Hurricane Dean

    Hurricane Dean hit roared through the Caribbean in late August.  Jamaica seems to have gotten the worst end of the storm.

August 29, 2007 - Email

Don, the first information is from Gladwyn Kiddoe on conditions in Jamaica. If you have not seen this, I have copied it below: 

It is now estimated that 300,000 persons were seriously affected by hurricane Dean. The most recent estimate of the cost of the damage to homes, roads, crops in the field is about $1.2 billion (US). In some sections of the south coast one in three homes lost their roofs or were destroyed.  Christians in several congregations along the south coast lost roofs, homes and property.  The roof of the  Old Harbour church of Christ was severely damaged. 

Many religious groups lost their buildings or suffered severed damage. Public schools were not spared. 

This is a major crisis. 

The church of Christ in  Jamaica is trying to respond. This evening the Bull Savannah Church of Christ will be meeting to prepare hundreds of care packets to distribute to the needy later  this week. 

However, we need the help of brethren oversees to climb this mountain of need.

 The JSP's (Jamaica School of Preaching) dorm roof was blown off. The computer room was damaged along with the computers inside. We are preparing to do repairs and improve the facility overall.

 Don,

 You and I are making plans to go down in a couple of weeks to help evaluate, set in motion meetings with church leaders and work with Francis and Gladwyn on a long term effort at helping our brethren in the South Side of the island.

In the meantime I am requesting $10,000 so that we can immediately send this down prior to our trip to help ease some of the pain. This money will be going primarily for roof repairs, zinc sheets, lumbers and even purchase bedding for that destroyed; also basic food and drinking water and to help with the repairs on the building on the church in Braeton.

This is a lot of money, but not nearly what it will take to really help our brethren who have lost everything. But while we talk and plan, we could be doing a little action with some seed money. In the past what I tried to do was work with local leaders and Francis Yorke is one I trust. I have also tried to assist in providing materials rather than pay for everything to be done. This enables the local churches the possibilities of helping.

I am not sure what other details you need but let me know and I will respond as quickly as I can from Francis.

Thanks OLD friend,

ken