Church offers aid and hope to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa – Church News

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28th, packing intense wind gusts reaching 295 miles per hour. A Category 5 storm hit the island, causing devastating damage.

The Associated Press reported as of November 11 that the death toll was 45, with 15 others missing.

The storm disrupted essential services, destroyed many homes, and left individuals and families homeless.

According to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Caribbean Newsroom, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working with charities and the Jamaican people to provide humanitarian aid and spiritual support.

More than 50 volunteers, many of whom were directly affected by the disaster, with their homes damaged, flooded or destroyed, came together to serve their fellow man and follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Despite their own losses, volunteers helped prepare and distribute more than 1,000 emergency packages containing non-perishable food, bottled water, and basic hygiene products.

“What we do today is to reveal the work of the Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters, to alleviate their suffering. That’s what Christ expects of us,” volunteer Paulette Larmond Blake said in the video.

Supplies were distributed to those in need in Junction, Santa Cruz, Mandeville, Savannah La Mar, Hopeton, and Montego Bay, bringing immediate relief and hope to hundreds of people.

In Savannah-la-Mar, the church partnered with the Jamaica Red Cross and the Salvation Army to provide essential items such as shelter equipment, blankets, tarpaulins, and cleaning and hygiene supplies.

Aiming to improve the living conditions of displaced people and people facing severe hardship, each relief package is designed to support a family of four for one week.

The Church’s local efforts were led by Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Church’s Caribbean Area Presidency, with support from the Department of Human Services, local leaders, and many volunteers.

Elder Corbitt traveled to Jamaica when it was safe to do so, ministering to the people, assessing damage and needs, and working with local leaders to organize first response efforts, according to the church’s Caribbean Newsroom.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, Latter-day Saints from the Savannah-La-Mar branch gathered for worship despite poor conditions in the meetinghouse to express their faith and dedication to Jesus Christ.

Elder Corbitt, who presided over the meeting, said, “The Lord has adjusted the keys of His power to identify those in need. This is how the Lord built His church to go and save His sheep.”

Elder Cordon’s Message

Elder Valerie Cordon, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Caribbean Area, shared a video message of love and hope for those suffering. This video was published in Caribbean Newsroom.

“We are deeply grateful to the many people who came to serve others despite their own challenges. Their Christlike example reflects the love of the Savior. Thousands of volunteers came together, some of them affected by the disaster, to prepare and deliver food, water, and essential supplies to hundreds of families. Such selfless service is a living expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“The Church will continue to work with local authorities and community leaders to provide humanitarian aid, emotional and spiritual support, and accompany families in their recovery process. We know that rebuilding will take time, but as a Church we are committed to being with Jamaicans throughout this process. We believe that through faith and unity, our community is stronger.”

“We are comforted by the words of Helaman 5:12 in the Book of Mormon: ‘And now, my children, remember, that ye must build your foundation on the rock of the Savior, the Christ the Son of God.’”

“If we build on God, no storm can shatter our faith or take away our hope. God gives us peace in times of uncertainty, strength when we feel weak, and comfort to our hearts,” Elder Cordon continued.

“We invite you to join us in praying for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. We encourage all to remain sensitive and compassionate to the needs of others, to be aware of those who may be in need, and to trust that the Lord hears every prayer offered in faith for those affected. We can be instruments in God’s hands as we demonstrate His love through our acts of service and compassion.

“If you would like to support this effort, please donate to the Church’s Humanitarian Fund so we can continue to deliver relief supplies to the families and communities most affected.

“God bless you, dear brothers and sisters. I testify that this is the Lord’s work. We are His hands. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”