TobyMac Calls for Prayer as Hurricane Melissa Ravages His Wife’s Native Jamaica
Michael Foust
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By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com
Legendary Christian artist TobyMac is requesting prayer and support for his wife’s home country of Jamaica after it was ravaged by Hurricane Melissa last week during a devastating Category 5 storm that left at least 28 dead.
Approximately 60 percent of the island is still without power after Hurricane Melissa knocked out major transmission lines and toppled utility poles while also disrupting food and water distribution, according to the Associated Press. Melissa slammed into the southwest edge of the island last week with top winds of 185 mph.
A Category 5 hurricane is the largest on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
TobyMac, whose birth name is Kevin Michael McKeehan, married his wife, Amanda, in 1994. He often discusses his love for Jamaica during concerts.
“Many of you know that the better half of me is born and raised Jamaican, ;) but what you might not know is that Amanda and I and our kids celebrate Christmas every year in a town called White House, Jamaica,” TobyMac wrote on Instagram over the weekend.
“It has been heartbreaking to see the people who have loved on us and our children over the years be devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Absolutely tragic for so many families on the South coast.”
The award-winning singer urged Christians to pray for and support Jamaica. He posted photos of a ravaged coastal area that was once a vibrant village.
“My sister-in-law started a GoFundMe page for the people of White House, Jamaica, a place that I love and has been the inspiration for many of the songs I sing. She can be trusted to get the money to the people that we know are in tremendous need. Please consider giving, even a small amount if you can…. and please pray for Jamaica.”
According to the Associated Press, some residents have resorted to scooping muddy river water for daily use, while others are relying on coconut water and roasted breadfruit.
TobyMac spoke about his love for Jamaica during a news conference at this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards, calling it a “beautiful” place filled with “super positive people.”
“Her family is amazing,” he said of his wife at the news conference. “Her dad actually is 85 years old [and] he taught me how to love God. I grew up in a Christian home, but he taught me how to have a relationship with the King.”
Photo Credit: ©Dominik Bindl / Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
