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