THE Davie Community Worship Center in the Florida city of Davie has announced it is donating US$6,000 ($1.1 million) to the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica to assist churches devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

Mayor of Davie Judy Paul, after attending a Veteran’s Day event at the community worship centre, contributed US$1,000 to boost the relief effort upon learning that the body was desirous of helping the storm-ravaged churches in Jamaica.

The congregation of the Davie Community Worship Center is predominantly Jamaican and is led by Bishop Dr Fedlyn Beason, who indicated to Administrative Bishop of Jamaica Dr Roy Notice that a part of the donation should be allocated to the churches he previously pastored in Lacovia and Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, the hardest-hit parish. The balance is designated for other churches across Jamaica that suffered from the hurricane’s impact.

“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica who have endured so much in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” said Bishop Beason. “We are committed to supporting their recovery and rebuilding efforts, and we invite others to join us in lending a hand.”

A press statement from the Davie Community Worship Center said the church is dedicated to serving both its local community in Davie, Florida, as well as extending support to international partners in times of need, guided by the values of compassion and service in order, “to make a positive impact through charitable initiatives”.

Bishop Beason is a respected figure in the international church community, a former Church of God International executive, former Caribbean field director for the Church of God, and former administrative bishop for the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica. Under his leadership the Davie Community Worship Center has put philanthropic efforts locally and abroad at the forefront of church ministry.