Word From Jamaica by J. B. Beckner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 22, 1903

Word From Jamaica

By J. B. Beckner

Everything was flourishing both financially and spiritually until the terrible storm which struck our beautiful island the tenth of last month, accounts of which have appeared in the papers. All of the north side looks like an American winter.

With Brother Hubert Fletcher, I was in the chapel at Port Antonio when the storm struck it. It was torn to pieces. The floor was carried eight feet to one side. We escaped without a scratch. The dwelling houses of many of our brethren were destroyed, as well as all fruit trees and other products under cultivation. Some are discouraged, but the most of them praise the Lord that their lives were spared. The new church at Glen Goffe was also blown down. I fear to hear from other church houses that stood upon the mountains. We can look for hard times here for the next twelve months, as it will take that time for the bananas to come again. And the cocoanut trees are destroyed. We are preparing to use the strictest economy so as to rebuild the torn-down houses. Many will have to be helped to rebuild their homes and to get something to eat.

Our native brethren have lifted nobly in putting up the church buildings that have been so recently dedicated. But now they are down, and many will have to be lifted. So we in brotherly love ask our American brethren to help us lift in this our time of need.

I am not discouraged, but have buckled on the armor a little tighter. In going west from Port Antonio the other day, I found roads all blocked with fallen trees. I was nine hours and a half going thirteen miles with my bicycle, and later twelve hours in going twenty miles. Roads are now being cleared of the fallen trees. I have about forty miles to go this afternoon.

Often remember us in your prayers. May God hasten the day when all have had the opportunity to get ready for the coming of the dear Lord.

Since writing the above, I have been out on a survey of the work of our terrible storm. Five churches were blown down, and many of the houses of our brethren. The prosperity of our work here demands the rebuilding of these houses as soon as possible. We had five new church buildings in construction when the storm struck our island. The rebuilding, with the finishing of those already begun, is a greater burden than we are able to bear or will be able to bear for some time to come, because of the destruction of the larger portion of the fruit crop of the island, which is the main dependence of our people.

I think the work here shows good returns for the investment that our American brethren have already made. We believe they will be willing in our adversity to invest a little more. Five hundred dollars will enable us to lift these churches, and establish the confidence of the people.

The John's Hall church must be rebuilt at once; it will be ready for use by October 1. This will probably be the first church to be rebuilt since the storm. Our brethren have been promised material for rebuilding their private houses, from the island relief fund, also provisions, so we shall only need help for rebuilding the churches which have been destroyed.

Our evangelistic work is prospering under the Lord's hand. There never was a deeper interest in the message than at the present time. Every week new ones are being added to the company of believers. Many of our native brethren are being awakened, and going out among the people, telling them what the Lord has done for them. The Spirit of the Lord is truly with us.

J. B. BECKNER.