Hurricane Melissa Appeal – British Province

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Westmoreland, close to New Hope, the site of the Moravian Camp on Tuesday 28th October 2025. It unleashed devastation across the western and central parishes of Jamaica. These communities are home to 36 Moravians congregations across the Central and Western District Conferences, and everyone of these has sustained damage, and several have been destroyed.

The news from the Provincial Board in Jamaica is heartbreaking. We know that lives have been lost. Homes have been destroyed; families displaced; belongings gone.

Springfield Moravian, one of the oldest congregations in province has been reduced to bare stone and debris. The congregations at Carmel and Salem, and the long-standing fixtures in Westmoreland, have been flattened. Faith Moravian in Luana is gone. Beaufort has been destroyed after rebuilding from previous storms. Entire roofs torn away at Lacovia, Dober, Middle Quarters, New Fulneck, Carisbrook, and many others. Manses, schools, community spaces have been severely impacted.

But it is not only buildings. Communities already vulnerable still face blocked roads, unsafe water, and there is scarcity in shelter. Congregations that have shaped the spiritual life of their communities for generations now lie in rubble.

In the first phase of their disaster response plan, the church in Jamaica is providing emergency aid including food packs, water, clothing and hygiene items. They are also providing spiritual and psychological first aid. Assessments continue as communication lines reopen. The road to recovery will be long.

How We in the British Province Can Respond

The British Province launched an appeal to provide critical relief to communities and provincial coordination. Funds will be sent through the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and trusted partners. We are grateful for all the support that has been received, the prayerful and the practical.

The direct appeal is available: https://justgiving.com/campaign/hurricanemelissaappeal and through our website www.moravian.org.uk/hurricane-melissa-appeal.

The Provincial Board, British Province