Standing in the Gap by Diane Hanso

Standing in the Gap: Praying for Jamaica and the Caribbean During Hurricane Melissa

When Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica and the Caribbean, bringing fear, devastation, and uncertainty, the Lord stirred my spirit to stand in the gap in prayer for our island and the region. In those moments of storm and distress, I was reminded that while the winds may rage and the seas may roar, God remains our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

As the host of the Morning Glory Devotional Programme, I called upon believers to unite in intercession, to lift up our nation before the Lord, pleading for His mercy and divine protection. We declared peace over the atmosphere, rebuked the spirit of fear and invited the presence of God to cover every home, community, and coastline.

There are persons who have testified of how, in the midst of the storm, they felt an unexplainable calm, a peace that surpasses understanding. That peace is the power of prayer in action. It is evidence that God listens and responds to the cries of His people. Though we faced damage and disruption, the hand of God preserved us from greater destruction. 

I truly believe that the collective prayers of the faithful caused the storm to weaken and move away faster than predicted.

To those who were directly or indirectly impacted by Hurricane Melissa; those who lost homes, livelihoods, or loved ones, I want to remind you: God has not forgotten you. In the ashes of loss, He plants seeds of restoration. The same God who calmed the sea for His disciples will calm the storms in your life. Hold fast to your faith and trust that what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn for good.

To my fellow Jamaicans and the wider Caribbean family, let this be a call to unity, compassion and renewal. Let us rebuild not only our physical structures but our spiritual foundations. The storm may have shaken us, but it has not destroyed us. We are a resilient people, anchored in hope and sustained by grace.

And to Christians and non-Christians across the world, I say this: the times remind us of our shared humanity and our need for divine help. Whether you stand on the mountain of faith or are still searching for meaning, God’s love extends to you. He invites all of us to seek Him, not just in crisis, but every day, for in His presence there is safety, wisdom and peace.

As I continue to pray for Jamaica and the Caribbean, my heart is filled with gratitude — gratitude that we are still standing and gratitude for the opportunity to witness the power of a praying people.

May we continue to look upward, walk in faith and arise stronger, knowing that our God reigns above every storm.

Diane Hanson
Co-Founder, Kingdom of God Empowerment Centre
Country Coordinator, Feast of Esther Jamaica 

Vessel of Love

The story that comes to mind is one that began with deceit and denial. 

I remember the day the Holy Spirit led me to visit my friend who was considering abortion. It was a tough situation, especially given the circumstances – she was pregnant by a man who had asked me out. I initially was in denial. Knowing that the Holy Spirit has never lied to me I had to face my fear. I knew it would not be an easy conversation, but the need to obey the Holy Spirit compelled me to go. 

When I shared my concerns, she initially denied and later broke down on tears, and we talked through her fears and uncertainties. It was a raw and emotional conversation, but ultimately, she chose to keep the pregnancy. I was overjoyed and continued to support her through the journey. 

What struck me was how God used me to be a vessel of love and care, despite the complexity of the situation. I had to navigate my own feelings and boundaries, but I chose to prioritize her well-being and the life of the child. 

As she struggled to care for the baby, I took her in, providing a safe space for her and the little one. It was not easy, and there were times I felt tested, but I knew I was called to love and serve. 

Years went by, and we lost touch, but the bond remained. One day, I ran into them, and the boy, now a bright-eyed youngster, recognized me and hugged me so tightly. He never wanted to let go until his mother nudged him away... In that moment, I knew it was all worth it. 

This experience has shaped how I approach care and collaboration. I have learned to be more intentional, to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and to prioritize love over personal interest. It has taught me to be more patient and understanding, recognizing that everyone has a story. 

As a result, I have become more willing to take risks and go the extra mile for those in need. I have seen firsthand how God's love can heal and redeem, even in the most challenging situations. 

The boy's hug reminded me that the investment was worth it. It ia not about seeking recognition or reciprocation; it i about loving because we have been loved and forgiven by God. It is about being a vessel for God's love to flow through us, even when it is hard.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Embracing Vulnerability

I would love to share a story about a time when someone cared for me in a profound way. 

I remember the time after a surgery. I had been so looking forward to a quick recovery, but things took a turn for the worse when I developed surgical site infection. I was forced to confront my own vulnerability, and it was challenging. 

As a caregiver, I am used to being the one who is strong and capable. Suddenly, I found myself in a position where I needed help just to get by. And it was hard, letting people in. I mean, really letting them in – into my space, into my dugnitym hprivacy, into my weakness. 

But that's when my community stepped up in a way that made life meaningful. Friends, family, even some former colleagues, rallied round to support me. A friend brought meals. I recollect my sister installing a call bell and warning her house staff that she risk losing her job if my call goes unanswered. One friend in particular, who had experienced something similar, would come over and just sit with me, no judgment, no expectations. She would listen, pray, share God's Word and encourage me. 

What I learned about caring in that experience was that it s not about grand gestures; it is about the small, everyday acts of kindness. It is about showing up, being present and willingness to support. It is about understanding that sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is simply be there. 

This experience made me see Psslm 27:10 in a new light. Those who are close to you may be u available but God will always take care of His own. 

The experience taught me how to care for myself better so much so I was known for being an self care advocate during my chaplain residency. 

I have learned to recognize my own limits, to ask for help when I need it, and to prioritize my own well-being. I have learned that self-care or self first is NOT selfish; it's essential. After all Matthew 22:39b says - Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

I have learned to create space for others to care for me, to let them in, and to trust that they are doing it beyond obligation, but out of love. 

We often think that caring for others makes us strong, but sometimes, it is letting others care for us that makes us stronger. 

I hope this story conveys the importance of caring and how it can shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Encouraging Others

Write out a story reflecting on how you encourage others to do the right thing. 

As project coordinator, chaplain and counselor, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and guiding them toward doing the right thing. One particular instance that stands out was with a staff member who was responsible for organizing our food giveaway for widows in need. 

Initially, she proposed a list of only carbohydrates, reasoning that "beggars have no choice... so they should be grateful." I sensed her heart was in the right place, but her approach needed refinement. 

I took her aside, and asked her questions that made me realise she believed the hard stuff is what they need. We had a conversation about the importance of respect in our service to others. 

I shared stories of individuals who had faced hardship and how a simple act of kindness can restore hope. I encouraged her to put herself in the shoes of those receiving the food and ask, "What would I want for myself or my loved ones in this situation?" 

After our conversation, I asked her to revisit the list. This time, she included essentials like milk and eggs, recognizing that these small additions could bring a sense of normalcy and dignity to those struggling. When I asked what she learned, her response was profound: "Dignity and respect matter!" 

This experience reinforced that people often respond best when approached with empathy and understanding. By creating a safe space for growth, we can inspire others to do the right thing, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to make a positive impact. 

In my experience, people respond best when they feel seen, heard, and valued. As a leader, found that it is not about dictating what others should do, but rather guiding them toward discovering the impact of their actions on others. By doing so, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that spreads far beyond our immediate circle.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Doing the Right Thing

Write out a story about a time in your life when you did the right thing, even though it was hard or required courage. 

A pivotal moment in my journey was when I stood by a young woman who was facing immense challenges after a situation with a youth leader in church - they both got pregnant out of marriage. 

I had given a word of knowledge cautioning the youth leader about a certain lady, but he lied about their involvement. When the truth came out, after the fact, the church's response was severe, and the woman was ostracized by her family and many in the congregation. 

Despite this, I chose to take her in, counsel her, and provide support. Before I travelled I arranged form my mother to support her with counsel and sibling support her with care. A Yoruba proverb say, omo eni o le buru titi ki a le fun ekun pa je meaning a child cannot be so bad that we drive the child to a lion to devour. 

Some leaders felt I was wrong to do so, believing they should face consequences. But my upbringing taught me to balance correction with care – using one hand to correct and another to care. 

20 years later, I ran into them; now married. The lady burst into tears. 

This experience profoundly shaped me. It reinforced the importance of empathy, compassion, and standing up for what's right, even when difficult. I learned that true leadership involves caring for the vulnerable and marginalized. 

The principles that now matter most to me are: 

Integrity

Standing up for what is right, even when it is hard. 

Compassion

Showing kindness and understanding in the face of adversity. 

Empathy

Understanding and sharing the feelings of others. 

These values stem from my Christian upbringing and the example of leaders who modeled Christ-like behavior to me. My experience as a chaplain, counselor, and worship leader has also deepened my commitment to these principles. 

This experience has made me more resilient and compassionate, enabling me to support others facing similar challenges. It reinforced that true justice involves mercy and love.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.