Home Destroyed, But Hope Built a New One

Hurricane Melissa left parts of Jamaica in rubble and families devastated. Shaneka’s home was destroyed. As a single mother, her priority was giving her three children what they needed to succeed. Now, she couldn’t even give them a safe place to stay.

“We lost everything. Furniture, we had dressers, chest of drawers, television, computers,” said Shaneka.

They asked their relatives if they could stay with them. All of them refused.

Shaneka explained as she held back tears, “I reached out to some family members and they were all ‘no’s.’ When I think about if I was in that position, I would openly open my house to them. So, the ‘no’s,’ it was really heartbreaking.”

Shaneka and her children prayed to Jesus for help.

Shaneka’s daughter said, “I asked God, I wanted to see Mommy smile again, because she was always crying.”

Then Operation Blessing rolled in.

Shaneka exclaimed, “I was shocked! I was shocked because I remember when I saw the first vehicle. And then I saw this convoy.”

We arrived with volunteers, equipment, and building materials needed to construct new homes. When Shaneka and her children found out it was time to build their home, they jumped in to help.

For the big reveal, we had some surprises in store. Brand new kitchen appliances, furniture, beds, and other essentials were provided by Operation Blessing. We also gave them patio furniture so they could relax as a family. God had answered their prayers.

Shaneka’s daughter said, “He didn’t just make Mommy smile again, He made us all smile. He brought back my smile where I thought I had lost it forever.”

Shaneka explained, “This is a version of what I have been desiring for years. It’s a masterpiece. That’s all I can say. It’s a masterpiece. It is a space of peace. Operation Blessing, you are indeed a blessing. And to everybody, every stake holder, every giver, no matter how small, it does come together and it helps lives like mine. And it does bless us.”