In 2015 Dave was invited to Africa. This was the start of ACE Overcomers International. Starting in a remote mountain village in Democratic Republic of Congo, ACE has spread to Rwanda, Uganda, and surrounding countries.

Speaking in villages, churches, universities and community centers, thousands have received the practical skills to overcome the effects of trauma.

Impacting Education- Over twelve hundred educators have committed to stop caning (beating) students. Teachers average 60 plus students in their class. We have made a major impact in Uganda and D.R. Congo. Universities and colleges have revamped their curriculum to include ACE Overcomers material.

Impacting Families- Parents have learned to nurture rather than abuse children. Many believe that beating children gives them character. The ACE parenting classes have been well received because the lessons are built on proven principles that transcend culture.

Impacting orphans- Through the Alex of Africa campaign hundreds of orphans have taken the challenge to overcome adversity.

I stood before a room filled with teenagers. They had one thing in common. They were all orphans. Some were abandoned, some lost their parents to AIDS, some parents were casualties in war or were murdered.

“Let me tell you the story of Alex.” I said. “Alex never felt close to his father. His parents fought constantly. One day the father took Alex, his mother and brother to a village far away and abandoned them. They struggled to make ends meet. Not long afterward Alex and his mother caught fever and the mother died. Alex and his brother were taken in by a cousin, but six months later the cousin committed suicide.

Abandoned. Orphaned. Alex was determined to be a man of character. He studied, worked hard, and became so famous that we learn of him in American history. I have such great respect for Alex, I keep his picture with me at all times. Would you like to see his picture?” I asked. “Yes”, the teens replied, nodding their heads.

I reached into my wallet and pulled out a $10 bill. “The picture is of Alexander Hamilton, the personal secretary to General George Washington, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, First Secretary of the Treasury, writer of many Federalist Papers. Though he was an orphan, he became a man of character and did great things.” I said.

A boy stood up in the audience and declared, “I will be Alex of Uganda.” Another boy stood, “I too will be Alex.” Then a girl stood, “I too.” Then another, and another orphan stood and said, “I will overcome trauma and shame and be the next Alex of Africa.”

The ACE Overcomers ministry in Africa is ongoing because of the faithful work of Moses Ssebaggala. He is a faithful man with a heart for ministry. The popularity of the lessons has spread. Moses has more invitations than he can handle. It is imperative that we raise additional resources to continue changing lives.