It Rained And Rained!

During May we had three weeks of continuous rain. It rained and rained as if it would never stop. Bodies of water could be seen far and wide, some lying still while others rushed wherever they pleased, carrying humans, animals and various entangled objects along in their paths. As one distraught woman put it, “We know it’s not the Judgment because the Lord says He is not destroying the earth with water again.”

Water changed his plans!

Many Jamaicans, especially the older ones, stated that in all their lives they had never experienced such abundant rainfall, nor seen so much water lying on the ground in town or countryside. A few months ago the Prime Minister of Jamaica committed his government to make the country’s roads pot-hole free (2002 is an election year!). Millions of dollars were spent to fulfil this promise. But the flood-rains have changed all this. The data collected show that some rivers have changed their courses, new ones have appeared as if from nowhere, bridges recently built have been washed away, and roads now have more pot-holes than before they were fixed ­some with more pot-hole than road. In one parish a completely new lake one hundred and seventy feet deep has been formed as if by magic and the water continues to spring up from underground to sustain this amazing phenomenon.

Badly affected

The poultry rearing and farming industries have been greatly affected. Acres upon acres of ground provisions and vegetables have been destroyed. Many farmers lost animals. They were just not strong enough to withstand the force and depth of the raging waters.

Fallible forecasts

The national meteorological centre was kept on its toes trying to make sure that the correct weather report was announced so that the necessary steps could be taken to minimise loss of life. Overall, they did a good job. Thankfully, loss of life was minimal. Considering the overwhelming magnitude of the disaster, only eight fatalities were officially reported. But the fallibility of man was much in evidence. There were times when the forecast promised a let up in the deluge, but instead down came yet more rain, and there was severe flooding in some parts of the island even when the weather prophets said the rains were definitely finished! These things do remind us of the well-known song that God has the whole world — and its future — in His hands. As His children we can face each day courageously through His loving kindness toward us. Since we know not what tomorrow will bring, we ought to say, if the Lord will we shall live, and do this, or that (James 4:14-15).

Emergency centers

At the height of the crisis, thousands of families had to abandon their homes, run for their lives, and seek higher ground to escape the raging waters. Emergency shelters were set up at safe locations. The Red Cross and other such organisations worked relentlessly trying to feed and care for those who suffered as a result of the heavy rains. Once again we see the works of the mighty God we serve. We know that He is able to protect His people and deliver them from harm and ill.

Thankfulness

We are grateful to the Lord that the brotherhood in Jamaica has not suffered any major loss. Two sisters in May Pen had frightening experiences. One had to seek accommodation at a neighbouring home and watched helplessly as the swirling water circled her house. The other sister lost a door as the wind and rain battered her house and finally found entry.

Surely the word of God stands sure. So in all things we give thanks. God is our sustainer and provider. In Isaiah 55:10 the word of God is compared to rain and snow from heaven. When the mighty waters have subsided, they will bring new life to the earth, perhaps yielding bumper crops next year. In the same way that water covers the ground and causes crops to increase, providing food for us, so the word of God will perform that which He desires. Crops have been destroyed today, and this puts a high price on food items bought in the markets. But we can be assured that our land will soon yield again. And as God’s word goes forth with greater power in Jamaica, surely He will bless us with an abundant spiritual harvest, yielding thirty-fold, sixty-fold and an hundred-fold.