From the words of Jerry and Renee Winkler, founders of

Montego Bay Christian Academy, Jamaica:

“Thirty-seven years ago, we lived through Hurricane Gilbert, but Hurricane Melissa’s destruction and devastation are truly beyond comparison. The damage is unimaginable, and we are at a loss for words. The devastation across Montego Bay is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”

Hurricane Melissa hit Montego Bay, Jamaica October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 Hurricane. The 150+ mph winds left a trail of destruction everywhere. The scale of the devastation is paralyzing, and with limited communication, the full extent of the damage is yet to be known.

Montego Bay Christian Academy, established in 1997, has 190 Families and a Staff of 40. The school suffered significant damage. Most of the roof was ripped off, the playground fence destroyed, and the kindergarten building sustained heavy water damage to the drywall. Added to that, many of the staff that we have heard from have lost their roofs. Their homes and belongings have been badly damaged by the storm and rain. We’ve yet to learn of the damage our school families and community have suffered. Our hearts are heavy for them.

Many of you have reached out and asked how you can help us.

We are establishing the MBCA Family Hurricane Relief Project to help our school community recover and rebuild. Our priority is to provide our staff and families with immediate needs such as food, water, temporary shelter, and essential supplies, while also supporting long-term rebuilding efforts for our school campus and community. Your generosity will directly support our MBCA staff & families as they rebuild their homes, lives and our school community.

Quoting Jerry and Renee:

We are safe - and for that, we give thanks. Our home sustained damage to the roof, gutters, and ceilings due to heavy rain. Not a single tree or light post in our area is standing, thankfully, none fell on the house or the car. Despite the challenges, our neighbors came together to clear the road, and we were able to check on the school. In all of this, we remain deeply grateful that no lives were lost on campus. Buildings can be rebuilt, and this experience has reminded us to hold tightly to what truly matters—faith, family, and community.