It has been one month since Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction across the island. The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), expressed solidarity with the United Church of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) and the people of Jamaica in the wake of the storm.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, WCRC president, and Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, interim general secretary, visited Jamaica this week to witness the impact of the hurricane and to offer support on behalf of WCRC member churches. They were joined by Rev. Garionne Harriott, convener of the Caribbean and North American Area Council (CANAAC).

During the visit, Thompson and Nyomi were guided by Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan, moderator of the UCJCI, Rev. Norbert Stephens, general secretary and Ms. Rose Wedderburn, general secretary-designate. The delegation visited areas of significant destruction and met with pastors, caregivers, and community members affected by the storm.

“What we witnessed was heartbreaking,” Nyomi said. “Churches and homes have been destroyed, electricity and connectivity are disrupted, and the trauma faced by communities—especially children and caregivers—cannot be underestimated. Yet amid the devastation, we also saw remarkable resilience and love in action.”

The UCJCI, working with partners such as the RG CARES Foundation, has provided more than 12 million Jamaican dollars (about $75,000) in relief support. The aid has reached beyond church members to affected communities. This represents the first phase of a comprehensive response plan, with recovery and rebuilding efforts now beginning.

The WCRC is calling on member churches to contribute through prayers, financial support, and in-kind donations. Needed resources include water, tarpaulins, generators, temporary internet connections, trauma support, cleanup, and rebuilding assistance. Individuals with expertise in trauma healing and disaster response are encouraged to volunteer.

Contributions can be coordinated through the WCRC at gs@wcrc.eu or directly with the UCJCI at gensecmail@gmail.com. 

“Your support—whether as a church, an agency, or an individual—will help our sisters and brothers in Jamaica recover and rebuild their lives,” Thompson said. “May God bless our shared journey of care, solidarity, and mission.”

Read the full letter here.

Watch the UCJCI’s video below.