OT - Hurricane Help

If anyone is interested in helping victims in Jamaica from Hurrican Ivan, please contact me directly. As you know, we are involved in missions for Jamaica, and are in the process of supplying help to them now. My email is [email protected]. Thanks in advance, Kathy Bilodeau

Kathy: What kinds of things do they need? Chryssie

Hi Chryssie, They need everything - however, at this point in time we are collecting money so they can repair their homes and buy the essential things they need. I am also trying to go to Jamaica to deliver the money so it will go directly to the people who need it most, I will be contacting American Airlines this morning to see if they will let me go for free or for a substantially reduced rate. If I do go, I will bring clothing and anything else I can stuff into my suitcases - but, of course, that will be limited. Our church has an established mission work in Jamaica (my husband and I have gone over several times, as well as others). We work with several churches on the island and have a very good relationship with them. These churches reach out to their community on a regular basis - one is currently being used as a shelter for people who have lost their homes - the other needs substantial repair as well. We have brought medical teams there in the past and served hundreds. If you do decide to give, please make your check payable to Victory Outreach Ministry - Jamaican Missions, and send it to 329 Scantic Road, East Windsor, CT 06088. Since this is an established ministry, your gift is tax-deductible, and you will receive a statement at the end of the year. I felt uneasy posting this message on OH - but you folks are my friends and are aware that we do work with Jamaica. I hope this does not offend anyone - being off topic, etc., but I really want to help these people. We have received several phone calls in the last few days describing it as living in hell, some have lost everything - including all their livestock and their crops - so their future is dim. Their roads are washed out, roofs are gone and they are collecting drinking water from the rivers and streams or from the rainfall off their roofs. There is no electricity, and until just a few days ago, we were unable to reach them by phone. Jamaica is a 3rd world country, and their government does not help their people the way ours does. Anything we can do will be a tremendous help to them. Thanks for inquiring. God Bless, Kathy B.

Kathy, Count me in. Jamaica is a great place. I love the island and the people there, as you know. I will be happy to send along any items you think you can carry. I'm in the process of weeding out summer clothes now in fact. I'll email you also. JA