In the weeks since Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the images of torn roofs and flooded fields have begun to give way to a different picture: believers worshiping under tarps, neighbors sharing supplies, and pastors and missionaries quietly rebuilding, one wall and one family at a time.
ABWE missionaries and national churches across western Jamaica are still ministering in the shadow of disaster. Yet, day by day, they are seeing the Lord’s mercy in practical ways—and your prayers and financial support are a key part of that story.
On the Ground in Jamaica: Stories of Mercy and Rebuilding
Recently, missionary Caleb Gibbs shared about helping a man from their church whose small three-room home was almost completely destroyed in the storm. Only a partial frame of one room remained, with a hastily added roof.
After several days of trying to locate him, Caleb and others were finally able to visit and begin repairs. They spent the day putting up walls around the one room that still had a roof, giving this father and his son at least a secure space to live in while the rest of the house awaits a larger work team for framing and enclosure.
“It is humbling to see the state of suffering, but through God’s strength we help as we can.”
Missionary Caleb Gibbs
That same evening, friends who still do not have electricity came to the Gibbs’ home to do laundry. One of them had recently been at the doctor for a hand injury from doing all their washing by hand. In God’s kindness, something as simple as power and running water became a way to lighten another family’s burden.
At Fairview Baptist Bible College, located in a rural part of western Jamaica, the hurricane also opened a door for future ministry. For years, the campus has struggled with slow, unreliable internet. Nearly a year ago, a church gave funds for the college to purchase a Starlink system, but the installation had been delayed.
Now, with some families temporarily living in the college dorms after losing their homes, Caleb was finally able to purchase and deliver the equipment. Though the system currently runs by generator and sits inside, it is already helping displaced people stay connected. In the longer term, as buildings are repaired, it will allow the whole campus to access strong internet for teaching, learning, and ministry.
“It is a reminder that God can use the current situation for good.”
Missionary Caleb Gibbs
On recent Sundays, Bay Life Baptist Church has seen attendance grow compared to the week immediately after the storm. Caleb has continued preaching through the life of Joshua, reminding the congregation of God’s faithfulness. After worship, the church has helped distribute food and supplies from shipments brought in by partners from Kingston and other parts of the island.
One Sunday, some who came to serve did so even though they were still living in homes without roofs. Church members packed vehicles with food items to carry to communities in need. Caleb and Charity described it as a day filled with worship, serving, friendship, and testimony as believers “talked, laughed, sang and prayed together” in the middle of the ongoing recovery. As Charity wrote, “God is at work.”
A Plan for the Next Two Years
While immediate response continues, our leadership team has been working with Jamaican pastors, Live Global partners, and our crisis management personnel to map out a plan for the coming months and years. The needs are large:
- At least two pastors and their families are currently homeless, with a possible third family in similar circumstances.
- Gary Crawford and Dave S. (Live Global) report that 12 churches are unusable due to damage.
- Tens of thousands of families across Jamaica remain displaced, with many still depending on shelters, tarps, and temporary solutions.
In light of this, our team is focusing on three main tracks of ministry:
1. Immediate Support for Pastors and Families
We are providing direct assistance to pastors and their households who have lost homes and possessions. This includes food, emergency supplies, and funds to help meet immediate needs, as well as using undamaged facilities like Fairview Baptist Bible College as temporary housing for some families.
2. Temporary Worship Spaces for Churches
For churches whose buildings are unusable, we are working on a plan to supply large tents and other temporary structures so congregations can continue gathering for worship, fellowship, and outreach. Alongside this, we are supplying items like water filters and solar lights where needed, so churches can serve as hubs of both spiritual and practical care in their communities.
3. Long-Term Rebuilding Through Short-Term Teams
Looking ahead over the next one to two years, one of the greatest resources ABWE can bring to Jamaica is teams from local churches in North America. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, similar efforts over two years helped rebuild pastors’ homes and churches. Our goal is to see a wave of well-equipped teams come alongside Jamaican believers to help rebuild homes, church structures, and ministry facilities.
These teams will not only bring labor and skills, but often help cover the cost of materials as well. Our regional leaders are working through the logistics of lodging, transportation, meals, and on-the-ground coordination so that future teams can serve effectively and safely.
How You Can Pray
- Pray for pastors and families who have lost homes and churches—including the Frasers and others like them—to find comfort, strength, and clear guidance as they care for their congregations.
- Pray for churches like Bay Life, Zion Missionary, and others as they balance their own rebuilding with ongoing ministry to their communities.
- Pray for missionaries like Caleb and Charity Gibbs as they juggle relief work, family life, and regular ministry in a season of exhaustion and grief.
- Pray for wisdom for ABWE and Live Global leadership as we steward resources, shape long-term plans, and coordinate future teams and projects.
- Pray that many who do not yet know Christ would see the love and unity of the church in this crisis and be drawn to the Savior.
How You Can Help Financially
Through the Caribbean Compassion Fund, donors have already given more than $54,000 toward a $250,000 goal to support relief and rebuilding efforts in Jamaica. These funds are helping provide food, clean water, construction materials, temporary shelter, and ministry support through local churches and missionaries who know their communities well.
If the Lord leads, would you consider making a gift to help pastors, churches, and families in Jamaica continue to rebuild and serve in Jesus’ name?
Interested in Serving?
As plans develop for short-term teams to assist with rebuilding, we welcome interest from churches and individuals who sense a call to help. If you or your church would like to learn more about possible opportunities to serve in Jamaica in the months ahead, please email our team at go@abwe.org.
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on November 23, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
