Convoy, AGWM on the Ground in Jamaica, Partnering with AG Churches
“The devastation and the need are worse than you probably think,” states Ethan Forhetz, national spokesperson for the Convoy of Hope, reporting from Jamaica. “Pictures don't do justice to the extent of the damage in West Jamaica. The scope of this disaster goes the length of the island from south to north. It's going to be a very long recovery period.”
However, before recovery can begin, the work of sustaining life is at hand. John Easter, executive director of AG World Missions (AGWM), shares that Convoy of Hope, AGWM's primary relief partner, has been coordinating with AG World Missions, the Jamaica Assemblies of God national office, and local AG churches to get aid where it is most needed.
“The main challenge is for people in Western Jamaica is basic, life-sustaining necessities — food, water, hygiene items, baby supplies, shelter,” Forhetz states. “People in the bullseye of the hurricane do not have access to those basic things. Stores are destroyed so they cannot go buy items. Roads are very difficult to traverse, so getting the aid into those areas is time-consuming.”
“It is difficult to get to the hardest hit areas,” agrees David Speer, AGWM Caribbean Area director. “The deeper workers get into the affected area the more catastrophic the damage.”
Although Convoy has shipping containers of relief on their way, the compassion organization is working from Kingston, which is located in the mostly spared southeastern portion of the island (Jamaica is only 146 miles in length and 51 miles at its widest point). Convoy has teamed with AGWM and the Jamaica AG to purchase items from Kingston-area suppliers and have them trucked to the impacted western region.
“Currently workers are taking 500 packets of food per day into the devastated areas,” Speer says. “These packers will help 500 families. Later this week workers are planning to increase this to 1,000 or 2,000 food packets per day.”
Forhetz says that along with Convoy personnel, volunteers from churches and communities are playing a big role in getting aid to where it is needed.
“Right away on Monday, we had dozens of volunteers at a church where we dropped off supplies for distribution,” Forhetz says. “They helped unload the truck and then took the relief supplies into hard-hit areas like Black River, White Hall, and Saint Elizabeth Parrish.”
As more reports come out of Jamaica concerning the extent of the damage done to the western portion of the island by Hurricane Melissa, Forhetz says that it’s in times like these that people become desperate for hope.
“Convoy of Hope always wants to help as many people as we can for as long as we can,” he says. “When we give out tangible supplies, what we're really doing is giving people hope that tomorrow can be a better day. We are showing them the love of God through kindness. It's the kindness of people who partner with us that is truly on display. Without them linking arms with Convoy, and Convoy linking arms with the Church, this response wouldn't be possible.”
“Please continue to pray,” Speer asks. “There is a desperate need for help.”
Those who desire to help with the relief effort are encouraged to send their offerings to Convoy of Hope's Hurricane Melissa Crisis Relief Fund. AGWM works with Convoy of Hope as its primary relief partner alongside AG leadership and missionaries in country.
