The first members of our team arrived in Jamaica on October 30, just two days after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa swept across the island, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. During those early days, much of our time was spent scouting the areas most in need of assistance. These trips were often interrupted by blocked roads, which our volunteers quickly helped clear. Along those roads stretched miles of destruction, with damage ranging from partial roof loss to homes completely flattened. The trees that were still left standing had been stripped of most of their leaves. Many fruit trees were lost or damaged in the high winds.
Partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, we assisted with tarp distribution, which brought us into direct contact with communities in urgent need of help. As we began the work of tarping roofs, it quickly became clear that the scale of need far exceeded what a small team could handle efficiently. We made the decision to operate this field similarly to a stateside response and opened it to teams of volunteers.
Before long, three teams were actively working, and soon that number grew to five teams serving in different areas across the island. To better support the growing number of volunteers and to be closer to the hardest hit regions, we opened two new bases farther south. Each base came with its own challenges, whether it was a lack of running water, lack of electricity, or an overwhelming mosquito presence. Even so, our hosts were kindness itself and ensured that our teams were well cared for. We are grateful for every individual and organization we were able to partner with throughout this project. Over the course of two months on the ground, 65 volunteers served alongside us. Together we were able to tarp a total of 253 roofs and replace 20 more.
If I had one word to describe the people of Jamaica, it would be gratitude. Time and again from people who had lost most of their earthly possessions, we heard the words, “I still have life, and for that, I thank God.” Some had lost part of their roof, others had lost their entire home. Yet still we heard, “May I share my testimony with you? May I tell you what God has done for me?”
We are deeply grateful to every individual who sacrificed their time and energy to help bring hope and restoration to the people of Jamaica. We are also thankful for every prayer lifted and every financial gift shared, all of which made this work possible. Though our time in Jamaica has come to an end, the Island has earned a special place in our hearts, and we are grateful for the time we were able to spend there.
