When Hurricane Melissa tore through western Jamaica, Kayon watched the roof over her family’s home disappear—leaving them in urgent need of disaster relief.

Like many homeowners, she couldn’t afford to replace it. So she did what she could.

In the days after the storm, Kayon walked through the debris collecting damaged sheets of zinc that had been scattered across the community. She salvaged what she could find and began rebuilding her roof with her own hands. It wasn’t perfect, and it certainly wasn’t enough to fully protect her home, but it was all she had.

By the time our World Race and short-term mission teams met her, most of the roof had already been pieced back together through determination, creativity, and sheer perseverance. Only a small section remained unrepaired, leaving her home vulnerable every time the rain returned.

As we worked alongside her, Kayon shared stories from the night Hurricane Melissa struck. Stories of injury, loss, and lives forever changed. It became clear that the storm had taken more than roofs. It had left behind fear, grief, and wounds that many families are still carrying today.

Beyond the Zinc: Restoring Hope through Disaster Relief

When the final repairs were completed, I realized the greatest change wasn’t the roof overhead.

It was Kayon.

The weight of the storm no longer seemed to define her. There was still work to do. There were still challenges ahead. But there was also something new. Hope.

Not because every problem had disappeared, but because healing was underway.

She knew she had not been forgotten.

The Impact of Short-Term Missions in Jamaica

The longer we serve in Jamaica, the more we’re reminded that recovery is about far more than construction. Roofs matter, but the real work often happens in conversations, prayers, and relationships. It happens when someone realizes they are not facing the future alone.

That’s what our short-term mission volunteers do every week during disaster relief in Jamaica missions.

And that’s why stories like Kayon’s continue to matter.

Pray

Pray for Kayon and the many families throughout western Jamaica who are still recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Pray for continued healing from the trauma, loss, and fear left behind by the storm, and pray that they would know they have not been forgotten.

Give

Your generosity supports Christian disaster relief efforts, allowing us to come alongside families like Kayon’s as they rebuild their homes and their lives. Every gift helps provide materials, support local recovery efforts, and create opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with homeowners throughout the community.

Would you consider making a gift today to help families continue moving forward?

Go

If you’ve ever wondered whether a week of service can make a difference, the answer is yes.

Join a mission trip to Jamaica and serve alongside families like Kayon’s. You’ll help repair roofs, build meaningful relationships, and become part of the healing taking place across western Jamaica.

Thank you for helping bring hope, healing, and restoration to families recovering from Hurricane Melissa.