Read Time: 4 min 59 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WEATHER

Hurricane Melissa

The strongest storm of 2025 ripped through the Caribbean this week.

Over the weekend, Hurricane Melissa ballooned to a Category 4. (Hurricane strength is measured by wind speed, using a scale from one to five.) Meteorologists warned of “catastrophic flooding” in Jamaica and parts of Cuba and Haiti. 

Jamaican officials issued mandatory evacuations Sunday and Monday as the storm grew. Melissa was moving slowly, giving island residents more time to board up buildings and move inland.

The hurricane came ashore over southwestern Jamaica as a Category 5 on Tuesday afternoon. It brought record rainfall, winds up to 185mph, and up to 13 feet of storm surge (flooding on the coast from rising tides). 

Early yesterday morning, the storm struck Cuba as a Category 3. It dumped almost two feet of rainfall, causing major flooding. Melissa also hit the Bahamas yesterday and is moving toward Bermuda even faster today (good news, since it has less time to cause damage). 

At least 30 people across the Caribbean have died, including dozens in Haiti, when a river overflowed. More than 530,000 Jamaicans were without power, and outages have made communication and damage assessment difficult.

Now Melissa is heading northeast and back out to sea, where she’s expected to keep weakening. Track Melissa’s path here. 

The Weather Channel called Melissa “a historic strike that will lead to months and years of recovery.” The storm will “go down in the record books as one of the strongest anywhere in the Atlantic.”

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BE DOERS
You can help. As we wait for creation to be made new, Christians can share our hope through generosity and service.

Join more than 500 others in the TPO community who have already donated to World Concern—a faith-based organization that has boots on the ground in Jamaica and Haiti, helping those whose lives have been devastated by Melissa.

Donate through this link, and TPO will match $4K.

“For the creation was subjected to futility — ​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it ​— ​in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.” 
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids practice in light of this story?
Gratefulness.

It is easy to take basic gifts like running water, electricity, and a safe trip to school for granted because they’re always there. But Melissa shows that human life is fragile, and those basics are not a guarantee.

Make a habit of giving thanks for what you have, because everything is a gift from God (James 1:17). The apostle Paul says gratefulness is a spiritual discipline: “Be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God” (Ephesians 5:18-20 CSB). 

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
When Jesus returns, the whole world will be made completely new. 

The promise of heaven doesn’t remove the hard things in this world. But looking forward to the new creation—which will last much longer than this storm-shaken earth will—does give us hope, strength, and peace in the middle of life’s most challenging times.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 CSB).

• Make gratefulness a family habit. List things you’re thankful for before you ask for things in prayer, add to a gratitude list daily in a journal, take the time to write a “thank you” note, or share what you love about your friends and family… get creative.

• Memorize Ephesians 5:18-20, “Be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God” (CSB).

• Pray with us: Father, King of Creation, call your rebellious elements back to order. Jesus, Stiller of Raging Storms, bring peace and freedom from fear. Spirit, Giver of Life, be near with comfort for those who are grieving. For those who are lost, search relentlessly and bring them home. For those who will rescue, grant courage and strength. For those who have lost everything, richly provide. To those who will rebuild, give fortitude, endurance, and hope. For your people, a light in darkness, open doors for bold love. Shine your light and make new again, Lord of Resurrection and Life. (Mark 4:35-41; Romans 8:18-30)

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week: Your Gandalf hat is iconic, no cap.

Family Fun: How well do you know Martin Luther? Take this quiz to find out!

Whipped Cream on Top: Just a typical ice skating trip…

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