ACE volunteers Angela and Eric have been a part of our Child Sponsorship program for several years now. Since the beginning of their journey with ACE, they have added three children to their sponsored family and enjoy watching their own daughter build relationships with the kids when they visit Jamaica. Below is Angela’s testimony.
About seven years ago, we began sponsoring Shayla when she was in elementary school. From the beginning, it was meaningful to stay in touch throughout the year and to see her during our visits to Jamaica. Over time, our relationship with Shayla has become a special part of our family’s story.
After we had our daughter, Lennon, there was a period of a couple of years when we were not able to see Shayla. But when Lennon came with us on her first mission trip, she and Shayla finally met. They had such a sweet time together, and it was wonderful to watch a connection form between them.
When Shayla was thirteen, she became pregnant. At that point, we felt led to expand our sponsorship to include her whole family so that we could help support Shayla and her baby, Tajmar. Our greatest hope is to help Shayla remain in school and continue building toward a successful future for herself and her child.
A few years ago, we also began sponsoring Azaria because we wanted Lennon to have a sponsored child close to her own age. Every time we travel to Jamaica, Lennon and Azaria get to play together, and it is so sweet to see their friendship grow.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to sponsor Shayla’s family and Azaria through ACE. Sponsorship has allowed us to build relationships that reach far beyond financial support. It has also given Lennon a firsthand picture of generosity, connection, and the importance of caring for the needs of others.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and helping a child in Jamaica reach their fullest potential, discover how you can make an impact here.
