Operation Jamaica Disaster Relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a historic Category 5 storm—the strongest ever recorded in the country—communities faced unprecedented devastation. Homes were destroyed, crops were flattened, landslides were triggered, and severe coastal flooding impacted the lives of thousands. Power and communications were widely disrupted, and major roads were blocked, isolating many communities in urgent need of aid. Places of work, including businesses and factories, were closed—some permanently—due to the extensive damage.

FCFI Responds

The Fellowship of Christian Farmers International immediately mobilized to respond to the citizens of Saint Elizabeth Parish. Guided by the call to fulfill the Great Commission and demonstrate Christ’s love through compassion, FCFI stepped in to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of those affected.

Mission Overview

• Who: Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI)
• When: Immediate response following the storm
• What: Disaster relief and community support
• Where: Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica
• Why: To bring hope, support, and restoration to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Response Plan and Implementation

Phase 1 – November 5–8, 2025

• Conducted on-site assessments
• Distributed critical supplies to the most affected areas

Phase 2 – November 9, 2025–January 28, 2026

• Communicated urgent needs in Jamaica
• Fundraised and recruited volunteers
• Planned future support and restoration projects

Phase 3a – January 29–31, 2026 (Advanced Team)

• Finalized project selections
• Validated procurement and transport of in-country materials and tools
• Identified additional tools needed from the United States
• Set up the base of operations
• Secured lodging, transportation, and meal arrangements for incoming teams

Phase 3b – February 1–9, 2026 (Main Work Teams)

• Conducted restoration and rebuilding efforts
• Documented the work for educational and awareness purposes

Phase 4 – Ongoing

• Continued planning future restoration and rebuilding projects based on evolving community needs

Through Operation Jamaica, FCFI demonstrated its commitment to serving communities in crisis, bringing practical assistance and spiritual hope to those recovering from Jamaica’s most devastating natural disaster.

Project A:

Nightingale Grove Baptist Church, New Market
Pastor Dorant Brown

Project B:

Rock Cliff Baptist Church, Rock Cliff
Pastor Kingsley Smith

Project C:

Providence Baptist Church, Hodges Land
Pastor Godfrey Watson

Darlingston “Widow” Projects:

Fully Funded @ $1,290,000.00 JD (Jamaican dollars)

Sister Davis
USD Total: $2,579.06

Sister Lock
USD Total: $600.00

Sister Ann
USD Total: $342.05

Sister Paulette
USD Total: $684.09

Sister Daniel
USD Total: $1,742.53

Sister Peggy
USD Total: $2,075.08

Sister Claudette
USD Total: $269.58

Together, supporters helped bring hope, restoration, and the love of Jesus to communities in need. Through prayer, volunteering, and financial support, lives impacted by Hurricane Melissa were strengthened and renewed. Every act of compassion made a difference.

If you would like to join a followup team contact Dan Janzen at dan@fcfi.org. We are considering going the last two weeks in April. We are interested in all different skills.

On the next trip, in addition to the reconstruction of churches, we will also work to establish tree nurseries and subsequent orchards with vulnerable people for resilience, particularly widows.