Based on information the Presiding Bishopric has received from local leaders, church members and church properties in Jamaica were affected by Hurricane Melissa.
From Field Bishop Darwyn Copa: “We do not yet have an assessment of the extent of the material damage at this time. Although local ground transportation is operating, the roads are in very poor condition due to mud and landslides. A road that normally takes 30 minutes to travel now takes more than 4 hours. What has been urgently identified is the shortage of food in homes. An urgent need… is emergency aid to provide basic foodstuffs for our brothers and sisters (food, water, and kerosene, which is the regular fuel for cooking).”
The Presiding Bishopric is sending $4000 as requested by local leaders to Jamaica for immediate relief and is continuing to monitor the situation.
The Philippines has been greatly affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). The Presiding Bishopric is sending a donation of $10,000 to World Central Kitchen, who is on the ground in the Philippines and Jamaica with their mobile kitchens.
Please keep the people of Jamaica and the Philippines in your prayers. If able, consider a donation to the Climate Impact Fund which provides relief in these situations.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity.