Faith leaders call for prayer, aid after Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica

Faith leaders from Jentezen Franklin to Franklin Graham are calling for prayer and action after Hurricane Melissa blasted Jamaica with winds of up to 185 mph.

“We’re planning for the worst,” Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, told Newsmax’s Greta Van Susteren on Tuesday. “This is just devastating.”

Graham, who also leads the evangelistic association his father Billy Graham founded, said he was preparing a plane and helicopter to bring supplies to the Caribbean island but hoped at least one of its two international airports would be open. 

The ministry is sending food, building supplies and solar lights. It also plans to bring a field hospital once transportation is confirmed. 

Convoy of Hope, another relief agency, is preparing food, clean water, baby supplies and hygiene kits, The Christian Post reported. Operation Blessing will bring portable water systems and solar lanterns. 

Franklin, a Georgia pastor and best-selling author with a television ministry, asked his followers on X to “pray for the people of Jamaica and the surrounding islands as Hurricane Melissa approaches. Believing God for protection and peace over every home.” 

The hurricane – one of the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic – weakened to a Category 2 storm early Wednesday as it impacted Cuba, The Associated Press reported. 

Much of Jamaica was without power, and many residents were flooded out of their homes.