In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation across Jamaica, Reverend Al Miller, a prominent clergyman, has urged citizens to view the disaster not as divine punishment but as an opportunity for unity and renewal. Speaking during a service at Fellowship Tabernacle, Miller emphasized that God does not cause destruction but is present even in chaos. He encouraged Jamaicans to rise above despair and support those affected by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck last Tuesday, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
Miller drew a parallel between human sin and natural disasters, suggesting that humanity’s moral corruption can provoke nature’s reaction. However, he clarified that such reactions are not meant to destroy but to prompt correction and change. He urged congregants to focus on the light within the darkness, reminding them that God can transform adversity into hope.
The two-hour service included moments of worship and prayer, with the congregation expressing gratitude for their survival. Church members also prepared care packages for affected areas, particularly the western parishes of St James and St Elizabeth, which bore the brunt of the hurricane’s impact. Miller highlighted the heartbreaking stories of those who lost everything and called for collective action to rebuild the nation.
Miller emphasized the role of the Church in mobilizing support, noting that the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches is coordinating efforts to deliver aid to 5,000 individuals daily. He urged Jamaicans to unite, stating that the disaster presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing issues and foster national solidarity. ‘This is our time to care for each other and rebuild our nation,’ he declared.