30 October
A message from Bishop Steven
I know that many across the diocese will be praying for Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the other areas in the Caribbean affected by the total devastation brought by Hurricane Melissa.
Last year as a diocese we made a formal link between the Diocese of Oxford and the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. It was so good to welcome former Archbishop Howard Gregory and the new Bishop Leon Holding to our clergy conference earlier this year with other clergy from Jamaica. Only a few weeks ago we sent our representatives to Jamaica for Bishop Leon’s installation and we are in regular contact with sisters and brothers in Jamaica.
Clearly our prayers, help and support will be greatly needed in the coming days, weeks and months as the devastation is revealed and as the rebuilding begins.
Many will want to give through the normal disaster emergency relief channels which is the most effective route to supporting emergency aid. We will give some thought next week to how best we can help the diocese and the church rebuild and the part our own local parishes will play in that. In the meantime please continue to pray for all those affected.
Some prayers have been drawn together by Canon Janet Binns, who was herself born in Jamaica and has family there.
Bishop Steven
Lord have mercy at this time on the people of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
Give to our sisters and brothers strength as they rebuild
Hold Bishop Leon and the people of his diocese in your particular care
Help us to play our part in partnership with Jamaica
And help us and all the world respond with courage to the challenge of a changing climate
Through Christ our Lord
Amen
27 October
Hurricane Melissa has now intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of 160 mph, and is tracking slowly toward Jamaica’s southern coast with landfall expected on Tuesday morning.
Authorities in Jamaica - a link diocese of the Diocese of Oxford - have enacted emergency measures, including mandatory evacuations, the closure of schools, airports, and ports, and the opening of more than a thousand emergency shelters. Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba are also bracing for severe rains and flooding.
Please pray urgently for:
Protection of life - especially the most vulnerable and those unable to evacuate.
Courage and stamina for rescue workers, emergency personnel, and church leaders offering shelter and care.
Peace for the fearful - that anxiety would be stilled and hope found in God’s steadfast presence.
The Diocese of Jamaica & the Cayman Islands - for Bishop, clergy, and laity as they shepherd communities in crisis.
Neighbouring Caribbean nations, already weary from previous storms, as they prepare for severe flooding.
Mercy on creation amid the intensifying impact of climate change on small island nations.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46.1)
Lord, in your mercy — hear our prayer.