ECU Updates
We were not physically in Jamaica when the 185 mph winds slammed into Jamaica, but our hearts certainly were. The silence was heartbreaking.
I traveled back home as quickly as possible to assess the damage and develop our response. It was worse than a single camera lens could capture. People have lost everything, and those who have something left are suffering through lack of food, electricity, and water.
The devastation is real. Our office was spared, thanks to the roof repairs we did in April, but our library and classroom, and storage areas were flooded as doors and windows were blown away and sections of the roof started leaking.
We’re located on the campus of Teamwork Associates, which includes a conference center, retreat center, dormitories, staff housing, a church, farm, and chicken coop. Every one of those structures suffered roof damage, and some collapsed. They also suffered many internal damages.
Another area of concern is our students. Many were badly affected, and some lost everything.
We have worked closely with the St. James Ministers’ Fraternal for many years. Many pastors are feeling with 3 fold disaster- personal damages and loss, church building damages and loss, damages and loss of members, and damages and loss of the community they serve. They too need our support.
God has uniquely positioned us to make a significant difference in the recovery efforts of our island.
How is ECU responding to this Disaster?
1. Launching the ECU Chaplaincy Association, made up of chaplains trained or in training at ECU, to offer online and in-person prayer and the ministry of Christ’s presence to victims and first responders.
2. Providing regular updates on all social media platforms.
3. We have assigned a Stateside Coordinator and developed a comprehensive database to list volunteers, needs and projects, match work teams and the skills of people who want to help with specific needs and projects on the ground.
4. We’re ready to work with and coordinate helpers – mission work teams.
5. We have assigned ECU Disaster Response Coordinators on the ground in Jamaica.
6. We’re developing ways to drop ship items to our Florida address and forward ship or carry them to Montego Bay.
7. We’ve opened a specific account for ECU Disaster Response and various ways to give finances for this need. We appreciate your ongoing support.
8. This will be a multi-year response from all of us. So stay in touch. Bring a work team. Join in the recovery process.
9. I’m available for church, ministry, organization, or personal meetings to share our story, the need in Jamaica, and/or facilitate your mission to help Jamaica in the Name of Christ, our King. I look forward to hearing from you.
10. Please share the ECU Disaster Response with others.
Plus…
The work of Emmanuel Caribbean University continues. Although we’re based in Montego Bay and have suffered some damage, we will continue serving our students who live outside the affected areas.
Pictures of ECU School Damage and Teamwork Associates Campus Damage
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Emmanuel, God is with us,
Dr. Peter and Betty Burnett
President/Co-Founders
Emmanuel Caribbean University
