In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, missionaries in Jamaica are helping to rebuild and show the love of Christ.
Missionary Gary Crawford shares his first-hand experience:
“I arrived at Mt. Stewart Baptist Church in Westmoreland, Jamaica, to find a church building missing its roof, one wall collapsed, and rubble filling its interior. However, that is not all that greeted me upon arrival. I also found a church family who had gathered to pick up the pieces of what was left after Hurricane Melissa. People who personally had suffered loss joined together to salvage what they could from the rubble and clean up their place of worship. I was greeted by smiling faces and hearts grateful to God for his protection of their lives.
“Resilience in Scripture is the biblical norm for followers of Christ. It is steadfastness and perseverance in the face of great hardship and trial. We read many examples of people who, by faith, endured great suffering and yet continued to trust and follow Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.
“What I witnessed that day would be repeated across Jamaica in many communities among God’s faithful followers. These believers were living out the admonition of Psalm 37:23-24, ‘The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.’
“Thanks to donations to the Caribbean Compassion account, funds have already been sent to provide food, water, and clothing to pastors and their families who have lost all but their faith and enduring spirit. In addition, ABWE is sending eight 20’x40’ wedding tents with sides and windows to Mt. Stewart and seven other church families whose church buildings were rendered unusable by Hurricane Melissa. The tents will provide a place for these churches to gather for worship and fellowship, which will be vitally important as they look to rebuild in the months ahead.
“Generators have also been sent to Fairview Baptist Bible College to provide temporary power for families who are now homeless in the wake of Hurricane Melissa and are sheltering at this location. Contributions have also funded solar lights to ensure security for these families in an area that is unlikely to see power restored for several more weeks, if not longer. These generators will also be used to provide power to short-term mission teams who will begin to rebuild damaged buildings at the Bible college. Generators have also been sent to pastors and families in more remote areas who may not see electricity restored for months.
“Please pray for four ABWE structural engineers who are currently assessing damages to pastors’ homes and churches in Jamaica, and for Caleb Gibbs, our missionary in Jamaica, who will be leading this effort.”
“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again.” (Proverbs 24:16)
Your donations to the Caribbean Compassion Fund enable work like this to continue as Christ is proclaimed among those who are hurting.
