By Michaela Gordoni
TobyMac recently asked for prayers for Jamaica after a devastating Category 5 hurricane destroyed some of the country.
Last week, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, left mass destruction, disrupted food and water distribution and left 32 dead. About 60% of the island doesn’t have power, per Crosswalk. The artist’s wife, Amanda McKeehan, is from Jamaica.
“Many of you know that the better half of me is born and raised Jamaican, 😉 but what you might not know is that Amanda and I and our kids celebrate Christmas every year in a town called White House, Jamaica,” TobyMac wrote in an Instagram post.
“My sister-in-law started a GoFundMe page for the people of White House, Jamaica, a place that I love and has been the inspiration for many of the songs I sing,” he said. “She can be trusted to get the money to the people that we know are in tremendous need. Please consider giving, even a small amount if you can….and please pray for Jamaica.”
Residents are turning to natural resources like coconut and breadfruit to feed their families.
Renowned pastor Jentezen Franklin said, “Please pray for the people of Jamaica and the surrounding islands as Hurricane Melissa approaches. Believing God for protection and peace over every home. 🙏”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said the hurricane caused damage equivalent to 1/3 of the country’s GDP.
Haiti and Cuba also suffered severe damage from the hurricane. Haiti had 12,000 flooded homes and a death toll of 43, Spectrum News said. US forecaster AccuWeather experts estimate damages across the Caribbean to be between $48 billion to $52 billion, The Guardian reported.
Missy Elliott wrote on X, “Prayers up for everyone in Jamaica.”
RiotUSA, Ice Spice’s producer, said he was actually on the island when Hurricane Melissa hit. “I’m alive. I’m safe! [Fighting] to get off the island,” he wrote. “This is the most traumatic experience ever.”
Silent Addy, a producer of “Shake It to the Max,” said, “Finally heading home and really taking in everything Hurricane Melissa did to Jamaica. It’s been hard to even pause and process…just ready to be home with my family and rebuild.”
Earlier this year, TobyMac shared his appreciation for Jamaica at the K-Love Fan Awards, calling it “beautiful” and filled with “super positive people.”
“Her family is amazing,” he said of his wife. “Her dad actually is 85 years old [and] he taught me how to love God. I grew up in a Christian home, but he taught me how to have a relationship with the King.”
Please keep Jamaica and all those devastated by the hurricane in your prayers.
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