Jamaica is no stranger to storms. But a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane had never been recorded there, and it was a life-changing tragedy for many. High winds and heavy rain whipped through Black River on Oct. 28, destroying almost 90% of homes and businesses.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) chaplains centered their ministry in this parish capital, encountering physically and emotionally broken people at a Samaritan’s Purse field hospital. Through spiritual support and a listening ear, they helped people see that there’s a Great Physician who can heal them.
These three stories of transformation show how God has worked on the island to bring hope from heartbreak.
God Did This for You
As Marcia* slept, her daughter and niece sat on the end of her hospital bed, watching her intently. Chaplain Sue Maakestad could relate—she had prayed fervently over Marcia following a major surgery, hoping to speak with her when she woke.
As rebuilding efforts continue in Jamaica, these women will be looking over their own young families—and serve as primary caregivers for Marcia while she recovers.
When Maakestad approached them for prayer, they gratefully received it, but they brushed off her questions about God. They grew up in a religious home and didn’t think they needed any more help.
“You were raised in church, but have you ever found out what Jesus did for you personally?” Maakestad asked.
The women were surprised. They hadn’t realised there’s more to faith than hymns and homilies. As Maakestad described God’s plan to save us, their faces brightened and hearts softened. They immediately prayed to accept Jesus as their Saviour, finally understanding the true meaning of the cross. In excitement, they hugged the chaplain, each other, and then the chaplain again, filled with new joy in Christ.
Worthy of His Love
Another young woman sat alone on the edge of an ER gurney. Ella* suffered from sickle cell anemia and had come to the hospital looking for help with her chest pain. She had no idea that a larger burden would be lifted that day. Maakestad came to offer prayer and asked Ella if she had a relationship with Jesus.
“I know about Him,” Ella answered honestly. “But I don’t know Him personally.”
Maakestad opened up God’s Word and began to show Ella more, telling her how “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV).
“Would you like to become God’s child?” Maakestad asked. But instead of joy at the invitation, Ella’s face dropped.
“I don’t think I’m worthy of that,” she replied.
Maakestad smiled and explained it simply, from a mother to a mother.
“Why do we give things to our children?” Maakestad asked. “Because we love them. We don’t deserve the love of God, but God loves us anyway. That’s why it’s a free gift.”
Ella slowly understood that this was something she didn’t want to turn down. A huge grin spread across her face as the Holy Spirit worked in her heart, and she prayed to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Maakestad encouraged her to pray daily to God, her loving Father who wants to be trusted with both her physical and spiritual pain.
Personal Friendship With God
Anna* and Michelle’s* connection was instantly apparent when they walked into the hospital.
“We’re best friends. We’ve always been best friends,” the girls said.
But they immediately grew somber when Maakestad asked them about the storm. While they hid in their houses, the 185 mph winds ripped their tin roofs off like a can opener. The sea water washed over them as each tried to survive the night.
Maakestad asked the young women what they did when the fear was overwhelming. Did they pray for God’s protection?
“Yes, thank God we are still here and our families are safe,” they replied. But as Maakestad dug deeper, she realised the women had put their faith in their own works and not the One who had delivered them. They were missing the one thing they needed: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
The friends were overjoyed to find out they didn’t need to perform a religious to-do list, but only respond in faith to God’s work. When Maakestad asked if they would like to pray to have peace with God, their reply was honest.
“Of course!”
Will you pray for these new believers, that they will grow strong in their faith as they rebuild their homes and lives? Ask God to speak to the hearts of many others through this tragedy and draw them to salvation in Jesus Christ.
*Names changed for privacy.