West Jamaica Conference Rebuilds Home for Family of Six Displaced by Hurricane Melissa

Blackness, Westmoreland -

 

When Hurricane Melissa tore through western Jamaica, entire communities were destroyed. Homes crumpled, roads disappeared, and families were left grasping for whatever safety they could find. In Blackness, Westmoreland, one of the many heart-wrenching stories belong to Alicia Pennycooke-Cheddan, her husband, and their four young children. They were inside the wooden section of their home when the wind began to twist the structure. According to Alicia, the wooden walls trembled. Acting quickly, they rushed into the adjoining concrete bathroom, and almost immediately after they entered, the rest of the house collapsed. With nowhere left to turn, the family of six ran through the storm to a neighbor’s house. Moments later, the neighbor’s roof collapsed as well, and they huddled in that bathroom until the worst had passed. It was a night Alicia describes as “nothing short of frightening.”

 

 

In the days that followed, a photo circulated of Alicia’s baby lying on a mattress beneath a coconut tree, showing the seriousness of their situation. The West Jamaica Conference (WJC) received word through Pastor Ziggario Richards of the Coote Savannah District and a plan was put in motion to rebuild Alicia’s home. A two-bedroom, one-bathroom house was completed in four days through the support of WJC and volunteers from several churches across the territory. Skilled workers, carpenters, pastors, and Master Guides joined forces to raise a home for the Cheddans. 

 

 

 

As the project took shape, Pastor Delgardo Black, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Coordinator for the West Jamaica Conference, reflected on how far things had come in such a short time. “When we got here a few days ago there was nothing. We are privileged, and we give God thanks and praise for what He has done so far. We are most grateful. I want to thank the team from Montego Bay, Sheffield, and the church for giving of themselves.”

 

Pastor Ziggario Richards stood on the site as the final boards went up, visibly moved by how quickly the community rallied. “Thanks to WJC. I want to take this opportunity to express thanks to the administration and the team from West Jamaica. Without you this would not be possible.”

 

For Alicia, the completed home marked the end of days filled with fear and uncertainty. Standing in front of the doorway of her new home, she spoke quietly but firmly about how much the help meant to her family. “Thanks to you all for helping us to get back a home. It is truly a blessing and I thank God because if it was not for Him none of this would be possible. My family and I are very grateful at this moment. We can be comfortable now, and we appreciate everything you have done. May God continue to bless you.”

 

 

Among the volunteers was Master Guide Walton Shaw, who helped with the physical construction. For him, the work carried deep meaning. “We have to give God the glory because it is through God that we were able to bring back a smile on her face,” he shared. “You could see her relief when she came to the construction site each day. It was a true joy for me in every nail that I drove in that house.”

 

 

To support more rebuilding projects for families like Alicia’s, visit give.westjamaica.org to see how you can help. The work continues, and every hand makes a difference.