A message from The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon:
Many of you would have seen and heard about the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which continues to sweep across the Caribbean – destroying homes, flooding neighbourhoods and leaving many people stranded. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been deeply impacted by this heart-breaking disaster and for those who have sadly lost their lives, especially the many staff and parish colleagues with Jamaican roots or heritage across our diocese and those with friends and family throughout the Caribbean. Let us pray for the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean at this time.
A prayer for the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean
Father God,
We pray for the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean, and all those affected by the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Melissa.
We pray for those who have lost lives and those who grieve their passing.
Grant relief to the many left vulnerable, needing shelter, food and water, and give them courage and resilience to face the challenges of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the hurricane.
Strengthen the hands of all those offering emergency relief, aid and support, that they may work safely and effectively to restore calm, comfort, healing and hope.
In all the devastation, may they know God’s steadfast presence.
We ask this in the name of the triune God, creator, redeemer and sustainer.
Amen.
