CORNWALL MOUNTAIN, Westmoreland — Life is getting back to normal for single mother of five Nekeisha Lewis whose house in this quiet farming community collapsed under the onslaught of last October’s Hurricane Melissa.

She now has a new house, furnished with a bed and sofa set, and she received one of 400 care packages and dignity kits distributed when members of New Foundation Christian Ministries and partners brought hope to the neighbourhood recently.

“I had to run out with the children and get shelter in another house nearby,” Lewis told the Jamaica Observer of her experience during the Category 5 storm.

“It was scary and mi did feel very sad. But mi happy ’bout the [new] house. Mi thank them,” she added with a wide grin.

For the March 7 initiative, the church worked closely with Caribbean Technical Assistance and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) — a regional organisation dedicated to strengthening health systems, building workforce capacity, and improving access to quality health services across the Caribbean — and its partner International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH).

As part of the church’s observance of Missionary Month, this was their fourth outreach visit to the community. It was also their most significant mission as they responded to the gaping need left by Hurricane Melissa.

Clothing and footwear for both adults and children were also handed out during the event, ensuring that most families across the community benefited.

The initiative was the brainchild of Minister Wilma Johnson who explained that giving back has always been a central part of the church’s mission.

“At our church every third Sunday is Mission Day. We prepare care packages and everybody who comes to church that day will not leave without receiving one,” she explained.

“Bishop [Donald] McFarlane and his wife [Marlene] are the driving force behind this. As a church we have seen the need to help and to give, and that is our mandate.”

Johnson stressed that the church’s commitment to outreach has extended beyond the congregation and into nearby communities such as Cornwall Mountain.

Also among grateful recipients was farmer Fenley Fraser, who raises livestock and crops. He is confined to a wheelchair and a series of unfortunate circumstances previously prevented him from receiving similar assistance.

Fraser told the Observer that about one month ago, the day after laying his mother to rest, he asked a neighbour to collect a care package for him because he was not feeling well. He said the neighbour declined, telling him he should get it himself. While taking him a care package, another neighbour later discovered him unresponsive at his home and rushed him to the hospital.

“Doctor say if mi did stay another hour, mi would a dead,” Fraser recounted.

He has since been diagnosed with high blood pressure, low blood count, high cholesterol, and a hernia for which he is scheduled to undergo surgery later this year.

He also recalled that during a previous visit by the church to Cornwall Mountain, he accidentally left his care package behind. When he returned to retrieve it, the items were gone.

This time, however, Fraser — now in improved health — was able to take home both food and clothing from the outreach. His wheelchair was loaded with bags as he took his leave from the venue.

Impacting lives like his makes it worthwhile for church members. Through initiatives like the one at Cornwall Mountain, the church hopes to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

“What you do in church affects the wider society,” said Minister Johnson.

For Bishop McFarlane — who has served in ministry for more than 40 years and was recently recognised by the Southern United States Global Jamaican Diaspora Council with a lifetime achievement award for his decades of service as a church leader — returning to his hometown to give back carries special meaning.

He praised his team for their dedication to the cause and for seeing, believing, and adding to the vision. He said the mission was made possible through the collective support of church members and partners.

“Mobilisation begins within the membership of the church,” he said. “Donations came from members, friends, and partners. We have received clothing for adults and children, shoes and care packages.”

C-TECH’s Executive Director Natalie Irving-Mattocks said the organisation was pleased to provide financial support to the project. She said they continue to contribute where possible, particularly through initiatives focused on mental health and psychosocial support.

She also expressed gratitude to I-TECH at the University of Washington, which contributed dignity kits and food packages in support of the mission.

Minister of New Foundation Christian Ministry, Wilma Johnson and Bishop Donald McFarlane celebrate another successful missionary event. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Bishop Donald McFarlane and his wife Marlene (second left) cut the ribbon and hand over keys to a new home for Nekeisha Lewis (second right) as her mother Violet Bailey looks on. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Single mother of five Nekeisha Lewis, who lost her house to Hurricane Melissa, and her mother Violet Bailey are overjoyed at Lewis’ new house. (Photo: Rosalee Wood Condell)

.