A 34-member team of skilled volunteers from the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) traveled to Jamaica January 15–19, 2026, to assist with large-scale rebuilding efforts across the western and northern parts of Jamaica following extensive storm-related destruction from hurricane Melissa late last October 2025.

Working under the banner of the “Nehemiah Skilled Volunteers,” the team brought together carpenters, masons, laborers, contractors, engineers, and union representatives from Barbados, St. Croix, St. Maarten, Dominica, Tortola, and Trinidad. Most volunteers personally financed their airfare and transported their own tools, reflecting a spirit of sacrifice and mission commitment, church leaders said.

“We did not come to Jamaica simply to repair roofs,” said Ashton O’Neil, general coordinator of the mission. “We came to rebuild lives. Every nail driven and every board lifted was an act of worship.”

Despite limited time and challenging conditions, the initiative resulted in significant reconstruction and repair across multiple communities, he said.

“Our volunteers understood that this was ministry in its purest form, and they gave themselves without hesitation,” O’Neil added.

The team split into four groups and followed a demanding schedule, rising early for devotions before traveling up to 90 minutes to worksites, where they often worked into the evening to complete roofing and structural tasks.

Rebuilding on a large scale

Volunteers repaired 34 roofs, constructed six complete houses, and carried out six minor repairs across the West Jamaica Conference.

In addition, a joint team from the North Caribbean Conference and Trinidad extended their service for another week and a half in the North Jamaica Conference region, completing eight roofs, building three houses, and repairing three additional structures.

Projects included reroofing, flooring installation, wall reconstruction, the installation of windows and doors, and full structural rebuilding. Assistance was provided to both Adventist and non-Adventist families.

Many beneficiaries had been living under tarpaulins supported by makeshift frames, without proper walls, doors, or windows. Several homes had been destroyed or deemed structurally unsafe, church leaders said.

Coordinated for mission

Ezra Fabian of Dominica, a local church elder, provided technical leadership for the initiative, emphasized the unity of the regional team.

“What stood out most was the level of cooperation and professionalism,” said Fabian. “Skilled workers from different islands came together as one body with one mission,” he said, adding that although the challenges were real, their commitment was even greater.

“We may have slept in bunks and traveled long hours each day, but every sacrifice was worth it,” said Dayle Haynes of the East Caribbean Conference. “When you see a family move from under a tarpaulin into a secure home, you realize this is more than construction, it is compassion in action.”

Glen O. Samuels, president of the West Jamaica Conference at the time expressed deep appreciation for the regional partnership.

“The Caribbean Union has demonstrated what it truly means to be one family in Christ,” he said. “These volunteers gave sacrificially of their time, resources, and strength. West Jamaica will not forget this expression of love and solidarity.”

Ongoing needs

While the January mission marked substantial progress, the need across the affected communities remains severe and widespread, volunteer team leaders said. Numerous families are still living in unsafe or temporary conditions, and several church buildings were either heavily damaged or destroyed, they said.

Conference leaders have identified an urgent need for additional building materials, increased financial support, and continued skilled volunteer assistance to sustain the rebuilding momentum, regional church leaders said.

Orville Morris, one of the site managers, underscored the urgency of continued support.

“What we accomplished in a few days made a meaningful difference,” he said, “but there are still many families waiting, with more resources and more hands, we can accelerate the work and restore stability to entire communities.”

Without further intervention, many communities will continue to face significant humanitarian and infrastructure challenges in the months ahead.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.