Our History
I started attending Maranatha Christian Church in Jamaica as a teenager in 1986. Almost ten years later, we moved into the Inner City – Waterhouse, Kingston 20, Jamaica – under the guidance of the present leader, Rev. Robert McIntosh. The area was originally known for its gang related violence and their gross poverty. Most homes were made up of single mothers with multiple children. Not many children went to school and the men were seldom settled in these homes. Literacy was low and employment was scarce, forcing the women to find creative ways to take care for their families. The church opened up a basic school and provided various classes and activities to practically help the people in the community. Over the years, the morale of people of Waterhouse improved greatly - violence greatly diminished, men committed to marriage and orderly homes were established, children completed basic schooling, making them able to move on to further education – and people started having hope.
In my various roles of leadership in the church, I became very familiar with the ladies who came to our church with their children and we developed a bond. For that reason, I developed a deep desire to help them in practical ways – especially since coming to America. I also dreamed of gathering the women in an intimate setting where they could be encouraged and refueled to face their everyday life. I would include a small gift that would be a tangible reminder of our time together. This dream has evolved into a one-day conference these last three years and I continue to host this Conference.
I, along with like minded colleagues, decided to form a non-profit, inviting others to support a move that could change a community, one woman at a time. Each women is a leader of a household, some are employees. They all, directly or indirectly, set standards in their community and influence the direction of any group they are a part of. The aim is to provide encouragement and hope, then refuel the desire for self development. When one woman gets healed emotionally, it positively affects her physical and mental health as well, thus creating a more productive working environment, decreasing dysfunctional relationships, and the woman becomes a positive influence for her children and peers. The clothing and personal items we collect and ship to Jamaica, the sponsorship we raise for their personal development and the yearly Conference will provide the support and networking necessary to make these things a reality.
- Patricia Ramsay, President and Founder of M.O.V.
Board of Directors
Patricia Ramsay
British born, Patricia Ramsay moved to Jamaica with her mother at the age of five. She was known for her quick smile and pleasant speech. A paper presented in high school caused her to be asked to speak at a Methodist Church Synod. Here she was offered a job by a local hotelier and was introduced to the world of Hospitality. From telephone Operator to Front Desk Representative, she stayed in that field for almost ten years, until marriage and the need to care for her three small sons forced her to leave.
After working as an Accounting Clerk, Patricia got hired as Telephone Operator in a prominent business in Jamaica and moved up through the ranks – Receptionist, Credit officer, Customer Service Rep – being selected multiple times as “Customer Service Representative of the Year”. Patricia’s mantra became taking care of others and giving excellent service. She stayed in that job for 12 years before migrating to the USA. Her last position in that company was SAP Super User, assisting with the training of her colleagues on a new computer system installed.
Patricia was also involved with church in Jamaica from an early age. She worked with the youth and was part of the Worship Team for years. After the church moved into the inner city, she took over as Worship Leader and trained others in worship protocol and ministry. She became known for her love for people and her appreciation of order and excellence. Having ministered across the island and in the USA with the Church’s outreach team, Patricia volunteered as Administrative Assistant for the church, but was soon considered the Pastor’s Personal Administrator, holding that position until she migrated.
For years, Patricia volunteered each summer as a Camp Counselor at a national campsite and over the years, honed her ability to speak with and relate to teens. She also got trained as a Facilitator for Team Building.
Here in the United States, Patricia still works in the Customer Service field and enjoys making jewelry. She sings and assists with the youth in her local church. This non profit, formed to assist inner city ladies in Jamaica – combined with being Speaker, Teacher, Worship leader and Customer Service Rep. – are Patricia’s ways of reaching out to others, anticipating their needs and finding ways to satisfy them.
Paul Ramsay
Paul Ramsay was born in Jamaica and has a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, serving as Instrument and Hardware Engineer in three companies over a span of 25 years. Paul is the last of three children, and was considered quiet while growing up, until he discovered his love for teaching and working with the youth. He spent many years during the summer as Camp Commandant at a Christian Campsite in Jamaica, where he supervised and directed camp staffers and activities for the outdoor teen camp. He also became Trainer and Facilitator for Team Building and Group initiatives with the same organization.
One of Paul’s hobbies is photography and he could always be found at events and functions with his cameras in tow. He also volunteered as Audio Visual Technician at his church while in Jamaica. Although he put away volunteering when he migrated to the USA for work, he never lost his love for photography and technology. He has been the photographer for all Missions of Virtue’s events.
He remains in the Engineering field, filling the role of Clinical Engineer in a Massachusetts company for over 12 years. He is known to never be satisfied until he has found a solution for any problem or challenge he, or those around him, may face.
One of Paul’s favorite subjects was Mathematics – a subject he also taught - and he is persistent in his discipline of having funding recorded and accounted for. He believes excellence can also be experienced in budgeting, making the natural transition to volunteering as Treasurer in this non-profit.
Paul is married with three step-sons. He is considered the practical one in the family, providing wisdom and support for his family to thrive.
Dino Nicholas
Pastor Dino Nicholas was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He went to school at Camperdown High School, before he embarked on a journey of fulfilling his chosen destiny and passion for leading God`s people. He continued his education at the Jamaica Theological Seminary and also the Valor Christian College in Columbus, Ohio in the USA.
He is an author and a Church Leadership Coach and Developer. He has pioneered several ministries including Aaron`s Rod Ministries (a Para-Church organization geared to supporting and training church leadership and the congregation). Pastor Dino founded Powerhouse Ministries in the parish of Westmoreland in 2006.
Rev. Nicholas has a passion for passion for people and works diligently to see individuals achieve their best life now. Rev. Nicholas is currently an overseer for Maranatha
Ministries International, which currently manages three church`s in Jamaica. He is
married to Lorri-Ann and they have four children and they curently reside in
Kingston Jamaica.
Lorri-Ann Nicholas
Lorri Ann Nicholas was born in St Andrew, Jamaica on September 5, 1970 to Joyce and Rudyard Ellis who were both teachers at the time.
Her early years were spent in Highgate, St. Mary. She attended St. Cyprian's Prep for a few years and then went to her parents school Highgate All Age for grades 5 and 6 skipping grade 4 as she was a little advanced. After passing the Common Entrance Exam she spent two years at St. Mary’s High School and then transferred to St. Hugh's High School in Kingston as she would not be left behind and her younger brother was going to
Kingston College.
Lorri-Ann's 5 years at St Hugh’s were well spent. She was involved in Netball, Drama and Student leadership and left the school having served in the positions of Student's Council Chairperson (lower six) and then Head Girl in her final year. On leaving St Hugh's Lorri-Ann entered the University of the West Indies and completed a degree in History and Social Sciences, she was also active in Student government while on campus
Lorri joined the workforce as a teacher of History and Geography at her Alma Mater St Hugh's. She then moved into management training at the National Water Commission and then as an Employee Relations Manager at HEART Trust NTA. In 2002 Lorri-Ann and the entire family (4) at that time accompanied her husband Dino to Columbus Ohio for his two years of study. At that time she had the opportunity to jump into the world of homeschooling and she started doing business part time as an Avon Representative.
On returning to Jamaica in 2004 Lorri-Ann looked at the business and social landscape of Jamaica as well as her need additional income to handle the diagnosis on her first son Adam as well as her family's need for mobility and started her Herbal Life Nutrition business. Lorri-Ann Nicholas now has 4 amazing children in this order: Petra, Adam, Amber-Joy and Kadosh, and continues to build her Nutrition business from home with the “Nicholas Nation”.
Be it unto us according to your will dear Lord!!!
Marcia Sharpe, U.S Army Veteran
Marcia is a recent graduate of Roxbury Community College with a Certificate in Production and volunteers with Access Framingham Television. She was the "Bill Rabkin Volunteer of the year" 2015 Recipient.
As a long standing member of Access Framingham Television (AFTV) and a congregate of the Greater Framingham Community Church (GFCC), Marcia takes great pride in producing the GFCC Special, highlighting some of that church’s special moments and the Hour of Blessing, all broadcasting on AFTV. Marcia is currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Media Broadcasting Technology.
Marcia was formerly employed at Agro Industry, and then to United Estates Limited, in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, Jamaica W.I., working with the organization for over 13 years in administration and accounting before immigrating to the United States in 1996.
She joined the U.S. Army in 1998 because she wanted to give back to America for the opportunity she was given to pursue her dreams in that country. She was sent to South Carolina for basic training and advanced infantry training, specializing in Administration, and earned her Office Administration Specialist Certificate.
Marcia worked at Advocate Inc. for over 10 years and Justice Resource Inc. for over 18 years in the Nursing field as a Case Manager (Certify Nursing Assistance/HHA). She believes in working hard to achieve your goal and enjoys helping people. She also gets great satisfaction from bringing to light stories and persons who otherwise would never get an opportunity to be recognized or applauded by the greater populous.
Joining the Missions of Virtue team satisfies Marcia’s desire to give help where help is needed!
“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)
Rev. Dr. Courtney O. Lackard
Rev. Dr. Courtney O. Lackard serves on the ministerial staff and is Minister of Youth at
the Greater Framingham Community Church (GFCC) for over sixteen years. He received
his license to proclaim the gospel in 1995 and has served In multiple capacities in
various churches.
Rev. Dr. Lackard was born in Jamaica, West Indies and migrated to the United States
in 1979. When he arrived in New York, he adjoined himself to the Goodwill Baptist
Church in the Bronx. There, he served as the president of the Baptist Training Union.
Rev. Dr. Lackard obtained a Master’s degree in Urban Ministries in 2008 and his Doctor
of Ministry degree in 2017.
Rev. Lackard works for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as a Senior
Project Manager.
He is the proud husband of Dr. Marguerite Simpson-Lackard; he is happily married for more than 30 years and is the blessed father of two children, Ashley and David.
"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." (I Thess. 2:13)
Dr. Marguerite Simpson-Lackard
Dr. Marguerite Simpson-Lackard serves as a deacon and Teen Church teacher at the Greater Framingham Community Church (GFCC) for over sixteen years.
She is the recipient of the Woman Making History Award in 2018 from Framingham State University and Ambassador of Heaven Leadership Award from the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.,
in 2016.
She served as a pediatrician and the first African American female principal in the
Metro-west region of Massachusetts.
She was born In Jamaica, the proud wife of Dr. Rev. Courtney Lackard, and the mother
of two adult children: Ashley and David.
To whom much is given, much is required.
The Lord can do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can imagine or ask.
Chantel Ellis
Chantel Ellis was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She developed a servant’s heart while serving in the Methodist Church as a Youth leader, Sunday School teacher and Christian Summer camp counselor. Chantel immigrated to the United States in 1999 and now lives in Boston with her husband, 2 daughters and their puppy. Chantel has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education.
After being in education for over 20 years she realized that it was time for a change. She inquired of the Lord, and was led to Missions of Virtue, where she now serves as a Fundraising Associate. During a visit to one of the residential sites in Jamaica with MOV, God reminded her of the Spirit of Ubuntu and a Bantu term meaning “Humanity.” It is translated as “I am because you are our humanity towards other.” Chantel is passionate about serving the most vulnerable. She believes that we are an extension of God’s hand, and we are here to serve. To whom much is given, much is required.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
- Proverbs 16:3
Community Relations Committee
This is a committee formed with women in Jamaica who have volunteered to help Missions of Virtue reach the community of Waterhouse, Jamaica in the various ways needed.
Pastor Leonie Lester joined her women's ministry that she pioneered, to Maranatha Christian Church and shares our vision. We are collaborating - she joins her efforts to ours - to make a stronger positive impact in Waterhouse. She already has contact with donors and she has decided to receive all donations and sponsorship in the name of Missions of Virtue. We are hoping that she will understudy Pastor Dino and accept our offer to join the Board of Directors in the new year (Jan 2021).
Minister Angela Lawrence grew up in Waterhouse and although she no longer lives in the community, she is there almost everyday, trying to help families in any way she can. She is our Social Outreach Coordinator and will be in charge of the distribution of all clothing and care items.
Madgeta Swaby (Aunt Madge): Hers was the first business we sponsored in 2019. She is now registered as a small business in Jamaica. She initiated the "Feeding in the Community" program, where a meal is provided monthly to some of the elderly and shut in. As Project Liaison Officer, Aunt Madge will continue to spearhead that endeavor and we will sponsor it.
Mary Ann Fray (Annette) is the second person whose business venture we sponsored and she is now also a registered small business that specializes in custom printing various items. She printed our T- Shirts for our first "Feeding in the Community" piloted by Aunt Madge. We have set up our first cottage industry at Maranatha Christian Church in Jamaica, where ladies will be trained in beadweaving to the end that they can earn a small income from the products they make. As Coordinator of Cottage Industries, Annette will oversee this project and help train the ladies involved.
Sylvia Lamar (Jackie) is our Coordinating Assistant. With a heart for service, she has offered her services in any area that we need help. She is hands on with Feeding in he Community, with clothing distribution and will be a part of the Cottage Industry project.