UPDATE:
Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica with catastrophic force, bringing sustained winds of 185 miles per hour and leaving a trail of destruction across the island. The southwestern region bore the brunt of the storm, where entire neighborhoods were leveled, roofs were torn from homes, and critical infrastructure collapsed under the hurricane’s power.
Officials estimate that one-third of the island was severely affected, with widespread power outages and the loss of running water compounding the humanitarian crisis. More than 600,000 people were cut off from the rest of the country due to washed-out roads, downed trees, and communication failures.
Amid the chaos, Paula White Ministries (PWM) was among the first organizations to deploy aid, arriving with their rapid-response coalition, the Compassion Collective. This group consists of faith-based and secular non-governmental organizations united in their commitment to put boots on the ground in times of disaster. The Collective includes MedicCorp, Love and Life Foundation, CityServe, World Vision, National Faith Advisory Board, YPO, No Child Hungry, Judah1, StarLink, and SpaceX.
With helicopters equipped for emergency communications, medical operations, and the distribution of food and water, teams were able to reach isolated communities inaccessible by road. These airborne missions provided lifesaving support to thousands awaiting relief.
“This hurricane was catastrophic in scope,” said Todd Lamphere, Director of Global Outreach for Paula White Ministries. “The power of the Compassion Collective was on full display in Jamaica. People’s lives were saved because organizations like Paula White Ministries immediately jumped into action to bring aid to the hurting.”
During his time on the island, Lamphere met with the Prime Minister’s disaster response team and cabinet ministers to coordinate efforts. He also met with key leaders of the faith community to partner with them in meeting immediate and long-term needs across impacted areas.
Former Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks—selected by the Prime Minister to help lead national recovery efforts—welcomed PWM’s presence.
“We love Pastor Paula in Jamaica, and we are grateful for her service in the White House Faith Office,” Marks said. “The needs are massive in Jamaica, and it will take years to recover.”
Pastor Paula White emphasized the spiritual and humanitarian mission driving the response. “Pastor Paula believes that God’s people need to lead the way in helping those affected by disaster,” Lamphere noted. White added, “We bring aid and resources, but the greatest thing we bring is the hope that is found in Jesus.”
As relief operations continue, the Compassion Collective and other partners remain committed to supporting Jamaica through the long road to recovery.
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