PPM Disaster Response: Hurricane Melissa

It has been a busy time in Jamaica for our full-time local staff. They have spent the time since the storm checking in our Partnering Pastors and their communities.

Hughroy has been busy purchasing items for care packages that have been passed and or delivered to people in the St. James and Trelawny Parishes that were heavily damaged during the hurricane. Many of the communities have still not received any aid, and we have pastors getting out care packages as quickly as they can now that stores are beginning to open back up and having goods delivered.

We have our first mission team arriving on Saturday, so plans are being made for them to help repair a local school so that the students are able to return. They will also prepare care packages for the community in which they will be serving. Many of the locals have not been able to return to work as their places of employment have been destroyed.

We continue to move forward, providing aid as funds are received. Repairs and rebuilds should be able to start very soon, as we have been told the Hardware stores are ready to begin opening and will have plenty of supplies available.

Most of the island remains without electricity, internet service and phone service is still very sporadic for everyone. Please pray for the linemen and the local workers as they are working long, hard days trying to bring restoration to the island.

Thanks to everyone for their generous support and love for the island and the people we love so very much.

We are grateful this afternoon: thanks to generous donations, PPM local staff, and our genuine partnership with William Knibb Baptist Church, 100 Care Packages were prepared and will be delivered this weekend in Jamaica. This is the local Church leading the charge to reach families who are in need.

We are working to continue to replicate this work through our other church partnerships. Every donation helps us work alongside the local church as it supports its communities. Thank you to all of our donors so far for making this possible.

Hughroy was able to meet with a local grocery store this morning and is securing provisions for 100 care packages. We will be partnering alongside William Knibb Baptist Church in order to get the care packages distributed to those in need. It will take a few days for the store to have all of the items needed for the packages. Hughroy and church members will prepare these items, and then they will deliver them to the areas that have not received assistance yet.

It has been extremely hard for anyone to get into many of the communities due to roads still being blocked, due to power lines being down, and downed trees. It has been so hard on many families as provisions are running low or they have run out completely. We are working diligently to begin getting needed care packages into these communities.

We are hearing more and more from our pastors and friends in Jamaica. The news is the same from each one. There is so much widespread damage to homes, businesses, schools, and churches. Water and electricity have still not been restored in most areas. The internet is spotty, with some being able to use the Starlink system.

Please continue to lift them up in prayer. We are in desperate need of teams to come in and help serve. We have openings starting next month. Please consider gathering your families, friends, co-workers, or church members. We need your help.

Each day bring new news and updates from our partners across Jamaica. We have been in contact with more pastors today! These calls, messages and voices are a huge blessing as contact is made. There are many areas still without power and many will be without power for a long time, from what we have been told.

We have been receiving pictures and videos from more of our partners as they share the devastation that has taken place. Damage is so heavy and so widespread. It is difficult to understand and see all the damage, and the homes people once lived in and felt secure just gone. Churches that cannot gather to worship because roofs are gone, walls have collapsed and debris litter the floors.

The picture below is of Jacob’s Well church and its school, located on the church property. The school will need a lot of work before the children can return. The church floor is covered in mud and part of the roof has been blown off.

Please continue to pray for Jamaica. If you are able to bring a team, we welcome you; if you can donate to help purchase supplies, we welcome that also.

Please continue to pray for Jamaica and for the local PPM partners and staff who are working to pick up the pieces for their families and loved ones, all while also gearing up to be hubs for help and resourcing in their communities.

PPM will be using donated funds to equip and support these incredible local leaders as they activate to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their neighborhoods right now in the urgent, and for the long road to recovery.

Please donate above and help lift up their arms in this vital work.

Even in the Kingston and surrounding areas, roads are difficult to traverse and regions of the country remain cut off from supplies and resources.

Many people across the island are struggling to move around to check on friends, family, or their homes if they had displaced for the storm. Downed trees and landslides are making areas tough to navigate. Where roads are passable, traffic is at a near stop.

Photo shared from a PPM staff member with permission from the community member.

Many are navigating the loss of their homes in the wake of the storm. In many communities, multiple generations live together, as was the case with this home, where this woman lived with her mother and three children.

We are slowly receiving some images from PPM’s local Jamaican staff. Please continue to pray as people are beginning to see and understand the full scope of the storm’s impact.

We are receiving updates from several of our pastors and staff.

The reports that are coming in from the St. Elizabeth area are devastating. Recovery efforts have started, and one of our pastors was told that they have recovered several bodies already. They also had containers full and stocked with supplies for after the hurricane, and those are nonexistent now. Catastrophic is an understatement for that area, according to what one of the local officials said. Most businesses are gone. The recovery and rebuilding will take many years. This area was still recovering from Hurricane Beryl last year, which makes this that much harder.

We are still waiting for solid updates for the St. James area. They are not coming in quickly. We do know that the airport was affected greatly and will be closed until they can assess the damage. There have been reports that the public hospital in Falmouth sustained severe damage as well. The damage is widespread, and we will update as we receive more information for this area.

Many of our partnering churches have been damaged and will need help with rebuilding. We have also heard that many homes’ roofs are missing or homes are gone in the Trelawny area as well.

Our partners in the Kingston area are doing well.

We will continue to update. Please continue to pray as the damage is vast.

Our Praying Pelican partners are actively assisting their communities with all the limited resources they have on hand. Forecasters warned of life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding, as well as numerous landslides. Rainfall totals were predicted to be between 10 to 20 inches.

Hurricane Melissa, following its catastrophic impact as a category 5 storm in Jamaica, made landfall over eastern Cuba near the city of Chivirico as an "extremely dangerous" category 3 hurricane with sustained winds around 125 mph. It later weakened as it crossed the island. It was one of the strongest ever to hit the nation, causing "extensive damage”.

As daylight breaks in Jamaica, we pray that cell service and electricity will be restored. We have seen horrific pictures and videos from news coverage throughout the island. What we have seen is devastating.

We are still waiting to hear from many of our PPM staff; the waiting is terrible. I was able to speak with a couple of our pastors late last night. One is from the Kingston area, and he is doing fine; however, his parents live on the north side of the island in an area in the parish of Trelawny, which we have heard took a hard hit, and he has been unable to reach anyone in that area. Another pastor said he and his family were doing well; however, he had heard from a few church members who said it was devastating outside. He plans to try to get out today to check on his members and assess the damage.

Please continue to pray as PPM seeks the next steps forward to bring help to Jamaica and the people we love so dearly. We will update as we hear from our loved ones throughout the day.

It has been a long morning and afternoon waiting and watching Hurricane Melissa make its trek across Jamaica.

We have been in contact with many of our local staff throughout the day who are located in the Kingston and Montego Bay areas. The power has come and gone all day in both locations. Some of our staff are using data only on their phones due to the cell service being down in some areas.

We have also been able to speak with some of our partner pastors. They are doing well and praying that the storm passes quickly. They covet your prayers and look forward to updating us when the storm has passed as they are able.

The Montego Bay area is expecting a more direct hit than had initially been expected. Prayers are needed. They are expecting some rough weather in the hours to come.

Below, I have shared a photo of many of our partner pastors from our last pastor’s conference. What a wonderful day we had with them; it was such a blessing for everyone. Please continue to keep the island of Jamaica and its people in your prayers.

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall on the southwestern coast of Jamaica with maximum sustained winds at 185 mph (295 km/h) and minimum central pressure at 892 millibars. This makes Melissa the third strongest storm on record for the Atlantic basin by pressure. Wind gusts on the highest mountains are predicted to reach 200 mph.

Melissa's speed has increased, which is oddly a positive, as she will not linger as long as anticipated. She is moving north-northeast (NNE) at approximately 7–9 mph (11–15 km/h). 

Approximately 240,000 people (or about 35% of Jamaica Public Service customers) were without power before the storm's core made landfall.

Significant damage to farmlands, the power grid, and transportation networks is anticipated. The government has opened over 800 shelters nationwide.

Friends, let us hold fast to the promises of God, for He is our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Even as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, our faith remains unshaken in the One who calms the wind and the waves. 

Faithful partners on the ground, alongside local leaders, are standing ready to serve and help. Let us continue in earnest prayer for the safety of families, the courage of first responders, and the unity of our communities, trusting that even in the midst of this historic storm, our Lord will bring peace, restore hope, and demonstrate His unwavering love through the loving service of His people. God is our shelter; may we find our peace in Him.

We are now in the final hours of preparation before Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to move over Jamaica tonight and into early Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center’s data this afternoon confirms the storm has achieved Category 5 intensity.

The official warnings can feel overwhelming, but we must observe and consider the numbers because they inform our final actions. Melissa's maximum sustained winds are estimated near 175 mph, and the lowest central pressure has dropped to a remarkably rare 906 mb. This pressure reading places Melissa among the most intense Atlantic storms ever observed, exceeding the power of the vast majority of Category 5 storms. 

One area of concern is the slow pace at which Melissa is moving—at just 3-5 mph—causing the effects of the storm to linger longer than what is typical.

The forecast for rain over Jamaica remains fixed on 15-30 inches, with localized totals up to 40 inches. That is a year’s worth of rain falling in under 48 hours. Of course as a result, the concerns are regarding flash flooding and landslides across the mountainous terrain. A storm surge of 9-13 ft is expected along the south coast, near and to the east of where the storm's core makes landfall.

We know that despite Melissa being a big storm, we serve an even bigger God. Our prayers continue to be that He comforts and shelters all of the people of the Caribbean through this time.

We have spoken with many of our pastors and staff throughout the day today. They are as prepared as they can be. As they continue to pray, they watch and they wait.

Many past team members have been checking in to let us know they are praying for Jamaica and everyone there. Teams have already been reaching out to say they are ready to help after the storm passes.

Those we’ve been connecting with on the ground seem to be experiencing more rain and wind than earlier this morning. One of our friends from Jamaica called while he was traveling home from his place of employment. He showed me the main road that we always travel in Jamaica, and it was bare. I shared with him that I had never seen the road with no one on it.

Please pray for those who don’t want to abandon their homes and need to for their safety. One of our full-time staff members, Hughroy, shared with us this morning that he is so worried about those who are not taking it seriously. He was heartsick to say that he is afraid that is where lives will be lost.

We covet every prayer and will update as the storm begins to make landfall as we’re able.

I just received a text message from a mission team leader who will be coming and serving in Jamaica in January. She let me know that her and her church are holding a prayer vigil tonight for Jamaica. She asked if we knew what the needs may be after the storm and I let her know we don’t know specifics right now, but I would let her know as soon as possible. She said they will have 30 extra suitcases they can bring with whatever is needed!

She proceeded to let me know that her teens are looking for ways to use their gifts to help out when they come to Jamaica. The young man pictured below is a runner - he has already collected a suitcase full of running shoes to bring with him in January in hopes of blessing others. This was a much-needed spark of encouragement today! This is the heart of PPM and the awesome ministry and great relationships that are built through mission teams. (Picture used with permission)

Things are eerily quiet for the most part in Jamaica currently. It's the calm before the storm for sure. They are experiencing light rain showers and the winds are beginning to increase some. Power and water are still on for most of the island at this time, but will likely be turned off soon. Everyone is preparing for the worst and praying for the storm to weaken.

I have spoken to some of our Dominican Republic partner pastors, and they say it seems the worst is over for them at this time. They are still experiencing rain, but it comes and goes. They have had some heavy flooding in the southwestern region, but have not heard reports of major damage.

Our Haiti staff reported that one of our church partners in the Les Cayes area has lost the roof of his church and that many farmers have lost their crops due to the flooding and rains. He said everyone is safe at this time. We will update as more information comes in.

Cuba is preparing for a heavy hit as well later this week. Preparations are taking place as we speak.

Please continue to pray.

The U.S Navy has evacuated family members and other non-essential mission personnel from the base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Join us in lifting up all those brave military personnel who will remain on base during the storm in prayer.

As the rain continues to fall off and on, the winds are picking up throughout the island. It has been so back and forth for everyone. Power and water off and on, off and on. They are grateful when it comes back on so they can charge their phones a bit more and are able to check to see what is going on with the hurricane. We can only imagine how hard it is for them, though, with all the back and forth.

This morning, I connected with our two full-time staff in Jamaica. As I spoke with Hughroy Jackson, he said, “I don’t know who told Melissa about Jamaica and why she is so interested in visiting.”

So for now, they sit, wait, and pray.

As the rain came off and on through the afternoon in the Kingston area, everyone continued to prepare. One of our local staff even went to a wedding for a few hours, and another said he was just getting out and enjoying himself while he could.

Trying to enjoy life while they could as they wait for the storm that is likely going to take a huge toll on their lives over the next couple of days. Still, they remain focused on their faith and our God.

We will continue to post updates as we hear from our staff and our partnering pastors in Jamaica.

As the rains took a bit of a break outside of Montego Bay, the winds continued to blow. And just a little bit later, we received word that the power was out and that the water had been out for several hours. We pray that both will return before the worst of the storm comes through, in hopes that it will give people some relief before the storm.

One of our partnering pastors held their church service this morning online for all of the churches in their circuit. The actual service was held at William Knibb Baptist Church in Falmouth, Jamaica, and was streamed live for their church members. It was beautiful to hear Pastor Smith pray for the land and the people he loves.

Please continue to pray.

The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica is closed as of Saturday evening. The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is now closed as of Sunday afternoon.

Airports in eastern Cuba are reportedly experiencing operational shutdowns and flight cancellations as a precaution.

Please continue to pray for all those affected by Hurricane Melissa and those affected by travel interruptions.

Hurricane Melissa has quickly increased to a category 4 hurricane and is currently holding at maximum sustained winds around 140 mph. The storm is tracking slowly westward, posing an extended threat to Jamaica, which is currently under a hurricane warning, as well as southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Forecasters anticipate large amounts of rainfall—potentially over 30 inches in some areas—which will likely cause considerable flooding and landslides across the region as Melissa nears the island, with maximum impact late Monday into Tuesday before it continues toward Cuba and the Bahamas.

I spoke with our staff in Jamaica this morning, and they continue to make final preparations. The rain has begun to fall in the Montego Bay area, which is on the northwest side of the island. The rain is steady and has set in. In the Kingston area, the rain is intermittent.

In times like this, we have already seen an abundance of fake news; false reports had gone out on Friday that the power and water were going to be shut off by 8:00 that evening. Fortunately, the power and water remain on with intermittent spells of losing water in the Kingston area.

Everyone continues to place their trust in God. It has been hard for everyone to wrap their brains around what is to come. Our hearts are heavy for our family and friends that we have served with for many years in Jamaica.

One of our local staff, Lamoy, shared with me that he held his normal men’s prayer group yesterday morning. He shared that the men were anxious about the impending storm. The Lord had given him the verses Psalm 4: 1-8.

The final verse, vs. 8, says the following:

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

This brought much-needed comfort to the men who, I am sure, are weary as they wait. Lamoy felt blessed to be able to bring that reassurance to the men at the prayer group. He reiterated to me that “We are trusting in God, We are trusting in God.”

Tropical Storm Melissa has just been upgraded to a category 1 hurricane.

Tropical storm Melissa has made landfall in the south western tip of Haiti and is approaching landfall at the eastern tip of Jamaica

Les Cayes, Haiti and surrounding areas are currently experiencing 30/mph winds and rainfall at .10 inches per hour. Morant Bay, Jamaica is experiencing 26/mph winds with minimal rain as the storm approaches.

Prayer request from PPM staff in Haiti: 

"We've been under a lot of rain since Wednesday night, flooding has been registered in some areas such as Jeremie, Les Cayes, etc., but thank God there is no major damage that I know of and our pastors are safe. Please keep Haiti in your prayers as you know how vulnerable the country is when it comes to natural disasters. Thanks."

Update from the Dominican Republic:

"Our DR staff are well. They are experiencing a lot of rain and some local flooding has already started."

As our Partnering Pastors and Staff wait for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, they have shared this morning that it is eerily quiet. No rain as of yet, and only clouds in the sky. They are preparing and making their final preparations.

The power is still on, and they continue to have water at this time. They had been informed yesterday that both would be shut off by 8:00 last night. Praise God, it remains on for the time being. Many are busy collecting water right now and trying to purchase what they can from the stores that are still open. At this time, everything has been closed except for essential needs stores. The ATMs are empty, and no one has access to cash at this time.

Please pray for their safety, as there will be torrential rains, which will bring about dangerous mudslides and flooding. Pray for them to have enough food for several days and provisions that are needed during this time. Continue to lift them up in prayer as landfall is imminent.

We are thankful to report that we have touched base with the majority of our ministry partners across the island. While there is a lot of work to prepare their homes and communities, the resounding feeling they are sharing with us is deep trust in God. Amen!

We are preparing for this upcoming week to be challenging regarding communication. We anticipate going stretches of time without hearing from them, as electricity is scheduled to be turned off this evening. In some areas, water is also getting shut off to conserve and protect the water supply. People have been told to prepare, with school having been out since Wednesday and businesses closing early today so families can secure their homes.

Right now, many families are discerning the best and safest areas for them to ride out the storm, balancing that with the desire to ensure their property is secure. We lift up in prayer all those in the midst of these difficult decisions, that God would give them wisdom, discernment, and peace.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches with increasing severity, we stand together, anchored by our faith. The threat of devastating wind and catastrophic flooding is real, but we know that in the midst of chaos, the Lord is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).

We ask you to join us in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Melissa is expected to intensify, with forecasts suggesting it could become a hurricane by Saturday and a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Sunday. Some scenarios even suggest the possibility of it becoming a Category 4 or 5 storm due to the extremely warm Caribbean waters it is moving over.

The storm is moving very slowly, which is making the situation more dangerous as it can linger near areas, causing prolonged impacts and dumping massive amounts of rain.

Life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are anticipated in southern Haiti and eastern Jamaica. Rainfall totals of up to 20 inches or more are possible in some areas.

Your support allows us to immediately deploy resources to where the need is greatest—providing clean water, emergency food, shelter materials, and medical/spiritual care to the most vulnerable.

We will continue to update you with the latest prayer points, status reports from our on-the-ground partners, and announcements regarding aid distribution.