November 26 - Giving Thanks!

Dear Friends, On behalf of Rhonda, myself, and our entire team at Mission of Sight, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your generosity through donations, prayers, and acts of kindness has been an incredible support to all of us here in Jamaica. We feel the weight of your love, and it has made this journey more bearable. Your messages, prayers, and hands-on help have reminded everyone here that we’re not alone in this. As Jamaica and MOS faces this long recovery ahead, it is comforting to knowing we have a community that cares deeply.

What has MOS accomplished so far?

In the four weeks since the hurricane, we have navigated strategically and intentionally. We are not primarily a relief organization; therefore, MOS has been careful and deliberate in how we proceed. Of significance is that we have been able to form some key partnerships that will lead to returns greater than what Mission of Sight could have accomplished ourselves, and for that we feel humbled and honored to see God orchestrate our efforts in this way.

As a result of your generosity the following have been provided:

• 3 weeks’ supply of food for 65 families.
• 70 water storage containers
• 50 gravity feed water filtration units
• 40 air mattresses
• 22 tents
• 70 tarpaulins to secure roofs and provide shelter
• 375 solar lights/bulbs/lanterns
• 50 power banks
• 5 high-capacity generators, including hubs at The Frome Nazarene Mission House and the Gamertsfelder Mission Center
• 6 Starlink satellites for key relief areas
• $16,000 in cash subsidies to families in need
• Facilitated immediate care for 15 Nazarene churches and their communities across Westmorland, St. James and Hanover
• Partnered as a conduit of financial giving for other organizations like Half Moon for their Staff Relief Fund, Nazarene Compassionate Ministry and others to accept and disburse over $460,000.00 in financial aid.

We've also identified two families who will receive a complete rebuild of homes starting in December and four who will have roofs replaced or repaired. We are in the process of completing the project plan and material list for those major projects estimated at US$150,000.00. In the midst of all of this, by God's grace and because of the faithfulness of our volunteers, we have still managed to have two surgery teams on island to recover the sight of 60 blind eyes!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we reflect on the importance of family, faith, and community. If you are in a position to continue in help, here are some ways you can contribute:

1. Online Donations: Your financial support helps fund immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts. Donate online today.
2. Amazon Wishlist: An updated list of needed items is being created. You can purchase and they will be sent directly to us.
3. Mail a Check: Send checks to 1328 Mt. Vernon Ave., Suite 43, Marion, Ohio 43302.
4. Mission Trips: If you’re part of a church or faith community, consider joining a trip to Jamaica to serve with us.
5. Spread the Word: Share our mission with others who might want to help.

We deeply appreciate everything you’ve already done, and if you’re able to continue supporting MOS in giving, action and prayer, it will make more of a difference than you can see. Thank you for your belief in MOS, in Jamaica, and in the power of compassion. Although Melissa was an unwelcome guest, she has created an opportunity for God's love to shine brighter than the hot Jamaican sun, both now and in the days ahead.

With deep gratitude,

Doug and Rhonda

UPDATE # 6 - Nov 18

We are pleased to share that another load of essential food supplies is ready for distribution to families in the coming days. We are also scheduled, in partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, to host a health clinic from November 30 to December 8 in Westmorland, one of the hardest hit areas. What's extra special to us, is that because of the faithfulness of our US based volunteers who chose to run into the disaster area and not away from it, 31 Jamaicans who before the hurricane could not see, have come out on the other side with their sight restored. Because of their firm determination and faithfulness, as well as the local team on the ground, some of whom themselves have been displaced, we were able to have a smaller but impactful surgical Mission.

We are grateful to stand in the gap for the Half Moon staff affected by Hurricane Melissa, connecting extraordinary generosity from around the world to their ongoing needs; needs that remain great, so please keep giving. To our all donors and supporters, thank you!! You have been a lifeline for so many who have lost so much. Please keep supporting and donating. Every contribution brings light, shelter, care, and hope to another family in need. Together, we will rebuild.

Nov 6

The Road to Restoration Begins

It’s been just over a week since Hurricane Melissa, and our team continues to run the race set before us; bringing hope, relief, and restoration to those affected. Our partnership with the Half Moon Staff Relief Fund remains strong as we work together to support more than 800 employees and their families during this challenging time. What began as an urgent response is now evolving into a long-term commitment to recovery and rebuilding.

While we continue to deliver food, water, and other essential supplies to families in need, our focus has now turned to the next critical phase; rebuilding. Our goal is to get roofs back over homes, and in some cases, to completely rebuild houses that were destroyed.

We’ve identified several families whose roofs were partially or completely torn off, leaving their lives and belongings exposed to the elements. Temporary shelter provides short-term relief, but our mission is long-term restoration; rebuilding not just homes, but safety, dignity, and stability for those who’ve lost so much.

We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership. Your prayers, generosity, and compassion are transforming despair into hope. One family, one home, and one act of love at a time.

Nov 4

Continuing the Work: Strength for the Days Ahead

Our team on the ground is gearing up to welcome a group of volunteers arriving to continue the recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa. Together, they’ll be scouting affected areas and conducting preliminary assessments to develop a plan for rebuilding homes; both those that have been completely destroyed and those that have lost their roofs.

Even as this work begins, new supplies are arriving. As of 10 a.m. today, a Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) ship is offloading much-needed relief items bound for our partner facility at Halfmoon. From there, these supplies will be distributed to families and communities in urgent need across Western Jamaica.

The days are long, and the nights are short, but we press on. The need around us is great, yet our God is greater. In His strength, we keep going, one step, one home, one family at a time.

Nov 2

Rebuilding After Hurricane Melissa: Hope in Action

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, our team on the ground has been hard at work—moving swiftly from response to recovery. With essential utilities slowly being restored, we’ve been focused on securing the supplies needed to help others begin rebuilding their lives.

Over the last two days, we’ve been able to provide 65 families with food, clean water, and other essential items. Each delivery represents a step toward stability, a reminder that even in the hardest moments, hope still rises.

In the coming days, our efforts will continue to grow. We’re thankful to be partnering with Halfmoon and Global Empowerment Mission to expand relief and distribute critical supplies to some of the hardest-hit communities across Western Jamaica.

The road to recovery will be long, but we’re committed to walking it together—with faith, unity, and compassion leading the way.

We ask you to keep praying, keep giving, and keep believing in the power of community to bring light where it’s needed most.

Nov 1

Ground Zero: A Call to Unity and Faith in Action

Today’s update comes straight from the heart of the aftermath; from what Doc called “ground zero of Sav.”

In the days since Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica, our Mission of Sight and PEC teams have moved from sheltering to serving. Power and water are still out across much of the island, but faith and footwork haven’t slowed for a moment.

This morning, Doc and members of our team set out toward Savanna-la-Mar, determined to find our people. Those we still hadn’t heard from since the storm. “We’re going to find them,” Doc said. “We’re going to take care of our people first.”

The devastation is widespread. Homes torn open, trees scattered across roads, and neighborhoods still cut off. Yet amid the destruction, two tall palm trees still stand beside the villa — bent, but unbroken — the same palms that shielded the roof when everything else around it fell. Doc called them a symbol of God’s hand of protection: a reminder that even in the fiercest winds, His covering remains.

But this moment isn’t just about rebuilding structures , it’s about rebuilding hearts. This is a cry for unity. For every community across Jamaica to come together again. As Doc said in the video:

“Let’s take care of our people first, infrastructure second, and put our future in God’s hands.”

The relief efforts continue. So far, our teams have provided emergency supplies for 65 families, bringing food, clean water, tarps, and hope to those in need. Every act of giving, every box delivered, every prayer spoken is a reflection of the love of Christ in motion.

We are calling on everyone who can, in Jamaica and beyond, to continue standing with us in prayer, generosity, and unity. The road to recovery will be long, but we believe that God is already rebuilding what the storm tried to destroy.

This is the power of faith. This is the strength of community. This is footwork in action.

Oct 28

October 28, 2025

It’s been quite a day; one unlike any other.

Tonight, we find ourselves filled with deep gratitude for God’s grace and for the many of you who have prayed with us in the days leading up to, and through, the initial impact of this historic storm.

What we know so far:

We were in contact with all of our office managers through 11:00 a.m. this morning. All staff were in safe locations preparing for Melissa’s landfall. She struck our southern coast and moved north through Montego Bay as a Category 5 storm, leaving behind destruction the full extent of which will take days to fully understand.

Doug and Ringo’s family endured what we believe were some of the storm’s strongest winds, as the eye apparently passed directly next to our home and Rose Hall Clinic. Rhonda and Abbi were able to fly out on Saturday. Throughout the storm, we maintained communication using Starlink, generators, and Flow cellular service.

As of this evening, though we’ve not yet been able to conduct a full inspection due to wind, rain, and darkness—it appears our property damage is minimal compared to most. All the large trees are down, and several neighboring roofs were lost.

We’ve heard from several team members, all of whom are safe, though many are contending with damaged roofs, fallen trees, power outages, and flooding inside their homes. For those we have not yet heard from, we continue to pray and trust that once cellular and electric service are restored, they too will report in as safe.

Reports indicate extensive damage to the Montego Bay Airport. News outlets also show that our office in Mandeville appears to be flooded, and the main road in Santa Cruz has sustained significant structural damage to nearby buildings, including those close to ours. We have not yet received updates from Savanna-la-Mar or our team members in that area.

We will share another update tomorrow as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your powerful prayers, your heartfelt love, messages, and generous donations. Your support is truly heartwarming.

We wish you all a peaceful night's rest.

With gratitude,

Rhonda and Doug