Hurricane Dean – Jamaica Update

For those of you know are not regular readers or adopted into the Starling clan, my parents in the final stages of preparations for becoming full time missionaries in Jamaica working for the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD). Thankfully Mom and Dad aren’t down there yet and missed Hurricane Dean. However, here’s a report from the CCCD detailing the aftermath of the hurricane as of yesterday afternoon. If you can help in anyway, we would really appreciate it.

We have received word from Jamaica. We are praising God that we have not heard of any injuries or deaths, however we have not been able to contact many of our students and staff. We may not know fully for many weeks. Please continue to pray for all at CCCD and Jamaica while this unfolds.

The initial reports from the island are that the damage is similar in amount to that from Ivan, just in different locations. Thankfully, the eye of the storm moved just south of the south coast or the damage would have been even greater. We are thankful to God for this protection. Here is what we know by campus:

• Kingston: The chapel was destroyed by a fallen tree. The office kept its roof but sustained serious damage as well as significant water damage inside.
• Knockpatrick: Portions of the roofs from the chapel, staff apartments, vocational building and administrative office were lost and there was significant water damage in each. The roof to the piggery was completely blown off. The chicken coop was also heavily damaged.
• Deaf Village: A portion of the back roof on the main apartment was lost with significant water damage there.
• Montego Bay: Do not have a full report from them but it appears that they have kept their roofs but did sustain some water damage.

All campuses have downed trees, powerlines and debris throughout. They also have water damage in all buildings to some extent.

The Newport area was heavily hit and that is where many teachers live. We have not heard from all of them as of yet. Continue to pray for them and their families.

Many of the staff and teachers have lost roofs and have experienced much personal loss at their homes.

Power is still out and phone lines are down. We are able to receive calls from cell phones from time to time but that is not reliable either. Inbound calls are not going through very well.

Here are our needs at the present:

• Prayers for all at CCCD and their families as we continue to make contact with them.
• Work teams and individuals to go to Jamaica and help in the repair and rebuilding efforts.
• Financial assistance to purchase materials, labor, supplies and food.

Please call or email the office if you are able to help in any way.

Phone: 304-645-4476
E-mail: info@cccdjamaica.net

CCCD
US Office
124 North Court Street
Lewisburg, WV 24901

Hurricane Pictures from around Jamaica.

Reuters update.

Jamaica Gleaner.

Jamaica Observer.

Thanks!

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