Church-led rebuilding effort brings relief and encouragement to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

February 5, 2026 | Westmoreland, Jamaica | Shadeka Haye-Campbell and Inter-American Division News.

A 13-member team of skilled volunteers from the Belize Union Mission, serving through the General Conference’s VividFaith network, recently helped rebuild and repair homes across western Jamaica following widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa late last October.

The hurricane left many families without adequate shelter. In response, the West Jamaica Conference partnered with the volunteer team—known as the Nehemiah Skilled Volunteers—to restore 15 homes, rebuilding seven from the ground up and repairing eight others.

Skilled volunteers frame and reinforce the structural components of a home during post-hurricane rebuilding efforts across western Jamaica, part of a church-led initiative to restore housing for affected families. [Photo: Vernal Comrie]
Members of the Gideon Rescue Company also supported the initiative by assisting with early cleanup efforts across affected communities.

To accelerate the rebuilding process, the West Jamaica Conference procured essential construction materials, including zinc sheets, lumber, and plywood, ensuring that repairs and new construction could begin without delay in early December.

Beyond construction work, the outreach extended into practical community care. A barber traveling with the volunteer team provided free haircuts to approximately 60 residents while also contributing to the rebuilding efforts.

The team’s leader, Pastor David Campbell, reflected on the motivation and faith that sustained their work.

A homeowner (center) stands with volunteers from Belize and North America at the construction site of her new home, rebuilt after damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.[Photo: Vernal Comrie]
“God has been good to us and has worked on our behalf,” Campbell said. “We came with a mind to work and remained committed to the task. While many saw the project as a challenge, God gave us the strength to accomplish all that we did. Everything we undertook was for the glory of God.”

For many residents, the rebuilt homes marked the first signs of recovery. Nickiesha Bernard-Richards of Seaford Town, Westmoreland, was among the beneficiaries.

“I was the first person in my community to receive a home,” she said. “I want to thank the team from Belize and the Conference. I am very grateful.”

Pastor Glen O. Samuels, president of the West Jamaica Conference, emphasized the depth of sacrifice demonstrated by the volunteers.

Members of the Nehemiah Skilled Workers from the Belize Union Mission and the Gideon Rescue Company join West Jamaica Conference President Pastor Glen O. Samuels for a moment of recognition following the completion of the rebuilding project at the West Jamaica Conference Center on Dec. 10, 2025. [Photo: Vernal Comrie]
“They have given themselves to serving humanity, and West Jamaica has been the beneficiary of this kind of selfless sacrifice,” Samuels said.

He added that the impact of the project extended far beyond rebuilding structures.

“The sacrifice of this team is very meaningful to us. I want to thank God for blessing you with a heart and a mind to give and to work.”

Conference leaders say partnerships like this will continue to play a central role in ongoing disaster recovery efforts across the region.

Those wishing to support continued rebuilding initiatives can learn more at give.westjamaica.org.