In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, two Jamaican congregations joined forces to deliver comprehensive aid to residents of St Elizabeth following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The Escarpment Road New Testament Church of God collaborated with the severely damaged Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God to execute Mission Rise 3.0, an ambitious relief initiative that provided multifaceted support to the hurricane-ravaged community.
The humanitarian effort, strategically redirected from its traditional smaller format to address urgent post-hurricane needs, offered an exceptional range of services including medical and dental care, psychological counseling, home repairs, legal guidance, and spiritual ministry. A full medical team comprising physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and dentists operated alongside the National Health Fund Mobile Clinic to distribute essential medications and treatments.
Addressing both practical and emotional needs, volunteers provided unique personal care services including hair combing, foot washing, and play therapy for children. The initiative also addressed technology challenges caused by continued power outages through charging stations and Starlink internet access donated by Hands in Unison, enabling residents to communicate with family members and access emergency services.
The rebuilding component saw church teams repair three severely damaged homes, including the residence of a church sister living alone, a couple from the Middle Quarters congregation, and a blind man who lost his roof during the Category 5 storm.
Significant portions of the distributed supplies originated from the Houston, Texas-based organization Spice Jamaica, with additional support coming from local medical professionals, Benjamins, the NHF Mobile Pharmacy Unit, and the national New Testament Church of God network.
Despite their own catastrophic damage—the Middle Quarters church suffered complete roof collapse destroying their audio systems, air conditioning, and infrastructure—the congregation hosted the initiative as an act of faith and service. Bishop Othniel Watson noted that the massive turnout, particularly from Escarpment Road church members, provided crucial encouragement to their hurricane-affected membership.
Mission Rise Coordinator Keshia West emphasized that while the church conducts similar outreach annually across various congregations, this year’s focus specifically targeted St Elizabeth due to the unprecedented level of devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.