CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The children and staff at a Jamaican orphanage that Cranston missionaries visit each year are safe and accounted for after Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc on the Caribbean last week.
Since 2008, parishioners at Holy Apostles Church in Cranston have traveled to Montego Bay on annual mission trips to volunteer at Blessed Assurance orphanage, which helps dozens of children and adults with disabilities.
“God was watching over them that day,” Father William Ledoux said. “I think something special took place that nobody lost their life.”
RELATED: Cranston missionaries working to help Jamaican orphanage in hurricane’s path
Residents and staff rode out the storm, hunkering down on the second floor of the strongest building they had at the property.
“This had to be a real feat, because like 75% of them are in wheel chairs,” Father Ledoux said, adding the only way to get to the second floor is up stairs. “It’s truly the workers that did so much.”
Mustard Seed Communities, the nonprofit organization that operates Blessed Assurance and other facilities, posted video online showing severe flooding from the storm. Many of the buildings were almost completely submerged.
(Courtesy: Rev. Deacon Louis Dalmas Agan)
(Courtesy: Rev. Deacon Louis Dalmas Agan)
When the water receded, the damage became more clear. The property had no power or clean water access. The only road to get to the orphanage was blocked by debris.
In the days since, workers with the nonprofit have delivered food and a generator. The road is now clear as well.
“I think their plan is to see if the residents can stay there, move them from place to place, until they can restore the buildings, which we all know is going to be a very difficult challenge,” Ledoux said. “But, I think they’re very determined, and I think with our prayers and support, anything is possible.”
Ledoux said the church is still planning its annual mission trip to Blessed Assurance in July.
In the meantime, Holy Apostles will be holding a concert fundraiser on Sunday Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. It’s open to the public, and all proceeds go towards helping Blessed Assurance recover.
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