Fellow Saints,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the aftermath of the recent hurricane, our hearts are heavy with grief for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the communities ravaged, shaken, and cut off.  Yet, even amid devastation, the Word of God speaks to us with a song of hope.  Psalm 98 declares:

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvellous things… The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations.”

This Psalm reminds us that creation itself joins in praise - the seas roar, the rivers clap their hands, and the mountains sing together for joy. Though the storm winds have roared and the waters have surged against us, we are called to lift our voices in faith, trusting that God’s steadfast love endures and His justice will prevail.

A Word of Encouragement

God is still with us. The hurricane may have shaken our foundations, but it has not shaken the covenant love of God. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; every morning, they are renewed.

We are called to sing a new song.  This does not mean ignoring our pain, but allowing God to transform our lament into a testimony of resilience and renewal. The songwriter reminds us. “Great is thy faithfulness…morning by morning new mercies I see.”

Our Response as a Community of Faith

Let us stand together in solidarity, supporting those who have lost homes and livelihoods.

Let us be agents of hope, offering practical help and spiritual encouragement.

Let us pray without ceasing, trusting that God will bring beauty out of broken-ness.

How You Can Help:

Each Deanery in the Kingston Region has been twinned with a Deanery in the affected Deaneries. The St. Andrew Deanery, of which we are a part, has been twinned with the Westmorland Deanery, and our Cure is twinned with the Negril/Little London Cure.

Therefore, we are asked to donate cash and non-perishable items for immediate relief.  A more detailed list will be provided. In the long term, I invite us to assist with clean-up and other practical ways we can help them rebuild and restore their lives.  We hope to journey to Negril on Wednesday, taking care packages.

A Prayer

Merciful God, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  In the wake of this storm, we cling to Your promises. Teach us to sing a new song of faith, even in sorrow.  Restore our land, rebuild our homes, and renew our spirits. May rivers clap their hands and mountains sing for joy, as Your justice and mercy reign among us. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Dear friends, let us not grow weary. The same God who calmed the seas and raised the dead is with us now. Psalm 98 calls us to sing - not because the storm was good, but because God’s goodness is greater than any storm.

Together, we will rebuild and renew our country, Jamaica, land we love.

With love and steadfast hope,

Patrick+