Hurricane Melissa slowly marched over Jamaica at the peak of her strength. Category 5 was the strongest hurricane ever to test the technology of Jamaica’s construction, the resilience of the people, and the goodness of our hearts. She tore off roofs, flooded or swept away homes, broke concrete power lines, stripped paint off walls, dismantled historic buildings, and sadly, took lives of some of our nationals. 

It took a few days to find get word from each member of the church, especially in the most devastated areas. But the final word was that all the members of the church survived the storm. However, they were without water and electricity, running low on food supplies, and out of gasoline. A few had damage to their dwellings; some completely lost their roofs. It was a race against time to deliver food, potable water, a gasoline (to help with distribution of supplies). Within days after the hurricane, HOPE worldwide sent funds to assist with these efforts. The Caribbean Missions Society (CMS) and churches and individual members of the ICOC followed suit. Volunteers from Kingston and St. Catherine rallied to purchase and delivered supplies to the affected areas. In fact, our people from every community came out in droves to help their neighbours and clear roads, deliver supplies, and help victims of the hurricane, even though some of the volunteers themselves were affected by the storm. This service enabled us to reach all the members of the church and deliver the supplies that they needed. 

The needs changed constantly, as new threats and challenges arose. Nonetheless, the volunteers found ways to overcome the challenges and delivered water, food, donations, and other supplies. One sister said that she learned a lesson of Faith, realizing that it is not worth it to worry. Her last candle had finished, and she wondered where she would get candles. But then she received the bag of supplies and saw that there were candles in it. She wrote, “God is good all the time. I’m grateful for everything.” Many thanks have been expressed to the disciples on the east for all that they are doing to aid in the relief. 

The churches from the South received a special treat at Jamacia College on Sunday, November 9. They traveled to Kingston for a special worship service. Afterward, they were treated to a hot meal, prepared by a chef, who is also a member of the church. They received donations which poured in from the disciples in Kingston and St. Catherine. And were assured that they would be cared for during their recovery and beyond. 

Hope Worldwide’s historic and new partners joined to help also. “Water to Wine” provided 50 water filters that transform filthy water into clean, drinking water. And Mother’s Enterprise provided three hundred (300) discounted meals that there delivered to church gatherings in Montego Bay and Santa Cruz on Sunday, November 16. In fact, this was the first that the Montego Bay Christian Church (the name of the congregation there) had gathered since the hurricane. Forty eight people made it to church. Many came from as far as Westmoreland. And everyone had to navigate the barriers erected by the authorities to enable the utility companies to conduct essential repairs to the broken power lines. The disciples had communion, dined, received care packages and donations, and saw a demonstration of how to use the water filters. 

As electricity, telephone, and water are gradually restored, the needs will shift. The employment of some has been disrupted, the supply of essential commodities will need to continue. But the repair of homes can be the next focus. Members of the church whose homes were damaged by the hurricane are asked to get proforma invoices for repairs from the closest hardware store to their dwelling and submit it to their ministry leader by November 22, 2025. Funds are being raised to cover the cost of the material to effectuate repairs.