Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan’s Purse, visited Jamaica this past Sunday to assess the organization’s relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa. His trip included stops in Black River and other communities in Jamaica’s southwest, where Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been actively providing support since the hurricane struck in October.
On the same weekend, more than 9,000 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts were transported to Jamaica via a DC-8 aircraft, marking the final mission for this historic plane. The shoeboxes, filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items, were distributed to children affected by the storm, serving as a message of hope and love during their time of need.
During his visit, Franklin Graham toured the Samaritan’s Purse Emergency Field Hospital located in Black River, directly affected by the hurricane’s impact. He highlighted the ongoing suffering, noting that many families had been without power for 40 days and that every home in Black River experienced damage. He recounted meeting a man grateful for receiving a tarp for his roof, which allowed him to finally have a dry night since the disaster.
Samaritan’s Purse has managed to treat over 3,300 patients at the Emergency Field Hospital, which has performed nearly 80 surgeries. Additionally, extensive community water treatment systems have supplied over 180,000 gallons of clean water, and the organization has distributed numerous relief items, including shelter materials and hygiene kits, benefiting more than 25,000 families in the process.
Edward Graham, the COO of Samaritan’s Purse, joined Liberty University leaders and students over the weekend to distribute the shoebox gifts packed by the university community and Thomas Road Baptist Church. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration and the opportunity to provide support to Jamaican families during this difficult time.
The DC-8’s last flight was to Lynchburg, Virginia, where it will be displayed at Liberty University as part of the school’s aviation program, reminding future generations of the potential of aviation in spreading aid and the message of hope worldwide.
As efforts continue to assist families recovering from Hurricane Melissa, the community remains hopeful for a brighter future, bolstered by the love and support demonstrated by Samaritan’s Purse and its partners.