St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
After winds reaching 185 mph tore through St. Elizabeth during Hurricane Melissa, Beverly Green’s house was left almost completely destroyed; its roof ripped away, exposing her to the elements. Out of that devastation, however, a story of hope and compassion unfolded. Today, the elderly member of the Middlesex Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Lacovia District once again has a solid roof over her head and a place she can call home again.
The condition of Beverly Green's roof after the hurricane. :: Photo credit: Devon Heath
Beverly Green has served her church faithfully for many years, working as Community Services Director, Prayer Ministries Coordinator, and a committed member of the church choir. A widow with no children, she faced the overwhelming loss alone until help arrived. During a post-hurricane damage assessment, Pastor Devon Heath, Personal Ministries Director of the West Jamaica Conference, discovered her situation. Deeply moved, he reached out to church members and friends both locally and overseas. Through their generosity, approximately $400,000 was raised to reroof Sister Green’s home making her one of the first residents in her community to have her house restored.
The reconstruction effort was led by Elder Findlay and Shawn Heath, while Ms. Pamela Heath provided meals that kept the volunteers energized throughout the long workdays. Support flowed in from across the island: volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ocho Rios, and the Moneague District of Churches traveled to St. Elizabeth to lend their time, labor, and financial support.
Led by Sister Hudson, the Ocho Rios contingent joined forces with other volunteers from St. Ann, to further strengthen the relief effort.
Volunteers unload building materials from vehicle to begin the construction process. :: Photo credit: Devon Heath
The director noted that even in the face of widespread destruction, the people of the affected communities continue to show remarkable strength.
“Many survivors have shared their personal stories of endurance, loss, and gratitude. Despite the devastation, the spirit of resilience among the people remains strong. They are smiling, adapting, and pressing forward with faith,” he said.
“The relief and recovery process must continue, not only to meet immediate needs but also to support long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation. This will require a national effort, supported by our diaspora brethren and friends worldwide.”
Sis Beverly Green, member of the SDAC, Middlesex, lifts her hands in thanks for her newly constructed roof. She is one of the first residents in her community to receive a complete roof replacement since the passage of Hurricane Melissa. :: Photo credit: Devon Heath
The director appealed for continued support. “We therefore make a heartfelt appeal to all who can assist; whether through donations, volunteerism, or prayer, to join us in this mission of hope and restoration.”
Grounding his message in Scripture, he added, “As followers of Christ, we are reminded of His words in Matthew 25, where He calls us to serve ‘the least of these.’ Together, we can bring healing, hope, and restoration to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.”