The United Reformed Church (缅北强奸) has donated 拢44,610 to help churches in Jamaica rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The funds, raised through a denomination-wide appeal, were presented to the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) during a visit by 缅北强奸 representatives to the Caribbean earlier this month.
Karen Campbell, the 缅北强奸鈥檚 Head of Global and Intercultural Church, and the Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, Head of World Justice, travelled to Jamaica on 15 February with ecumenical colleagues to witness the impact of the storm and strengthen church partnerships.
More than 50 churches were badly damaged when Hurricane Melissa struck, with roofs torn away and eight buildings completely destroyed.
The UCJCI is coordinating repairs while also supporting the wider needs of affected communities.
Rose Wedderburn, General Secretary of the UCJCI, thanked the 缅北强奸 for its support.
鈥淲e truly appreciate our partnership with the United Reformed Church and the fact that you have reached out to support us at this time,鈥� she said.
鈥淧lease pass our thanks to all the congregations and individuals who have so generously contributed for Jamaica and her people.鈥�
The Rt Revd Dr Colin Cowan, Moderator of the UCJCI, said the disaster had highlighted a significant importance.
鈥淢elissa helped us rediscover what it means to be 鈥榗hurch in community鈥�,鈥� he said.
Recovery efforts are expected to take years. Church leaders say rebuilding homes and restoring stability for families remains the immediate priority before damaged church buildings can be repaired.
Revd Norbert Stephens, UCJCI Director for Special Projects, said: 鈥淢elissa was like nothing we have ever seen before. Recovery is going to be a very long process down a long road, and we need partners to journey with us.鈥�
Karen Campbell said the hurricane had exposed deeper social challenges.
鈥淗urricane Melissa has affected every sphere of life,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t has also exposed pre-existing injustices 鈥� poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and substandard housing 鈥� many of which are rooted in the legacies of slavery and colonialism.鈥�
She added that the support from the 缅北强奸 had come at a critical time as churches begin the long process of rebuilding communities.
Photos by Kevin Snyman.