed at creating jobs and providing healthy food through 130 nine-foot aeroponic towers.

Thanks to your support, we have reached our goals of purchasing these towers and covering the shipping costs to bring them to Jamaica. However, we are currently facing delays with Jamaica Customs regarding the waiver of duty on the full cost of the container filled with our towers. It’s frustrating, and just when we think everything is on track, another unexpected hold-up arises.

I am confident that these towers and the entire Green Life Fresh project were designed in heaven just for me. I love healthy food and sharing it with others. What I struggle with is the waiting, waiting, and more waiting. For those of you who have generously supported this business, I hope you’ve felt God’s reassurance saying, “It’s all good, Marla. Just relax; I’ve got this.”

We expect to have more news for you next month regarding the shipping status of the towers or their arrival. And hopefully, I will have learned the art of patience through this experience. If you have any extra patience to spare, feel free to send it to our PO Box in Port Maria—I’m sure customs won’t charge me duty for it!

Blessings,
Marla

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ACE’s Four Impact Buckets Unite for Spring!

by American-Caribbean Experience | Mar 26, 2025 | Community, Discipleship, Education, Outreach

What a fantastic start to our 2025 outreach year in St. Mary, Jamaica! In February, our medical and dental teams served the community, providing exams, cleanings, fillings, and other essential wellness services.

This month, our ACE team, along with volunteers from the States, helped feed and care for many elderly and special needs neighbors who lack support. They also helped clean their homes. It was inspiring to see college and high school students make such a significant impact in the lives of the lonely and hungry. In just four days, we received an overwhelmingly positive response to our staff and volunteers’ loving hospitality.

The Ricardo Ranch

While love, care, and support are essential, nothing compares to the impact of a dedicated team like the one from Ringgold Baptist in Ringgold, GA. Each year, they generously offer their construction skills to address a critical need: providing safe, dry housing for those in need.

This year, they supported Ricardo, a construction worker who suffered a life-changing accident when he fell from a roof and broke his neck. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, Ricardo’s spirit and hope inspire everyone around him, making it hard for anyone to complain.

Thanks to ACE’s commitment and the many hands that joined in, we built Ricardo a new home. Just today, Ricardo moved in and can finally call this place home, all thanks to the generosity of those who dedicated their time to make a difference in his life.

Education & Edgehill

Many of you may remember that ACE is the primary sponsor for helping Edgehill School of Special Education meet its specific needs outside the classroom. This year, we aimed to transform a large closet into a computer lab, where 13 donated computers and a whiteboard will enable special needs students to access the world beyond their reach.

Construction began one day and was completed by noon the next. All that remains is for the electrician to install the electrical outlets, and then we’ll be ready for the students to embark on their journey to explore the “safe web.”

Our volunteers enjoyed reading, singing, and interacting with the classes during construction. It’s hard to say who had more fun at Edgehill—us or the students.

Help for Hampstead

Volunteers can’t discuss ACE without mentioning the “bucket brigade.” It’s true—ACE is known for tackling challenging projects in just a few days.

This week, Hampstead Primary School, one of our sponsored schools, requested our help to finish their multi-purpose court, which will be used for sports events and general assemblies. This month, we began constructing the seating for attendees.

This will be a full summer program, as it takes more than just a few days to complete. ACE is committed to our students and schools. If you’ve never participated in a “bucket brigade,” there’s still plenty of time to sign up. Many hands make the work light!

Hampstead Elementary School Construction Project

Fun and Discipleship during the Hampstead Elementary School Construction Project

Bucket Brigades at Hampstead Elementary School

Pigs & Microbusinesses

What do pigs and microbusinesses have in common? In some businesses, the answer might be a lot of fat. But not with ACE! The Green Life Farm pig pen business is thriving at Buccaneers, where Jamaicans flock to enjoy delicious jerk pork sandwiches and ribs.

Our pigs have outgrown their pens. So this month, with the help of volunteers from Kansas City Christian School, we tore down the old pens and constructed new ones—all in one day! This is what happens when you have seniors in tip-top shape doing the work. Our farm staff truly appreciated the assistance.

While most of the work is completed, we still have a few posts and some painting left. The pens almost look nice enough to spend a little time with the pigs… almost!

In other great news, we recently received a call from a couple we’ve come to love, Marty and Christa Bevel from Kentucky. They asked if they could assist on the farm for a month. Our answer was a resounding YES! We met Marty and Christa years ago and invited them to visit ACE about four years back. This time, they felt called by God to help us, and we couldn’t be more grateful. God always brings us the most incredible help!

Spiritual Development

Marty and Christa are knowledgeable about pigs, chickens, cows, and all things farming. More importantly, they have an incredible love for Jesus, which shines through in everything they do.

The Jamaican staff at the farm has fallen in love with them and even asked them to stay longer. Marty leads daily staff devotions to start the day, while Christa invests in the ladies on the farm and our ACE staff. We have all come to love them and will miss them when they return to Kentucky. But we’re keeping the lights on for them and expect a return visit. Please pray for a longer stay!

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