Faith steps in where Melissa left scars

More than 100 residents of the Shrewsbury and Logwood districts in Petersfield, Westmoreland received much-needed health and social services on December 13, as Faith Apostolic Ministries continued its hurricane relief efforts in the area.

The outreach formed part of Phase Two of the ministry’s response to Hurricane Melissa and delivered medical care, clothing, food, and hygiene supplies to residents who were severely affected by the Category 5 storm, which devastated sections of south-central and western Jamaica on October 28.

For many beneficiaries, it marked their first opportunity to receive medical attention since the hurricane’s passage.

“It meant everything to me,” said 70-year-old resident Edgar Bruce. “Since the hurricane, nobody really been coming like before. Sometimes you don’t even know where your next meal is coming from, so to get help like this today really makes a difference.”

Nearly 80 volunteers were mobilised for the initiative and organised into several teams to ensure efficient service delivery. Their work focused on three main areas: the distribution of clothing and care packages; the provision of food and hygiene supplies; and the delivery of medical services.

The activity was hosted at the Mother Lewis AME Church, which served as a central hub for the operation. The church grounds were transformed into a temporary medical and distribution centre, with designated areas for patient screening, wound dressing, pharmacy services, and the collection of relief supplies.

Alex Johnson, head of the Health and Wellness Department at Faith Chapel of Faith Apostolic Ministries, told The Gleaner that the decision to bring the services directly into the community was deliberate.

“We recognised that many of the residents here did not have the means to travel far for help,” Johnson said. “So we said we had to bring the services to them, right where they are. This is about serving people with dignity and responding to a real need.”

Johnson explained that the outreach included medical doctors, medical students, registered pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and social outreach workers, all working alongside volunteers from Faith Apostolic Ministries, Giving JA, and the First Corinthians Foundation.

“We are not rich, but we are rich in the Lord, and we are committed to giving,” he added. “Giving back is not optional for us. It is our responsibility to help uplift communities, especially in moments like these when people are hurting the most.”

Phase One of the relief efforts saw the groups delivering aid to residents in Black River, St Elizabeth, shortly after the hurricane. That effort focussed primarily on emergency food distribution and immediate assistance. Phase Two expanded the scope to include comprehensive medical care and wellness support.

Bruce, who has lived in the community for decades, said the hurricane left him displaced and struggling. A diabetic for almost 30 years, he lost one foot prior to the storm and now relies on crutches to move around after also losing his home and livelihood.

“When the hurricane come, everything mash up,” he recalled. “If it wasn’t for the church taking me in, I don’t know where I would be. Moving around like this is hard, and the stress alone can kill you.”

During the outreach, Bruce received medical screening, medication and wound care, along with food and clothing. He said the support provided not only physical relief but emotional reassurance during a difficult season.

“Sometimes it feel like people forget you,” he said. “But today show me that somebody still care.”

The organisers say the needs in the community remain great, particularly for housing materials and continued medical support, and they are encouraging the public to continue giving as recovery efforts move forward.

antoine.lodge@gleanerjm.com