Hurricane Update from Jamaica

This week I arrived in Jamaica to assess the impact of the hurricane and meet with our local staff. I want to offer a clear and honest update.

The Highgate area, where CSI Ministries is based, was largely spared compared to the western regions of the island. While there are repairs ahead and farms have suffered, the community here is resilient. Power returned to Highgate prior to coming, however CSI received it Wednesday evening, although several of our staff remain without electricity.

To maintain communication, we installed a Starlink system at the mission house and a mini Starlink in a bus and will be adding a small solar setup to ensure reliable access even during outages.

The greater challenge is the human side. Many in Highgate are accustomed to electricity and water interruptions even in normal circumstances, so what would feel dire elsewhere is a familiar kind of hardship here. But the contrast becomes stark when you travel west toward the storm’s center. In areas near Runaway Bay, power poles are down across entire communities and homes have lost partial or complete roofs. The further west you go the worse it gets

One of our staff members said it best: “We didn’t get a storm in Highgate — only a breeze. These people got the storm.” His perspective shifted instantly. Gratitude and sorrow can exist side by side, and that’s where we are today.

In one unforgettable moment, we used the new Starlink device in our van to connect that woman with her son in the United States, who had only received scattered text messages since the storm. Seeing her face on video brought tears to everyone nearby. It reminded us that sometimes the most meaningful “relief” is connection.

In the coming days, I will be meeting with pastors to coordinate a ministry plan. While physical needs will guide our current response, the deeper mission remains unchanged: pointing people to Christ. Our goal is to support local churches as they serve their communities during this challenging season. Once plans are in place, we will begin recruiting teams to join in that effort.

Even in the uncertainty, I continue to be encouraged by our staff. Their joy, resilience, and faithfulness are unmistakable. It is a privilege to serve alongside them.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we move forward with wisdom and compassion.

For the Kingdom,
Andy Stout
Executive Director
CSI Ministries