When one part of Christ’s body suffers, we all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26). That truth compels us to stand with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa has made landfall and left catastrophic damage in its wake.

The storm struck Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane, bringing record-setting winds and widespread destruction. The eye passed east of Montego Bay, sparing some coastal areas—but the Black River region, St. Elizabeth, and Clarendon parishes are enduring severe flooding, structural damage, and prolonged power outages.

Among the damaged properties: Hillview Baptist Church in Montego Bay—the site of ABWE’s first Open Initiative – Caribbean ministry—lost its roof entirely. The school where Caleb & Charity Gibbs serve as chaplain and teacher also sustained major structural damage. In total, at least a dozen churches are reporting significant loss, not including the homes of pastors and families they serve.

Our ABWE missionaries and national partner ministries across Jamaica are assessing needs and actively responding as conditions allow. Live Global—ABWE’s national-partnership arm—is also monitoring the situation with Jamaican partners and preparing to assist as long-term rebuilding begins.

Images show roof loss at Hillview Baptist in Montego Bay and other ministry properties damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Relief in Action: Hope Taking Shape

Today, cleanup and relief are underway. Caleb and Charity Gibbs report that teams of volunteers have salvaged school desks, books, and supplies from the damaged classrooms—and that churches are partnering across the island to deliver food, diapers, and solar lights to families in need. “Every building has a story to tell,” Caleb shared, “and while we can’t hear them all, each moment and conversation is an opportunity to show the love of God.”

Photos show ABWE missionaries and national partners in Montego Bay organizing supplies and assisting local churches and schools with cleanup and relief.

Your gift can help to:

• Provide emergency relief—food, clean water, shelter, and medical supplies for families and churches impacted by the storm
• Support missionaries and national partners as they minister in Jesus’ name through compassion and gospel witness
• Rebuild ministry infrastructure—homes, schools, and churches—so gospel work can continue and flourish in Montego Bay, Black River, and beyond

Our goal is to raise $200,000–$250,000 to meet urgent and ongoing needs through the Caribbean Compassion Fund. Every gift goes directly to relief and rebuilding efforts through ABWE missionaries and national-partner ministries working side by side for gospel service.

Would you prayerfully consider making a gift today to help our brothers and sisters in Jamaica recover, rebuild, and worship again in freedom?