UPDATE: Jamaican Work Team’s Advance Trip - January 6-10, 2005 (All photos by John Biondo)

The below images help to describe the current condition of the Watsonton United Methodist Chuch in Lionel Town, Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. Jamaican Team members from FUMC-Hershey were able to deliver over 550 lbs of needed clothing and an additional $500 in donations for the residents of Lionel Town who had suffered hardships after the storm had passed in September. God's love was guiding the team member's steps as they were able to pass 9 boxes of clothing easily through an often troublesome customs system, travel safely across the length of the island by a harrowing taxi ride, and establish and reestablish ties with new friends, old friends and loved ones.

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Jamaica Needs Our Support Now!!

For several years First United Methodist Church of Hershey has had a missional relationship with Watsonton Methodist Church in Lionel Town, Jamaica. Since 1995, FUMC-Hershey has sent three work teams to assist Watsonton Methodist Church and Basic School. Watsonton Methodist Church was built between 1886 and 1888.

The first team added a kitchen to the school building. The second team built trusses, and added a metal (zinc) roof to one of the buildings on the church property which then became the “church hall”. The third team placed a tongue & groove ceiling in the interior of the church hall. These were the major efforts completed by the mission teams on each visit. However, these mission trips were not just about the work. The trips were about helping others in need and spreading God’s love around the world.

Three weeks ago Hurricane Ivan moved along the southern coast of Jamaica—Watsonton Church and Lionel Town were directly in Ivan’s path. The area has been devastated. Ivan left many homeless, schools were destroyed, fruit trees are gone, food and water are in very tight supply.

Once again, First United Methodist in Hershey would like to send our support to Watsonton Church and continue to spread God’s love. The ways in which we as a congregation can help the members and families of Watsonton Methodist church are: