Inner-city church network leads Hurricane Melissa relief mission in Westmoreland

The Pentecostal Gospel Showers Family of Churches (PGSFoC), headquartered in Riverton Meadows, Kingston, led a demanding relief mission into York District, Westmoreland, on Saturday, November 22, coordinating with U.S.-based churches, local charities, and partners such as the St. Andrew Southern Police Department (Hunts Bay Police Station) and The Praying Cousins International.

The area is among the least serviced communities since Hurricane Melissa, and the team distributed more than 500 relief packages, with supplies extending into neighbouring districts.

The initiative was mounted in direct response to the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Rather than focus on more accessible parts of western Jamaica, organizers targeted communities that had been overlooked due to damaged and inaccessible roads. York District was identified as one such area. After travelling for more than eight hours, the group of about 50 volunteers had to complete the final stretch on foot when their vehicle could not navigate the narrow dirt roads and foot tracks left behind by the storm.

Residents expressed surprise and gratitude at the group’s determination to reach them. Volunteers from the community used their own cars and motorcycles to move the packages to the distribution point as night fell and the team worked in an area with little or no lighting.

Bishops Drs. Philbert and Maureen Bailey, who lead the PGSFoC and were on the ground for the mission, described the effort as a success and emphasized the need for churches to play an active role in disaster response. They said this is a time when “…we leave the pulpit, roll up our sleeves and preach the gospel with our actions (hands) and not just with our mouths.” Founding Bishop Dr. Maureen Bailey noted, “…with seven church locations across Jamaica, all of which are based in inner city communities in Kingston, St. Catherine and St. Thomas, we’ve seen hardship, lack and hunger.” But both leaders agreed that nothing rivals the devastation following Hurricane Melissa, and members were urged to assist those facing even greater need.

The relief packages included drinking water, nonperishable food, clothing, bedding, children’s items, hygiene kits and more. The mission also created a dedicated kiddie’s tent, distributing toys, snacks and clothing to help restore a sense of normalcy. A small team of trained early childhood educators and counsellors supervised the effort, while pastors and counsellors sang, prayed and offered words of encouragement to adults who repeatedly asked the group to return.

The JUTC provided transportation for the contingent, and members of the South St. Andrew Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, based at the Hunts Bay Police Station, escorted the team, assisted with moving supplies and maintained order throughout the operation.

The relief drive was supported by all branches of the PGS Family of Churches, the St. Andrew Southern Police Department (Hunts Bay Police Station), The Praying Cousins International, Beyond the Veil USA, Breaking Ground Ministry USA, Helping Hands Ministry, Sarah Mother of Nations, and local charity Predestined for Women’s Empowerment and Wellness. The team departed the PGSFoC headquarters in Riverton Meadows around 7:30 a.m. and returned at approximately 2:00 a.m. Sunday.