Rural ministry continues to help those in Jamaica who were devasted by Hurricane Melissa in October

Since a devastating Category 5 hurricane hit Jamaica on October 25, the local rural ministry of Youth Challenge based out of Holyoke, which serves Perkins County, has been striving to help.

Youth Challenge, Inc., is an interdenominational, non-profit organization committed to reaching teens for Christ. Founded in Holyoke, Colo., in the 1980s, Youth Challenge has expanded its ministry into western Colorado, the Denver metro area, NW Kansas, SE Wyoming and SW Nebraska.

Ministries of Youth Challenge include missions trips, including to Montego Bay, Jamaica since 1991. Another ministry of the organization is Bible Quizzing, which they have been facilitating in the Montego Bay area since 2003.

Youth Challenge facilitates Bible Quizzing in the public schools in and around Montego Bay, Jamaica by bringing groups of students and adults from the United States to help train table officials and coaches, disciple quizzers, and facilitate their national tournament. Along with quizzing, team members also have the opportunity to share their faith with students in the Jamaica public schools, local churches, and on the streets of Jamaica.

Because of their ministry to the area, the catastrophe of Hurricane Melissa was especially devastating to those from Youth Challenge who have ministered to the people of Jamaica, said Youth Challenge COO and Bible Quizzing Administrator Amanda LaGrange from Grant.

“The hurricane hit as a category 5 with over 175mph winds, and in some cases clocked at more than 200mph. The eye went directly over several of the schools and communities we serve and turned just to the east of Montego Bay, but not enough to make a difference in the impact,” LaGrange said. “The church we have partnered with, Hillview Baptist Church, where we do our tournaments, was badly damaged.”

Right after the hurricane hit, the majority of the western side of the island had no cell service, except a limited Starlink connection, no electricity, no water, limited food and medical supplies, with many losing their homes and businesses, she said.

“The western half, where Montego Bay is, still mostly does not have running water. The electricity is slowly coming back on in stages. Some areas may not have power restored until summer,” LaGrange said.

After the storm, Youth Challenge heard from many people they serve in the Montego Bay area who continue to struggle to get back to a sense of normal, she said. To help, Youth Challenge has been raising money to help the area, but for now have put off a scheduled missions trip that was planned to take place in February 2026, she said.

“Most of the schools had quite a bit of damage and have only just started meeting on a limited basis due to many children losing their homes, no power, and water damage,” LaGrange said. “Because of those reasons, we will not be able to take a group in February. Instead, we will be sending funds to our partner ministries and some of the Jamaicans we have built relationships over the years to help in rebuilding efforts.”

LaGrange said there is still the possibility of she and Youth Challenge CEO Rick Cleaver going to meet with schools in February, but that hasn’t been decided yet.

Those who would like to assist with the Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica can do so by donating through Youth Challenge with the money being designated to assist with the recovery and also the group’s mission trip in February. To donate, go to Youth Challenge’s website, www.youthchallenge.us and click the Donate button. Then choose “Jamaica Hurricane Relief”. All donations are tax deductible. Those with questions are asked to contact LaGrange by emailing lagrangeamanda@gmail.com.