Call to HEBA Churches in the wake of Hurricane Melissa 

Friends we have all seen the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across four Caribbean Islands, the aftermath of a category 5 Hurricane is beyond anything that these islands have seen before, in particular the island of Jamaica. We have brothers and sisters from these islands as members of our Baptist family and so feel their pain as we continue to pray with them for their family, friends and their communities.

The hurricane has passed over the islands, the restoration work will now begin. This is a long-term challenge for all concerned and those impacted by this need our continued prayers and support. For this reason, we at HEBA are encouraging our church family to pray for the people of Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands and to do all you can to support the relief efforts.

Words from Reverend Karl Johnson (Chair of Baptist World Alliance)

Reverend Karl B. Johnson Chair, Baptist World Alliance Pastor, Phillippo Baptist Church, Jamaica

May we be reminded that even in the storm, the same God who parted the Red Sea, calmed the tempest on Galilee, and walked with Daniel in the lions’ den is still the God who watches over Jamaica and the entire Caribbean today. I call upon every believer, every congregation, and every household to pause — to pray, to prepare, and to trust….

May God bless Jamaica and all our Caribbean neighbours, and may His steadfast love be our anchor in every season. With love, faith, and solidarity,

What we can do

We are encouraging our Churches to support the Appeal from Baptist World Alliance, and you can find their information via. 

https://baptistworld.org/hurricane-melissa/

The Jamaican Baptist Union have put together a video showing the devastation in their country. It will be a long road to recovery, and we must stand together with our brothers and sisters who have suffered hugely.

https://jbu.church/hurricane-relief/

If your church has started to or plan to provide support, please let us know, also if you would like to offer support and need some help to do that, please contact the HEBA Office.

One suggestion is for HEBA churches to partner with a church in Jamaica by praying and walking alongside them in their hour of need. Do let us know if you are interested in this.

Let us continue to pray and be encouraged by these words from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9,

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Every blessing

Judith Miller (HEBA Moderator). Reverend Adrian Argile (RMTL)