Prayer and appeal for those affected by Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa has caused extreme devastation across the South-West of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas contacted the Methodist Church with the following update.

HURRICANE MELISSA AFTERMATH

Dear People of Faith and Concern,

The MCCA in its entirety watched and prayed for the week of Hurricane Melissa's development and very slow movement as it built up, sending rain over much of our region. This slow build-up has meant that even before it was categorised as a Hurricane, parts of Haiti, the island of Jamaica, and parts of the Dominican Republic had already received very high amounts of rainfall, causing severe flooding in many places.

The category 5 storm, hitting the South-West coast of Jamaica, making landfall on Tuesday and impacting the whole island, has caused extreme devastation.

Reports from St. Elizabeth show the historic town of Black River almost annihilated, to the extent that the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Andrew Holness M.P. has called it "Ground Zero."

(see the photo of a damaged Methodist Chapel in Black River)

We have still not heard reports from the Parish of Westmoreland. Damage in the parishes of St. James, (including the city of Montego Bay), Hanover, and Trelawny is severe.

We are aware that at least two of our chapels have sustained severe structural damage, two others have lost their roofs, and one has partially lost its roof. However most of the other Congregations we have not yet heard from. Government estimates are that in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland approximately 90% of buildings have lost their roofs. Other parts of Jamaica have sustained damage, though it is not as widespread as in the West.

We are hearing preliminary reports that lives have been lost, and await confirmation whilst praying for the families of those who have died. Please note that a comprehensive report is in progress, but due to damaged and blocked roads, and some areas being impassible due to flooding, this will take some time. We will update you in due course.

Whilst taking a direct path through Jamaica, the outer bands of the storm continued to impact Haiti. The hurricane badly affected Petit-Goâve, Les Cayes, and Jérémie, particularly the rural areas. In Port-au-Prince, it has been raining, and those living under tents have been the most affected by this, especially in Carrefour. Thankfully, there has been no loss of life reported in Port-au-Prince. However, in Petit-Goâve, people have lost their lives after being swept away by the floodwaters.

The manse in Petit-Goâve has been damaged in the flooding. We await information concerning other infrastructural impact in Central and Southern Haiti in regard to the effect on our members, schools, manses and chapels.

Exactly what is needed in both countries has to be assessed by the disaster mitigation committees on the ground. Basic humanitarian necessities will be required as a first response. This will include food, water, and hygiene kits, tents and other temporary shelters. We remain cognisent that the agricultural sector of both countries will have suffered extreme impact which will lead to food insecurity in the coming months. There is also heightened danger of water-borne and other related illnesses.

We invite you to join us in prayer for the survivors, for those who have lost their loved ones, those who have lost their homes and livelihood, those who are anxious because they are unable to contact friends and families, and others because the whole situation has been extremely traumatic. Mental health support will be required as part of our response, not only to those who have suffered, but also to those who are in the immediate response teams, including members who are first responders, and our clergy.

Your Servants for Jesus' sake
Juan M. Simpson B. (Bishop) – Connexional President
Jacqueline H. Liddell (Rev'd) – Connexional Secretary

Prayer

God Almighty,

who lifts up all who are bowed down,
who redeems our lives from the pit,
who loves his people with an everlasting love,
we continue to hold our Jamaican, Haitian and Cuban family before you.

We pray for survivors,
that they may be found and rescued.

We pray for those suffering deep fear and anxiety,
that you may send your Holy Spirit to comfort them.

We pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods,
that you may fill them with peace and hope and renewed strength.

We pray for those unable to contact loved ones,
that you will enable them to do so.

We pray for the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas, and the Methodist Church in Cuba,
that you will grant them wisdom in using resources to help their communities;
that you will grant them strength to offer generous compassion and spiritual accompaniment to all;
that you will grant them endurance to continue supporting communities through recovery and reconstruction in the coming months and years.

Most of all we ask, loving God, that you hold the people of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba in the palm of your hand, watching over them, strengthening them and knowing that you say:

“do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand”.

(Isaiah 41:10, NRSVUE)

In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen

The President and Vice-President of the Conference

The Rev Dr Vincent Jambawo, Co-Chair of the Belonging Together Ministers' Group calls on us to respond to Hurricane Melissa with empathy, solidarity and action.

A Call to Compassion and Justice in the Wake of Hurricane Melissa

Once again, we are confronted with the sobering reality of our human vulnerability and frailty. Hurricane Melissa has made landfall, leaving a trail of devastation and upheaval in its wake. This disaster is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, and it calls us to respond with empathy, solidarity, and action. The Methodist Church has spoken with clarity and compassion, urging us to lift our hearts in prayer and to act in ways that pursue justice. You can read more in their reflections here: https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/news/prayer-for-those-effected-by-hurricane-melissa/. No doubt more voices will continue coming through.

The President and Vice President of the MCB have offered a deeply moving prayer, inviting us to respond not only spiritually but prophetically. The Director of Global Relationships shares a sobering account of the scale of this catastrophe, while Bishop Rev. Juan courageously addresses the deeper implications of the climate crisis—one intensified by human choices. Yet, amid the destruction, each voice carries a message of hope: even in disaster, we are called to proclaim the good news boldly. Their call echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah: “Learn to do what is right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”

We are invited to be a Church that meets suffering with love, mercy, and truth. Hurricane Melissa is not just a humanitarian emergency—it is a spiritual summons to embody Christ’s presence during chaos and pain, whatever the situation may be.

As the BTMG, we stand in solidarity with our global family of faith, especially those in the Caribbean and other regions affected by the storm. We commit to listening deeply, responding generously, and advocating boldly. Let us continue to be a community that walks alongside those who suffer—offering hope, dignity, and tangible support.

For many of us, this disaster strikes close to home, resonating deeply in our hearts. If you feel moved, we invite you to share any personal connections or experiences related to the people and places impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Some among us will have a blood connection with these places.

We give thanks to God for the glimpses of global humanity that shine through in the responses to this crisis. We trust that every act of kindness contributes to the chorus of heavenly praise. May our compassion echo through every challenge humanity faces. May our prayers rise like fragrant incense, calling for healing where there is brokenness. Can we fan this spark into a flame?

Blessings of Grace and Hope to all.

Rev Dr Vincent Jambawo, Co-Chair of the Belonging Together Ministers Group

A Pastoral Note from Bishop Christine, post Hurricane Melissa